JP6121503B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine that draws a jackpot by winning a game ball.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball wins a prize such as a start opening. Then, when the jackpot is won through the special symbol variation display, the gaming machine is in a jackpot gaming state in which the big winning opening is opened and a lot of prize balls can be obtained. In the gaming machine, various effects such as display on the image display unit, lighting of various lamps, and sound by a speaker are performed in accordance with the game of the game ball by the player. Then, during the special symbol change display (notification of the lottery result), when a game ball further enters the start opening, the random number acquired with this ball as an opportunity is stored in the storage device, and the hold ball is put on hold. . The suspended balls thus held are processed (special symbol variation display) in the order in which they are held.

  Conventionally, various configurations and modes have been proposed as various effects by such a holding ball (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, it is determined whether or not to execute a noticed ball effect storage unit and a reserved ball number storage unit capable of storing the number of stored start ball balls when the winning detection of the game ball by the winning detection unit is performed. In the case of affirmation, it is possible to control the notice means to execute the notice effect according to the number of executions determined by the notice determination means and the notice determination means determined by the notice determination means, based on the number of start pending balls stored. The number of consecutive notice effects to be executed, the number determination means for determining whether or not the number of consecutive times has reached a predetermined number, and the number of continuous notice effects to be determined by the number determination means When it is determined that the number of times has been reached, a gaming machine is disclosed that includes an execution restriction unit that restricts execution of a notice effect by the notice control unit.

JP 2004-283544 A

Here, if the game by the game ball is continued for a long time, it becomes difficult to maintain the player's concentration and the like. Therefore, it is conceivable to use such pre-reading effects in order to maintain the player's concentration and the like. However, it has been difficult to sufficiently maintain the player's concentration and the like in the pre-reading effect on the gaming machine proposed heretofore.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of further enhancing the interest of a game when a player plays a game.

In the gaming machine to which the present invention is applied, when the first detection means 211 detects a winning at the first start port 121, the first lottery means 231 performs a big win lottery and a win at the second start port 122. at the second detection means 212 detects the jackpot lottery performed by the second selecting means 231, the gaming machine 100 for performing variable display of symbols varies before symbol display and the symbol display shows the results of the jackpot lottery The acquisition means for acquiring the reserved ball generation information about the generation of the reserved ball for which the big hit lottery of the first lottery means 231 performed corresponding to the winning detected by the first detection means 211 is held. and 231, forming the jackpot lottery before jackpot lottery is performed by the on win according to the acquired pending sphere generated information by the acquisition unit 231 first selecting means 231 A pre-determining unit 231 for determining the final stage, a determining unit 301 for determining a final effect mode in a specific effect performed over a plurality of variation displays that continue to the variation when the determination by the pre-determining unit 231 is predetermined, the specific effect, includes an execution unit 301 for executing to migrate in the said variations in the effect mode of the ultimate which effect is produced when a plurality of variable display is determined by the determining means 301 changes, the, the execution unit 301, the jackpot lottery result even if out even when the jackpot, the execution of the specific effect as a trigger variable display based on the winning to be detected by the second detection means 212 during execution of the specific effect It was back to the state before execution of the specific effect discontinued and prior to the above specific effect as well as perform the specific effect in the said variation It is characterized in that the shifting to eventual representation embodiment.

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

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when a player plays, it becomes possible to improve the interest property of a game further.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot symbol random number, (c) is a reach random number FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during the end of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting command reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of a game control part. It is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a RAM of an effect control unit. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by a prior determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of operation | movement of an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a prior determination command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an effect execution command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the lighting number increase production command process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the effect control process in an effect control part. It is a figure explaining the specific 1st aspect of lighting number increase production. It is a figure explaining the 2nd concrete mode of lighting number increase production. It is a figure explaining the 3rd concrete mode of lighting number increase production. It is a figure explaining the concrete 4th aspect of lighting number increase production.

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) starts when a game ball wins, and it is normal when a game ball passes. A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is disposed on the game board 110. Here, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 refer to a winning port that triggers the operation of one 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 123 as an ordinary electric accessory that is opened and closed 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, it 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.

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

Further, in the present embodiment, a lottery is performed even if a winning ball 125 is won as a special electric prize that is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery and other prizes related to winning and lottery. An ordinary winning opening 126 that is not present is arranged on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are disposed in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which only one of them is disposed or another start port is disposed. A configuration example is also conceivable. In the present embodiment, one big prize opening 125 is arranged in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which a plurality of big prize openings 125 are arranged is also conceivable.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

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

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. A plate 153 (see FIG. 2) for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

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 various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on a pattern or light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate 159 for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the pachinko gaming machine 100, (a) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110, and (b) is a pachinko game. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Each of the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223 is constituted by an LED display device, and a symbol representing each lottery result 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. Each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is configured by an LED display device, and the number of holds is displayed by its lighting mode.

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

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

The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided. Are disposed on the frame member 150. The production key 162 is configured such that one central key is arranged at the center, and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. The player can select any of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the four peripheral keys, and can select the image by operating the effect button 161. It is possible to input an image as information.
As the form of the input device, various input forms such as a lever, a dial, and the like can be adopted in addition to the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 shown in the drawing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The effect control unit 300 sets the contents of the effect, for example, based on the determination result of whether or not the winning in the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
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 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (Step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This prior determination process may also be omitted in the pachinko gaming machine 100 that does not perform the advance notice based on the prior determination.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number U2 increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and with respect to the winning at the second start port 122 The process ends. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 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 (open / close lottery) is performed in the timeless state, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

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

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300 when a command is received from the game control unit 200.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 18A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

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

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (step 1811 in FIG. 18B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (step 1901). This pending number increase command is set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 in the game control unit 200 (steps 606 and 612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG. Is done. If the command is a command for increasing the number of holds (Yes in step 1901), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) (step 1902), and the number of holds after the addition Is set in the RAM 303 (step 1903).

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (step 1905) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (step 2101). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2102), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (step 2103). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the change start command and the effect mode determined by the mode flag. Then, an effect pattern (fluctuation effect pattern) of the symbol variation by the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (step 2104). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads from the ROM 302 image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern, and sets a change effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. Then, the effect selection process ends (step 2105).

  Although not described in detail, in the symbol variation effect pattern selection process in step 2104, the effect mode, the variation pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in step 1801 in FIG. The production pattern is determined based on the random number. Based on the effect pattern determined here, the decorative symbol variation display, the background effect, and the notice effect are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the special symbol variation display performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In this variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect or the like is executed.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (step 1907) of FIG.
In the process during the end of the change effect, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received change stop command (step 2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) (step 2202). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command is stopped (big hit or small hit). It is determined whether or not (step 2203). If it is any hit (Yes in Step 2203), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 20 according to the type of hit (Step 2204).

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the customer waiting 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 winning effect start command, an ending effect start command, and a customer wait effect command. .

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (step 1812 in FIG. 18B).
In the process during the end of the variation effect, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether an effect button or the like by the player has been operated (step 2601). Here, the operation of the effect button or the like includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key or the surrounding key of the effect key 162 is 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 an effect button or the like is operated (Yes in step 2601), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the effect button or the like in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3), and effects button processing is performed. Is finished (step 2602).

