JP6097800B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that displays a lottery result when a plurality of reels are stopped in a combination of symbols when a pachinko gaming machine that wins a jackpot by winning a game ball or a game medium is inserted.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, a big winning lottery is performed by winning a game ball in a starting hole or other role, and if a big win is won, the big winning opening is opened and many prize balls are displayed. It becomes a jackpot gaming state that can be acquired.

  Various types of game contents have been conventionally proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the first start port is a variable start port, the other first start port and the second start port are fixed start ports, and the ball enters the first start port and the other first start port. The variation display based on and the variation display based on the ball entering the second starting port are performed at the same time, and in the non-time-short state, or the time short and high-accuracy state, the time of the variable display based on the ball entering the second start port In 14 hours, the lottery result is not fixed, and in the non-time-saving and high-accuracy state, the time for the variable display based on the entrance to the first starting port and another first starting port is 14 hours, and the lottery result is not fixed, If a big win is won based on a ball entering the first starting port and another first starting port, a game ball always enters the probability variation area provided in the first attacker device, and enters the second starting port. If you win the jackpot based on this, there is a 50% chance that the game ball will not enter the probability variation area and will be in a low probability state Configuration in which the line is disclosed.

JP2013-233243A

Here, if game characteristics different from conventional ones can be mounted on the gaming machine, it becomes possible to enhance the interest of the game.
An object of this invention is to provide the gaming machine which can implement | achieve the game property different from the past.

A gaming machine to which the present invention is applied (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100)
When satisfying the predetermined condition (e.g., operating conditions device), the opening operation and easy prize to when game ball in a predetermined region provided in the game area (e.g. game region 111) (e.g., gate 124 R) is you pass Variable winning devices (for example, the first grand prize opening 125, the second big prize opening 12 8 ),
It is determined whether or not to perform the opening operation of the variable winning device (for example, the first grand prize opening 125, the second grand prize opening 12 8 ), and the probability that the opening operation is performed in the determination is A determination means (for example, special symbol determination unit 234) having a small hit higher than the probability of not performing the opening operation;
Informing means for informing the player to launch a game ball toward the predetermined area (for example, the gate 124 R ) when the determination result by the determining means (for example, the special symbol determining unit 234) is that the opening operation is performed. For example, the image display unit 114),
It is characterized by providing.

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

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a gameability different from the conventional one.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the 2nd big prize opening by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a mode that a game ball passes the inside of a 2nd big winning opening, (a) is a figure which shows a mode that a game ball passes the path | route which does not have a specific area, (b) is a game ball It is a figure which shows a mode that passes through the path | route which has a specific area | region. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the basic process by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the process at the time of the power supply cutoff by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the main control process of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot symbol random number, (c ) Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reach random number, and (d) is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the fluctuation pattern used in a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a figure which shows the structure of a command, (a) is a figure which shows the data structure of a command, (b) is a figure which shows the structure as a bit string of a command. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the command storage area in RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the output process by an output control part. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during completion | finish of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big hit effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting command reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of a game control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) It is. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of an effect control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination process. It is a front view explaining the effect | action of a right movable body. It is a flowchart explaining how to play a game. It is a figure explaining the alerting | reporting example at the time of jackpot by the 1st start opening prize. It is a time chart explaining the game control by the special winning opening operation control part of 1st Embodiment. It is a time chart explaining the game control by the special winning opening operation control part of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the state of the switching lid | cover controlled by the flow-path switching part.

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

The game board 110 has, on the front, a game area 111 for playing with a game ball, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111. Note that the game area 111 includes a left area 111L that is an area on the left side when viewed from the front and a right area 111R that is an area that is located on the right side when viewed from the front. In this document, a hitting method in which a game ball is fired toward the left region 111L is sometimes referred to as left-handed, and a hitting method in which the game ball is fired toward the right region 111R is sometimes referred to as right-handed. Here, the left region 111L to the right region 111R are examples of predetermined regions in the game region.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for effects is arranged at a position (center position) of the game area 111 that is easily visible by the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays, for example, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the result of the special symbol determination or the appearance of a character as the game progresses by the player. Or an effect image by the appearance of an item or an effect image using a hold display.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

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

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

The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by an electric solenoid. When the electric tulip 123 is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122. On the other hand, when the electric tulip 123 is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded so that the game ball can easily enter the second start port 122. It is configured. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.
In this embodiment, the electric tulip 123 is configured so that a pair of tulip-shaped blades are opened and closed by an electric solenoid, but another example, for example, the electric tulip 123 is first viewed from the front. 2 An example in which one blade is provided on the side closer to the center or on the side opposite to the center (end side) with respect to the starting port 122 is also conceivable.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 has a low probability state with a low winning probability and a high probability state (probability variation state) with a higher winning probability than the low probability state based on the winning probability of the special symbol determination as the gaming state. . Then, the state is controlled to be either a low probability state or a high probability state based on a predetermined condition. In addition to the low probability state and the high probability state described above, it is also possible to set a medium probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol determination is higher than the low probability state and lower than the high probability state. In this case, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is controlled to one of a low probability state, a medium probability state, and a high probability state based on a predetermined condition.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Based on a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to be either a timeless state or a timeless state. The short-time state is, for example, either extending the opening time when the electric tulip 123 is opened or closed, increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, or reducing the normal symbol variation time A gaming state controlled by one or more combinations. In the short time state, the special symbol variation time of the special symbol may be shortened.

Further, in the present embodiment, as the other prizes related to winning and lottery, the first big prize opening 125 provided with an opening / closing door (attacker) 127 as a special electric accessory that opens according to the result of the special symbol determination, and A second grand prize opening 128 provided with an open / close door (attacker) 129 as a special electric accessory is provided (hereinafter, the first grand prize opening 125 and the second big prize opening 128 are referred to as “large prize opening”. 125, 128 ”and when the door 127 of the first big prize opening 125 is not distinguished from the door 129 of the second big prize opening 128, it is described as“ open door 127, 129 ”). The open / close door 127 is configured such that when the game ball is closed, the game ball does not win the first big prize opening 125, and when it is opened, the game ball can easily win the first big prize port 125. Yes. In addition, the open / close door 129 is configured such that when the game ball is closed, the game ball does not win the second grand prize opening 128, and when it is opened, the game ball can easily win the second big prize port 128. Has been. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided with a normal winning opening 126 on the game board 110 that does not draw even if a game ball wins.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower left position of the game board 110.

In the present embodiment, a right movable body 170 that is movable with respect to the game board 110 when the special electric accessory, that is, the doors 127 and 129 is operated, is disposed in the right region 111R of the game board 110. Yes. A cylindrical member 171 that guides the game ball is also provided in the vicinity of the right movable body 170. Details of the cylindrical member 171 will be described later.
More specifically, the right movable body 170 is not movable unless the doors 127 and 129 are activated. Here, “movable” does not necessarily mean that the posture or position of the right movable body 170 changes. In addition to “movable” and the posture or position of the right movable body 170 changes, “movable”. However, the case where the posture or position of the right movable body 170 does not change is also included.
The right movable body 170 is located upstream of the right gate 124R. In other words, the right movable body 170 is located upstream of the first grand prize opening 125 and the second big prize opening 128, and is located upstream of the second start opening 122 and the electric tulip 123.
More specifically, the right movable body 170 has a state in which the launched game ball is prevented from passing through the right gate 124R (a state where gate passage is blocked) and a state where the right movable body 170 is not prevented from passing through the right gate 124R (gate passage allowance). Can be changed between each other. In the present embodiment, the right movable body 170 is movable between the gate passage prevention position and the gate passage permission position, and adopts a configuration in which either one is selected. An example is also possible. Further, the right movable body 170 may have various aspects such as a moving structure, a rotating structure, and a deploying structure.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the gate 124R that is switched between passage prevention / allowance by the right movable body 170 is a lottery gate that starts a normal symbol lottery when a game ball passes, but is not limited thereto. . For example, the gate 124R may be a round start gate used to start the operation (round) of the accessory continuous operation device instead of the normal symbol lottery gate. In addition, when the gate 124R is a lottery gate, a modification in which another round start gate is added is also conceivable, and it is also conceivable that the gate 124R is a dual-purpose specification that uses a lottery gate and a round start gate. It is done.

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

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

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

Here, the configuration of the second big prize opening 128 will be described. FIG. 2-1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the second grand prize winning opening 128 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2A, a flow path 140 for guiding a game ball is formed inside the opening / closing door 129 at the second grand prize opening 128. The flow path 140 is provided with a second grand prize port switch 215B for detecting the passage of the game ball, and the second big prize port switch 215B allows the game ball to be awarded to the second major prize port 128. Detected.

  In addition, the flow path 140 of the second grand prize winning opening 128 branches into two paths (path 142 and path 143) on the way, and a specific area is set in one of the paths 142. Then, the branch position of the flow path 140 enters the second big prize opening 128 from the opened opening / closing door 129, and the game ball that has passed through the flow path 140 is advanced to whichever path from the branch position. A switching lid 141 for switching between the two is provided. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a specific area switch 215 </ b> C that detects the passage of a game ball is provided in the path 142 in which the specific area is set. The pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment assumes that a game ball has passed through this specific area as one of the transition conditions for shifting to a high probability state. The high probability state and the transition condition will be described later.

FIG. 2-2 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the game ball passes through the second grand prize winning opening 128, and FIG. 2-2 (a) illustrates the game ball passing through the path 143. FIG. 2-2 (b) is a diagram showing a state where the game ball passes through the path 142.
A game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 128 passes through the second grand prize opening switch 215B through the flow path 140, and is then distributed by the switching lid 141 to set the path 142 or the specific area where the specific area is set. Is discharged through a path 143 in which is not set. In the example shown in FIG. 2-2 (a), the switching lid 141 blocks the path 142 and opens the path 143, so that the game ball that has passed through the flow path 140 heads for the path 143 (hereinafter, this state is referred to as the first state). (Referred to as one flow path state). On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 2-2 (b), since the switching lid 141 opens the path 142 and closes the path 143, the game ball that has passed through the flow path 140 heads for the path 142 (hereinafter, this state). Is called the second flow path state). Then, the specific area switch 215C detects passage of the game ball in the specific area. More specifically, when the open / close door 129 of the second grand prize opening 128 is opened and the switching lid 141 is in the second flow path state, the game ball can pass through the specific area (first state), and the first When the open / close door 129 of the two major winning openings 128 is closed or the switching lid 141 is in the first flow path state, the game ball cannot pass through the specific area (second state).

  In the configuration example shown in FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2, a switch (specific area switch 215C) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided only on the path 142 where the specific area is set. Therefore, when a game ball is detected by the specific area switch 215C, it can be seen that the game ball has passed through the path 142. Then, when the game ball is not detected by the specific area switch 215C (only detection by the second big prize opening switch 215B), it is understood that the game ball has passed through the path 143. On the other hand, the path 143 may be provided with a switch for detecting the passage of the game ball so as to positively detect that the game ball has passed through the path 143.

  Although not particularly shown here, the first grand prize opening 125 also has a flow path for guiding a game ball inside the open / close door 127. A first grand prize opening switch 215A (described later) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided in the flow path, and the first big prize opening switch 215A is used to enter the first big prize opening 125 of the game ball. A winning is detected. The flow path of the first big prize opening 125 is not branched, and the game balls that have entered the first big prize port 125 are discharged after passing through the first big prize port switch 215A.

FIG. 2-3 is a view for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 2B is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
The display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first start port 121 and a second start port 122 as shown in FIG. A second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to winning, and a normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display unit 221 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the first start port 121 after variably displaying. The second special symbol display 222 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the second start port 122 after variably displaying. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display unit 223 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the normal symbol after being variably displayed. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and a lottery result of special symbol determination is displayed according to the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode.

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

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

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state where the winning probability of the special symbol determination is high. The other one is to notify by lighting whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a short time state in which it is easy to win the second starting port 122. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in a state advantageous to the player by making a right strike (by changing the hitting force of the game ball). Note that the status indicator 224 may be further provided with an LED to notify information related to other gaming states.

  In addition, the indicator 130 displays the number of rounds for displaying the number of rounds when the doors 127 and 129 provided at the big winning openings 125 and 128 are operated in the jackpot game performed according to the lottery result of the special symbol determination. A container 225 is provided. The jackpot game will be described later. The round number display 225 is configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of operating rounds of the open / close doors 127 and 129 in the jackpot game is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of the input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 including a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape. Are disposed on the frame member 150. For example, consider a case where an operation for selecting one image from a plurality of images is received in the production. In this case, for example, the player operates one of the effect keys 162 including four keys arranged in a cross to indicate one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114, and the effect button 161. An operation such as selecting an instructed image can be employed by operating. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that determines whether a special symbol is won or the like as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A lamp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 330 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  The game control unit 200 as the main control means is configured by a game control board (not shown) as a main board. In addition, each of the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 330, which are sub-control means, includes an effect control board, an image control board, a lamp control board (not shown), And the payout control board.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is a game control means for controlling the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing determination of a lottery result for special symbol determination, a program executed by the CPU 201, and various programs. A ROM 202 storing data and the like, and a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201 are provided.

The game control unit 200 controls the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 in either a high probability state or a low probability state, a time-short state or a time-short state. As a result, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a high probability state and a short time state, a high probability short time gaming state, a low probability state and a short time state, low probability short time gaming state, a high probability state, and a short time short state. It can be any one of a short-probability game state, a low-probability state, and a low-probability game state of low probability. In addition to the case where all of these game states are provided, there may be a case where any of the game states is not provided.
Then, the game control unit 200 switches between the high probability state and the low probability state based on a predetermined condition, and switches between the short time state and the short time state. In addition, the game control unit 200 performs control such as increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery in the short time state, shortening the normal symbol variation time, and extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123 in the short time state. I do.

  The game control unit 200 makes a special symbol determination in response to a game ball winning at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. And according to the result of special symbol determination, the special game which opens and closes the opening-and-closing doors 127 and 129 provided in the special winning openings 125 and 128 is performed. As will be described in detail later, special games include a jackpot game that is performed when a jackpot determination result is obtained in a special symbol determination, and a small jackpot that is performed when a jackpot is obtained out of the determination result of loss. And games. In the special game, the game control unit 200 determines that the opening / closing doors 127 and 129 provided in the grand prize winning holes 125 and 128 have predetermined conditions (for example, 29.5 seconds have elapsed or a prize of 10 game balls is awarded in a specific jackpot game). Control is performed so that the round in which the open state is maintained until the condition is satisfied is repeated a predetermined number of times. And the game control part 200 controls the space | interval of the opening / closing operation | movement of the doors 127 and 129 in a special game. The game control unit 200 also controls the operation of the switching lid 141 that accompanies the operation of the second grand prize opening 128.

In addition, the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Then, a hit game for operating the electric tulip 123 is performed according to the determination result of the normal symbol lottery.
In addition, the game control unit 200 holds the game ball when the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change, or the game ball passes through the gate 124 during the normal symbol change. Set the hold that occurs.
Further, the game control unit 200 accompanies game control such as special symbol determination and normal symbol lottery determination results, high-probability state and low-probability state change information, time-short state and short-time state change information, hold setting information, and the like. Information is sent to the production control unit 300 by a command to be described later.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning ports 125, 128, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 has one game according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 330 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls per ball. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize ports 125, 128, 13 wins. When a game ball wins the prize ball and the normal winning slot 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 330 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 330 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction with it.
When the payout control unit 330 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 330. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the second start port 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first grand prize port detection unit (first grand prize port switch (SW)) 215A for detecting the winning of a game ball to the first grand prize port 125, and a first grand prize port. A first grand prize opening / closing portion 216A that operates the 125 open / close doors 127 in a closed state and an open state that protrudes and tilts, and a second grand prize opening detection unit that detects a winning of a game ball in the second grand prize opening 128. (Second big prize opening switch (SW)) 215B, a second big prize opening opening / closing part 216B for operating the open / close door 129 of the second big prize opening 128 into the closed state and the open inclined state, and the second large A specific area detection unit (specific area switch (SW)) 215C provided in the winning opening 128 and a switching lid 141 provided in the second large winning opening 128 are shown in FIG. Flow path switching unit 2 for switching between a road state and a second flow path state And 6C, ordinary winning holes detector for detecting a winning of game ball into the ordinary winning holes 126 (Average winning opening switch (SW)) and 217, are connected. The specific area switch 215C is an example of a specific game state setting switch, and the flow path switching unit 216C is an example of a specific electric accessory.
Further, the game control unit 200 is connected to a right movable body operating unit 226 that operates the right movable body 170 (see, for example, FIG. 1).

In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol hold indicator 218 for displaying the number of unreserved reserves won in the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol, and the second special symbol hold indicator 218 during the change of the special symbol. A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays the number of unchanged reserves that have been won at the start port 122, and a normal symbol hold indicator that displays the number of unchanged symbols that have passed through the gate 124 while the normal symbol is changing. 220 are connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol indicator 221 for displaying a special symbol variation display and a special symbol determination result performed by winning a game ball in the first start port 121, and a second start port. A second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of special symbol variation display and special symbol determination performed by winning the game ball to 122, and a normal symbol display that displays the normal symbol variation display and the normal symbol lottery result A device 223 and a state indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

  Then, it is detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the first big prize port switch 215A, the second big prize port switch 215B, the specific area switch 215C and the normal prize port switch 217. The detected signal is sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a first grand prize opening / closing unit 216A, a second big winning opening / closing unit 216B, a flow path switching unit 216C, and a first special symbol hold indicator 218. The second special symbol hold indicator 219, the normal symbol hold indicator 220, the first special symbol indicator 221, the second special symbol indicator 222, the normal symbol indicator 223, the status indicator 224, and the right movable body operating unit 226 Sent to. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 350 for transmitting various information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits the information about the number of paid-out prize balls acquired from the payout control unit 330 and the information indicating the state of the game control unit 200 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 350. To do.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 is an effect control means for controlling the effect of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and includes a CPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the effect, and a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like. And a RAM 303 used as a working memory for the CPU 301 and a real time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring the date and time.
The effect control unit 300 sets the contents of the effect, for example, based on the determination result on whether or not the winning in the special symbol determination sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the production control unit 300 instructs the setting of screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the productions.
Furthermore, the production control unit 300 sets the production content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state received from the game control unit 200, and the change information of the short time state and the short time state.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

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

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

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 330 includes a CPU 331 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 332 that stores programs executed by the CPU 331, various data, and the like, and a RAM 333 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 331 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 330 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 330 acquires, from the game control unit 200, a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (the first start port 121 or the like). Then, the payout driving unit 334 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 334 is constituted by a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the game ball storage unit.

The payout control unit 330 includes a payout ball detection unit 335 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout driving unit 334, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Detecting unit 336 for detecting presence / absence of storage of the game, and detecting whether or not the plate 153 for holding the game ball used when the player plays the game or the paid-out prize ball is full. A full tank detection unit 337 is connected. The payout control unit 330 receives the detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, the ball presence detection unit 336, and the full tank detection unit 337, and performs a predetermined process according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 330 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 340 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. The payout control unit 330, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 334, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, and the like. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 340. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. And a normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes a process associated with special symbol variation.
In addition, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc. As a function unit, a prize winning opening operation control unit 237, an electric tulip operation control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 are provided. And an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241.

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value used for the special symbol determination and a random number value used for the normal symbol lottery. In the case of a random number value used for special symbol determination, specifically, a numerical value in a predetermined range is determined for each type of random number on condition that a game ball has won a prize at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. One numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from the inside. The acquired random number value is used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234. As will be described in detail later, the random numbers used for the special symbol determination include a jackpot random number indicating whether or not the jackpot, a symbol random number indicating the type of jackpot, a variation pattern random number, a reach random number, and the like.
Further, in the case of a random number value used in the normal symbol lottery, specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of values on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. ) The acquired random number value is used for determination by the normal symbol determination unit 232. In addition, as a random number used for the normal symbol lottery, a symbol random number indicating a winning type, a variation pattern random number, or the like may be set in addition to a winning random number indicating whether or not the winning is made.
When the special symbol determination is performed, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 according to the lottery result.