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

[Read ahead]
Hereinafter, reservation prefetching according to the present embodiment will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment performs so-called hold prefetching and a prefetch notification effect for notifying the result of the hold prefetching.
The pre-reading refers to making a determination (preliminary determination) similar to various determinations in the special symbol process when the symbol variation is started, not when the symbol variation starts. That is, when a game ball enters the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 (start port winning), the game control unit 200 acquires various random numbers for performing a big hit determination process or the like (FIG. 6). Steps 604 and 610 of FIG. At this time, if the special symbol change display is performed by the special symbol process associated with another start opening prize, the special symbol process associated with the current start opening prize is not immediately performed but is held (see FIG. 8). . With respect to the held ball, the special symbol processing is performed in the order in which it is held (winning order) every time the special symbol variation display is completed. However, the special symbol process associated with the second start opening prize is processed in preference to the special symbol process associated with the first start opening prize.
On the other hand, separate pre-reading (preliminary determination) for use in pre-reading notification effects is performed immediately without waiting until the start of symbol variation (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6).

[Configuration of RAM of Game Control Unit and Prediction Control Unit for Preserving Pre-Reading]
In order to execute such hold prefetching, 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. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. (A) of the same figure is a block diagram which shows the structure of the storage area 204, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a).

  As shown to (a) of the figure, RAM203 is provided with the storage area 204 as a special symbol holding | maintenance storage area which memorize | stores 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 (b) of the figure, 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 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. In addition, each of the storage units 204a to 204h has an area for storing prior determination information. The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process based on each random number (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6). 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.

  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. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. (A) of FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306 and the lighting number storage area 307, and (b) is a block diagram showing the configuration of each of the storage units shown in (a). is there.
As shown in (a) of FIG. 28, the RAM 303 includes a first reserved storage area 305 and a second reserved storage area 306 as a reserved status storage area for storing a status where the reserved 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.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d includes a hold flag storage area for turning on / off the hold flag and a notification flag for turning on / off the notice flag. And a storage area. 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 identifying the presence / absence of a notification command of a pre-read result to be described later for each reserved ball. That is, for example, when a pre-determination process (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 29 described later) is performed on the above-described three reserved balls and a notification command is set for the third reserved ball, In the notification flag storage area of the three storage unit 305c, the notification flag is turned ON.

  That is, the RAM 203 and the RAM 303 function as a holding ball information storage unit that stores information (holding ball information) including a result of a prior determination regarding the holding ball in the game control unit 200 and the effect control unit 300. In addition, the game control unit 200 is a lottery unit that performs a lottery lottery, and is a preliminary determination unit that performs a preliminary determination process. The effect control unit 300 is an effect control means for performing a prefetch notification effect.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 28 (a), the RAM 303 lights up some of the four drum lamp sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 (see, for example, FIG. 36) arranged on the game board 110. There is provided a lighting number storage area 307 for storing the lighting number which is the number of lighting (0 to 4).
These drum lamp sections 11 to 14 have a drum motif as a motif, and are used for production as a panel lamp 116. Turning on / off the drum lamp units 11 to 14 and controlling the emission color are performed by a lamp control unit 320 (see FIG. 3) in response to a command from the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Here, the pre-determination process (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6) in the case of hold prefetching will be described in detail.
First, a determination method using random numbers in the prior determination process will be described.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a random number used in the prior determination process according to the present embodiment.
(A) of the figure is a configuration example of jackpot random numbers in the pre-determination process, (b) is a configuration example of symbol random numbers in the pre-determination process, and (c) is a configuration example of reach random numbers in the pre-determination process Are shown respectively.

Referring to (a) in the figure, two types of jackpot random numbers are set: a low probability gaming state (normal gaming state) and a high probability gaming state (probability varying gaming state). The range of random number values is 601 from 0 to 600. Furthermore, two types of jackpot random numbers are set for the jackpot and the jackpot for the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state, respectively. That is, as a random number determination table used in the prior determination process, a low probability random number determination table used for determination of a big hit random number in a low probability gaming state and a high number used for determination of a big hit random number in a high probability gaming state And a random number determination table for probability.
In the case of the low probability gaming state, both the big win winning value and the small win winning value are set, the big win winning probability is 2/601, and the small win winning probability is also 2/601. In the case of a high-probability gaming state, 20 jackpot winning values are set, the jackpot winning probability is 20/601, two small hit winning values are set, and the small win winning probability is 2/601. . In other words, in the example shown in the figure, when the special symbols lottery is performed by winning the starting holes 121 and 122 in the probability variation gaming state, the jackpot winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability gaming state. .
In the present embodiment, the low-winning random number determination table and the high-probability random number determination table have small winning winning values of 50 and 100, respectively. Therefore, regardless of whether the game state is a low-probability game state or a high-probability game state, it is determined that the jackpot number is 50 or 100 when the jackpot random number is 50 or 100.

(B) of the same figure shows the symbol random number at the time of jackpot by the 1st starting opening prize, the symbol random number at the time of jackpot by the 2nd starting slot winning, and the symbol random number at the time of small hitting.
Referring to (b) of the figure, the types of jackpots for the first starting entrance prize are as follows: per length with high probability short-time, long per length with normal time, short per short with high probability time, short per short with normal time, high probability short-time There are six types available, one per short and the other per normal time. The range of random number values is 251 from 0 to 250. And since the value of 0-100 is allocated per length with high probability shortening, the probability of being per length with high probability shortening is 101/251 when performing pre-reading preserving of the first start opening prize. Moreover, since the value of 101-150 is normally assigned per length with a short time, the probability that it is per length with a normal time is 50/251 when the pre-reading reservation of the first start opening prize is performed. In addition, per value with a short time with a high probability, a short value with a short time with a normal time, a short value with a short time without a high probability, and a value with a short time without a short time with a normal probability, values of 151 to 175, 176 to 200, 201 to 225, 226 to 250, respectively. Are assigned, the probabilities are all 25/251.

  In addition, referring to (b) of the figure, there are two types of jackpots for the second start opening winning, one per length with high probability and the other with a length with normal time. The range of random number values is 251 from 0 to 250. And since the value of 0-150 is allocated per length with high probability time shortening, the probability per length with high probability time shortening will be 151/251 when performing pre-reading reservation of the 2nd start opening prize. In addition, since the values of 151 to 250 are assigned per length with a normal time, the probability of being with the time length with a normal time is 100/251 when preserving the second start opening prize preemption.

Here, the reason why the control is performed so as to win only the long probability with a short time or the long length with a normal time at the time of the big hit by the second start opening prize will be described.
That is, in the non-short game state, almost no game ball enters the second start port 122. In other words, in the non-short-time gaming state, most of the jackpot lottery is performed when a game ball enters the first start port 121. Therefore, in the non-time-saving gaming state, any one of the six types of jackpots is won to enhance the fun of the game.
On the other hand, even if a game ball enters the second start port 122, if six types of jackpots are won, the player's willingness to play is reduced by providing a short-time game state. There is a risk of letting you. For example, if you win a short chance with high probability short-term and become short-time gaming state, if you win further per short with normal time or short with no normal time, you win a short chance with high probability It is impossible to enjoy the game value by the player, and the player's willingness to play is reduced at once. Also, for example, if a player wins a short win with a high probability and enters a short play state, the player will win a lot of prize balls if he frequently wins one of the “short wins” again. It may be difficult to achieve the maximum goal of the game, and the willingness to play may decline at once. Such a situation frequently occurs in the short-time gaming state.
Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation from frequently occurring, the second start opening prize is won only for either the high probability per short length or the normal short length.

In addition, referring to (b) of the figure, two types of small hits A and small hits B are prepared as the types of small hits at the time of the small hit. The range of random number values is 251 from 0 to 250. Since a value of 0 to 120 is assigned to the small hit A, the probability of the small hit A is 121/251 when performing pre-holding preemption in the first starting opening prize or the second starting opening winning. . In addition, since the value of 121 to 250 is assigned to the small hit B, the probability is 130/251.
It should be noted that the small hit A and the small hit B are exactly the same in the contents of the small hit game executed thereafter, and the difference is that in the case of the small hit A, the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 (see FIG. 3) The special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the screen and the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 in the case of the small hit B are different.

In addition, referring to FIG. 29C, the reach random number value range is 251 from 0 to 250. A reach random number determination table is prepared for the case with reach and the case without reach. That is, a value of 0 to 24 is assigned with reach, and a value of 25 to 250 is assigned without reach. Accordingly, the probability of having a reach when performing a pre-reading preemption in the first start opening prize or the second start opening winning is 25/251, and the probability of having no reach is 226/251.
More specifically, the reach random number is determined based on the reach random number determination table only when the jackpot random number is determined to be lost. As described above, at the time of losing, the probability that the non-reach effect is executed increases, while the so-called gas reasure effect that gives the player a sense of expectation is executed with a probability of about 10%. On the other hand, since the reach presence effect is always executed at the time of big hit and small hit, in the present embodiment, the reach random number is acquired, but the reach random number is not determined.

It should be noted that the effect with reach and the effect without reach determined by the reach random number indicate a mode of effect performed in the image display unit 114. That is, during the variation display of special symbols, for example, three columns of symbols consisting of a number sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction are displayed, and the variation display of special symbols is started. At the same time, these symbols start to scroll.
Then, in the effect with reach, when the scrolling is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed after elapse of a predetermined time after the start of the scrolling, any two symbols (sequences) are stopped first. At this time, the same number is stopped and displayed on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally, and the last one row gradually decreases the scrolling speed, and there is a sense of expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on the straight line. Give to the player. Such an effect with reach includes a so-called super reach effect in which various characters appear or a story develops before the last line of scrolling stops. On the other hand, unlike the effect with reach, the effect without reach does not produce an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, and the symbols stop and display in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Is.
As described above, the reach random number is used to determine whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach in the image display unit 114 when the result of the determination of the jackpot random number is a loss. 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 loss, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.

[Preliminary judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the preliminary determination processing (steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6) according to the present embodiment.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 30, the CPU 201 of the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the internal state is a high-probability gaming state (step 3001), and determines that the internal state is a high-probability state (Yes in step 3001). It is determined how many jackpot lottery rights have been acquired since the jackpot lottery right acquired in the switch process (see FIG. 6) has shifted to the current high probability gaming state.
In other words, if the winning of the jackpot (per length with high probability short-time, short per short with high probability short-time, short per short without high-probability time) is confirmed, the number of changes when winning the jackpot N is set to the reference number M. For example, if “Long per long with high probability” is won by the 200th jackpot lottery (special symbol fluctuation display) after turning on the power, the data “200” is stored in the RAM 203, and Along with this, the internal state becomes a high probability gaming state. Therefore, the jackpot lottery performed at the 201st time after turning on the power corresponds to the first jackpot lottery after shifting to the high probability gaming state, and similarly, the jackpot lottery performed at the 210th time Corresponds to the tenth jackpot lottery after shifting to the high probability gaming state. In this way, it is calculated how many jackpot lotteries the right of the jackpot lottery acquired by the start opening switch process (see FIG. 6) corresponds to the high probability gaming state. Specifically, the CPU 201 obtains the calculated value Z by subtracting the reference number M from the variation number N (step 3002).

Then, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the calculated value Z is equal to or less than the predetermined number X (step 3003). The predetermined number X here is an upper limit number of times that a big hit random number is determined based on the high probability hourly determination table.
Here, in the present embodiment, if the subsequent game state is won with a big win that becomes a high probability gaming state, then the big hit random number is determined based on the high probability hourly determination table with the upper limit being 100 times. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined number X is set to 100, and it is determined whether or not the calculated value Z is 100 or less.
That is, whether the jackpot random number acquired by the start switch processing (see FIG. 6) is determined based on the high probability hourly determination table, or the high probability gaming state ends and the low probability hourly determination table It is determined here whether it is determined based on the above.
For example, suppose that a winning hit with a short time with a high probability is won by the 200th jackpot lottery (the number of fluctuations N = 200) after turning on the power. Thereafter, 98 jackpot lotteries have been performed since entering the high probability gaming state, and in a situation where the jackpot has not yet been won, the variation number N = 299 hold A, the variation number N = 300 hold B, the variation number It is assumed that N = 301 hold C is stored in the RAM 203. At this time, since the reference number M = 200 is set, the hold A is the calculated value Z = 99, the hold B is the calculated value Z = 100, and the hold C is the calculated value Z = 101. Accordingly, hold A and hold B are determined as “YES” in step 3003, and hold C is determined as “NO” in step 3003.
As described above, the processing of step 3002 and step 3003 makes it possible to make a jackpot determination based not on the current internal state but on the internal state at the time of special symbol processing. Therefore, an accurate determination result can be derived even when the gaming state changes from the high probability gaming state to the low probability gaming state.

When the CPU 201 determines that the calculated value Z is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times X (Yes in step 3003), the prior determination information related to “big hit” for changing the subsequent internal state to the low-probability gaming state is the start-up switch process ( It is determined whether it is stored before starting (see FIG. 6) (step 3004). For example, when random numbers are stored in the fifth storage unit 204e (see FIG. 27) of the storage area 204 in step 605 of the start port switch process (see FIG. 6), the first storage unit 204a to the fourth storage unit 204d. In FIG. 27, it is determined whether or not pre-determination information related to any one of the normal time shortening length, the normal time shortening per short hit, and the normal time short / short per short is stored. That is, it is determined whether there is a reserve ball that is digested prior to the reserve ball retained in the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) to change the gaming state to the low probability gaming state. This is because if such a reserved ball is reserved first, the gaming state becomes a low-probability gaming state when digesting the reserved ball reserved in the start port switch process (see FIG. 6). Because.
Therefore, if it is determined Yes in step 3004, the high probability random number determination table is selected (step 3006). If it is determined No in step 3004, the low probability random number determination table is selected (step 3006). Step 3007).