  The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 17 described later at the start of the variation of the special symbol, and determines whether the lottery result of the special symbol determination is “big hit or not” Is a determination means for determining, for example, “the type of the game”, “whether or not the jackpot is when the jackpot is not won”. In other words, the special symbol determination unit 234 determines whether or not to perform a special game (big hit game or small hit game) advantageous to the player based on the random number value for special symbol determination acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231. To do. The special symbol determination is a process performed by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. That is, as the types of jackpots, after the jackpot game is over, a jackpot that becomes a short game state with a high probability (hereinafter, a jackpot of a short game state with a high probability), a jackpot that becomes a short game state with a low probability (hereinafter, a short game state with a low probability) 4 types of jackpots that become high probability short-time no-game state (hereinafter, high-probability short-time no-game state jackpot) and low-probability short-time no-game state jackpot (hereinafter, low-probability short-time no-game state jackpot) There can be. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of the special symbol selected in the special symbol determination.

  In addition, the “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning openings 125 and 128 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times). )Repeated. In the “short win”, a round in which the special winning openings 125 and 128 are opened for a certain time (for example, 0.1 second) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times).

  As an operation pattern of the big winning holes 125 and 128 in the jackpot game, various patterns are set according to the type of jackpot set in the pachinko gaming machine 100. The operation pattern of the grand prize winning holes 125 and 128 in the jackpot game is the number of rounds, which one of the first big prize winning opening 125 and the second big winning prize opening 128 is activated, and the time when the open / close doors 127 and 129 are open ( (Opening time) etc. In the present embodiment, in the operation pattern of the jackpot game in a specific type of jackpot, the first big winning opening 125 is operated in a predetermined round and the second big winning opening 128 is operated in another predetermined round. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a round in which the second big prize opening 128 is activated is set only for a specific length. For example, in a 16-round jackpot game where the grand prize winning holes 125 and 128 are operated 16 times, the first big winning prize opening 125 is operated from the first round to the fifteenth round, and the second grand prize winning opening 128 is provided in the sixteenth round. It is set so that it operates.

  As described above, the switching lid 141 is provided inside the second grand prize opening 128, and the path 142 and the specific area where the specific area is set for the game ball won in the second big prize opening 128 are provided. It distributes and guides to any of the routes 143 that are not set. The switching lid 141 operates twice from the first flow path state to the second flow path state with respect to one round operation of the second grand prize opening 128 (see FIG. 2-2), and a specific area is set. The game ball is allowed to pass through the existing route 142. Here, of the two operations of the switching lid 141 in the first round operation of the second grand prize opening 128, the first operation opens the path 142 for a short time (for example, 0.3 seconds), and the second operation. Then, the path 142 is opened for a long time (for example, 13 seconds). Therefore, when a game ball wins the second grand prize opening 128, it is unlikely that the game ball will pass through the specific area in the first operation of the switching lid 141, and the game ball will pass through the specific area in the second operation. There is a great possibility to do.

  In the present embodiment, the opening time of the opening / closing door 129 in the operation of the second grand prize opening 128 is a long time during which a game ball can easily enter (for example, 29.5 seconds), A difficult short time (for example, 0.3 seconds) is set. Therefore, in the jackpot game in the case of long win in the present embodiment, the jackpot game in which the second big prize opening 128 is opened for a long time (long action) in a predetermined round in the operation pattern of the big prize openings 125 and 128. And a jackpot game that is opened (short action) for a short time. When the second big prize opening 128 is opened for a long time, the first and second operations of the switching lid 141 are performed when the open / close door 129 of the second big prize opening 128 is open. Therefore, there is a high possibility that any of the game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening 128 will pass through the specific area through the path 142 and be detected by the specific area switch 215C. On the other hand, when the second grand prize opening 128 is opened for a short time, the open / close door 129 of the second big prize opening 128 is closed when the game ball can pass through the path 142 by the second operation of the switching lid 141. Therefore, the game ball does not enter the second grand prize opening 128. Therefore, it is difficult to enter a game ball into the second big prize opening 128, and even if a game ball enters the second big prize opening 128, the possibility that the game ball passes through the path 142 is small. Therefore, the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific area and is detected by the specific area switch 215C is very small. In the following description, a jackpot in which the second big prize opening 128 is opened for a long time in a predetermined round among the long wins is called “per long opening”, and the second big prize opening 128 is short in a predetermined round. The jackpot that is open for hours is called "per short opening".

In addition, the “small winning” in the case where the big winning is not won is, for example, a small winning game in which the first big winning opening 125 is opened for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for 0.1 seconds. . At the time of winning the small hit, the game state before the small win is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the high probability short game state, the high probability short time gaming state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the low probability short-time non-game state, the low-probability short short no-game state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the game state does not shift.
Further, the small hit game is a special game in which the open state of the special winning openings 125 and 128 is obtained, but the “small hit” is a kind of “out” in the special symbol determination. Accordingly, none of the above gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set based on the result of the special symbol determination being “small hit”.

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

The normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not the lottery result of the normal symbol is “winning” using a random number table as shown in FIG. That is, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not to perform an auxiliary game that opens and closes the electric tulip 123 based on the random number value for normal symbol lottery acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231. When a plurality of types of winning are set in the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol determining unit 232 determines “winning type” when the determination result is winning. The normal symbol lottery is a process performed by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the normal symbol determination unit 232.
When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display unit 223 according to the lottery result.
The electric tulip movement control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines “winning” in the normal symbol lottery, and a game ball is placed at the second start port 122. Generate a state that makes it easy to win. Further, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

When the special symbol determination unit 234 determines that the jackpot is in the special symbol determination, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 is an operation pattern that is specified based on the type of winning jackpot as the special jackpot game. The opening operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128 and the operation of the switching lid 141 by the flow path switching unit 216C are controlled. In addition, the special winning opening operation control unit 237, when the special symbol determining unit 234 determines “small hit” in the special symbol determination, the special winning slot 125 for the predetermined time and the predetermined number of times as the small hit game in the special game. , 128 are opened.
In the case of the above-described modification in which the gate 124R is the round start gate, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 controls the continuous opening of the special winning openings 125 and 128 to pass the game ball to the gate 124R. Start after detection is done. In other words, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 does not start the continuous opening / closing control of the special winning openings 125 and 128 until the passage of the game ball to the gate 124R is detected.

The prize ball processing unit 239 sets commands for controlling the number of prizes received for various types of winning-related items and lottery, and for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 330.
The random number control unit 241 updates various random number values that the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires at a predetermined timing.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
When the power is turned on, the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs initialization and initial setting of various devices as a basic process at the time of activation. And after performing a basic process, the game control part 200 repeatedly performs the main control process which is a series of processes regarding progress of a game. In addition, when the power is shut off, the game control unit 200 executes a series of power-off processing.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating an operation of basic processing by the game control unit 200.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, “step” will be referred to as “S”) 101). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S102).
If the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S102), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the backup flag relating to the operation at the time of power-off is ON (S103).
If the backup flag is ON (Yes in S103), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the checksum created when the power is turned off is normal (S104).
If the checksum is normal (Yes in S104), the game control unit 200 next executes a return process (S105). In this return processing, the game control unit 200 performs setting of sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300 accompanying the recovery from the state where the power is cut off. Specifically, the game control unit 200 is configured so that the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether the game is a big hit game, either a high probability state or a low probability state, a short time state and a short time state) The command for setting the sub-control means is output to the effect control unit 300 so that any one of them is reflected. In this return process, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is ON (Yes in S102), the backup flag is OFF (No in S103), and the checksum is abnormal (No in S104), then the game control unit 200 is initialized. As processing, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are cleared (S106), and the work area of the RAM 203 is set (S107). Then, the game control unit 200 outputs a command for setting (initializing) the sub control means to the effect control unit 300, and sets the sub board (sub control means) (S108). The setting of the sub board includes clearing the RAMs 303, 313, and 323 mounted on each sub board.

After the return process (see S105) is completed or after the setting of the sub-board (see S108) is finished, the game control unit 200 sets various counters and timers used for game control (S109). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the interrupt permission (S110), the interrupt prohibition (S111), the design random number control process (S112), the initial value random number update process (S113), and the power shutoff flag are ON. (S114) is repeatedly executed as a loop process.
Here, interrupt permission (S110) and interrupt prohibition (S111) are provided to enable execution of interrupt processing during execution of the loop processing (S110 to S114). In the present embodiment, main control processing in game control is executed by this interrupt processing. Details of the main control process will be described later.
In the symbol random number control process (S112), the game control unit 200 updates the variation pattern random number used in the special symbol determination.
In the initial value random number update process (S113), the game control unit 200 updates initial values of various random number values used in the game control.
In the determination of the power cut-off flag, when the power cut-off flag is OFF (No in S114), the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not cut off, and the game control unit 200 performs main control by interruption together with the loop processing (S110 to S114). Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the power shut-off flag is ON (Yes in S114), the game control unit 200 starts a process for shutting off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (power shut-off process).

FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of power-off processing by the game control unit 200.
In the power-off process, the game control unit 200 first clears the setting of the output port for performing various outputs (S115). Next, the game control unit 200 creates a checksum and stores it in the RAM 203 (S116). Next, the game control unit 200 turns on the backup flag (S117), prohibits access to the RAM 203 (S118), and shifts to an infinite loop.

[Main control processing of gaming machines]
Next, main control processing of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
In the main control process, the game control unit 200 controls the game in the pachinko gaming machine 100, instructs the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, to control the effect, and gives a prize ball to the payout control unit 330. Instructs payout control.

FIG. 5-3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the main control process of the game control unit 200.
The main control process includes a series of processes in game control, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt every predetermined time set in advance, and when the interrupt is permitted in the loop process shown in FIG. Execute main control processing. As shown in FIG. 5-3, in the main control process, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (S501 to S506).

  In the random number update process (S501), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the random number control unit 241, and updates various random number values used in the game control by the game control unit 200. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (S502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. When it becomes, the process for special symbol determination is executed. In addition, as will be described in detail later, when pre-determination processing is performed in the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212, each function (subroutine) of the special symbol determination unit 234 and the variation pattern selection unit 235 is called, Execute processing for pre-determination.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231 and monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3. Execute the process.
Details of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (S503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235, and executes the special symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation. To do.
In the normal symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the normal symbol variation control unit 236 and the normal symbol determination unit 232, and executes the normal symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (S504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the special prize opening operation control unit 237, and opens and closes doors 127 of the special prize winning units 125 and 128, which are special electric accessories, based on predetermined conditions. The opening operation of 129 is controlled. Further, the game control unit 200 controls the operation of the switching lid 141 inside the second grand prize winning opening 128.
In the electric tulip process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the electric tulip operation control unit 238 and controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 that is a normal electric accessory based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

  In the winning ball process (S505), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the winning ball processing unit 239, and sets a command for controlling the number of winnings and a control for paying out a winning ball according to the winnings.

  In the output process (S506), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240, outputs a command for effect control to the effect control unit 300, and sends a command for payout control to the payout control unit 330. Output. The effect control command is generated in each processing from S502 to S504, and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. The payout control command is generated in the processing of S 505 and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. A storage area is set in the RAM 203 for each type of control command.

  The output control unit 240 sequentially checks the storage area of each control command in the RAM 203 in the output process (S506), and if the control command is stored in each storage area (that is, the control command is used in the process of S502 to S505). If a command has been generated), the control command is read and output to the output destination (the effect control unit 300 or the payout control unit 330).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, output processing is performed at the end of a series of main control processing. That is, the command generated in each process of S502 to S505 is stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 in each process. After these series of processes, the output control unit 240 collectively outputs the commands generated in each process accumulated in the storage area of the RAM 203. In other words, in this embodiment, when the main control process is executed for one cycle, the command generated in the execution of the one cycle is output after the last command generation in the execution of the one cycle is performed.

  With this configuration, in the main control process, in order to output the generated command, it is only necessary to call the function of the output control unit 240 once. That is, since it is not necessary to prepare a function (subroutine) that outputs a generated command every time a command is generated, the number of control instructions can be reduced and an increase in the size of a program related to output processing can be suppressed. Further, since it is not necessary to call a function for outputting the generated command every time a command is generated, the time required for the entire output process can be shortened.

  As will be described in detail later, the RAM 203 is provided with a command storage area for storing the command generated by the main control process for each command type. The command sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is, for example, 2-byte information including a code indicating the type of command and data indicating the content of the command. The data is described in another 1 byte. The codes include, for example, stop symbols related to special symbol determination and normal symbol lottery, fluctuation patterns, hold, advance determination, opening / closing doors 127 and 129 of the prize winning openings 125 and 128, operation instructions of the switching lid 141 and the electric tulip 123, and pachinko games. The type of information such as notification of an error related to the operation of the machine 100 is specified. The data specifies the specific contents of the information specified by the code. For example, information such as the type of stop symbol in the special symbol determination, the selected variation pattern, the number of holdings, the specific contents (opening or closing) of the opening / closing doors 127 and 129 and the switching lid 141, the start of error notification, or An end instruction or the like is described. Details of the configuration of the command storage area in the RAM 203 and the operation in which the output control unit 240 reads and outputs a control command from the command storage area of the RAM 203 will be described later.

[Modified example of basic operation of gaming machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the interrupt is permitted in the loop process portion of the basic process, and the main control process including a series of processes is executed as the interrupt process. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular intervals, and specific implementation means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. It is not limited. For example, the main control process may be incorporated in a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may return to the main control process every certain time (for example, 4 milliseconds). In addition, while incorporating the main control process in the series of operations of the basic process, as in the operation described with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. If it occurs, it may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated in the basic process.

  When a command generated in the basic process is output, in principle, every time a command is generated, the command is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203, and the output control unit 240 serving as the second processing means in the main control process is stored. Call and output the function. The basic process is a special process such as an initial operation that is performed when the power is turned on, and the processing procedure may vary depending on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on. This is to promptly output the generated command so that there is no such thing. In addition, when a command is continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a process procedure for storing a plurality of commands in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and outputting them in response to a specific process request is adopted. May be.

[Random number update processing by game control unit]
A random value as determination information used for various lotteries in game control such as special symbol determination is counted by a counter, and starts from a predetermined initial value, and is updated by a random number update process (S501) of the main control process shown in FIG. ) Is incremented by one each time. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The This random number counter is an infinite loop counter, and after the counted random number value reaches the set random number maximum value (for example, 299 for the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 17A to be described later) Return to the initial value again. In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on the update interval and the initial value information. Therefore, after returning from the main control process to the basic process shown in FIG. 5A, the initial value of each random number is randomly changed in the initial value random number update process of S113.

[Start-up switch processing by game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in S502 of FIG. 5-3.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 is turned on (S601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (S602). . In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U1 has reached the upper limit (No in S602), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S602), the game control unit 200 next adds 1 to the value of the hold number U1 (S603). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in a predetermined storage area set in the RAM 203 (S604). In this case, since the first start port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol determination is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of the preceding S501. And the result of the special symbol determination is confirmed in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. Random numbers here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (short or short state after the end of jackpot game, short or short state, high probability state and low probability state, long hit, short Design random number value (big hit design random number value) that determines wins, per long opening, per short opening, etc., variation pattern random value to identify the variation pattern in symbol variation, whether or not to reach with the effect The reach random number value that determines whether or not.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (S605). That is, the game control unit 200 functions as a prior determination unit. In this preliminary determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, in S605). Note that this pre-determination process may be omitted in gaming machines or gaming states that do not perform a notice effect based on pre-determination. Details of the prior determination process will be described later.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 in S603 in a predetermined storage area for commands set in the RAM 203 (S606). The process for winning in the first start port 121 is terminated. When the pre-determination process of S605 is performed, a pre-determination result command including information on the determination result of the pre-determination obtained in S605 is stored in the predetermined storage area for the command set in the RAM 203 together with the pending number increase command. Set to.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (S607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (S608). . In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in S608), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the holding number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S608), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (S609). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random value for a lottery by the current winning and stores it in a predetermined storage area set in the RAM 203 (S610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, a random value (special jackpot random value, jackpot symbol random value), reach random number value, variation pattern random number value, etc.) for special symbol determination is acquired in the same manner as S604 above. Is done. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S501. Then, the result of the special symbol determination is determined in the special symbol processing later by this random number value.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (S611). The content of this pre-determination process is the same as that of said S605. Note that this pre-determination process may be omitted in gaming machines or gaming states that do not perform a notice effect based on pre-determination.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in S609 in a predetermined storage area for commands set in the RAM 203 (S612). The process for winning in the second start port 122 is terminated. When the pre-determination process in S611 is performed, a pre-determination result command including information on the determination result of the pre-determination obtained in S605 is stored in the predetermined storage area for the command set in the RAM 203 together with the pending number increase command. Set to.

[Gate switch processing by game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (S701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged holding number G is less than the upper limit value (S702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of reserves G has reached the upper limit (No in S702), no more unchanging winnings can be reserved, and the gate switch processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S702), the game control unit 200 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (S703). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in a predetermined storage area set in the RAM 203 (S704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number value) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random number value is acquired in S704, the game control unit 200 stores a command for increasing the hold number G for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G in S703 for the command set in the RAM 203. The area is set (S705), and the winning process in the gate 124 is terminated.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in S503 of FIG. 5-3.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( S801). Here, the jackpot game flag is a flag that is set to identify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot. Depending on the type of jackpot, either a long hit game flag or a short hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively referred to as a jackpot game flag.

  If the jackpot gaming flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in the jackpot, and the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in S801). On the other hand, when the jackpot game flag is OFF (No in S801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (S802). If the special symbol is not changing (No in S802), then the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) of the special symbols that have not been changed (S803 to S806). In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (S803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in S803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (S804). On the other hand, if the holding number U2 = 0 (No in S803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the holding number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (S805). When the number of holds U1 is 1 or more (Yes in S805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holds U1 (S806). On the other hand, if the holding number U1 = 0 (No in S805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting process for waiting for customers set in another routine To finish the process (S816).

  After subtracting the reserved number U1 or the reserved number U2 in S804 or S806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (S816, see FIG. 12).

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (S808, S809). As will be described in detail later, by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process, setting information for variation of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a variation pattern, etc.) is determined. Is done. These pieces of information are included in a change start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

  Thereafter, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233, based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the fluctuation pattern selection process, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display shown in FIG. The special symbol displayed by the device 222 starts to change (S810). Then, a change start command including setting information (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (S811). The change start command set in S811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

  When it is determined in S802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in S802), or after the change start command is set in S811, the special symbol variation control unit 233 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed (S812). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol in S810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process in S809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in S812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in S812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit determination process in S808. It stops at the symbol determined in (S813). A change stop command for stopping a decorative design, which will be described later, is set in the RAM 203 (S814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (S815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in S814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (S808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number value in the current special symbol lottery (S901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made (S902). , S905). Whether or not the jackpot or the jackpot is determined is whether or not the value of the jackpot random number acquired in S604 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches the value set as the jackpot winning value or the value set as the jackpot winning value It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

  If the result of the random number determination in S901 is a big hit (Yes in S902), then the special symbol determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number value (S903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (high or low probability state, short or short state, short or short state, long or short hit) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S604 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value for each jackpot type (FIG. 17 ( b)).

  After the above determination, the special symbol determination unit 234 sets a symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (S904).

  If the result of the random number determination in S901 is a small hit (No in S902, Yes in S905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses a symbol representing the small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol) as setting information. It is set in the RAM 203 (S906).

  If the result of the random number determination in S901 is neither big win nor small win (No in S902 and S905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses the symbol indicating that the lottery is lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) as the setting information in the RAM 203. (S907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (S809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big hit has been made in the current special symbol determination using the determination result of S902 in the jackpot determination processing (FIG. 9). (S1001). If it is a big hit (Yes in S1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in a predetermined storage area set in the RAM 203 (S1002).

When the big hit is not made (No in S1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 next judges whether or not a small hit is made in this special symbol judgment (S1003). If it is a small hit (Yes in S1003), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for small hits from the ROM 202 and sets it in a predetermined storage area set in the RAM 203 (S1004).
The variation pattern table for small hits includes a plurality of variation patterns, and one variation pattern is selected according to the value of the variation pattern random number. In addition, when there is only one variation pattern at the time of small hitting, a configuration example without a variation pattern table for small hitting is conceivable.
On the other hand, when neither big hit nor small hit is made (No in S1001, No in S1003), the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a big hit. The random number value is determined for this purpose (S1005). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in S604 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value (see FIG. 17C). .
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1006), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1007). When the reach effect is not performed (No in S1006), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1008).
Here, the fluctuation pattern table includes a plurality of fluctuation patterns prepared in advance (fluctuation time 3 seconds, 7 seconds, 13 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) and values of fluctuation pattern random numbers. Is a table in which

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in S604 or S610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in S1002, S1004, S1007, and S1008. (S1009). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern table is different, the determined variation pattern is different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in S1009 as setting information in a predetermined storage area set in the RAM 203 (S1010). The variation pattern setting information set in S1010 is included in the variation start command set in S811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S506 of FIG. 5-3. Details of the variation pattern selected in this embodiment and its setting will be described later.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the suspension process (S815 in FIG. 8).
In the stop process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not a flag indicating that the time is short (hereinafter referred to as a short time flag) is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1101). When the time reduction flag is ON (Yes in S1101), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time reduction state (S1102), and whether or not the number of lotteries J has become zero. (S1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in S1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (S1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in S1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in S1104, or if the value of the lottery count J is not 0 (No in S1103), the game control unit 200 next stores the value in the RAM 203. It is checked whether or not a flag indicating the high probability state in the flag setting (hereinafter, probability variation flag) is ON (S1105). When both the probability variation flag and the previous time-short flag are ON, the high-probability short-time gaming state is established, and when the probability variation flag is ON and the time-short flag is OFF, the high-probability time-short no-game state.

  When the probability variation flag is ON (Yes in S1105), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the high probability state (S1106), and whether or not the number of lotteries X has become 0. (S1107). If the number of lotteries X = 0 (Yes in S1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in S1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in S1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in S1107), the game control unit 200 next It is determined whether or not a special symbol lottery has been won (S1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in S1109), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the big hit type is a long win (S1110).

  Here, the determination of whether or not the jackpot is possible can be made based on the determination result of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17B to be described later is set, “Yes” is determined in S1109. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in S1109.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in S1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the long hit game flag (S1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. In addition, here, in the long hit, it is not distinguished whether it is a high probability state or a low probability state. Whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state is specified by turning on a corresponding flag in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the jackpot type is not long hit (No in S1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (S1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state.

  After turning on the jackpot game flag in S1111 or S1112, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (S1113). Further, the game control unit 200 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in S1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in S1103 (S1114). Similarly, when the probability variation flag is ON in S1105 and the number of lotteries X is not 0 in S1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in S1109), the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (S1115). If it is not a small hit (No in S1115), the stopped process is terminated.
On the other hand, when it is a small hit (Yes in S1115), the game control unit 200 starts a small hit game (S1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state. In the small hit game, as described above, the first big prize opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and is ended after a predetermined time has elapsed.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in S1113, the game control unit 200 starts an opening operation (S1117). Here, the content of the opening operation differs depending on which of S1111 and S1112 the winning game flag is turned on. In other words, depending on the state of the big hit game flag, one of the opening operations set in each of the long win games and the short win game state is performed.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation corresponding to the jackpot game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (S1118), and ends the stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (S816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  If the customer waiting flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state, and thus the processing is terminated as it is (Yes in S1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF (No in S1201), the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (S1203). The customer waiting command set in S1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG. The customer waiting flag is set in a state where there is no suspension with the special symbol change stopped.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in S503 of FIG. 5-3.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when a normal symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened in accordance with the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later and it is easy to win the second start port 122 (auxiliary game state).

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, since the auxiliary game state has already been reached and the normal symbol is stopped, the normal symbol process is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in S1301). On the other hand, if the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in S1301), then the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal symbol variation (S1302). If the normal symbol is not changing (No in S1302), then the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether the number G of the normal symbol remaining unchanged (see FIG. 7) is 1 or more (S1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in S1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in S1303), the normal symbol variation control unit 236 decrements the value of the reserved number G by 1 (S1304), and determines the winning random number in the current normal symbol lottery. To determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (S1305). Whether or not the winner has been won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in S704 of FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. It is determined.

  Next, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 sets a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery (S1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (S1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of S1104 and S1114 in FIG. 11, S1504 and S1507 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in S1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is done. After this setting, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIGS. 2-3A and 3 based on the setting contents of S1307 (S1308).

  After starting the change of the normal symbol in S1308 or when it is determined that the normal symbol is changing in S1302 (Yes in S1302), the normal symbol change control unit 236 determines whether or not the change time has passed (S1309). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the normal symbol variation in S1308 has reached the variation time set in S1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in S1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, so that the normal symbol processing is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time has elapsed (Yes in S1309), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223 (S1310). Then, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (S1311). If a win is made (Yes in S1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (S1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in S1311), the normal symbol processing is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in S504 of FIG. 5-3.
In the big prize opening process, the big prize opening operation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the big hit game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1401). When the jackpot game flag is OFF, the jackpot game is not performed, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in S1401). On the other hand, if the jackpot game flag is ON (Yes in S1401), the big prize opening operation control unit 237 then opens in the operation control at the time of the jackpot that is started in the process in which the pachinko gaming machine 100 is stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the operation is in progress (S1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in S1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not a predetermined time (opening time) for performing the opening operation has elapsed. (S1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the first winning prize opening 125 or the second winning prize opening 128 to be operated next is continued, and the winning prize opening process is ended (No in S1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 next sets the operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128 to be actuated (S1404), and the winning number C is initially set. (C = 0) (S1405), 1 is added to the value of the number of rounds R of the operation of the winning prize openings 125, 128 from the current value (S1406), and the operation of the winning prize openings 125, 128 is started (opened). (S1407). Here, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, it is determined in advance whether the first big prize opening 125 is to be actuated or the second big prize opening 128 is to be actuated depending on the round of the big hit game. It has been. Further, in the round in which the second big prize opening 128 is activated, the big prize opening operation control unit 237 also activates the switching lid 141.

  In the operation setting of S1404, the operation pattern of the special winning openings 125 and 128 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. The cases where the big prize winning holes 125 and 128 are operated include a case where the special symbol determination is a long hit (per long opening, per short opening), a big hit per short, or a small hit. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. In the jackpot game, it is stipulated that the operations of the winning prize openings 125 and 128 are continuously performed a plurality of times (a plurality of rounds). As an example, in the case of long opening, for example, after the first grand prize opening 125 is operated for 15 rounds (15R), the second big prize opening 128 is operated for one round (1R), and in 1 round, 29.5 seconds. Is opened once. In the case of short opening, for example, after operating the first grand prize opening 125 for 15 rounds (15R), the second big prize opening 128 is operated for one round (1R), and in the first round, 29.5 seconds (first big In the case of the winning opening 125) or 0.3 seconds (in the case of the second big winning opening 128), the opening is performed once. In the case of a short hit, for example, the first grand prize opening 125 is operated for 15 rounds (15R), and in one round, 0.1 seconds is released once. In the case of a small hit, for example, the first grand prize opening 125 is operated for one round (1R), and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the operations of the big winning holes 125 and 128 that can be seen by the player are the same in the case of the short win and the small win, and only the actions of the big winning ports 125 and 128 on the game board 110 are short and small. It is not possible to distinguish between winning.

  As another example, in short hits, 2 rounds (2R) are operated, in 1 round, 0.9 seconds are opened twice, and in small hits, 1 round (1R) is operated, Open 0.9 second twice. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the actions of the big winning holes 125 and 128 that can be seen by the player are short hits. It is the same for the case of and the case of small hits.

  Note that the law stipulates that, in the case of a small win, the cumulative opening time of the special winning openings 125 and 128 must be set within 1.8 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of a big win (long win or short win), the big winning holes 125 and 128 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to visually distinguish the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, within the range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode is set in which the big winning openings 125 and 128 are opened two or more times, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  In the round in which the second big prize opening 128 is activated per long (per long opening, per short opening), the switching lid 141 is also operated at a predetermined timing as described above, and the route 142 in which the specific area is set is played. The ball can pass. When the game ball passes through the specific area (when the passage of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 215C), the big prize opening operation control unit 237 is a high probability that the game state becomes a high probability state after the end of the big hit game. Turn on the probability transition confirmation flag.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in S1404 has elapsed (S1408). If the open state at the big prize opening 125, 128 has not passed the opening time (No in S1408), then the big prize opening operation control unit 237 defines the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125, 128. It is determined whether or not the number is more than 9 (for example, 9) (S1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (open state) of the big winning holes 125 and 128 is continued, so the big winning opening process is terminated (S1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in S1409), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 terminates the operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128 ( (S1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the number R of rounds of operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128 has reached the maximum value set in S1404 (S1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in S1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128 reaches the maximum value (Yes in S1411), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then starts the ending operation (S1412). Here, the content of the ending action corresponds to the state of the big hit game flag among the ending actions set in the long win game (game per long open, game per short open) and short win games. .
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 sets an ending command for performing an effect in the ending operation according to the jackpot game flag in the effect control unit 300 in a predetermined storage area for commands set in the RAM 203 ( S1413). This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 resets the round number R of the operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128 to 0 (S1414), and then performs an ending operation with a preset elapsed time from the start of the ending operation. It is determined whether the time to be performed (ending time) has elapsed (S1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in S1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1417), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then performs the game state setting process by the game control unit 200 (S1418), turns off the big hit game flag, The big prize opening process is terminated (S1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in S1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in S1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not it is ending (S1415). If the ending is in progress (Yes in S1415), the operations after S1417 are executed.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in S1415), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 next determines whether or not the special winning openings 125 and 128 are operating (opened) (S1416). . If it is not in operation (No in S1416), the operation after S1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in S1416), the operation after S1408 is executed.
The effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish short hit and small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (S1418) performed by the game control unit 200, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, the jackpot game flag is set to ON in S1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of jackpot (S1501 to S1503, S1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Note that the determination of the type of jackpot is substantially the same as S902, S903, and S905 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), so the determination results of S902, S903, and S905 may be used. In the present embodiment, whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state after the end of the jackpot game is based on the state of the high probability transition confirmation flag.

If it is a small hit (Yes in S1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
If it is not a small hit (No in S1501), the game control unit 200 determines whether or not it is a big hit that can be shifted to a high probability state (described as “probable changeable big hit” in FIG. 15) (S1502a). Here, the jackpot that can be shifted to the high probability state is a jackpot including a round in which the second jackpot 128 is opened in the jackpot game. In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 shifts to a high probability state on the condition that the game ball has passed through a specific area set inside the second grand prize winning opening 128. Therefore, in order to shift to the high probability state, it is essential that the second big prize opening 128 is opened in the jackpot game. However, if the game ball does not enter even if the second grand prize opening 128 is opened, and if the game ball does not pass through the specific area even if it enters the second big prize opening 128 (the route 143 has been passed) In the case), the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not shift to the high probability state. That is, the transition to the high-probability state is not confirmed only by determining that the jackpot can be shifted to the high-probability state.

  When the type of jackpot is a jackpot that can be shifted to a high probability state (Yes in S1502a), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the high probability transition confirmation flag is ON (S1502b). As described in the big winning opening process of FIG. 14, in the big hit jackpot game that can be shifted to the high probability state, a high probability is obtained when the game ball that has won the second big winning opening 128 passes a specific area of the path 142. The transition confirmation flag is turned ON. Then, if the high probability transition confirmation flag is ON, it is determined that the transition to the high probability state after the jackpot game is made.

When it is a jackpot (that is, a jackpot that does not include a round in which the second jackpot 128 is opened in the jackpot game) that cannot be shifted to the high probability state in the determination of S1502a (No in S1502a), the game control unit 200 Determines whether or not such a jackpot that cannot be reliably changed is due to the ball entering the second starting port 122 (S1502c). Such a determination is made when the special symbol determination by entering the second starting port 122 is a big hit, while the game control is performed in a short time state, while the special symbol determining by entering the first starting port 121 is performed. If a big hit is made, the game is controlled in a timeless manner.
If the jackpot that is not likely to change is not due to entering the second start port 122 but due to entering the first start port 121 (No in S1502c), the time-short flag, the high probability transition confirmation flag, and the probability change The game state setting process is terminated without turning on any of the flags. As a result, after the jackpot game is over, the game is controlled to a low probability short-time non-game state.

When the jackpot that cannot be reliably changed is due to entering the second start port 122 (Yes in S1502c), or the jackpot that can be shifted to the high probability state but the high probability transition confirmation flag is not ON (No in S1502b). Next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the type of jackpot is a jackpot that causes the pachinko gaming machine 100 to be in a short-time state after the jackpot game ends (S1503). In the case of a big hit that results in a time saving state (Yes in S1503), the game control unit 200 turns on the time saving flag (S1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the low gaming state when the probability is low. In addition, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (S1505) and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 50 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the low probability short game state is performed 50 times, the low probability short game state is ended and the low probability short short game state is entered.
In the present embodiment, a process (S1502c) is performed to determine whether or not the jackpot that is not likely to change is due to the ball entering the second starting port 122, but the execution of such a process is omitted. Variations are also conceivable.

In the case of short time (Yes in S1503), that is, in the low probability short time gaming state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery by the normal symbol determination unit 232 (see FIG. 4) increases from 1/10 to 9/10, and the normal symbol fluctuation The fluctuation time (see S1307) of the normal symbol lottery by the control unit 236 (see FIG. 4) is shortened, and the electric tulip 123 by the electric tulip operation control unit 238 (see FIG. 4) is opened a plurality of times for a long time. Thus, the electric tulip 123 is in a short time state in which it is easy to control the entry into the second start port 122 into an easy state.
In the case of the low probability short-time non-game state (No in S1502c, for example), it becomes a non-time-short state in which it is difficult to control the electric tulip 123 to enter the second start port 122 easily.

  On the other hand, if the type of jackpot is a jackpot where the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a state of no time after the jackpot game ends (No in S1503), the game control unit 200 ends the process without turning on both the time flag and the probability variation flag. To do. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot becomes a low probability short time no game state.

  If it is a jackpot that can be shifted to the high probability state in the determination of S1502a (Yes in S1502a) and the high probability transition confirmation flag is ON (Yes in S1502b), the game control unit 200 then determines the type of jackpot After the jackpot game is over, it is determined whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a jackpot that is in a short time state (S1506). In the case of a big hit that results in a short time state, the game control unit 200 turns on the short time flag (S1507), and sets the initial value of the number of lotteries J (S1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of lotteries J is 50 in the illustrated example. Further, the game control unit 200 turns on the probability change flag (S1509), and sets an initial value of the number of lotteries X (S1510). The initial value of the lottery number X is 50 in the illustrated example. As a result, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability and short gaming state. If the lottery in the high probability short game state is performed 50 times, the high probability short game state is terminated and the low probability short short game state is entered.

In the high-probability short-time gaming state described here, the game control that does not increase the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery by the normal symbol determination unit 232 (see FIG. 4) is performed. It is a non-time-short state that is difficult to control in a state where it is easy to enter (a high-probability state non-time-short state). That is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is 1/10, not 9/10 (see FIG. 17D).
More specifically, in the high probability short-time gaming state, the normal symbol lottery control unit 236 (see FIG. 4) shortens the fluctuation time of the normal symbol lottery (see S1307) or the electric tulip operation control unit 238 (see FIG. 4). The electric chew support for extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123 or increasing the number of opening times is executed.
In addition, the modification which abbreviate | omits S1506-S1508 with which this Embodiment is provided can be considered. That is, instead of the high probability short-time gaming state, the high probability non-short time gaming state is set. It can be said that the high-probability non-temporal gaming state in such a modification is the non-time-short state of the high probability state described above.

On the other hand, when the type of jackpot is a jackpot that causes the pachinko gaming machine 100 to be in a timeless state after the jackpot game is over (No in S1506), the game control unit 200 turns on only the probability variation flag (S1509), and the number of times of lottery X The initial value (145 times) is set (S1510). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability timeless no-game state, and is a non-time-short state (a non-time-short state in a high probability state). That is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery by the normal symbol determination unit 232 (see FIG. 4) does not increase, and the fluctuation time (see S1307) of the normal symbol lottery by the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 (see FIG. 4) does not shorten. The electric tulip 123 is not opened for a long time and / or multiple times by the electric tulip operation control unit 238 (see FIG. 4).
If the lottery in the high probability short-time non-game state is performed 50 times, the high-probability short-time non-game state is terminated, and the low probability short-time non-game state is entered.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in S504 of FIG. 5-3.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in S1601). On the other hand, if the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in S1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 238 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is operating (S1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in S1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (S1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern (S1604). . Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processes of S1104 and S1114 in FIG. 11, S1504 and S1507 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in S1603, an operation pattern that opens once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are released. An operating pattern that opens three times in time is set. Thus, normally, when the time reduction flag is ON (when it is in the time reduction state), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second start port 122 (electricity chewing support). Is done. A plurality of operation patterns (types of auxiliary games) of the electric tulip 123 when the time flag is ON or OFF are prepared, and the operation is performed according to the type determined in the normal symbol processing (see FIG. 13). You may comprise so that a pattern may be set.

  When it is determined in S1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in S1602), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in S1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 passes the open time in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether it has been done (S1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, so the electric tulip process is terminated (No in S1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (S1606).

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

Referring to FIG. 17 (a), as the jackpot random number judgment value, the jackpot when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the time of jackpot determination is a low probability state (hereinafter, jackpot of the low probability state) and the game at the time of jackpot determination Two types of jackpots when the state is a high-probability state (hereinafter, jackpots of the high-probability state) and a small jackpot are set. In such a setting, when the chance to acquire a random number value used for the special symbol determination is to enter the first starting port 121 (S604) and to enter the second starting port 122 (S610). It is done for each. The range of the value of the random number (big hit random number) is 300 from 0 to 299 for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122.
More specifically, in the first start port 121, in the case of special symbol determination (big hit lottery) in a low probability state, only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of special symbol determination in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the first symbol 121 is awarded in the high probability state and the special symbol determination is performed, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol determination is performed in the low probability state. In addition, no winning value is set at the first start port 121.
In the second starting port 122, as in the case of the first starting port 121 described above, one winning value in the low probability state is set, the winning probability is 1/300, and ten winning values in the high probability state are set. The winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). Also, unlike the case of the first start port 121 described above, the second start port 122 has 285 winning values set regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 285 / 300 (= 19/20). That is, the probability of winning a small hit at the second starting port 122 is 95%, and if the second starting port 122 is won, the player will win almost at the small hit.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the jackpot setting is the same between the first start port 121 and the second start port 122, while the first hit port 121 and the second start port 122 are the same. The two start ports 122 are different from each other. For this reason, even if it makes it enter the 1st starting port 121, it does not become a small hit, and if it does not enter the 2nd starting port 122, it does not become a small hit. More specifically, the second start port 122 is disposed in the right region of the game region 111, and it is difficult to enter the second start port 122 unless it is hit to the right. For this reason, a small hit is a so-called right-handed case, and a left-handed one is not a small hit. As described above, the reason why the first big prize opening 125 is arranged in the right region in the gaming region 111 is due to such a reason. In the case of the first start port 121, an example of setting a winning value for small hits is also conceivable. In such an example, it is possible to place one first winning hole 125 in each of the right and left areas of the gaming area 111, or enter the first big winning hole 125 by either right-handed or left-handed. It is conceivable to have a board surface configuration arranged at various positions.

  In addition, the value of the loss (when it is neither a big win nor a small win) will be described. At the first start port 121, there are 299 special symbols in the low probability state, and the probability of loss is 299/300. In the case of special symbol determination in a high probability state, there are 290, and the probability of loss is 290/300. In addition, at the second start port 122, there are 14 outliers in the special symbol determination in the low probability state, and the probability of loss is 14/300, while there are 5 in the special symbol determination in the high probability state. The probability of loss is 5/300.

  Referring to FIG. 17B, in the present embodiment, six types of special symbol A, special symbol B, special symbol C1, special symbol C2, special symbol D1, and special symbol D2 are prepared as jackpot symbols. Yes. In the present embodiment, short hits and small wins are not set as the types of jackpots, all are long hits, and it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a time-saving state after the jackpot game. In the illustrated example, the range of the random number (big hit symbol random number) value is 250 from 0 to 249. In the example shown in the figure, in the jackpot symbol random number, winning values are set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol determination.

  Here, the special symbol A and the special symbol B are jackpots in which the second winning prize opening 128 is not opened in the jackpot game in the present embodiment. Since the second big prize opening 128 is not opened, the game ball does not pass through a specific area inside the second big prize opening 128. Therefore, it is determined that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 becomes a low probability state after the jackpot game ends. The special symbols C1 and D1 are opened for a long time when the second grand prize winning opening 128 is activated in a predetermined round in the jackpot game (for example, the 16th round for the special symbol C1 and the fourth round for the special symbol D1). Open). The special symbols C2 and D2 are opened for a short time when the second big prize opening 128 is activated in a predetermined round in the jackpot game (for example, the 16th round for the special symbol C2 and the fourth round for the special symbol D2). Open).