Here, when the current gaming state is a low probability gaming state (No in step 3001), or even if the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state, it is determined that the calculated value Z exceeds the predetermined number X. In the case (No in step 3003), the following processing is performed. That is, the CPU 201 stores, in the storage area 204 of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 27), prior determination information related to the jackpot for changing the subsequent gaming state to the high probability gaming state before the start port switch processing (see FIG. 6). It is determined whether it is stored (step 3005). For example, when random numbers are stored in the sixth storage unit 204f (see FIG. 27) of the storage area 204 in step 605 of the start port switch process (see FIG. 6), the first storage unit 204a to the fifth storage unit 204e. It is determined whether or not pre-determination information related to any one of high probability time-short / long, high probability time-short / short, and high probability time / short / short is stored in (see FIG. 27). That is, it is determined whether there is a reserve ball that is digested prior to the reserve ball retained in the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) to change the internal state to the high probability gaming state. This is because if such a reserved ball is retained first, the internal state becomes a high-probability gaming state when digesting the retained ball retained in the start port switch process.
Therefore, when it is determined No in step 3005, the low probability random number determination table is selected (step 3007), and when it is determined Yes, the high probability random number determination table is selected (step 3006).

  Although not shown in detail, in step 3004 and step 3005, the storage area 204 includes a jackpot for changing the subsequent gaming state to the high probability gaming state and a jackpot for changing the subsequent gaming state to the low probability gaming state. In the case of being stored in (see FIG. 27), a determination is made based on prior determination information relating to a reserved ball to be digested later among these two jackpots. For example, the first storage unit 204a (see FIG. 27) stores the advance determination information related to the length with a high probability of shortening, and the third storage unit 204c (see FIG. 27) stores the advance determination information about the length of a normal time reduction. Suppose that it is remembered. In this case, in order to make a determination based on the prior determination information stored in the third storage unit 204c (see FIG. 27), “Yes” is determined in Step 3004, and “No” is determined in Step 3005.

  As described above, the processing of step 3004 and step 3005 makes it possible to determine the jackpot based on the internal state during the special symbol processing. Therefore, when the internal state changes from a high probability gaming state to a low probability gaming state, or when the internal state changes from a low probability gaming state to a high probability gaming state, an accurate prejudgment result is derived. Can do.

  Then, each random number is determined based on a table selected from the low-probability random number determination table and the high-probability random number determination table (step 3008), and the determination result is stored in advance in the storage area 204 (FIG. 27). (See step 3009). Then, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a big hit or a small win (step 3010). If it is a big hit or a small win (Yes in step 3010), a predictive command is set (step 3011). If it is lost (No in step 3010), a normal command is set (step 3012). Thereby, the preliminary determination process is completed. The set prior determination command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (see step 506 in FIG. 5).

  Here, these prior determination commands are used to transmit information indicating that the number of the first hold U1 or the second hold U2 has been changed to the effect control unit 300 and have been determined in advance. Information on whether the result is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss is included. Moreover, the prior determination command also includes information for notifying whether or not to perform staged effects using the drum lamp units 11, 12, 13, and 14 (see, for example, FIG. 36).

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, an operation performed by the effect control unit 300 in response to each command transmitted from the game control unit 200 will be described. Specifically, in the present embodiment, effect control unit 300 performs an advance determination command reception process, an effect execution command reception process, and an effect control process. In these processes, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 reads a program stored in the ROM 302 and is executed by the program.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the effect control unit 300. Various commands transmitted from the game control unit 200 by the output process (see step 506 in FIG. 5) are temporarily stored in a command storage unit (not shown) provided in the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300. Then, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 goes to see commands stored in a command storage device (not shown) at predetermined intervals and controls the effects based on the stored commands.
The effect control unit 300 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 31 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. Referring to the drawing, the prior determination command reception process, the effect execution command reception process, and the effect control process are sequentially executed (steps 3101 to 3103).
As shown in FIG. 31, the effect control unit 300 performs a prior determination command reception process when receiving a prior determination command from the game control unit 200 (step 3101), and receives an effect execution command from the game control unit 200. Reception processing is performed (step 3102). Then, the effect control unit 300 performs effect control processing thereafter (step 3103).
The detailed contents of the prior determination command reception process, the effect execution command reception process, and the effect control process will be described later.

[Pre-judgment command reception processing by production control unit]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of the advance determination command reception process in the effect control unit 300.
In the flowchart shown in the figure, the CPU 301 determines whether or not a prior determination command is stored in a command storage unit (not shown) (step 3201). If it is determined that the prior determination command is stored (Yes in step 3201), the CPU 301 holds the hold flag in the hold flag storage area (see FIG. 28) of the first hold storage area 305 or the second hold storage area 306 of the RAM 303. Is turned on (step 3202).
Note that if the advance determination command is not stored (No in step 3201), the advance determination command reception process ends.

Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the predictor flag is turned on in any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d (see FIG. 28) of the first reserved storage area 305 to the second reserved storage area 306 of the RAM 303. Judgment is made (step 3203). As a result, if the CPU 301 determines that the predictor flag is ON in any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d (see FIG. 28) (Yes in step 3203), the CPU 301 issues a hold number predictor display command. Set (step 3204).
On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d (see FIG. 28) is not turned on (No in step 3203), the hold number normal display command is set. (Step 3205).
Note that these commands are for informing the player of the number of holds in the effect control process, and have information related to the first hold U1 and the second hold U2. The hold number predictor command also includes information indicating in which storage unit the predictor flag is turned on.
When the command is set in this way, the prior determination command reception process is terminated.

[Production execution command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect execution command reception process in the effect control unit 300.
In the flowchart shown in the figure, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not an effect execution command is stored in the RAM 303 (step 3301). The effect execution command mentioned here refers to a command generated by special symbol processing (see step 503 in FIG. 5). Information related to at least “big hit”, “small hit”, “losing” big hit judgment results, and special It has information related to the symbol variation time and the aspect of the effect (the effect with reach or the effect without reach). More specifically, the effect execution command has information on the contents of the special symbol from which the variable display will be started, that is, whether the special symbol variable display related to the big hit, the small hit, or the loss is started. . In addition, the effect execution command includes information on whether the effect performed in the special symbol variation display is the effect with reach or the effect without reach, and further the time of the reach effect.

When CPU 301 determines that a pre-determination command is stored (Yes in step 3301), CPU 301 selects one effect table from a plurality of effect tables stored in ROM 302 based on the effect execution command (step 3302). ).
The ROM 302 of the effect control unit 300 stores a long hit effect table, a short hit and small hit effect table, an effect table with loss reach, and an effect table without lose reach.

  Thereafter, the CPU 301 randomly extracts and acquires one random number from 0 to 250 (step 3303), and determines the random number based on the selected effect table. In this effect table, a random number and an effect pattern are associated with each other, and one effect pattern is determined from a number of effect patterns according to the random number. Thereby, CPU301 determines the production content (step 3304). More specifically, the decorative design pattern in the image display unit 114, the operation pattern of the movable accessory 115, the irradiation pattern of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, and the sound pattern output from the speaker 156 are determined.

In addition, when determining the random number, the CPU 301 determines whether or not to perform the lighting number increase effect, which is an effect using the drum lamp units 11 to 14 (see FIG. 36) as the panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 3). The The lighting number increase effect is not only when the random number determination is a big hit but under a big hit under a predetermined condition (for example, when the symbol fluctuation time is shortened to 2 seconds or 4 seconds (short fluctuation)). (So-called gassing) is also conceivable. In addition, when the lighting number increase effect is already being executed, the determination regarding the execution of the lighting number increase effect is not performed.
For example, it is conceivable that a flag indicating that the lighting number increase effect is being executed is stored in the RAM 303 and control is performed according to the flag.

  In this way, after the effect pattern to be performed during the special symbol variation display is determined, the CPU 301 sets an effect confirmation command related to the determined effect pattern (step 3305). Then, the CPU 301 performs a shift process for the reserved storage areas 305 and 306 in the RAM 303 (step 3306). For example, when the received effect execution command relates to the first hold U1, the flag stored in the fourth storage unit 305d is shifted to the third storage unit 305c and stored. Then, the flag stored in the third storage unit 305c is shifted and stored in the second storage unit 305b, and the flag stored in the second storage unit 305b is shifted and stored in the first storage unit 305a. In this case, the flag stored in the first storage unit 305a is deleted.

  The CPU 301 determines whether or not the predictor flag is turned on in any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d in the holding storage areas 305 and 306 (step 3307). If it is determined that any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d is turned on (Yes in Step 3307), the CPU 301 sets a pending number predictor display command (Step 3308). If it is determined that this is not the case (No in step 3308), a hold number normal display command is set (step 3309). These commands are for informing the player of the number of holds in the effect control process, and have information relating to the number of holds of the first hold U1 and the number of holds of the second hold U2. The hold number predictor command also includes information indicating which storage unit 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d stores the predictor flag.

Although not specifically illustrated, when the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 executes a routine process, a prior determination command and an effect execution command may be received simultaneously. In this case, the hold number sign display command or the hold number normal display command has already been set in step 3204 or step 3205 of the prior determination command reception process shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the effect execution command reception process shown in FIG. 33, the hold number predictor display command or the hold number normal display command based on the information after the shift process in step 3306, separately from the prior determination command reception process. Set. Therefore, the command set in step 3204 or step 3205 is different from the command set in step 3308 or step 3309.
As described above, when the advance determination command and the effect execution command are received simultaneously, the command set in the advance determination command reception process is deleted, and then a new command is set in the effect execution command reception process. It becomes.

If it is determined that the sign flag is ON (Yes in Step 3307), the CPU 301 performs a lighting number increase effect command process (Step 3310). The lighting number increase effect command process is a process for setting the lighting number increase effect, and details thereof will be described later.
When the command is set in this way, the effect execution command receiving process is terminated.

[Lighting increase effect command processing]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the contents of the lighting number increase effect command process (step 3310 in FIG. 33) according to the present embodiment. ).
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 34, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 first determines the content of the lighting number increase effect by the drum lamp units 11 to 14 (see, for example, FIG. 36) (step 3401). More specifically, the CPU 301 confirms the previous lighting number (0 to 4) stored in the lighting number storage area 307 (see FIG. 28A) of the RAM 303. If the upper limit of the lighting number is not four, the CPU 301 adds the immediately previous lighting number by one and stores it in the lighting number storage area 307. When the upper limit of the number of lighting is four, the lighting number increase effect is finished, so that the number of lighting is reset to 0 and stored in the lighting number storage area 307.
In this way, the current number of lights (0 to 4) in the lighting number increase effect is stored and updated in the lighting number storage area 307 (see FIG. 28A) of the RAM 303.
In the present embodiment, since the maximum number of first start opening prizes held is 4, the upper limit of the number of lighting is set to 4, but other numbers may be considered. For example, in the case where not only the number of first start opening winnings held but also the number of second starting opening winnings is used, the number of lighting is set to an upper limit of eight. It is also conceivable that the upper limit of the number of lighting is a number other than 4 or 8.

The lighting number increase effect determined in this way is the number of lighting of the drum lamp portions 11 to 14 (see, for example, FIG. 36) for every digestion of the reserved ball related to winning in the first starting port 121 (see FIG. 1 or 3). Is an effect due to the increasing light, and eventually, all of the drum lamp sections 11 to 14 are turned on. In other words, the number of lighting increases from 1 to 4 in order for each variation display of the special symbol toward the all lighting which is the final effect form. When all the lights are turned on, the state shifts to a dedicated effect that increases the possibility of a big win for the player, for example, a big hit. In other words, the degree of expectation increases as the number of lights increases by the lighting number increase effect.
Therefore, since the number of lighting of the drum lamp portions 11 to 14 increases every time the reserved ball is digested, the player has a sense of expectation that it may become a big hit when the lighting number increasing effect is started. You can enjoy the game with it and you can enhance the fun of the game.
In addition, the lighting increase effect is one of the sign effects that suggest the result of pre-determining by pre-reading for the undrawn part of the special symbol lottery, and the reserved pre-reading effect is a continuous effect that spans multiple variations It becomes possible to have a story. The lighting number increase effect may be accompanied by an effect of displaying a predetermined image on the image display unit 114 in association with the lighting of the drum lamp units 11 to 14.
The lighting number increase effect here is an example of a specific effect.

  In addition, when the upper limit of the number of lighting is set to four, in addition to the effect of always increasing the number of lighting to the upper limit, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 determines in advance a number smaller than the upper limit as the number of lighting (the final event number) A control example in which the number of lightings is sequentially increased up to the determined number of lightings is also conceivable.

Here, it is conceivable to set a mode for shifting to a dedicated effect and a mode (so-called gusset) that does not shift to a dedicated effect when all lighting is performed with a lighting number increase effect.
In addition, when the lighting number increase effect is started, there is an effect control in which the lighting is always turned on, and there is also an effect control in which the lighting number increase effect ends in the middle of the full lighting. For example, in the case where the number of lighting is two, it is a control example in which the lighting number increase effect ends without being changed to three states in the next variation display.
In the case of such a control example, the player can enjoy the excitement by having a sense of expectation and anxiety that it may be a big hit when the lighting increase effect is started. It can further enhance interest.

In addition, in the lighting number increase effect, in addition to an effect control example in which the number of lighting of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is increased for each variation display, the number of lighting of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is temporarily performed even when the next variation display is performed. It is possible to consider a modification in which the number of lighting is maintained as it is without increasing and the number of lighting is increased again by any of the subsequent fluctuation displays. That is, in this modified example, the number of lighting of the drum lamp portions 11 to 14 does not change temporarily, and the lighting number increase effect does not proceed, and a stepping state is entered. In other words, it can be said that this effect is an effect in which the drum lamp units 11 to 14 are frozen (freeze effect) or an effect in which the progress is interrupted.
Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the effect (what is called a one-way effect) which increases the lighting number of the drum lamp parts 11-14 sequentially toward all lighting states is performed, the modification (temporarily reducing the lighting number) A lighting increase / decrease effect) is also conceivable. For example, when the number of lighting is 2 at a certain variation display, after the number of lighting is decreased to 1 in the next variation display, the lighting number is further increased to 3 in the next variation display. An effect that incorporates a lighting number reduction effect into a lighting number increase effect can be referred to as a lighting number change effect.
Further, an effect in which the above-described freeze effect and the above-mentioned lighting number decrease effect are incorporated in the lighting number increase effect can be considered.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, an effect of increasing the number of lights by the drum lamp units 11 to 14 (see FIG. 36) is executed, but an image instead of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is displayed on the image display unit 114 (see FIG. 1). Variations to display are also conceivable. In that case, it is necessary to make it an image which a player does not misidentify that the image replaced with the drum lamp parts 11-14 is a hold display.