In the special symbol A, 35 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning with the special symbol A is 35/250 (= 7/50). Further, in the big win of the special symbol A, the first big winning opening 125 is operated 16 times in the jackpot game (16R).
In the special symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning with the special symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50). Also, in the big win of the special symbol B, the first big prize opening 125 is operated four times in the jackpot game (4R).

In the special symbol C <b> 1, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the special symbol C1 when winning the jackpot in the special symbol determination started by winning the first starting port 121 is 25/250 (= 1/10).
On the other hand, 150 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second starting port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning in the special symbol C1 when winning the jackpot in the special symbol determination started by winning the second starting port 122 is 150/250 (= 3/5).
Further, in the jackpot of the special symbol C1, in the jackpot game, the first big prize opening 125 is operated 15 times and the second big prize opening 128 is operated once in the long open (16R).

In the special symbol C2, 75 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the special symbol C2 when winning the big symbol in the special symbol determination started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3/10).
On the other hand, the winning value when winning in the second start port 122 is not assigned. Therefore, when the big symbol is won in the special symbol determination started by winning the second starting port 122, the special symbol C2 is not won.
Further, in the jackpot of the special symbol C2, in the jackpot game, the first big prize opening 125 is operated 15 times and the second big prize opening 128 is operated once in a short opening (16R).

In the special symbol D1, 30 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the special symbol D1 when winning the big bonus in the special symbol determination started by winning the first starting port 121 is 30/250 (= 3/25).
On the other hand, 50 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning in the special symbol D1 when winning a big win in the special symbol determination started by winning the second starting port 122 is 50/250 (= 1/5).
Further, in the jackpot of the special symbol D1, in the jackpot game, the first big prize opening 125 is operated three times, and the second big prize opening 128 is operated once in the long open (4R).

In the special symbol D2, 70 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, when the special symbol determination started by winning the first start port 121 is a big win, the probability of winning the special symbol D2 is 70/250 (= 7/25).
On the other hand, the winning value when winning in the second start port 122 is not assigned. Therefore, when the big symbol is won in the special symbol determination started by winning the second starting port 122, the special symbol D2 is not won.
Further, in the jackpot of the special symbol D2, in the jackpot game, the first big prize opening 125 is operated three times and the second big prize opening 128 is operated once in a short opening (4R).

  Here, attention is paid to the winning probabilities of the special symbols C1, C2, D1, and D2 when the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 are won. The jackpot of the special symbols C1, C2, D1, and D2 is a jackpot that can be shifted to a high probability state (including a round in which the second jackpot 128 is opened in the jackpot game).

  In the example shown in FIG. 17B, at the first start port 121, the winning probability of the special symbol C2 is higher than the winning probability of the special symbol C1. In addition, the winning probability of the special symbol D2 is higher than the winning probability of the special symbol D1. And, the special symbols C1 and D1 are per long opening, and there is a high possibility that the game ball will win the second big prize opening 128 and pass through the specific area in the big hit game. On the other hand, the special symbols C2 and D2 are per short-open, and it is unlikely that the game ball will win the second big prize opening 128 and pass through the specific area in the big hit game. Therefore, when winning the jackpot that can be shifted to the high probability state based on the winning at the first start port 121, there is a high probability that the winning per short opening is less likely to shift to the high probability state.

On the other hand, at the second starting port 122, winning values are set only for the special symbol C1 and the special symbol D1. In other words, when winning a jackpot that can shift to a high probability state based on a winning at the second start port 122, it is always a long open win.
In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games. In FIG. 17B, one table is shown as an example of the jackpot symbol random number. For example, a table applied when the gaming state is a high probability state and a table applied when the gaming state is a low probability state, May be prepared, and the table used for the determination may be switched according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

Next, the determination of reach random numbers will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). That is, in the illustrated example, when the special symbol determination is not successful, the reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125). Here, the reach effect is an effect performed in the image display unit 114 when the special symbol changes. Hereinafter, the effect at the time of the special symbol change that does not perform the reach effect is referred to as an effect without reach, and the reach effect is also referred to as an effect with reach correspondingly.

  In many cases, when the special symbol changes, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol display units 221 and 222 if they are not distinguished) are linked with display control. In the image display unit 114, an effect using a decorative design is performed. The decorative design is configured, for example, by displaying three rows of symbols composed of a number sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction. Then, at the same time when the special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 is started, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 starts scrolling. In addition, at the same time that the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the decorative symbol is also stopped. In general, when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit, in the stop display of the decorative symbol, three identical numbers are arranged on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. An effect using a decorative symbol performed in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol is referred to as a variation effect.

In the production with reach, the following operation is performed on the decorative design as a variation production. First, when the decorative symbol scrolling stops and each symbol is stopped and displayed, first, any two symbols (sequence) stop first. At this time, the same number is stopped and displayed on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Next, the last row gradually slows down the scroll speed, giving the player a sense of expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on a straight line. In such an effect with reach, there may be a so-called super reach effect in which various characters appear or a story develops before the last one column of scrolling stops. In addition, the above-described variation effect performed together with the reach effect is also referred to as a reach variation effect.
On the other hand, in the non-reach effect, the design is stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally without producing an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation like the effect with reach.

As described above, the reach random number is used to determine whether to perform the effect with reach or the effect without reach in the image display unit 114 when the result of the determination of the jackpot random number is out of order. A reachable effect appears with a probability, so that the player is appropriately expected.
In addition, when a big win is won, a reachable effect is always performed, and finally the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. On the other hand, in the case of winning with a small win or a loss effect, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.
FIG. 17C shows one table as an example of the reach random number. For example, a table applied when the gaming state is in a high probability state and a table applied when the gaming state is in a low probability state. The table used for determination may be switched according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 prepared.

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the timeless state, it is won with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.
In addition, although not particularly illustrated, it is possible to set a plurality of hits with different contents of the auxiliary game (open pattern of the electric tulips 123) performed when it is determined that the normal symbol lottery is won. In this case, for example, the winning symbol random number for specifying the winning type in the normal symbol lottery is set in the same manner as the jackpot symbol random number (see FIG. 17B) that specifies the winning symbol type in the special symbol determination. Then, the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value of the winning design random number together with the random number value of the winning random number in the gate switch process (see FIG. 7) by the random number acquiring unit 231, and is acquired by the normal symbol determining unit 232. The hit type is specified based on the random value.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 17 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values. In addition, in FIG. 17D, one table is shown as an example of the winning random number. For example, a table that is applied when the gaming state is in the short-time state and a table that is applied when the gaming state is in the short-time state are prepared. However, the table used for determination may be switched according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting a variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a setting example (variation pattern table) of variation patterns used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. FIG. 18 shows a setting example selected when a game ball wins the first starting port 121. In the figure, the illustration of the variation pattern when the result of the special symbol determination is a small hit is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the variation patterns A to D are variation patterns that are selected when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit (Yes in S1001 in FIG. 10). The variation patterns E to H are variation patterns that are selected when the result of the special symbol determination is out of order and the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1006 in FIG. 10). The variation patterns I to K are set as variation patterns that are selected when the result of the special symbol determination is out of order and the reach effect is not performed (No in S1006 in FIG. 10). Since the reach effect is always performed when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to when the variation patterns A to D are selected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18, four types of variation patterns A to D are set as variation patterns when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit (in the case of Yes in S1001 in FIG. 10). Also, seven types of variation patterns E to K are set as variation patterns when the result of the special symbol determination is out of place (No in S1001 and No in S1003). The fluctuation time is 90 seconds for the fluctuation pattern A, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern B, 30 seconds for the fluctuation pattern C, 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern D, 90 seconds for the fluctuation pattern E, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern F, and 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern G. The fluctuation pattern H is set to 15 seconds, the fluctuation pattern I is set to 13 seconds, the fluctuation pattern J is set to 7 seconds, and the fluctuation pattern K is set to 3 seconds.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18, the range of the value of random numbers (variation pattern random numbers) is 250 from 0 to 249.
When the special symbol determination result is a big hit, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern A, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250. Also, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern B, and a fluctuation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Furthermore, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern C, and a variation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Then, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern D, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250.
That is, among the variation patterns A to D selected when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate, the variation pattern B is selected at the next highest rate, and then It can be set so that the variation pattern C is selected at a high rate and the variation pattern D is selected at the lowest rate. And, when winning the jackpot, it is easy to execute the variation effect over a relatively long time.

Also, when the special symbol determination result is out of order and a reachable effect is performed, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern E, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250. . Further, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern F, and a variation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Furthermore, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern G, and a fluctuation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Then, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern H, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250.
That is, the variation pattern H is selected at the highest rate among the variation patterns E to H selected when the special symbol determination result is out of order and the reach effect is performed, and the variation pattern G is selected at the next highest rate. Is selected, the variation pattern F is selected at the next highest rate, and the variation pattern E is selected at the lowest rate. When the effect with reach and the effect with reach is performed, the variation effect over a relatively short time is easily executed.

  When the special symbol determination result is out of order and a reachless effect is performed, 250 random numbers are assigned to the variation patterns I to K. The variation pattern I is selected when the number of holdings is 0, the variation pattern J is selected when the number of holdings is 1 or 2, and the variation pattern K is selected when the number of holdings is 3 or 4. Is set as a fluctuation pattern. That is, in the case where an effect without reach and a reachless effect is performed, the average time of symbol variation is set to be shorter as the number of determinations held in special symbol determination is larger.

  The game control unit 200 determines the variation pattern random number value (see S604 and S610 in FIG. 6) acquired when the game ball wins the start opening 121 and 122, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100, presence / absence of reach effect, hold The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the condition such as the number. Then, the information of the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is included in the variation start command and is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. As will be described later, in the effect control unit 300, an effect corresponding to a change time specified based on information of a change pattern included in the change start command (executable during the change time) as an effect when the special symbol changes Is selected and executed.

In this way, when a game ball wins the first start port 121, the variation pattern is determined using the acquired random number value. And the value previously matched with the variation pattern determined in this way is employ | adopted for the variation time in which a variation effect is performed.
On the other hand, unlike the case of the first start port 121, the variation time when the game ball is won at the second start port 122 and the game state is the low probability game state is based on the acquired random number value. The variation effect corresponding to the calculated variation time is performed. More specifically, a value obtained by multiplying the obtained random number value by 1.2 seconds and adding 1.2 seconds is defined as a variation time Th (= 1.2 seconds * Nh + 1.2 seconds). For example, when any value from 0 to 255 is acquired as the random value Nh, according to the calculation formula, the shortest fluctuation time is 1.2 seconds, and the longest fluctuation time is 307.2 seconds (5 minutes). 7.2 seconds). By doing so, it becomes possible to have more variation patterns, and as will be described later, it is possible to prevent a game in which the player makes a right strike at a stage where the special winning openings 125 and 128 do not operate.
Note that the variation time when the game ball is won at the second starting port 122 and the gaming state is the high probability gaming state is the variation determined using the random number value as in the first starting port 121. Although it is determined by the pattern, a variation in which the value obtained by the above-described calculation formula is used as the variation time is also conceivable.

[Command structure and transmission method]
Here, the configuration and transmission method of commands output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating a command configuration. 19A shows the data structure of the command, and FIG. 19A shows the structure of the command as a bit string.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, a command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is composed of 1 command as 2-byte data. This command is composed of a 1-byte “code portion” as a first data portion and a 1-byte “data portion” as a second data portion. In the “code part”, a code indicating a command type is described, and in the “data part”, data indicating a command value is described. This command is transmitted from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 using asynchronous synchronization by one serial signal. More generally, the “code” that is the first data part has a size of a bit (a is an integer of 2 or more), and the value of the leading 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0. The “data” as the second data part has a size of n × a bits (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the value of the first 1 bit is different from the value of the first 1 bit of the first data part. Specific to the value.

  Since start-stop synchronization is used, a 1-bit start bit (indicated by “S” in the figure) is provided at the head of each of the “code part” and “data part” that constitutes the command, and is added at the end. Is provided with one end bit (indicated by “E” in the figure). Each of the “code part” and “data part” constituting the command is provided with one parity bit (bit indicated as “P” in the figure).

  As shown in FIG. 19A, both the “code part” and “data part” constituting the command have a data size of 1 byte (8 bits). When transmitted, the “code portion” and the “data portion” are each provided with a start bit, an end bit, and a parity bit. Therefore, it is not easy for the effect control unit 300 that receives a command to identify whether the received data string is a “code part” or a “data part” of the command from the outline of the data string. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flag for identifying the “code portion” and the “data portion” is set. Specifically, the value of the specific portion of the 8-bit value constituting the “code portion” is different from the value of the portion corresponding to the specific portion of the “code portion” among the 8-bit values constituting the “data portion”. Like that.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19B, the first 1 bit of each “code part” and “data part” is used as a flag. That is, in the 8-bit value constituting the “code part”, the first 1-bit value is “1”, and in the 8-bit value constituting the “data part”, the first 1-bit value is “0”. And Thereby, the production control unit 300 can identify whether the data string is a “code part” or a “data part” by examining the value of the first bit following the start bit of the received data string. The specific value of the flag is merely an example, and a value different from the above value may be used as long as the “code portion” and the “data portion” can be identified. In this embodiment, the “code part” and “data part” are each an 8-bit data string, but the same applies to other data sizes (a bits (a is an integer of 2 or more)). The “code part” and the “data part” can be identified by this method.

  Here, since the value of the first 1 bit of the “code part” is specified as “1”, the range of values that the “code part” can take is from 10000000B (= 80H) to 11111111B (= FFH). There are 128 pieces. Note that the letter “B” attached to each value indicates binary notation, and the letter “H” indicates hexadecimal notation. In addition, since the value of the first 1 bit of the “data part” is specified as “0”, the range of values that the “data part” can take is 128 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 01111111B (= 7FH). It is a piece. That is, according to the configuration shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, 128 types of commands that can take 128 types of values can be set. Then, by associating each code value with each command storage area of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200, each command generated is associated with the command storage area. Will be stored.

  By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, many types of effects are executed according to the gaming state, the result of the special symbol determination, and the like. Therefore, a large number of commands are prepared for the commands for effect control. In particular, the “data portion” that is a value indicating the specific content of the command may be insufficient with the above 128 (for example, a command specifying a variation pattern of a special symbol). On the other hand, the “code part” indicating the type of command is usually smaller than the above 128. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a part of the bit string of the “code part” to describe the value of the “data part”.

  For example, consider the case where the last 1 bit of the “code part” is used to describe the value of the “data part”. Hereinafter, each bit in the 8-bit bit string constituting the “code portion” and the “data portion” is referred to as a first bit to an eighth bit. Separately from the bit string that constitutes the “code part”, the code value that actually indicates the type of command is called the “code value”, and separately from the bit string that constitutes the “data part”, the actual command value is The indicated data value is referred to as a “data value”. Then, the code value is described using the first bit to the seventh bit in the bit string of the “code part”, and the data value is all of the bit string of the “data part” (from the first bit to the eighth bit). ) And the 8th bit of the “code part”.

  With this configuration, the possible range of the code value is that the value of the first bit is specified as “1” and the total size is 7 bits, so that the range from 1000000B (= 40H) to 1111111B (= 7FH) ) Up to 64). The possible range of the data value is 128 values represented by 8 bits of the “data part” in which the value of the first bit is specified as “0” and the value “0” of the 8th bit of the “code part”. , “1”, and 256. Therefore, it is possible to set a command having 256 kinds of values as data values. Since the value of the first bit of the “data part” is specified as “0”, the specific range of the data value is from 000000000000B (= 000H) to 001111111B (= 07FH), 100000000B (= 100H) to 101111111B ( = 17FH).

  According to another view, the method of describing a data value using a part of the above “code part” is the same for commands having two types of codes that differ only in the value of the eighth bit in the “code part”. This means that it is handled as a command of the type. For example, in the example in which the code value of the command for specifying the variation pattern is 11011000B (= D8H), if a method of describing a data value using a part of the “code part” is used, A command in which the value 11011001B (= D9H) in which the value of the eighth bit of the value 11011000B (= D8H) is “1” is set as the value of the “code part” is also used as a command for specifying the variation pattern.

  Note that the above configuration in the case where a data value is described using a part of the “code portion” is merely an example, and the specific number of bits and value are not limited to the above configuration example. For example, the data value may be described using the seventh bit and the eighth bit of the “code portion”. More generally, a data value is described using predetermined bits constituting the “code part” and bits constituting the “data part”, and using bits constituting the remaining part of the “code part”. A code value is described. The size of the “code part” and “data part” is a bit, and the size of data used to describe the data value in the “code part” is b bits (b is smaller than a-1 and is an integer of 1 or more). Then, the size of the data value is (a + b) bits.

  Further, as a means for increasing the number of data values that can be handled, it is conceivable to increase the bit string of the “data part” describing the data value. For example, it is conceivable to prepare “data part 1” and “data part 2” as bit strings describing data values. In this case, if each bit string is 8 bits, a data value can be described by a bit string of 16 bits in total. In order to identify “data part 1” and “data part 2”, if the second bit of the 8-bit bit string is used as a flag, for example, the first bit and the second bit of “data part 1” Can be set to “00B”, and the first bit and the second bit of “data portion 2” can be set to “01B”. The first bit has a value “0” as a flag for identifying the “code portion”. That is, in the case of such a data configuration, the data value described in the “data part” including “data part 1” and “data part 2” is the first bit and the ninth bit of the 16-bit bit string. The value of the bit is “0” representing the “data portion”. More generally, when a data value is described by a plurality of “data parts” of the same size, if the size of each “data part” is a bit, “data part” A value representing that is described.

  With this configuration, the range of values that the “data portion 1” can take is 64 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 00111111B (= 3FH), and the range of values that the “data portion 2” can take is Since there are 64 from 01000000B (= 40H) to 01111111B (= 7FH), the total is 4096 (= 64 × 64). Here, the first bit is used as a flag for distinguishing between “code part” and “data part” (“data part 1” and “data part 2”), and “data part 1” and “data part” The second bit is used as a flag for identifying “2”, but a flag for identifying four types of bit strings may be set using the first and second bits. For example, the value of the first and second bits of the “code part” is “11B”, and the value of the first and second bits is “00B”, “01B”, and “10B”. It is possible.

[Configuration Example for Command Output in RAM of Game Control Unit]
FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a command storage area in the RAM 203.
19-2, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 has a command storage area (storage area) to which individual commands generated by various processes such as the main control process shown in FIG. 5-3 are allocated. Have In the example shown in FIG. 19B, 31 command storage areas from area 1 to area 31 are set in the RAM 203. Here, the command allocation to each command storage area does not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence. For example, a plurality of commands that are not generated at the same time can be assigned to the same command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 19-2, a plurality of commands are assigned to area 1, area 9, area 12, area 19, area 20, area 21, area 22, area 23, and area 30, and other commands. One command is assigned to each storage area.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 19B, a command relating to power-on is assigned to the area 1. Commands relating to power-on include a command for controlling power-on at the time of RAM clear and a command for controlling power-on at the time of recovery. Since these commands are generated in different scenes, they are not generated at the same time, and are all assigned to the area 1.

  In the areas 2 to 4, three commands related to winning at the first starting port 121 (described as “starting port 1 winning” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to winning at the first starting port 121 is a command (in the figure, "Special Fig. 1") showing a determination (prefetching) result in advance determination (see S605 in FIG. 6) based on winning at the first starting port 121. "Design pre-read"), and is assigned to region 2. The other one is a command (denoted as “Special Figure 1 Variation Pattern Prefetch” in the figure) indicating the variation pattern prefetching (preliminary determination) result specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the region 3. Still another one is a command ("Special Figure 1 Hold (+1)" in the figure) indicating that the number of special symbol determinations on hold is updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning at the first start port 121. And is assigned to the area 4.

  In the areas 5 to 7, three commands related to winning at the second start port 122 (described as “start port 2 winning” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to winning at the second starting port 122 is a command ("special figure 2 pattern look-ahead" in the figure) showing the determination result in the prior determination based on winning at the second starting port 122 (see S611 in FIG. 6). And is assigned to the area 5. The other one is a command (shown as “special figure 2 variation pattern prefetch” in the figure) indicating the prefetch result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the region 6. Another one is a command ("Special figure 2 hold (+1)" in the figure) indicating that the number of special symbol judgments on hold is updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning at the second start port 122. And is assigned to the area 7.