When the content of the lighting increase effect is determined in this way, the CPU 301 determines whether or not there is a holding ball related to winning in the second starting port (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 3) (step 3402). . That is, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the hold flag ON is present in the second hold storage area 306 (see FIG. 28) of the RAM 303.
If there is a hold flag ON in the second hold storage area 306 (see FIG. 28) (Yes in step 3402), the CPU 301 sets the interrupt flag to ON (step 3403) and interrupts the execution of the lighting number increase effect. An effect interruption command which is an instruction to perform is set (step 3404). The significance of setting the production interruption command will be described later. The set interruption flag is stored in the RAM 303.

  On the other hand, if there is no hold flag ON in the second hold storage area 306 (see FIG. 28) (No in step 3402), the CPU 301 next determines whether or not the interrupt flag is ON (step 3405). . That is, it is determined by the interruption flag whether the lighting number increase effect is in a suspended state. More specifically, the interruption flag is ON if the lighting increase effect is interrupted, and the interruption flag is OFF if it is not interrupted.

  More specifically, the timing of resuming the interrupted lighting number increase effect is the time when the reserved ball related to the reservation prefetch that triggers the lighting number increase effect is digested. Therefore, when the interruption flag is ON (Yes in Step 3405), the CPU 301 determines whether or not the change is concerned (Step 3406). In the case of the change (Yes in Step 3406), the CPU 301 sets the interruption flag to OFF (Step 3407), and then sets an effect execution command for instructing execution of the lighting number increase effect (Step 3408).

If the interruption flag is not ON (No in step 3405), the lighting number increase effect is not interrupted, and therefore the CPU 301 sets an effect execution command (see step 3408 described above).
On the other hand, if it is not the change (No in step 3406), the CPU 301 determines that the timing for resuming the lighting number increase effect has not yet arrived, sets the interruption flag ON (see step 3403 above) and sets the effect interruption command (described above). Step 3404).
When the command is set in this way, the lighting number increase effect command process is terminated.

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect control process in the effect control unit 300.
In the flowchart shown in the figure, when the hold number sign display command is set in the above-described prior determination command reception process or effect execution command reception process, the CPU 311 of the image / sound control unit 310 reads the program from the ROM 312. Then, the effect display device control as the reserved number sign display control is started for the image display unit 114 (step 3501). That is, a predetermined image is displayed while the decorative design of the image display unit 114 is changing. When the hold number display is displayed on the image display unit 114, the hold number display is changed.
When an effect execution command is set in the above-described lighting number increase effect command processing, the CPU 321 of the lamp control unit 320 reads out a program from the ROM 322 and performs effects as lighting control for the drum lamp units 11 to 14. The lighting device control is started (step 3503), and the CPU 311 of the image / sound control unit 310 reads the program from the ROM 312 and starts the effect display device control as the display control associated with the lighting of the image display unit 114 (step 350). 3501).
On the other hand, when the production interruption command is set in the above-described lighting number increase production command processing, the CPU 321 starts production illumination device control as full extinction control for the drum lamp units 11 to 14 (step S31). 3503).

In addition, the CPU 321 of the lamp control unit 320 reads out the program from the ROM 322 and starts the production effect device control as the reserved number sign display control for the movable accessory 115 (step 3502). Similarly, the CPU 321 of the lamp control unit 320 starts the effect lighting device control as the reserved number sign display control for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 (step 3503). In addition, the CPU 311 of the image / sound control unit 310 starts sound output device control as hold number sign display control for the speaker 156 (step 3504).
Further, when the hold number normal display command is set, the CPU 311 performs the effect display device control (step 3501) as the hold number normal display control of the image display unit 114, and the CPU 321 holds the movable accessory 115 normally. Performing effect device control (step 3502) is performed as display control. Further, the lighting device control for effect as the normal number display control of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 by the CPU 321 (step 3503), and the sound output device control as the normal number display control of the speaker 156 by the CPU 311 (step 3504). I do.

[Concrete modes of lighting increase production]
Next, a specific aspect of the lighting number increase effect according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 36, FIG. 37, and FIG. In addition, as described above, the lighting number increase effect is performed using the drum lamp units 11 to 14, and an image related to the lighting of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is displayed on the image display unit 114 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 1). 3) is also conceivable.
Here, the drum lamp unit 11 among the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is a first lighting lamp. The drum lamp section 12 is a second lighting lamp, the drum lamp section 13 is a third lighting lamp, and the drum lamp section 14 is a fourth lighting lamp.

[First aspect in lighting increase effect]
FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a specific first aspect of the lighting number increase effect, and shows a case where the lighting number increase effect is shifted to the final effect mode without being interrupted. Each of (a-1), (b-1), (c-1), (d-1), and (e-1) in FIG. 36 is a diagram mainly for explaining the hold state. Each of (a-2), (b-2), (c-2), (d-2), and (e-2) in the figure is for explaining a lighting number increase effect of the drum lamp units 11-14. FIG.
36, (a-1), together with (a-2), describes the relationship between the holding ball and the lighting of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 when the changing suggestion image 10A is displayed. That is, the combination of (a-1) and (a-2) shows the state when the changing suggestion image 10A is displayed. Similarly, both (b-1) and (b-2) in FIG. 36 show the state when the changing suggestion image 10B is displayed, and both (c-1) and (c-2) in FIG. 36 are changing. The state at the time of the suggestion image 10C display is shown. Also, (d-1) and (d-2) in FIG. 36 show the state when the changing suggestion image 10D is displayed, and (e-1) and (e-2) in FIG. 36 show the change suggestion image 10E. It shows the state of the hour. For convenience of explanation, (a-1) and (a-2) may be simply referred to as (a) below. Similarly, (b-1) and (b-2) are referred to as (b), (c-1) and (c-2) as (c), respectively (d-1) and (d-2) May be referred to as (d), (e-1) and (e-2) as (e), respectively.
(A), (b), (c), (d), and (e) in FIG. 36 are shown in time series, and shift in the order of (a) to (e) with the passage of time. And

At the time shown in FIG. 36 (a), the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 has already made prior determination for the holding ball 10B, the holding ball 10C, the holding ball 10D, and the holding ball 10E in addition to the changing suggestion image 10A. Yes. And as shown to (a-1) of the same figure, the symbol fluctuation | variation based on the jackpot lottery which concerns 10A of change suggestion images which are the earliest holding | maintenance is performed (digestion), and it is called holding balls 10B-10E There are four holds.
More specifically, as a result of the prior determination for the newly held ball 10E, it is determined by the CPU 301 that it is a big hit and the lighting number increase effect is performed. Therefore, in (a-1) of FIG. 36, the holding ball 10 </ b> E is illustrated with the letter “T”. The start of the lighting number increase effect is the next change (see (b-2) in FIG. 36).

  And at the time shown in FIG. 36 (a), the lighting number increase effect has not started, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 36 (a-2), none of the drum lamp portions 11-14 are turned off. doing. In addition, about the drum lamp parts 11-14, it is also considered that the CPU 321 of the lamp control part 320 controls so that instead of turning off the lights, the way of lighting at the normal time is performed instead of the way of lighting at the time of the increased number of lights. .

At the time point shown in FIG. 36 (b), as shown in FIG. 36 (b-1), the earliest reserved portion is digested (see the changing suggestion image 10B), in addition to the reserved balls 10C, 10D, and 10E. A new holding ball 10F is generated. At this point, there are four holds. In addition, the result of the prior determination about the holding ball 10F was not a big hit.
Then, the lighting number increase effect is started, and as shown in (b-2) of the figure, only the uppermost drum lamp section 11 among the four drum lamp sections 11 to 14 is lit, and the other drums. The lamp units 12 to 14 are turned off (one is lit).

FIG. 36 (c) shows that the earliest reserved portion is digested (see the changing suggestion image 10C) and that the symbol is changing (see (c-1) in FIG. 36). In addition to the holding balls 10D, 10E, and 10F, a holding ball 10G as a new holding ball is generated.
Also, at the time shown in FIG. 36 (c), the lighting number increase effect is continuously performed, and as shown in FIG. 36 (c-2), the number of lighting is changed from the state shown in FIG. 36 (b-2). Has increased by one to two. That is, the drum lamp unit 11 and 12 adjacent to the drum lamp unit 11 while being positioned below the drum lamp unit 11 are lit (two lights). The other drum lamp units 13 and 14 are turned off.

(D) of FIG. 36 is at the time of digestion of the earliest reserved portion (see the changing suggestion image 10D), and in addition to the reserved balls 10E, 10F, and 10G, a new reserved ball 10H is generated. (See (d-1) in the figure).
In addition, the lighting number increase effect is continued at the time shown in FIG. 36 (d), and the number of lighting is further increased by one and becomes three as shown in (d-2) in FIG. That is, the drum lamp units 11 and 12 are lit, and the lamp 13 located below the drum lamp unit 12 and adjacent to the drum lamp unit 12 is lit (three are lit).

  At the time point shown in (e) of FIG. 36, as shown in (e-1) of FIG. 36, the earliest reserved portion is digested (see the changing suggestion image 10E), and the symbol is changed. is there. That is, it is the time of the change of the holding ball 10E for which the jackpot advance determination is made. In addition to the holding balls 10F, 10G, and 10H, a holding ball 10I that is a new holding ball is generated.

And the lighting number increase production is continuing also in (e) of FIG. 36, Since it is the said fluctuation | variation as mentioned above, it transfers to the final production aspect. The final effect mode is determined in advance by a predetermined procedure. For example, in addition to four lighting (all lighting), three lighting, two lighting, and the like. In the case shown in (e-2) in the figure, the number of lighting by the lighting number increasing effect is the maximum value of four, and besides the drum lamp parts 11 to 13, it is located at the lowest side and has the outermost shape. The large drum lamp section 14 is also lit (four lights). That is, all of the four drum lamp units 11 to 14 are lit (predetermined presentation mode). The design variation of the holding ball 10E is started, and the effect that reaches the big hit is started by the change of the holding ball 10E that is a big hit as a result of the preliminary determination.
Thus, the lighting number increase effect using the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is performed over a plurality of symbol variations. And the lighting mode of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 changes for each of a plurality of symbol variations, and the change is directed to the final production mode of full lighting of the drum lamp units 11 to 14.
Note that, as described above, if the big hit lottery of the holding ball 10E is not a big hit, a control example is considered in which the next symbol variation is started without performing the big hit effect after shifting to the final effect mode.

Moreover, in this Embodiment, the lighting number increase effect in which the lighting number of the drum lamp parts 11-14 increases gradually as a prefetching effect is performed. Such an increase in the number of lightings makes it possible to easily grasp the player approaching the jackpot sensuously, but is not limited to this, and the lighting pattern of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is changed. The production of can also be considered.
For example, in the pre-reading effect, control is performed so that any one of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is lit. More specifically, for example, the drum lamp unit 11 is lit at (b-2) in FIG. 36, the drum lamp unit 12 is lit at (c-2) in FIG. 36, and at (d-2) in FIG. The drum lamp unit 13 is turned on, and the drum lamp unit 14 is turned on at (e-2) in FIG. In other words, the control is to sequentially switch the lit drum lamp sections 11 to 14.

[Second aspect of lighting increase effect]
FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a second specific example of the lighting number increase effect, and shows a case where the lighting number increase effect is interrupted. That is, the second mode shown in the figure is different from the first mode shown in FIG. 36 in that the lighting number increase effect is interrupted.
Note that in FIG. 37, the arrangement is shown in common with FIG. 36 described above, and thus description of the common arrangement may be omitted. FIG. 37 shows (a) to (e) in time series, and also shows (f) composed of (f-1) and (f-2) as the next variation of (e). Yes. In other words, in FIG. 37, (d-2) and (e-2) have the same contents as each other, and thus overlapping illustration is omitted.

In FIG. 37 which shows a 2nd aspect, it is the same as the case (1st aspect) of FIG. 36 until it interrupts. That is, each time point shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 37 corresponds to each time point shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 36 described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in FIG. 37A, all lights are turned off, (b) is lit one, and (c) is lit two.
As a result of the preliminary determination (see FIG. 30) for the holding ball 10E, it is determined that the CPU 301 is a big hit and the lighting number increase effect is performed (see FIG. 37 (a)), and the lighting number increases in the next change. The production has started (see (b) and (c) of FIG. 34; see step 3408 of FIG. 34).

If the game ball enters the second start port 122 (see FIG. 1 or 3) before the symbol change of the hold ball 10C is completed, as shown in (d-1) of FIG. The jackpot lottery for the reserved ball 10D, which is the minute, is not performed, and the jackpot lottery for the second start-up winning prize of priority digestion is performed (see FIG. 9).
At the time point shown in (d) of FIG. 37, the change display based on the second start opening winning is thus performed.

  More specifically, at the time point shown in (d) of FIG. 37, as shown in (d-2) of FIG. 37, none of the drum lamp portions 11 to 14 is lit, and is turned off. That is, in (c) of FIG. 37 which is the previous time point, the drum lamp units 11 and 12 are turned on and an effect of increasing the number of lighting is already being executed (see (c-2) of FIG. 37). No in step 3405 of step 3408). However, at the time shown in (d) of FIG. 37, the lighting number increase effect is interrupted by the symbol variation based on the second start opening winning (see (d-2) of FIG. 37; step 3402 of FIG. 34). Yes, see steps 3403-3404).

  Such interruption of the lighting number increase effect continues even at the time shown in FIG. 37 (e), which is the next change (see (e-2) in FIG. 34. No in step 3406 in FIG. 34, step 3403). -3340). That is, at the time shown in FIG. 37 (e), the drum lamp section 13 is not lit, and three are not lit.