  In the areas 8 to 10, five commands related to the normal symbol lottery (in the figure, “Temporary Map Hold”, “Typical Map Type”, “Typical Map Confirmation”, “Typical Map Open / Close”, and “Typical Map Hold” are described. ) Is assigned. Of the normal symbol lottery commands, one of the “general symbol hold” commands indicates that the number of normal symbol lotteries has been updated (in this case, the value is increased by 1) based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. It is a command (denoted as “general map hold (+1)” in the figure) and is assigned to area 8. The “ordinary symbol type” command designates a normal symbol representing the determination result in the normal symbol lottery, and indicates that the variable symbol display on the normal symbol indicator 223 is started (denoted as “normal symbol variation start” in the diagram). And is assigned to area 9. The “general symbol confirmation” command is a command that indicates that the normal symbol display 223 is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol representing the determination result of the normal symbol lottery is fixed (“normal symbol confirmation” in the figure). And is assigned to the area 9. The “open / close map” command is a command (indicated as “open / close of normal train”) indicating that the electric tulip 123, which is a normal electric accessory, is operated (auxiliary game) based on the determination result of the normal symbol lottery. Yes, assigned to area 9. Another one of the “pending custom map” commands is a command indicating that the number of holdings has been updated (in this case, the value is decreased by 1) due to the normal symbol lottery process (in the figure, “pending general drawing (- 1) ”and assigned to the area 10.

  Here, in the normal symbol lottery process, the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol stop display, and the operation of the electric tulip 123 by the auxiliary game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, the normal symbol variation display based on the fact that another game ball has passed through the gate 124 during the operation of the electric tulip 123 is not started (see FIG. 13). For this reason, the above three types of commands “general map type”, “general map confirmation”, and “general power open / close” are not generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 19-2, these three types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 9).

  Nine commands related to special symbol determination (shown as “special figure variation” and “special figure special electricity” in the figure) are assigned to the areas 11 to 14. Among the commands related to the special symbol determination, one of the “special symbol variation” commands is a command (a high probability state or a low probability state, a short time state or a short time state) indicating the current gaming state of the pachinko machine 100 ( In the figure, it is described as “gaming state”) and is assigned to the area 11. Another one of the “special symbol change” commands is a command (indicated by a special symbol indicating the result of the special symbol determination in the special symbol determination) and indicating that the variable symbol display on the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 has started. In this case, it is described as “special drawing designation” and is assigned to the area 12. Still another of the “special pattern variation” commands is a command (described as “variation pattern” in the figure) for specifying a variation pattern of special symbol variation performed in the special symbol determination, and is assigned to the region 13. Still another of the “special figure change” commands is a command (in the figure, “special figure hold (in the figure) indicating that the number of holds is updated (here, the value is decreased by 1) due to the special symbol determination process being performed. -1) "), and is assigned to the area 14.

  On the other hand, one of the “special drawing special electric power” commands is a command indicating that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state (denoted as “customer waiting” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 12. Another one of the “special drawing special electric power” commands is a command (special game, jackpot game) indicating that the special winning combination 125, 128, which is a special electric accessory, is operated based on the result of the special symbol determination (in the figure, “ And is assigned to area 12. In the example shown in FIG. 19-2, the first grand prize opening 125 and the second big prize opening 128 are not distinguished from each other, but the “Special Figure Special Electric” command for operating the first big prize opening 125 and the second large prize opening A “Special Figure Special Electric” command for operating the winning opening 128 may be provided individually. Still another special command special command is a command (denoted as “big jack OP” in the figure) indicating that the opening operation of the jackpot game has been started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another special command special command is a command (denoted as “big jack ED” in the figure) indicating that the jackpot game ending operation has started, and is assigned to the area 12. Another one of the “special symbol special electricity” commands is a command (in the figure, “special symbol confirmation” in which the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 are stopped and the special symbol indicating the result of the special symbol determination is confirmed. ”And is assigned to the area 12.

  Here, in the special symbol determination process, the special symbol variation display, the special symbol stop display, and the operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128 by the special game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, during the execution of the special game, the special symbol variation display based on the winning of another game ball is not started (see FIG. 8). Further, in the jackpot game, the opening operation, the operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128, and the ending operation are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Therefore, the “special drawing designation” command and the five types of “special drawing special electricity” commands in the above “special figure change” command are not generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 19-2, these six types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 12).

  In the areas 15 to 18, four commands related to switch detection (described as “switch passing” in the figure) are assigned. One of the commands related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the left gate 124 </ b> L of the game area 111 (described as “pass left gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 15. Another command related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 124R on the right side of the game area 111 (denoted as “pass right gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 16. . Still another command related to the switch detection is a command (denoted as “passing through the start port SW2 (electric chew)” in the figure) indicating that a game ball has won the second start port 122, and is assigned to the area 17 It has been. Still another one of the commands related to the switch detection is a command (denoted as “big prize winning prize” in the drawing) indicating that a game ball has won at the big winning openings 125 and 128, and is assigned to the area 18. .

  In the areas 19 to 30, a command related to an error (described as “error” in the figure) is assigned. As an error detected by the game control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100, for example, a full error indicating that the payout ball is full in the tray 153 (see FIGS. 1 and 2-3 (b)), Various detection switches such as a door opening error indicating that the front frame is in an open state, a payout error indicating that the payout unit can no longer pay out the game ball, and a gate switch 214 and start port switches 211 and 212 are provided. There is a switch disconnection error indicating that it is not connected. In the example shown in FIG. 19B, these errors are assigned to areas 19 to 23, respectively. In addition, for each error, a command indicating that each error has occurred (described as “˜error start” in the figure) and a command indicating that each error has been resolved (described as “˜error end” in the figure). Are assigned to the same command storage area.

  In addition, various control items and error items are set in accordance with the specifications and functions of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the error is resolved depending on the command according to the control item, the command indicating that an error has occurred, and the type of error. A command or the like indicating that may be generated. These commands can be appropriately assigned to the command storage area. In the example illustrated in FIG. 19B, commands relating to various errors are individually assigned to the areas 24 to 30. Further, a command (denoted as “winning notification designation” in the figure) for detecting and notifying a specific winning is assigned to the area 31.

As described above, in the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200, one or more types of commands are associated with one command storage area. In the main control process shown in FIG. 5C, the game control unit 200 stores the generated command in the command storage area associated with the command.
Here, in the main control process, not every command is necessarily generated every time one cycle of the process is executed. For example, when there is no winning at the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, the above-mentioned commands relating to winning at the starting ports 121 and 122 and the “special figure change” command are not generated. Of the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, the “open / close map” command and the “special drawing special electricity” command are not generated unless it is time to operate these electric accessories. In addition, a command related to the occurrence of an error is not generated unless an error has occurred.
Therefore, when the output process of the main control process (see S506 in FIG. 5-3) is performed, commands are usually stored in some command storage areas of the command storage area provided in the RAM 203. In other command storage areas, no commands are stored.

[Command output operation]
FIG. 19C is a flowchart illustrating the contents of output processing by the output control unit 240.
In the present embodiment, the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage areas of the RAM 203 shown in FIG. 19-2 in order from the top (in order of area numbers), and outputs the commands stored in the command storage areas. .

  As shown in FIG. 19-3, the output control unit 240 of the game control unit 200 firstly, among the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203, the head command storage area (area 1 in the example shown in FIG. 19-2). (S221), it is checked whether a command is stored (S222). If a command is stored (Yes in S222), the output control unit 240 reads out the stored command and outputs it to the effect control unit 300 (S223).

  If no command is stored in the focused command storage area (initially area 1) (No in S222), or after outputting the command stored in the command storage area in S223, the output control unit 240 Then, it is checked whether there is a command storage area of the next area number (S224). When there is a next command storage area (Yes in S224), the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage area (S225), returns to S222, confirms the presence / absence of a command (S222), and outputs (S223). repeat. Then, if the last command storage area (area 31 in the example shown in FIG. 19-2) has been processed, there is no command storage area of the next area number (No in S224), and the output process ends. To do.

[Set command output order]
In the main control process, when a command is generated in each process described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 16, the generated command is usually stored in a corresponding command storage area of the RAM 203. That is, commands are generally stored in the command storage area in the order in which the commands are generated.
On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 19C, in the output process by the output control unit 240, the command storage areas are stored in a fixed order (in the order of area numbers in the above example). Output the command. In other words, the commands are output in a predetermined specific order regardless of the order in which the commands are generated. This is because it may be desirable to transmit specific commands to the effect control unit 300 in a specific order in order to prevent confusion in the effect control of the effect control unit 300 based on the command. That is, as will be described in detail later, the effect control unit 300 executes effect control based on commands in the order received from the game control unit 200, and therefore, the confusion such as inconsistency in effect control due to the difference in the order of receiving commands. This may need to be prevented.
A specific command output order setting example will be described below with reference to FIG.

As a first specific example, the relationship between the output order of a command related to special symbol determination and a command related to prior determination will be described.
Referring to FIG. 19-2, among the commands related to special symbol determination, a “special symbol designation” command including information on the determination result and indicating that the special symbol variation display has been started is assigned to the region 12. Further, a “variation pattern” command for specifying a variation pattern in the special symbol variation is assigned to the region 13.

  On the other hand, the “special figure 1 symbol prefetching” command including information on the predetermination result based on the winning at the first starting port 121 is assigned to the region 2 and includes the information on the variation pattern by the prefetching. The “pattern prefetch” command is assigned to the area 3. In addition, the “special figure 2 pattern prefetching” command including information on the pre-determination result based on the winning at the second starting port 122 is assigned to the area 5 and includes information on the fluctuation pattern by the prefetching. 'Command is assigned to area 6.

  In this way, the command for special symbol determination and special symbol variation and stop is more in the allocated command storage area than the command for pre-determination and variation pattern look-ahead performed based on winning at the start ports 121 and 122. The area number is large. Therefore, it is output later in the output process shown in FIG. By setting the output order in this way, it is possible to prevent the effect control from being confused when these commands are generated in the main control process of the same cycle.

  More specifically, when a game ball is newly won at the first starting port 121 or the second starting port in a state where there is no hold based on winning at the starting ports 121 and 122, the special symbol determination is performed immediately after the winning. The special symbol variation is started. In this case, based on the winning of the same game ball, the “design pre-read” command and the “variation pattern pre-read” command, the “special pattern designation” command, and the “variation pattern” command are generated in the main control process of the same cycle. there is a possibility. At this time, if the “special drawing designation” command and the “variation pattern” command are output prior to the “design prefetching” command and the “variation pattern prefetching” command, the effect control unit 300 receives the “special drawing designation” received earlier. After the production based on the command and the “variation pattern” command, the production based on the “design prefetch” command and the “variation pattern prefetch” command is performed, which may cause confusion in the production control. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the commands for special symbol determination and special symbol variation and stop are based on the prior determination and variation pattern look-ahead commands performed based on winning to the start ports 121 and 122. The output order is set to output later.

As a second specific example, a description will be given of the relationship between the output order of a command related to a hold based on winning at the start ports 121 and 122 and a command related to updating the number of holds based on special symbol determination.
Referring to FIG. 19-2, a “Special Figure 1 Hold (+1)” command including information on the right to receive a special symbol determination (occurrence of hold) based on a winning at the first start port 121 is assigned to the area 4 It has been. In addition, a “special figure 2 hold (+1)” command including information on the right to receive special symbol determination (holding occurrence) based on a winning at the second start port 122 is assigned to the area 7. On the other hand, a “special figure hold (−1)” command including update (decrease) information on the number of holds based on the processing of the special symbol determination is assigned to the area 14.

  As described above, the command related to the occurrence of the hold based on the winning at the start ports 121 and 122 has a smaller area number of the assigned command storage area than the command related to the update of the hold number by the special symbol determination. Therefore, it is output first in the output process shown in FIG. By setting the output order in this way, it is possible to prevent the effect control from being confused when these commands are generated in the main control process of the same cycle.

  More specifically, when a game ball is newly won at the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 in a state where there is no hold based on winning at the starting ports 121 and 122, a special symbol determination is made immediately after winning. And special symbol variation is started. In this case, based on the winning of the same game ball, the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command or the “special figure 2 hold (+1)” command and the “special figure hold (−1)” command have the same cycle. It may be generated by the main control process. At this time, if the “special drawing hold (−1)” command is output prior to the “special drawing 1 hold (+1)” command or the “special drawing 2 hold (+1)” command, the production control unit 300 first. On the basis of the received “special drawing hold (−1)”, although there is no hold, an effect accompanying a decrease in the number of holds will be performed, which may cause confusion in effect control. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the output order is set so that the command including the information on the occurrence of the hold is output before the command including the information on the update (decrease) of the hold number. .

  In the above specific example, the relationship between the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command, the “special figure 2 hold (+1)” command, and the “special figure hold (−1)” command has been described. The same applies to the command related to the suspension of the right to receive the lottery determination. Referring to FIG. 19-2, a “general map hold (+1)” command is assigned to area 8 and a “general map hold (−1)” command is assigned to area 10, respectively. The command storage area to which the “command” is assigned has a smaller area number. Therefore, it is output first in the output process shown in FIG.

As a third specific example, a relationship between a command related to prior determination based on winning at the start ports 121 and 122 and a command related to special symbol determination will be described.
The special symbol determination is performed when the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. The command related to pre-determination and holding based on winning in the first starting port 121 and the command related to pre-determining and holding based on winning in the second starting port 122 are separately generated and individually assigned commands. Stored in the storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 19-2, commands relating to advance determination and holding based on winning in the first starting port 121 are assigned to the areas 2 to 4, and relating to prior determination and holding based on winning in the second starting port 122. Commands are assigned to areas 5-7. This is because a game ball wins at the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 almost simultaneously, and a command relating to pre-judgment and hold based on winning at the first start port 121 and a win to the second start port 122 This is because both the pre-determination based on the command and the command related to the hold may be generated in the main control process in the same cycle.

  On the other hand, since the special symbol determination process is sequentially executed for each process based on a single game ball winning, a plurality of the same commands related to the special symbol determination based on the winning of a plurality of gaming balls are performed in the same cycle. It is not generated by the main control process. In other words, while the process based on winning of one game ball is being executed, the execution of that process is prioritized, and the special symbol determination process based on another game ball (holding) is not executed. For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 19B, regardless of the number of the start ports 121 and 122, only one set of commands related to special symbol determination ("special map change" command) is assigned to the areas 11 to 14. Yes.

As a fourth specific example, a mutual relationship between a plurality of commands related to a prior determination based on winning at the start ports 121 and 122 will be described.
Referring to FIG. 19-2, commands relating to prior determination based on winning at the first start port 121 ("special figure 1 pattern prefetch" command, "special figure 1 variation pattern prefetch" command, "special figure 1 hold (+1)" Each “command” is assigned to a continuous command storage area (areas 2, 3, 4).

  When the game ball wins the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. 6, on the basis of this win, the number of holdings is updated (S603), a random value as determination information is acquired (S604), and a pre-determination process ( A series of processing such as S605) is executed. The above three commands are generated by this series of processing. That is, these commands are closely related commands generated based on the establishment of the same generation condition that one game ball has won the first start port 121. Here, when a command is output from the game control unit 200, another command generated based on a generation condition unrelated to these commands is inserted between these closely related commands. There is a possibility that confusion will occur in the production control by the production control unit 300. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the output order is set so that each of the commands related to the advance determination based on the winning to the first start port 121 is continuously output.

  In the above specific example, the command related to the advance determination based on the winning to the first starting port 121 has been described, but the same applies to the command related to the prior determination based on the winning to the second starting port 122. Therefore, these commands are also assigned to consecutive command storage areas (areas 5, 6, and 7) and set so that the output order is continuous.

  Moreover, the same setting is applicable not only to the setting of the output order in the command related to the prior determination based on the winning to the start ports 121 and 122 but also to the output order of a plurality of closely related commands. For example, among the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, the “general symbol hold (+1)” command and the “normal symbol variation start” command satisfy the same generation condition that one game ball has passed one gate 124. Therefore, the commands are assigned to consecutive command storage areas (areas 8 and 9), and the output order is set to be continuous. In addition, since the “general symbol hold (−1)” command is generated on the condition that the determination of the normal symbol lottery is performed, the command is closely related to the “normal symbol variation start” command, so that the continuous command storage is performed. Assigned to the area (area 10), the output order is set to be continuous.

  Similarly, among the commands related to the special symbol determination, the “gaming state” command, the “special drawing designation” command, and the “variation pattern” command have one game ball having one start port (the first start port 121 or Since the commands are generated based on the establishment of the same generation condition that the second start port 122) has been won, it is assigned to consecutive command storage areas (areas 11, 12, 13) so that the output order is continuous. Is set. In addition, since the “special figure hold (−1)” command is generated on the condition that the special symbol determination has been performed, it is closely related to the “special figure designation” command. 14) and the output order is set to be continuous.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19B, each command related to the advance determination based on winning in the first start port 121 and each command related to the prior determination based on winning in the second start port 122 is stored in a continuous command. It is assigned to a region (regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Accordingly, when the winning at the first starting port 121 and the winning at the second starting port 122 occur almost simultaneously, and these commands are generated by the main control processing in the same cycle, two sets based on each winning Commands are output continuously.

Furthermore, as the mutual relationship of the plurality of commands related to the prior determination based on winning at the start ports 121 and 122, the output order of each command is also specifically set.
Referring to FIG. 19-2, among the command storage areas (areas 2, 3, and 4) of the three commands related to the pre-judgment based on winning to the first start port 121, the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command Region 4 is located last. That is, it is set so that the “Special Figure 1 Hold (+1)” command is output last. Thereby, when the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command is received, the effect control unit 300 can specify two commands corresponding to the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 100, it is possible to set whether to perform a pre-determination or pre-reading of a variation pattern or not depending on the gaming state and the winning start ports 121 and 122. For example, the pre-determination based on the winning at the first start port 121 can be a specification that is performed only when the gaming state is a low probability short-time non-game state. That is, prior determination based on winning in the first starting port 121 is not performed in the high probability state or the short time state. In such a specification, when the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command is received, if the “special figure 1 symbol prefetch” command and the “special figure 1 fluctuation pattern prefetch” command are received immediately before this command, It can be seen that the preliminary determination has been made based on the winning of the game ball that is the generation condition of the “Special Figure 1 Hold (+1)” command. Then, it is possible to specify which pending information the pre-determination result and the variation pattern prefetch information included in the “special symbol 1 symbol prefetching” command and the “special symbol 1 variation pattern prefetching” command. On the other hand, when the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command is received, if the “special figure 1 symbol pre-read” command and the “special figure 1 variation pattern pre-read” command are not received immediately before, the “special figure 1 pre-read” command is received. It can be seen that the preliminary determination was not made based on the winning of the game ball that was the generation condition of the “hold (+1)” command.

  On the other hand, among the three commands related to the pre-judgment based on the winning at the first starting port 121, the output order so that the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command is output first (the order in which the command storage areas are arranged) Suppose that is set. In this case, after receiving the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command, the production control unit 300 waits for reception of the next command, and if the received command is not identified, whether or not a prior determination has been performed. It cannot be recognized. For this reason, the control becomes complicated as compared with the case where the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command is output later. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command is the last among the commands related to the pre-judgment based on the winning to the first starting port 121 (that is, the “special figure 1 symbol pre-read” command and The output order is set so that the “special figure 1 variation pattern prefetch” command is output first).

  Note that, according to the procedure of the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6, when a winning at the first start port 121 is detected, the number of holds is first updated (increased), and then the preliminary determination process is performed. (See S601 to S605). Therefore, in the command generation, the “special figure 1 hold (+1)” command is first generated, and then the “special figure 1 symbol prefetch” command and the “special figure 1 variation pattern prefetch” command are generated. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the commands are output in a predetermined order according to the purpose of control regardless of the order of command generation.

  In the above specific example, the command related to the advance determination based on the winning at the first start port 121 has been described, but the same applies to the command related to the prior determination based on the winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, in these commands, the “special figure 2 pattern prefetch” command and the “special figure 2 variation pattern prefetch” command are preceded by the “special figure 2 variation pattern prefetch” command in accordance with the allocated command storage area (areas 5, 6, and 7). The output order is set so that the “suspend (+1) in FIG. 2” command is output later.

As a fifth specific example, the relationship between the output order of a command related to special symbol determination and a command related to normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 19-2, commands relating to special symbol variation in the special symbol determination (“game state” command, “special symbol designation” command, “variation pattern” command, “special diagram hold (−1)” command) Assigned to areas 11, 12, 13, and 14 (Since five "special figure special electricity" commands are assigned to the same area 12 as the "special figure designation" command that is a "special figure change" command, they are not generated at the same time. (Omitted). Also, commands related to the normal symbol lottery (“common symbol hold (+1)” command, “normal symbol variation start” command, “normal symbol hold (−1)” command) are assigned to the areas 8, 9, and 10. (The “normal symbol confirmation” command and the “general symbol open / close” command are assigned to the same area 12 as the “ordinary symbol variation start” command, and are not generated at the same time, so are omitted).

  As described above, the command related to the special symbol determination has a larger area number of the allocated command storage area than the command related to the normal symbol lottery. Therefore, it is output later in the output process shown in FIG. By setting the output order in this way, it is possible to prevent the effect control from being confused when these commands are generated in the main control process of the same cycle.

  For example, there is an effect that is executed at the start of normal symbol variation or special symbol variation, and the “normal symbol variation start” command and “special symbol designation” command are the main control processes in the same cycle. Consider the generated case. In this case, the output order of the commands is specified depending on which of the execution as the effect based on the normal symbol variation and the execution as the effect based on the special symbol variation is prioritized. In other words, the effect control unit 300 executes effects based on the commands in the order in which the commands are received. Therefore, if the commands are output in the order shown in FIG. 19-2, the effect control unit 300 shifts to the effect based on the “special symbol designation” command immediately after starting the effect based on the “ordinary symbol variation start” command. . Therefore, when giving priority to execution as an effect based on special symbol variation, as shown in FIG. 19-2, an output order is set so that a command related to special symbol determination is output after a command related to a normal symbol lottery. .

As a sixth specific example, the relationship between the output order of commands related to games and commands related to errors will be described.
Referring to FIG. 19-2, various commands for notifying the effect control unit 300 of information related to the game are assigned to the areas 2 to 18. On the other hand, commands relating to errors are assigned to areas 19 to 30.

  Thus, the command related to the game has a smaller area number of the allocated command storage area than the command related to the error. Therefore, it is output first in the output process shown in FIG. Usually, the cycle of the main control process has a sufficient time margin for completing the output of all the commands generated in the main control process. However, if the main control process is terminated in the middle of the output process due to some cause such as a failure, if the information related to the game is not transmitted to the effect control unit 300, the effect control by the effect control unit 300 is affected. It may interfere with continuation. On the other hand, since the information regarding the error may be transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the next main control process cycle, even if the main control process ends during the transmission of the command, the effect on the operation of the effect control unit 300 is small. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output order is set so that a command related to a game is output preferentially over a command related to an error.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 19-4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 19-4 (a) and an interrupt process shown in FIG. 19-4 (b). Referring to FIG. 19-4 (a), the production control unit 300 first performs an initial setting at the time of activation (S1901), sets a cycle of a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S1902), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating various random numbers used in the production control (S1903).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S1902. Referring to FIG. 19-4 (b), in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S1911). In this command reception process, the effect content (effect pattern) is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 and the like by the player (S1912). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S1913). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S1911 in FIG. 19-4 (b)).
In this command reception process, the production control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (S2001). This pending number increase command is set by the game control unit 200 in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 (S606, S612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3. Command.
If the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (Yes in S2001), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (S2002), and sets the value of the number of holds after the addition. The indicated hold number command is set in the RAM 303 (S2003).

If the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in S2001), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change start command (S2004). This variation start command is a command set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S811) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in FIG. 19-3.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in S2004), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (S2005). When a change start command is received, a random number value for effect control used in the effect selection process is acquired. This random number value is a random number value that is periodically updated in S1903 of the main process shown in FIG. Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command (No in S2001 and S2004), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change stop command (S2006). This variation stop command is a command that is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S814) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in FIG. 19-3.
When the received command is a change stop command (Yes in S2006), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during end of change effect (S2007). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in S2001, S2004, and S2006), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect. (S2008). This opening command is a command that is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (S1118) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in FIG. 19-3.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2008), the effect control unit 300 executes a jackpot effect selection process (S2009). Further, when the opening command is received, a random value for effect control used in the jackpot effect selection process may be acquired. This random number value is a random number value that is periodically updated in S1903 of the main process shown in FIG. Details of the jackpot effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a variation start command, variation stop command, or opening command (No in S2001, S2004, S2006, and S2008), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect. It is determined whether or not (S2010). This ending command is a command that is set in the special prize opening process shown in FIG. 14 (S1413) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 19-3.
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2010), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (S2011). Further, when an ending command is received, a random number value for effect control used in the ending effect selection process may be acquired. This random number value is a random number value that is periodically updated in S1903 of the main process shown in FIG. Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a change start command, a change stop command, an opening command, or an ending command (No in S2001, S2004, S2006, S2008, and S2010), the effect control unit 300 then shifts the received command to a customer waiting state. Customer waiting command reception processing is executed (S2012). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the set effect mode. This effect mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. Here, the mode flag is set to any value from 0 to 4, and five types of effect modes from A mode to E mode are assigned to each mode flag. The mode flag is set according to the lottery result of the special symbol determination or the number of lotteries of the special symbol determination.

In the example shown in FIG. 21, the mode flag 1 is a jackpot for the special symbols C1, D1, the mode flag 2 is a jackpot for the special symbols C2, D2, and the mode flag 3 is a jackpot for the special symbol A. A mode flag 4 is assigned to each jackpot. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No mode flag 0 is assigned to any of them. In mode flags 1 to 4, mode flag 0 is set by executing special symbol determination a predetermined number of times.
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode. As will be described later, the value of the parameter M undergoes special symbol variation, and is decremented by 1 each time it stops.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (S2005) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (S2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2202), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (S2203). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the change start command and the effect mode determined by the mode flag. Then, an effect pattern (fluctuation effect pattern) of symbol variation by an image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (S2204). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads from the ROM 302 image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern, and sets a change effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. Then, the effect selection process ends (S2205).

  In the selection process of the effect pattern of the symbol variation in S2204, the effect mode, the variation pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in S1903 in FIG. 19-4, and the effect random number value is acquired when the variation start command is received. The production pattern is determined based on the above. Based on the effect pattern determined here, the decorative symbol variation display, the background effect, and the notice effect are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the special symbol variation display performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In this variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect or the like is executed.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (S2007) of FIG.
In this variation effect end process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation stop command (S2301). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2302). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol determination is a big hit based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation is stopped obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command. S2303). If it is a big hit (Yes in S2303), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 21 according to the type of the big hit (S2304).

  On the other hand, when the lottery result of the special symbol determination is not a big win (No in S2303), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (S2305). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in S2305), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (S2306), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (S2307). That is, the value of the parameter M is decremented by 1 each time a variation stop command is received (that is, every time a special symbol variation stops), unless it is 0 when the variation stop command is received. If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in S2307), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (S2308).

  If the mode flag is 0 in S2305 (Yes in S2305), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in S2307 (No in S2307), or after setting the mode flag to 0 in S2308, or in S2304 After changing the mode flag, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the design change effect in the RAM 303, and ends the change effect end process (S2309). Here, referring to FIG. 21, when the mode flag is changed in S2304, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is an effect mode corresponding to the type of jackpot. When the mode flag is 0 in S2305 and when the mode flag is set to 0 in S2308, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is the A mode. If the value of parameter M does not become 0 in S2307, the previous production mode is continued.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot effect selection process (S2009) of FIG.
In this jackpot effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (S2401), and selects an effect pattern (a jackpot effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (S2402). . Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets a jackpot effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (S2403). As a result, the performance during the big hit is determined. Note that in the selection of the jackpot effect pattern (S2402), a determination may be made based on a random value acquired at the time of command reception.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (S2011) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (S2501), and selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (S2502). . Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (S2503). In the selection of the ending effect pattern (S2502), the determination based on the random value acquired when the command is received may be performed.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (S2012) of FIG.
The effect control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (S2601). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in S2601), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (S2602), and turns on the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 (S2603). On the other hand, when the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in S2601), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON (S2604). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in S2604), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

  When the measurement flag is ON (Yes in S2604 or after being turned ON in S2603), the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time (S2605). . If the time is not up (No in S2605), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, when the time is up (Yes in S2605), the effect control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 (S2606), and sets a customer waiting effect command for performing the customer waiting effect in the RAM 303. The customer waiting command reception process is terminated (S2607).

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

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (S1912 in FIG. 19-4 (b)).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (S2701). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in S2701), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303, and ends the effect button process. (S2702).

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs a command transmission process (S1913) of FIG. 19-4 (b), and the command set in the RAM 303 by the command reception process and the effect button process described above is displayed in the image / sound control unit 310. And transmitted to the lamp controller 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Advance notice based on prior judgment]
Next, a notice effect based on prior determination according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the game ball is won at the first start port 121 (see FIG. 1) and the first start port switch 211 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. And when the game ball is won at the second start port 122 (see FIG. 1) and the second start port switch 212 (see FIG. 3) is turned ON, the special symbol determination unit 234 and the variation at the time of symbol variation Prior to the determination by the pattern selection unit 235 (see S808 and S809 in FIG. 8), a preliminary determination (prefetching) of the lottery result of the special symbol determination is performed (see S605 and S611 in FIG. 6).

  Further, in the present embodiment, based on the result of the above prior determination, a notice effect (suggest effect) for indicating the determination result to the player is performed. This notice effect is executed at the time of a symbol change for another winning ball that is performed prior to a symbol change for the winning ball (holding ball) for which a prior determination has been made. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of holding balls is four per one start port (first start port 121 or second start port 122) (see FIG. 6). In addition, priority is given to the digestion of the reserved balls in the second start port 122. In this case, for example, when a preliminary determination is made for the reserved ball with the second start port 122, the maximum variation including the current variation (referred to as the variation) is included before the symbol variation for the reserved ball is performed. Thus, the symbol variation for the four winning balls is performed. In the notice effect related to the reserved ball that has been determined in advance, if multiple symbol changes are made before the symbol change for the reserved ball, even if the notice effect that spans the multiple symbol changes is performed good.

[Configuration of the RAM of the Game Control Unit and the RAM of the Production Control Unit for Performing the Advance Effect]
In order to execute such a notice effect based on the prior determination, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 and the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment have the following configurations.
FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example as a storage unit related to the prior determination of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 28A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage area 204, and FIG. 28B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each storage unit shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 28A, the RAM 203 includes a storage area 204 as a special symbol holding storage area for storing the jackpot random number acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. This storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum number of reservations of the first start port 121 and the number of reservations of the second start port 122 (when the upper limit value of each reservation number is 4). . Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204b, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage. Part 204g and eighth storage part 204h.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), each of these storage units 204a to 204h includes an area for storing the number of fluctuations N when winning the jackpot, and a winning start port (first start port 121 or And an area in which information indicating the second start port 122) is stored. Each of the storage units 204a to 204h includes an area for storing the acquired jackpot random number, an area for storing a design random number, and an area for storing a reach random number. That is, each of the storage units 204a to 204h stores a jackpot random number, a design random number, and a reach random number.

  Here, each random number is stored in order from the first storage unit 204a. More specifically, for example, when no random number is stored in any of the first storage unit 204a to the eighth storage unit 204h, the acquired random number is stored in the first storage unit 204a. Further, for example, when random numbers are already stored in the first storage unit 204a to the fourth storage unit 204d, the acquired random number is stored in the fifth storage unit 204e.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example as a storage unit related to the prior determination of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 29A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306, and FIG. 29B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each storage unit shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 29 (a), the RAM 303 includes a first hold storage area 305 and a second hold storage area 306 as a hold status storage area for storing a status where a hold ball is held. The first holding storage area 305 and the second holding storage area 306 correspond to holding for winning in the first starting port 121 and holding for winning in the second starting port 122, respectively. Have. Specifically, the first reserved storage area 305 includes a first storage unit 305a, a second storage unit 305b, a third storage unit 305c, and a fourth storage unit 305d. The second reserved storage area 306 includes a first storage unit 306a, a second storage unit 306b, a third storage unit 306c, and a fourth storage unit 306d.

  As shown in FIG. 29 (b), each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d has a hold flag storage area for turning ON / OFF the hold flag, and a notification flag storage for turning ON / OFF the notification flag. And a region. The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of a hold ball for each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d. That is, for example, when the number of holds due to winning at the first start port 121 is 3, the hold flag is turned ON in the three hold flag storage areas of the first to third storage units 305a, 305b, and 305c. The notification flag is a flag for setting whether or not to perform a notice effect based on the result of prior determination for each reserved ball. In the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 can set whether or not to perform a notice effect based on a pre-determination result in accordance with the gaming state and the state of the effect. Therefore, the notification flag is set to ON when the notice effect is performed, and the notification flag is set to OFF when the notice effect is not performed. For example, when the notice effect is performed for the third reserved ball among the three reserved balls, the notification flag is turned ON in the notification flag storage area of the third storage unit 305c.

  That is, the RAM 203 and the RAM 303 function as a storage unit that stores hold information that is start information based on establishment of a predetermined start condition with a predetermined number as a limit in the game control unit 200 and the effect control unit 300. In addition, the game control unit 200, based on the hold information that is the start information, before the determination of the special symbol determination unit 234 triggered by the establishment of the start condition corresponding to the start information, It is a prior determination means which performs the prior determination process regarding whether to transfer to. The effect control unit 300 is an effect control unit that performs a notice effect for giving a notice (improvement) of a preliminary determination result.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the RAM 203 has an area for storing prior determination information (hereinafter referred to as a prior determination information storage area) separately from the configuration illustrated in FIG. The advance determination information is information obtained by the advance determination process (see S605 and S611 in FIG. 6) based on each of the above random numbers. The content of the pre-determination information is the same as the information obtained as various determination results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 8), and specifically, the type of winning (big hit, small hit, off) and big hit In this case, the type of jackpot and the content of the production are information for indicating whether the production is a reachable production or a non-reach production. The pre-determination information stored in the pre-determination information storage area is unique or independent from the hold information corresponding to the winning ball (holding ball) subjected to the pre-determination process (hereinafter referred to as hold information). At the timing, it is included in the pending number increase command and the change start command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing by game control unit]
Next, the prior determination process (see S605 and S611 in FIG. 6) will be described in detail.
In the pre-determination process in the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 makes a pre-determination using a random number table similar to the random number configuration example described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. Further, as will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the prior determination is executed as the same process as the determination in the jackpot determination process (see S808 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9).

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the pre-determination process (S605 and S611 in FIG. 6) according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 30, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (S3001). A table is selected, and a jackpot random number and a jackpot symbol random number are pre-determined (S3002). On the other hand, if it is determined No in S3001, the table for the low probability state is selected, and the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number are determined in advance (S3003).

After pre-determination of the jackpot random number and jackpot symbol random number in S3002 or S3003, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the gaming state is a short-time state (S3004), and determines that it is a short-time state (Yes in S3004), The table for the short time state is selected, and the reach random number is determined in advance (S3005). Further, the table for the short time state is selected, and the change pattern random number is preliminarily determined (S3006).
On the other hand, if it is determined No in S3004, a table for short time and no state is selected and a reach random number is determined in advance (S3007). Further, a table for timelessness and no-time state is selected, and a change pattern random number is preliminarily determined (S3008).

  Thereafter, the game control unit 200 obtains the results of the jackpot random number prior determination obtained as described above, the results of the jackpot symbol random number prior determination, the reach random number prior determination result, and the variation pattern prior determination result. The information is stored in the advance determination information storage area as advance determination information (S3109). Furthermore, in order to transmit prior determination information to the production control unit 300, a prior determination result command including prior determination information is set in the RAM 203 (S3010). This prior determination result command is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 together with the pending number increase command.

  Here, the determinations of S3002, S3003, S3005 to S3008 are used in the jackpot determination process using the random number values (see S604 and S610 in FIG. 6) acquired according to the winning of the game balls to the start ports 121 and 122. The determination was performed using a determination table (see FIG. 17) and a determination table having the same configuration. And the determination itself using each determination table is the same as the determination in the jackpot determination process (see S901 in FIG. 9). Therefore, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination process subroutine (see S808 in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9) used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 8) is called to determine the random number in the above-described prior determination.

  Note that if the pre-determination process and the jackpot determination process at the time of special symbol change are performed in the same subroutine using the same determination table group, the execution time of each process is different, so the pre-determination result and the special symbol change time There is a case where the determination result by the jackpot determination process is different. That is, it is a case where the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, short time state or short time state) changes after the execution of the pre-determination process until the start of the special symbol change. In this case, since different types of determination tables are used depending on the gaming state, the specific determination table used for determination differs between the execution of the pre-determination process and the execution of the jackpot determination process. . Therefore, even if the same random number value acquired at the time of winning the start openings 121 and 122 is used, the prior determination result and the determination result of the jackpot determination process may be different. Therefore, when the game state changes after the execution of the pre-determination process and before the start of the special symbol variation, control based on the non-execution (prohibition) based on the pre-determination result described below is performed.

[Operation of the right movable body 170 disposed in the right area 111R of the game area 111]
Next, the operation of the right movable body 170 (see FIG. 1) disposed in the right area 111R of the game area 111 will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the right movable body 170 is attached to the board surface of the game board 110. Further, the right movable body 170 is moved by the right movable body operating unit 226 having a drive source (not shown) under game control by the game control unit 200 (see FIG. 3). The operation of the right movable body operating unit 226 is performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the right movable body actuating portion 226 is actuated when the special winning openings 125 and 128 are actuated, and the right movable body 170 is moved.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are front views for explaining the operation of the right movable body 170. FIG. 31A shows a case where the right movable body 170 is located at the origin, and FIG.
As shown in (a) or (b) of FIG. 31, the cylindrical member 171 is located on the upstream side of the gate 124R. The cylindrical member 171 is disposed so as to be positioned above the gate 124R. The cylindrical member 171 extends in the vertical direction.

The right movable body 170 is configured to be movable with respect to the cylindrical member 171. That is, according to the position of the right movable body 170, the ratio at which the game ball guided by the cylindrical member 171 passes through the gate 124R is changed.
This will be specifically described below. The cylindrical member 171 has a ball passage 171a through which a flowing game ball can pass. The right movable body 170 can advance and retreat with respect to the ball path 171a.
More specifically, when the right movable body 170 is located at the origin, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), the right movable body 170 enters the ball passage 171a and prevents the game ball from flowing down along the ball passage 171a. To do. On the other hand, the right movable body 170 is retracted from the ball path 171a at the moving end position (retracted position) as shown in FIG. 5B, and the game ball flows down along the ball path 171a. Allow to do.
The cylindrical member 171 is formed with notches 172a and 172b at midway positions in the vertical direction.

  When the right movable body 170 is located at the origin shown in FIG. 31 (a), the game balls flowing down along the ball passage 171a are prevented from traveling by the right movable body 170. That is, the game ball falling in the ball passage 171a hits the right movable body 170 in the middle, passes through the notch 172a of the tubular member 171 and exits from the tubular member 171 through the ball passage 171a (arrow 173a). . That is, when the right movable body 170 is at the origin position, the game ball is not guided to the gate 124R and is discharged from the cylindrical member 171 through the notch 172a.

In addition, as indicated by arrows 173b and 173c in FIG. 31A, the game ball flowing down outside the cylindrical member 171 may approach the gate 124R due to an action of a game nail or the like (not shown). The game ball approaching the gate 124R may pass through the gate 124R via the notch 172b of the cylindrical member 171 and may not pass through the gate 124R. The game ball passing through the gate 124R that has been approached may enter the electric tulip 123 or the second grand prize winning opening 128 that operates.
In addition, as indicated by arrows 173d and 173e in FIG. 31A, even when the game ball does not pass through the gate 124R, it may enter the operated electric tulip 123 or the second grand prize opening 128. .

When the right movable body 170 moves and is positioned at the moving end shown in FIG. 31 (b), the right movable body 170 is retracted from the spherical passage 171 a of the cylindrical member 171. Therefore, the game ball flowing down along the ball passage 171a of the cylindrical member 171 is guided to the position of the notch 172b without being discharged from the cylindrical member 171 by the notch 172a (arrow 174a). The game ball guided to the position of the notch 172b in this way may be discharged by the notch 172b, and passes through the gate 124R if not discharged by the notch 172b. As described above, the game ball that has passed through the gate 124R is detected by the gate switch 214 (see FIG. 3), and when the normal symbol lottery corresponding to the detection of the gate switch 214 is reached, the electric tulip 123 operates. In addition, since the movement of the right movable body 170 is subject to the operation of the grand prize winning holes 125 and 128, in the case of FIG. 31B, the first grand prize winning opening 125 or the second grand prize winning opening 128 is activated. doing.
Then, the game ball that has passed through the gate 124R enters the open electric tulip 123 or the second grand prize opening 128. That is, when the electric tulip 123 or the second big prize opening 128 is opened, the electric tulip 123 or the second big prize opening 128 is entered with a relatively high probability.
As described above, the game ball that has entered the electric tulip 123 is detected by the second start port switch 212, and the game ball that has entered the second grand prize port 128 is the second big prize port switch. 215B. The game ball detected by the second big prize opening switch 215B may also be detected by the specific area switch 215C (see (b) of FIG. 2-2).
In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted in (b) of FIG. 31, the behavior of a game ball like the arrows 173b-173e shown by (a) of the figure is also considered.

In the present embodiment, the right movable body 170 adopts a configuration that moves linearly, but an example of adopting another movement mode, for example, a configuration that rotates, is also conceivable.
In addition to the configuration example that enters the ball passage 171a from the upstream end of the cylindrical member 171 depending on the behavior of the game ball, a movable valve (not shown) that affects the entrance of the game ball is provided at the upstream end of the cylindrical member 171. A configuration example is conceivable. The movable valve (not shown) moves at a constant cycle when the main power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, and repeats a posture that makes it easy to enter the ball passage 171a and a posture that makes it difficult to enter.

[Description of playability in this embodiment]
Here, game play in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the first start port 121 is positioned at the lower side of the image display unit 114 in a substantially central portion in front view (see FIG. 1), and the game balls that are left-handed mainly are the first. It is configured to be able to enter the starting port 121. The second starting port 122 and the like enter the second starting port 122, the gate 124, and the first grand prize winning port 125 as the right-handed gaming ball, and the second starting port 122 and the like are on the right side in the front view of the gaming area 111. Is located on the right side of the right region 111R, that is, on the right side of the image display unit 114 (see FIG. 1). The second starting port 122, the gate 124, and the first big winning port 125 are arranged so that it is difficult for a left-handed game ball to enter.
Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, a big hit random number is set so that there is a small win in the winning of the second starting port 122, although a small win is not won in the case of winning the first starting port 121, In addition, the second start port 122 wins almost a small hit (see FIG. 17A). Then, when winning a small hit, the big winning holes 125 and 128 perform a round which is an opening time that is difficult to enter many balls although it is possible to enter at the time of opening. The number of game balls that enter the first big prize opening 125 in the small hit game (the number of balls entered in the small hit) is about one, and the percentage of the number of the balls entered is often one, sometimes 0 It is a round that becomes two or two. For this reason, when hitting right, it is possible to increase the number of prize balls by winning a small hit.
In the case of winning the first starting port 121 and in the case of winning the second starting port 122, although there is a difference in the small hit, the probability of the big win is the same (see FIG. 17A).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the gaming state after the big hit has three gaming states, that is, a non-short-time state with a high probability state, a short gaming state with a low probability state, and a short gaming state with a low probability state. . In addition to providing a non-short-time state with a high probability state, an example with only one of a low-probability short-time gaming state and a low-probability time-short non-game state can be considered.

[How to play in this embodiment]
Next, a game method in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining how to play the game. The game is divided into a game in the left area 111L (see FIG. 1) and a game in the right area 111R (see the same figure) in the game area 111.
In the example shown in FIG. 32, a special ball is determined by firing a game ball toward the left region 111L and entering the first start port 121 (S3201). It is assumed that the winning jackpot is won (S3202). Note that the jackpot due to entering the first start port 121 is not short in time (see No in S1502c).

Here, although it is the content mentioned above, it demonstrates anew for confirmation. When the jackpot symbol is the special symbol A or the special symbol B (see FIG. 17B), the second big prize opening 128 (see, for example, FIG. 2-1) including the specific area switch 215C is not released in the jackpot game. After the jackpot game, it becomes a low probability game state (non-short time).
When the jackpot symbol is a special symbol C1, C2, D1, D2 (see FIG. 17B), the second jackpot 128 (see, for example, FIG. 2-1) is opened during the jackpot game. It is. For this reason, when the specific area switch 215C detects a game ball when the second grand prize opening 128 is opened, the game will shift to a high-probability gaming state (non-short time) after a big win (see S1502b, Yes), and the specific area If the switch 215C is not detected, it shifts to a low-probability gaming state (non-short time) after a big hit (see No in S1502b).

  When the jackpot (non-time saving) by winning the first start port 121 is confirmed, the jackpot game is started. That is, the operation of the opening / closing door 127 (see FIG. 1) of the first big prize opening 125 by the first big prize opening opening / closing part 216A (see FIG. 3) or the second big prize opening opening / closing part 216B (see FIG. 3). The operation of the open / close door 129 of the second prize winning opening 128 is performed (S3203).

The operation condition of the right movable body operating unit 226 (see FIG. 3) is satisfied by the operation of the special winning openings 125 and 128. For this reason, the right movable body actuating unit 226 is activated, and the right movable body 170 moves from the origin position (see FIG. 31A) to the moving end position (see FIG. 31B) (S3204). Thereby, the game ball guided through the ball passage 171a of the cylindrical member 171 passes through the gate 124R without being blocked by the right movable body 170 (see FIG. 31B) (S3205).
When such a passage through the gate 124R is performed, the upper limit is held during the jackpot game, and after the jackpot game, a normal symbol lottery is performed in response to such a hold, and the gate 124R after the jackpot game is passed The normal symbol lottery is performed corresponding to.
In addition, an example is considered in which the normal symbol lottery variation time is shortened, for example, until the variation of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times after the jackpot game corresponding to the jackpot by winning the first starting port 121 is completed.

  When the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 123 is operated (S3206) and enters the second start port 122 (S3207), and the special symbol determination is performed. If the result of the special symbol determination by winning the second start opening 122 is a big win or a small win (S3208), the big win game is started and the open / close doors 127, 129 of the big winning openings 125, 128 are opened / closed (S3209). .

In addition, as described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the number of prize balls by winning a small hit. Therefore, it is possible to acquire more prize balls by repeating the small hits by winning the second starting port 122. And by winning the big win, it becomes possible to win more prize balls in a shorter time than in the case of the small win.
If the number of changes in the special symbol after the jackpot game ends reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), and a high-probability game state is reached, a prize ball is acquired with many small hits and before the predetermined number of times is reached. It is possible to win a prize ball even if the winner is won. As such a big hit timing, it is advantageous for a player that the number of times the special symbol fluctuates is close to a predetermined number.

In this way, at the beginning of the game, the player is left-handed to aim for the big hit of the first start port 121 winning, and then the player is notified to make a right hit when the first start port 121 wins a big hit (non-short time). Such notification will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a notification example in the case where a big win is won by winning the first start opening 121.
The notification example shown in the figure is displayed on the image display unit 114 when the jackpot is confirmed as a result of the special symbol determination. That is, on the screen of the image display unit 114, a jackpot notification image 14 for notifying the result of the special symbol determination of “big hit” and right-handed notification images 12 and 13 for notifying that the scene is right-handed are displayed. Has been.
Such right-handed notification images 12 and 13 are used for notifying the player to shoot (right-hand) a game ball to the right region 111R of the game region 111. Specifically, the right-handed notification image 12 shows the operation method of “Please turn the handle to the right !!” and is located below the jackpot notification image 14. The right-handed notification image 13 includes a character “right-handed” and a right-pointing arrow graphic, and is located above the jackpot notification image 14.
When the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a right-handed button (not shown) provided on the handle 151 (see FIG. 1), the right-handed notification image 12 is, for example, “ "Please press".

[Significance of right-handed playability with non-temporal jackpot]
Some conventional models advance a game by changing from left-handed hitting to right-handed hitting in the case of a big hit in a short time after a big hit game. That is, an area where a normal symbol lottery is performed when passing through a game area to be hit to the right, a normal electric accessory that is released when the normal symbol lottery is won, and a start port where a special symbol determination is performed when a normal electric accessory is brought in There is a right-handed model in which a special winning opening that opens and closes when the result of the special symbol determination is predetermined is provided. In such a model, the game ball is advanced by hitting the game ball to the right in the case of a big hit with a short time.
However, even in the non-time-short state, it is possible to increase the game width by providing the right-handed gameability.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the probability that the result of the special symbol determination performed in response to winning of the start opening (second start opening 122) that can be entered in the case of a right-handed hit will not be a small hit. Game control that is higher than the probability is performed, and the game is given to make a right hit when it is not a big hit that becomes a short time state.

[Significance of having the right movable body 170 that moves by operating the special electric accessory]
Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to operate the electric tulip 123 and the big winning openings 125 and 128 by passing the game ball to the gate 124R (see FIG. 1) by right-handing. In addition, such a right-handed hit is assumed after a big hit by winning the first starting port 121.
However, if the gate 124R is passed by making a right hit at a stage where it is not a big hit due to winning the first starting port 121, the electric tulip 123 operates in the normal symbol lottery and wins the second starting port 122. Can be made, and can be a small win or a big win by winning the second start port 122. It is necessary to prevent the progress of the game when the player hits the right without passing the jackpot due to winning the first starting port 121.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the right movable body 170 that affects the passage of the gate 124R depending on the presence or absence of the operation of the special electric accessory is provided in order to cope with the right strike without the big hit due to the first start opening 121 winning. That is, in the case of a right hit that does not pass a big hit due to winning of the first starting port 121, the big winning ports 125 and 128 do not operate, and the right movable body 170 prevents the game ball from passing through the gate 124R. On the other hand, in the case of a right-handed hit through a big hit by winning the first starting port 121, since the winning ports 125 and 128 are operating, the right movable body 170 causes the game ball to pass through the gate 124R. Moving.

More specifically, as described above, in the present embodiment, if there is a winning of the other during the special symbol variation due to the winning of either the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, the special by the other winning Game control that symbol variation is started is performed (see FIG. 8). In such game control, for example, when the first special symbol variation accompanying the first start port 121 winning is started during the second special symbol variation accompanying the second starting port 122 winning, the first special symbol variation becomes the second special symbol variation. Prior to the symbol variation, the first special symbol variation stops first. In addition, when the first special symbol variation and the second special symbol variation are performed at the same time, if the special 1 special symbol is a big hit, the second special symbol is replaced with a lost symbol or the second special symbol variation Stop it.
For this reason, when there is a change in the first start port 121 when the right movable body 170 remains at the origin position and the second start port 122 wins a symbol change, the symbol change due to the first start port 121 wins. Since priority is given, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game when the player hits the right without hitting the jackpot due to winning the first start port 121.

  Further, as described above, when a game ball is won at the second start port 122 and the gaming state is a low probability gaming state, an extremely long variation time of, for example, 5 minutes can be set. Even with this setting, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game when the player hits the right without passing the jackpot due to winning the first starting port 121.

In the present embodiment, the design variation is such that the symbol variation due to the game balls entering the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 is independently performed. The special symbol determination is performed in the order in which the game balls enter the second starting port 122 and the result of the special symbol determination acquired by entering the game balls into the first starting port 121 is preferentially digested. It is conceivable to adopt specifications.
Although illustration is omitted, it is conceivable to adopt a modification in which the gate 124R is provided in the first grand prize winning opening 125. That is, the game ball cannot be passed through the gate 124R unless the game ball is inserted into the first grand prize opening 125. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game when the player hits the right without hitting the jackpot by winning the first starting port 121.

Here, when the right winning hole 125, 128 as the special electric accessory is not operated, the game is played even though the right movable body 170 is at the origin position (see FIG. 31A). It is also assumed that the special winning openings 125 and 128 are activated by passing the ball through the gate 124R. When such a situation occurs, a winning ball is acquired by entering the winning prize openings 125 and 128, or a high probability gaming state is entered by passing through a specific area of the second winning prize opening 128. Measures to avoid the situation are necessary.
Hereinafter, as such measures, the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

[First Embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 34 is a time chart illustrating game control by the special winning opening operation control unit 237 (see FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment.
Here, the big winning holes 125 and 128 are activated by the operation of the condition device when the result of the special symbol determination is the big hit or the small hit, and the big hit game is performed in this way. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, when a predetermined opening time Top elapses after the operation of the condition device, the first big prize opening 125 or the second big prize opening 128 is activated, and the opening / closing door 127 or the opening / closing door is operated. 129 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (opening operation pattern). Note that the opening time Top refers to the time from when the special symbol is established until the first big prize opening 125 or the second big prize opening 128 is opened.

The opening operation pattern here will be described in more detail. For example, when the jackpot symbol is 4R (see FIG. 17B), the second jackpot 128 is operated four times in the jackpot game. In this case, the special winning opening operation unit 237 (see FIG. 4) first performs an opening operation during the opening time Top, sets the first open state at the second large winning opening 128, and sets the opening time Tk ( After the first round), the second grand prize opening 128 is closed. Subsequently, after the elapse of the interval time Tint, which is the time between rounds, the special prize opening operation control unit 237 sets the second open state at the second big prize opening 128, and the opening time Tk (second round) Later, the second grand prize opening 128 is closed. Thereafter, when such interval time Tint and opening time Tk (the third round and the fourth round) elapse, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 performs the ending operation only during the ending time, and the second large The operation control of the winning opening 128 ends.
Note that, in this opening operation pattern, the case where the opening time of the opening / closing door 129 is the same for all rounds and the interval time is the same has been described. However, all or part of the rounds may have different opening times or intervals. It is also conceivable to set this time.

In accordance with the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing door 129 of the second grand prize winning opening 128, the flow path switching unit 216C (see FIG. 3) is activated, and the distribution destination of the game balls by the switching lid 141 (see FIG. 2-1) is changed. Be changed. More specifically, as described above, a game ball that has entered the second big prize opening 128 through the opened door 129 and passed through the second big prize opening switch 215B is changed by the switching lid 141 into two paths: That is, a path where the specific area switch 215C is disposed (second flow path state shown in FIG. 2-2 (b)) and a path where the specific area switch 215C is not disposed (first flow path state shown in FIG. 2 (a)). Proceed to one of the following.
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the flow path switching unit 216C (see FIG. 3) operates during the first round of the second big prize opening 128. The flow path switching unit 216C does not operate after the second round. That is, when the open / close door 129 of the second grand prize winning opening 128 opens the first round, the switching lid 141 is changed from the first flow path state (see FIG. 2-2 (a)) to the second flow path state (same as above). Change to FIG. In other words, when the opening time Top of the second grand prize opening 128 ends, the flow path switching unit 216C (see FIG. 3) is activated, and the game ball distribution destination is changed.
The second flow path state time Tv in which the second flow path state (see FIG. 2-2 (b)) is maintained at the second grand prize winning opening 128 is 3000 ms (3 seconds), and the open / close door 129 ( It is shorter than the opening time Tk of the first round). An example in which the second flow path state time Tv is the same as the open time Tk is also conceivable.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, in the first embodiment, the opening time depends on whether the gaming state when the special symbol determination is performed is a low probability gaming state or a high probability gaming state. Game control to change Top is performed. That is, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 (see FIG. 4) shortens the opening time Top in the case of the low probability gaming state and lengthens the opening time Top in the case of the high probability gaming state. In the first embodiment, the opening time Top is 4 ms (4 milliseconds) in the low probability gaming state and 10,000 ms (10 seconds) in the high probability gaming state. That is, in the low probability gaming state, the second big prize opening 128 starts to open earlier than in the high probability gaming state, and therefore closes earlier.
Such a change in the opening time Top at the second grand prize opening 128 can also be applied to the opening time at the first big prize opening 125.

  Thus, in the first embodiment, the timing of changing to the second flow path state (see FIG. 2-2 (b)) at the second grand prize winning opening 128 is the first opening in the opening operation of the open / close door 129. It is time. And when the game state at the time of special symbol determination is a low probability game state, the opening time Top in the 2nd big winning opening 128 is made shorter than the case of a high probability game state.

[Technical significance of the first embodiment]
Such game control is performed when a right hit is made without passing a big hit or a small hit by the first starting port 121 winning, and a high probability game is detected by detecting a game ball of the specific area switch 215C of the second big winning port 128. This is to prevent the transition to the state. That is, since the right movable body 170 is at the origin position when the special winning openings 125 and 128 are not operated (see FIG. 31A), the right-handed game ball is operated by the right movable body 170. Therefore, the possibility of passing through the gate 124R is low. However, even when the right movable body 170 is at the origin position, a situation in which it passes through the gate 124R may occur. When such a situation occurs, the electric tulip 123 opens in the normal symbol lottery. As a result, it is assumed that the special symbol determination by winning the second start opening 122 will win a big win or a small win, and if the big win 125 or 128 is activated due to a big win or a small win, the winning winning 125 or 128 will be entered. The winning ball can be acquired by entering. Also, in the case of a big win, passing through a specific area of the second big winning opening 128 will result in a high probability gaming state after the big win. Such acquisition of prize balls and transition to a high-probability gaming state deviate from the original game and need countermeasures.

Therefore, as a countermeasure, in the first embodiment, game control is adopted in which the opening time Top at the special winning openings 125 and 128 is set according to the game state at the time of special symbol determination. That is, in the low probability gaming state, the opening time Top is shortened to 4 milliseconds, and in the high probability gaming state, the opening time Top is lengthened to 10 seconds.
As a result, a player (specific player) who has made a right strike with the right movable body 170 at the origin position (see FIG. 31A) can fire a game ball during a special symbol change due to winning of the second starting port 122. When the game is stopped and the end of the change is waited, even if the game ball is restarted upon receiving a notification that it is a big hit or a small hit, the game ball flows down the right region 111R and An opening time Top of 4 milliseconds elapses until the position is reached. Therefore, when the game ball flowing down the right region 111R reaches the position of the big prize opening 125, 128, the first round has already started, or if the first round opening time Tk is short, the first round It has ended.
In the case of small hits, when the winning action 125, 128 is released once, the number of balls entering the winning prize openings 125, 128 will be zero or very small. It is possible to suppress or prevent the number of prize balls that can be obtained.

In addition, in the second grand prize winning opening 128 having a specific area, in addition to the above-described change game control of the opening time Top, the first flow path state in which a game ball cannot pass through the specific area (FIG. 2-2 (a)) The timing at which the game ball changes to the second flow path state (see FIG. 5B) that allows the game ball to pass through the specific area is a predetermined one. That is, switching of the switching lid 141 is performed in the first round among a plurality of rounds, and the switching timing is set to 3 seconds from the start of the first round.
For this reason, in the case of the low probability gaming state, the switching lid 141 returns to the first flow path state (see FIG. 2-2 (a)) in 3004 milliseconds after the condition device is activated. It becomes difficult to pass through a specific area of the winning opening 128. In the case of a high-probability gaming state, since it is 13 seconds, it is easy to pass through a specific area of the second big prize opening 128.
In addition, since the timing which enables the 2nd big prize opening 128 to pass through the specific area is performed only in the first round, for example, not the final round, depending on the situation, the specific area of the second big prize opening 128 is allowed to pass. Is expected to be difficult. In other words, even a player (non-specific player) who hit the right with the right movable body 170 at the moving end position (see FIG. 31 (b)) can pass through the specific area of the second big prize opening 128. There could be a situation that did not happen. In order to prevent such a situation, a notification example that prompts the image display unit 114 to call attention in advance can be considered.

  More specifically, in addition to the above-described contrivance of the opening operation pattern, when the game ball is won at the second start port 122 and the gaming state is a low-probability gaming state, it has a different variation pattern for each random number value acquired. This makes it possible to reduce the willingness of a specific player to continue to make a right strike. In other words, it has a total of 256 variation times, and the shortest variation time is extremely short, 1.2 seconds, and the longest variation time is 5 minutes 7.2 seconds (long variation). Even if the player temporarily stops playing the game ball while the symbol is changing and waits for the end of the change to restart the game ball, the player can get a prize ball or get a high probability game state. It becomes possible to have the recognition that it is difficult to move to. In addition, even for a specific player who keeps making a right strike without stopping, the game ball to be launched during the pattern change will be an out ball. Since the game will only increase, it is possible to expect a decrease in motivation of the specific player.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the opening time Top is changed to the gaming state when the above-described special symbol determination is performed (when the special symbol is determined), but when the special symbol variation is performed (special symbol). It can be said that it is a gaming state at the time of start of fluctuation. In addition, it is conceivable that the opening time Top is changed to a gaming state when the detection by the start opening switch is performed (at the start opening winning), not at the time of the special symbol determination or the start of the special symbol fluctuation.
Further, in the first embodiment, game control is adopted in which the opening time Top is changed in accordance with the gaming state. Further, in the case of a big win by winning the first starting port 121 and a big hit by winning the second starting port 122 Even in this case, a modification in which the opening time Top is changed can be considered. For example, the opening time Top is shortened in the case of winning the first starting port 121, and the opening time Top is lengthened in the case of winning the second starting port 122.
Further, in order to increase the time required for the game ball launched toward the right region 111R to reach the second grand prize opening 128, for example, a modification in which a cron that is a sorting device is arranged in the right region 111R is also conceivable. .

Further, in the case of the above-described modified example in which the gate 124R is a round start gate, if the game ball passes the gate 124R after the operation of the condition device starts, the operation of the accessory continuous operation device starts. The winning opening operation control unit 237 operates the first large winning opening 125 or the second large winning opening 128.
In other words, an example in which the passage of the gate 124R as an operating condition of the winning prize openings 125 and 128 is limited to a probable jackpot (see Yes in S1502a) can be considered. In such an example, if it is not a probable changeable jackpot (see No in S1502a), the jackpots 125 and 128 are operated without waiting for the passage of the gate 124R, while in the case of a probable changeable jackpot (in S1502a) Wait for the passage of the gate 124R to activate the special winning openings 125 and 128.
In such a case, the description of FIG. 34 described above is replaced with “operation of the accessory continuous operation device” instead of “operation of the condition device”.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described using FIG. 35 and FIG. Since the second embodiment has the same configuration / function as the first embodiment, the description and illustration of the common configuration / function may be omitted. Various modifications described above for the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment. Also, a part of the configuration or control of the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment, and the part of the configuration or control of the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment. It is also possible to apply to the embodiment.

First, the game control of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 35 is a time chart illustrating game control by the special winning opening operation control unit 237 (see FIG. 4) according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 35, the condition device shown in FIG. 34 is not shown.
Referring to FIG. 35, in the first round at the second big prize opening 128 having the specific area, the detection by the second big prize opening switch 215B (see FIG. 3) is performed ten times, and the first round is completed. Yes.
This will be described. The open / close doors 127 and 129 of the special prize openings 125 and 128 controlled by the special prize opening operation control unit 237 are closed when a predetermined time has elapsed or when a predetermined number of prizes have been received. In other words, if there is a predetermined number of winnings before the predetermined time elapses, the round ends.
In the second embodiment, 10 winnings is the upper limit, and the maximum number of detections per round at the second big winning opening switch 215B is set to 10 times. When the second big prize opening switch 215B detects the tenth game ball within a predetermined time, the open / close door 129 is immediately closed, and the round ends.

In the second embodiment, unlike the case of the first embodiment, the flow path switching unit 216C (see FIG. 3) operates in the round after the first round, and the switching lid 141 (see FIG. 2-1). The game ball distribution destination by is changed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, the flow path switching unit 216C (see FIG. 3) operates during the second round at the second big prize opening 128 and does not operate during the first round. .
More specifically, the switching lid 141 is changed from the first flow path state (see FIG. 2-2 (a)) to the second flow path state (see FIG. 2 (b)) at the start of the second round. is there. In other words, when the interval time Tint between the first round and the second round ends, the flow path switching unit 216C (see FIG. 3) operates, and the game ball distribution destination is changed.

Here, as shown in FIG. 35, in the second embodiment, the interval time Tint of the second big prize opening 128 having a specific area is the gaming state when the special symbol determination is performed in the low probability gaming state. Game control is performed to change between a certain case and a high probability gaming state. That is, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 (see FIG. 4) lengthens the interval time Tint in the low probability gaming state and shortens the interval time Tint in the high probability gaming state. In the second embodiment, the interval time Tint is set to 10000 ms (10 seconds) in the low probability gaming state and 2000 ms (2 seconds) in the high probability gaming state.
Note that such game control of the interval time Tint is for the second big prize opening 128 having a specific area, and although the technical significance applied to the first big prize opening 125 without the specific area is low, It is possible to apply.

  In addition, in this respect, the second embodiment in which the interval time Tint is changed in accordance with the gaming state is different from the first embodiment in which the opening time Top is changed in accordance with the gaming state. In the second embodiment, the interval time Tint is lengthened in the low probability gaming state and shortened in the high probability gaming state, and the opening time Top is shortened in the low probability gaming state and lengthened in the high probability gaming state. This is different from the first embodiment.

[Technical significance of the second embodiment]
The game control is performed in the second embodiment in order to prevent a game by a specific player from shifting to a high-probability gaming state as in the case of the first embodiment. That is, when the player hits the right without passing the big hit or the small hit by winning the first starting port 121, the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 215C of the second big winning port 128, so that the high probability gaming state is entered. To prevent.
More specifically, the second embodiment is aimed at measures against high probability gaming state transition in the case of jackpot, and has a low technical significance as a measure for winning a prize ball in jackpot. Note that, by increasing the interval time in the low-probability gaming state, it is possible to expect an effect of increasing the number of out balls and reducing the willingness to continue the game by non-specific players.

  In order to prevent such a non-specific player from shifting to a high probability gaming state, in the second embodiment, the interval time Tint at the second big prize opening 128 is set according to the gaming state at the time of the special symbol determination. Adopt game control. That is, in the case of a low probability gaming state, the interval time Tint is increased to 10 seconds, and in the case of a high probability gaming state, the interval time Tint is shortened to 2 seconds.

The significance of game control for the interval time Tint in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining the state of the switching lid 141 that is controlled to be switched by the flow path switching unit 216C, and schematically shows the inside of the second big prize winning opening 128. (A) of the same figure shows the inside of the 2nd big winning opening 128 at the time ta shown in FIG. 36, (b-1) and (b-2) show the inside of the second big prize opening 128 at a time tb when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time ta in FIG. ) Indicates a low probability gaming state, and (b-2) indicates a high probability gaming state.
Referring to (a) of FIG. 36, the game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 128 has passed the second big prize opening switch 215B. With this game ball, the tenth entry detection is performed in the first round. Accordingly, the open / close door 129 of the second grand prize winning opening 128 is closed and the first round is completed.
At the time point ta, the game ball in which the switching lid 141 has passed through the flow path 140 is in a first flow path state in which the game ball is directed toward the path 143.

Here, as shown in FIG. 36A, it is assumed that the flow-down time Tr until the game ball that has passed through the second big prize opening switch 215B reaches the position of the switching lid 141 is 5 seconds. In the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a predetermined time is required until the game ball that has passed through the second grand prize opening switch 215B travels toward the path 142 or the path 143. That is, the game ball that has passed through the second big prize opening switch 215B flows down to the position of the switching lid 141 after 5 seconds.
In the low-probability gaming state, the interval time Tint is 10 seconds, so at the time tb when 4 seconds have elapsed from the time ta, the interval is still between the first round and the second round, and the second round starts. It has not been. Therefore, at the time point tb shown in (b-1) of FIG. 36, the flow path switching unit 216C is not yet operated, and the game ball that has passed through the flow path 140 cannot go to the path 142 (first Flow path state). For this reason, the game ball in the flow path 140 goes to the path 143 and is discharged from the second grand prize winning port 128 as an out ball.
In other words, when the flow path switching unit 216C is activated and the switching lid 141 is in the second flow path state, the game ball detected by the second big prize opening switch 215B in the first round is It has already been discharged from the second grand prize opening 128. In this way, it is possible to prevent the transition to the high probability gaming state by a game by a specific player.

On the other hand, in the case of the high probability gaming state, the interval time Tint is as short as 2 seconds, and therefore the second round is started at the time tb when 4 seconds have elapsed from the time ta. Therefore, as shown in (b-2) of FIG. 36, the flow path switching unit 216C operates, and the game ball that has passed through the flow path 140 goes to the path 142 instead of the path 143 (second flow path state). . For this reason, the game ball of the flow path 140 can go to the path 142 and pass through the specific area switch 215C.
As described above, the game ball detected last by the second big prize opening switch 215B in the first round is detected by the specific area switch 215C in the second round. Thereby, it is possible to easily execute the passing through the specific area switch 215C during the jackpot game.

  In the second embodiment, game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening 128 in rounds other than the final round are placed in a specific area of the second big prize opening 128 in the next round in the case of a high probability gaming state. It is allowed to pass, and in the case of a low probability gaming state, it is not allowed to pass.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
Note that the round in which the flow path switching unit 216C (see FIG. 3) operates is not limited to the second round, and may be a round after the second round. Further, the number of rounds in which the flow path switching unit 216C (see FIG. 3) operates is not limited to one, and a plurality of rounds after the first round may be considered.
Further, the path until the game ball that has passed through the second grand prize opening switch 215B reaches the position of the switching lid 141 is not limited to the linear inclined surface shown in FIG. 36, for example, as a spiral path An example of securing the flow-down time Tr can be considered.

[Description of technical features in the above-described embodiment, etc.]
By adopting the configuration and control in the present embodiment, the first embodiment, and the second embodiment as described above, various technical features are provided. Each of such technical features can solve the problem of providing a gaming machine capable of realizing a gameability different from the conventional one.

That is, the gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100) according to the present embodiment is
A first variable winning device (for example, the second start port switch 212 and the electric tulip 123) that is easy to win by opening in a predetermined case;
A second variable winning device (for example, a first grand prize opening 125, a second big prize opening 128) for performing a predetermined game that facilitates winning by an opening operation;
The second variable winning device (for example, the first large winning port 125, the second large winning port 128) corresponding to the winning in the first variable winning device (for example, the second start port switch 212 and the electric tulip 123). The determination means (for example, a special symbol determination unit) determines whether or not to perform the predetermined game according to the above and the probability that the predetermined game will be performed in the determination is higher than the probability that the predetermined game will not be performed. 234),
It is characterized by providing.
In addition, the gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) according to the present embodiment is
When a game ball passes through a predetermined area (for example, the gate 124) provided in the game area (for example, the game area 111), a variable winning device (for example, the first prize winning device) that is opened when the predetermined condition is satisfied to facilitate winning. The grand prize opening 125, the second big prize opening 128 or the second start opening switch 212 and the electric tulip 123),
In the determination, it is determined whether or not to perform the opening operation of the variable winning device (for example, the first grand prize opening 125, the second big prize opening 128, or the second start opening switch 212 and the electric tulip 123). The determination means (for example, special symbol determination unit 234), which has a higher probability of performing the opening operation than the probability of not performing the opening operation,
When the determination result by the determination unit (for example, the special symbol determination unit 234) is that the opening operation is performed, a notification unit (for example, for informing the player to launch a game ball toward the predetermined region (for example, the gate 124)) An image display unit 114);
It is characterized by providing.

In addition, the gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) according to the present embodiment is
When a game ball passes through a predetermined area (for example, the gate 124) provided in the game area (for example, the game area 111), a variable winning device (for example, the first prize winning device) that opens when the predetermined condition is satisfied and facilitates winning. The grand prize opening 125, the second big prize opening 128 or the second start opening switch 212 and the electric tulip 123),
In the determination, it is determined whether or not to perform the opening operation of the variable winning device (for example, the first grand prize opening 125, the second big prize opening 128, or the second start opening switch 212 and the electric tulip 123). The determination means (for example, special symbol determination unit 234), which has a higher probability of performing the opening operation than the probability of not performing the opening operation,
When the determination result by the determination means (for example, the special symbol determination unit 234) is to perform the opening operation, the game ball is easily made from a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass through the predetermined area (for example, the gate 124). A movable body that switches to a state (for example, the right movable body 170 in FIG. 1);
It is characterized by providing.

In addition, the gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) according to the present embodiment is
A variable winning device (for example, the second start port switch 212 and the electric tulip 123) that facilitates winning when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
When a game ball is detected, the gaming state is set to a predetermined gaming state that is different from the normal gaming state. Grand prize opening 128),
Time from the determination of the symbol corresponding to the winning of the variable winning device (for example, the second start port switch 212 and the electric tulip 123) to the start of the opening operation of the accessory (for example, the second large winning port 128) (for example, A changing means for changing the opening time (Top) according to the gaming state (for example, the big winning opening operation control unit 237)
It is characterized by providing.

In addition, the gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) according to the present embodiment is
A variable winning device (for example, the second large winning opening 128) that makes it easy to win by opening operation;
When a game ball passes through a predetermined area (for example, the specific area switch 215C in FIG. 2-2) provided in the variable winning device (for example, the second grand prize opening 128), the gaming state is different from the normal gaming state. Setting means (for example, CPU 201) for setting the game state to be in a predetermined state;
When the opening operation is performed a plurality of times by the variable winning device (for example, the second grand prize opening 128), at least the time (for example, the interval time Tint) between the opening operation and the next opening operation is set to the gaming state. Change means (for example, CPU 201) to change in response,
It is characterized by providing.

In the present embodiment, in the main control process of the game control unit 200, the operation of finally outputting the commands generated in each process of the main control process to the effect control unit 300 has been described (FIG. 5-3). reference).
In the present embodiment, in the basic process that is initially executed by the game control unit 200 when the power is restored, the main control process is performed in order to output a command or the like for instructing the initialization to the effect control unit 300. The function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240 used in the above is called and executed (see FIG. 5A).
In this embodiment, the command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is composed of a “code unit” and a “data unit”, and an identification flag is provided for each head bit. This has been described (see FIG. 19-1).
Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a part of a “code part” of a command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 is used to describe a data value.

[Technical features of the present embodiment]
As described above, in this embodiment, in the main control process repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals by the game control unit 200 in order to reduce the increase in the control command for controlling the operation of the game control means, one cycle At the end of the main control process, the commands generated by the execution of the one cycle are collected and output to the effect control unit 300. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect according to the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and performs a main control process that is a series of processes related to the progress of the game. A game control means (for example, a game control unit 200) that repeatedly executes according to conditions and generates data including information on a game obtained by executing the main control process, and executes a series of the main control processes in one cycle Output means (for example, the output control unit 240) for outputting the data generated by the execution of the one cycle after the last data is generated in the execution of the one cycle, and the output means (For example, an effect control unit 300) that receives data output from the output control unit 240 and performs an effect based on the received data. Equipped with a.
In this way, since it is not necessary to perform output processing for each generated data, control instructions for performing output processing can be reduced, and an increase in program size can be suppressed. In addition, since it is not necessary to perform output processing every time data is generated, the time required for the entire output processing can be shortened.
More specifically, in the above gaming machine, storage means (for example, RAM 203) for storing the data generated by the main control processing in a storage area (for example, command storage area) set for each data is provided. The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) further stores the data generated in the main control process in the storage area (for example, command storage area) associated with the generated data, The output means (for example, the output control unit 240) checks whether data is stored in each storage area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 203), and obtains data from the storage area where the data is stored. Read and output.
In this way, each time the output process is performed, each storage area is checked and the stored data is output, so that leakage of data output can be prevented.

Another game machine that achieves the above object is a game machine (for example, pachinko game machine 100) that produces an effect according to the progress of the game, and is a series of processes related to the progress of the game. Is repeatedly executed according to a predetermined condition, and a game control means (for example, a game control unit 200) for executing a special process different from the main control process according to a condition different from the main control process, and the game control means ( For example, it includes an effect control unit (for example, an effect control unit 300) that receives data output from the game control unit 200) and performs a process related to the effect based on the data, and the game control unit in the main control process The process (for example, the game control unit 200) performs a process based on the progress of the game and generates data including information obtained by executing the process 1 Or the part which calls and executes a plurality of first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200) and the data generated by the execution of the first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200) are the effect control. A second processing means (for example, the output control section 240) that outputs to the means (for example, the effect control section 300), and executes the game control means (for example, the game control section) in the special processing. 200) includes a part for executing a setting process for setting a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and data generated in the setting process as the second processing means in the main control process ( For example, the output control unit 240) can be called and output to the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300).
In this way, there is no need to prepare individual control instructions for the output processing of data generated by special processing, so control instructions for output processing are reduced and the increase in program size is suppressed. can do.
More specifically, the above gaming machine further comprises storage means (for example, a RAM 203) for storing the data generated in the main control process in a storage area set for each data, and the main control process The first processing means (for example, the game control unit 200) in the table sequentially stores the data generated by executing the process in the storage area (for example, command storage area) associated with the generated data, The second processing means (for example, the output control unit 240) in the main control process checks whether data is stored in each storage area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 203), and stores the data. The data is read out from the storage area that is being output and output, and in the setting process in the special process, the data generated in the setting process is憶 means (e.g., RAM 203) is stored in a predetermined said memory area in.
In this way, each time the output process is performed, each storage area is checked and the stored data is output, so that leakage of data output can be prevented.

Also, in this embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of data transmission from the game control means to the effect control means, a predetermined bit of “code” as the first data portion and “data” as the second data portion A predetermined bit of “is used as a flag for identifying“ code ”and“ data ”. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and executes a main control process related to the progress of the game, and the main control process The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information relating to the game obtained by executing the game, and the data output from the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) And an effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) that performs processing related to the effect based on the received data, and the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) includes: a A first data portion (for example, “code”) having a size of bits (a is an integer of 2 or more) and the value of the first 1 bit specified as either 1 or 0, and n × a The first 1-bit value is specified to be different from the first 1-bit value of the first data portion (for example, “code”). 2 data portions (for example, “data”).
In this way, since the first data portion and the second data portion can be clearly distinguished by recognizing the value of the leading 1 bit, data transmission from the game control means to the effect control means Accuracy can be improved.
More preferably, in the gaming machine, the second data portion (for example, “data”) of the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) is a bit from the beginning. Is set to the same value as the value of the first one bit.
In this way, even when the size of the second data portion is large, it is easy to identify each of the second data portions by dividing each specific size.

In the present embodiment, the data sent from the game control means to the effect control means even when it is necessary to send large-size data, such as when a command specifying a variation pattern to be executed is sent. In order to suppress an increase in the overall size, a predetermined bit of “code” that is the first data portion is used to describe the data value, and a part of “code” and “data” that is the second data portion In this paper, we proposed a method for describing data values. In other words, a gaming machine that achieves the above-described purpose is a gaming machine that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), and executes a main control process related to the progress of the game, and the main control process The game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information relating to the game obtained by executing the game, and the data output from the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) And an effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) that receives and processes the effect based on the data, and the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) is a bit A first data portion (for example, “code”) having a size of (a is an integer of 3 or more) and the value of the first 1 bit specified as either 1 or 0, and n × a bits n is an integer greater than or equal to 1), and the first 1-bit value is specified to be different from the first 1-bit value of the first data portion (for example, “code”). (For example, “data”), and a predetermined bit constituting the first data part (eg “code”) and a bit constituting the second data part (eg “data”) The data of a predetermined type is recorded, and other types different from the data of the predetermined type are used by using the remaining bits except the predetermined bit in the first data portion (for example, “code”). The data can be recorded.
Another gaming machine according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that produces an effect in accordance with the progress of the game, and executes main control processing relating to the progress of the game. From the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) that generates and outputs data including information related to the game obtained by executing the main control process, and the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) that receives the output data and performs processing related to production based on the data, and is generated by the game control unit (for example, game control unit 200). The data has a size of a bit (a is an integer of 3 or more), and the first data portion (for example, “code”) in which the value of the first 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0, A second data portion (eg, “data”) having a bit size and a value of the leading 1 bit different from a value of the leading 1 bit of the first data portion (eg, “code”) ), And b bits (b is smaller than a-1 and an integer greater than or equal to 1) constituting the first data portion (for example, “code”) and the second data portion (for example, “data”) )) And data having a size of (a + b) bits can be recorded.
With the above configuration, the size of data to be recorded in the second data portion can be increased without changing the total size of the first data portion and the second data portion. When large data is sent from the game control means to the effect control means, an increase in the size of the entire transmitted data can be suppressed.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is an example of a gaming machine. The game control unit 200 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a game control unit. The production control unit 300 (see FIG. 3) is an example of production control means. The output control unit 240 (see FIG. 4) is an example of an output unit. The RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a storage unit. The command storage area is an example of a storage area.

100 ... Pachinko machine (an example of a game machine)
111 ... gaming area (an example of gaming area)
114 ... Image display unit (an example of notification means)
123 ... Electric tulip (an example of a first variable winning device, an example of a variable winning device)
124: Gate (an example of a predetermined area)
125 ... 1st grand prize opening (an example of a second variable winning device, an example of a variable winning device)
128 ... 2nd grand prize opening (an example of a second variable winning device, an example of a variable winning device)
212 ... 2nd start opening switch (an example of the 1st variable winning device, an example of the variable winning device)
234 ... Special symbol determination unit (an example of determination means)

Claims (1)

If a predetermined condition is satisfied, a variable winning device is facilitated prize by opening operation when the game ball in a predetermined region provided in the game area you pass,
Determines whether to perform the opening operation of the variable winning device, and the probability of carrying out the said opening operation in the determination decision with small hit higher than the probability of not to perform the opening operation Means,
Informing means for informing the player to launch a game ball toward the predetermined area when the determination result by the determining means is to perform the opening operation;
A gaming machine comprising:

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