Then, at the time of the change when the big hit lottery (see FIG. 9) is performed for the holding ball 10E, that is, at the time shown in (f) of FIG. 37, the interrupted lighting number increase effect is resumed. More specifically, the final effect mode in which all of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 are turned on is executed (see (f-2) in FIG. 34; Yes in step 3406 in FIG. 34, see steps 3407 to 3408). . In addition, when all of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 are turned on by the CPU 321 of the lamp control unit 320, the drum lamp unit 11 is first turned on, then the drum lamp units 12 and 13 are lit in order, and finally the drum lamp unit 14 is turned on. The aspect which lights up all the drum lamp parts 11-14 at a stretch is also considered.
Note that the time point shown in (f) of FIG. 37 corresponds to the time point shown in (e) of FIG.

[Third aspect of lighting increase effect]
FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining a specific third aspect of the lighting number increase effect, and shows a case where the lighting number increase effect is interrupted as in the second aspect shown in FIG. That is, the third mode shown in FIG. 38 is different from the first mode shown in FIG. 36 in that the lighting number increase effect is interrupted.
Note that FIG. 38 is illustrated in an arrangement common to FIG. 37 described above, and therefore description of the common arrangement may be omitted. Further, in FIG. 38, (c-2), (d-2), and (e-2) are the same as each other in the illustrated content, and thus overlapping illustration is omitted.

In the third mode, the preferential digestion second start opening winning occurs before the time point shown in FIG. For this reason, at the time point shown in FIG. 38C, as shown in FIG. 38C-1, the big hit lottery for the holding ball 10C which is the earliest holding portion is not performed.
Then, as shown in (c-2) of FIG. 38, the lighting number increase effect that has been executed so far is interrupted, and any of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 is turned off (Yes in step 3402 of FIG. 34). Steps 3403 to 3404).

  Further, the time point shown in FIG. 38D (see (d-1) in FIG. 38) when the symbol variation for the holding ball 10C is performed and the symbol variation (e) in FIG. 38 where the symbol variation is performed for the holding ball 10D. (See (e-1) in the figure), the lighting number increase effect is still interrupted (see (d-2) and (e-2) in the figure. No in step 3406 in FIG. 34). Steps 3403 to 3404).

  Then, at the time of the change of the holding ball 10E shown in FIG. 38 (f), the lighting number increase effect is resumed as in the case of FIG. 37 (f) showing the second mode ((f− in FIG. 38). 2) (Yes in step 3406 in FIG. 34, see steps 3407 to 3408).

As described above, in the second mode shown in FIG. 37 and the third mode shown in FIG. 38, when the second starting port winning occurs, the reserved starting digestion of the first starting port winning is delayed and the number of lighting increases. The execution of the production is interrupted. A supplementary explanation will be given below.
One of the conditions under which the CPU 321 of the lamp control unit 320 executes the lighting number increase effect is the generation of a holding ball related to the first start opening winning, not the second starting opening winning. And in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the second start opening prize is a specification that is digested in preference to the first start opening prize.
Therefore, if there is a second start opening prize, even if a holding ball related to the first start opening prize is generated, the big start lottery of the second start opening prize and the symbol variation effect are interrupted (second start opening) Winning priority processing (see step 803 in FIG. 8).
In the present embodiment, since there is a possibility that the second start opening winning may occur during the lighting number increase effect, in order to avoid complication of the effect control, in this embodiment, as described above, the effect An interruption command is set (see step 3404 in FIG. 34). By such an effect interruption command, the lighting number increase effect of the determined content is interrupted. In other words, the drum lamp units 11 to 14 are all turned off, and the execution of the image effects and sound effects associated therewith is refrained. In other words, it returns to the effect state before the lighting number increase effect is started.

More specifically, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 starts the processing of the holding ball related to the first start opening winning when the second start opening winning interrupt processing is completed ((e) of FIG. 37 or ( d)). However, the timing of resuming the lighting number increase effect is not necessarily at the start of the reserved ball processing related to the first start opening winning (see (e) of FIG. 37) but at the time of the change (FIG. 37 (f) or (See (f) of FIG. 38). In other words, the interrupted lighting increase effect is not resumed until the time of the change. Therefore, a player who does not know in detail the fact that the lighting increase effect has been interrupted due to the second starting opening prize is not performed, so that, for example, anxiety or giving up, etc. To remember.
When the lighting number increase effect is resumed, the final effect mode (all lamps 11 to 14 are fully lit) in the lighting number increase effect is performed regardless of the number of lighting of the drum lamp units 11 to 14 before the interruption. Is called. Therefore, a player who does not know much about the details feels that all of the lights are suddenly turned on by increasing the number of lights, and feels lifted by feeling of achievement of pullback or feelings of happiness in future game development. Thus, it becomes possible to provide the game enjoyment to the player.
In addition, it is possible to prevent the lighting number increase effect control from being complicated after the second start opening winning interruption process performed by the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300, and to reduce the control burden.

[Fourth aspect of lighting increase effect]
FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining a specific fourth aspect of the lighting number increase effect, and shows a case where the lighting number increase effect is interrupted as in the second aspect shown in FIG. That is, the fourth mode shown in FIG. 39 is different from the first mode shown in FIG. 36 in that the lighting number increase effect is interrupted.
Note that FIG. 39 is illustrated in an arrangement that is common to FIG. 38 described above, and thus description of the common arrangement may be omitted.

Each time point shown to (a)-(c) of FIG. 39 which shows a 4th aspect is corresponded to each time point shown to (a)-(c) of FIG. 38 mentioned above, and those detailed description Is omitted. In addition, in FIG. 39A, all lights are turned off, (b) is turned on, and (c) is turned off.
Moreover, each time shown to (d)-(f) of FIG. 39 which shows a 4th aspect is a case where the lighting number increase production is not interrupted. (C)-(e) of FIG. 36 which shows a 1st aspect. It corresponds to each time point shown in FIG. That is, in the fourth aspect, even if the lighting increase effect is interrupted due to the interruption of the second start opening prize, if the change display based on the earliest hold in the first starting opening prize is performed, the change (FIG. 37 (f) or FIG. 38 (f)), the lighting number increase effect is resumed. More specifically, when the once-interrupted lighting increase effect is resumed, the final effect mode is not always executed, but the final effect mode (for example, two lights) to the final effect mode (for example, four) A lighting effect is executed in a stepwise manner.

Specifically, in the fourth mode, as shown in (d-2) of FIG. 39, two lights are turned on when the lighting number increase effect is resumed, and the drum lamp units 11 and 12 are lit. In the next variable display shown in (e-2) of the figure, the drum lamp section 13 is further turned on, and three lights are turned on.
And in (f-2) of the figure which is the fluctuation | variation in which the reservation ball | bowl 10E which concerns on the reservation prefetch which triggered the lighting number increase production is digested, the drum lamp part 14 lights and four lights ( All are lit).

  As described above, in the fourth aspect, although the lighting number increasing effect is interrupted by the priority process of the second start opening winning, the lighting number increasing effect is resumed with the next variation display when the priority process is finished. For this reason, although the production control of the lighting of the drum lamp unit is more complicated than the second mode and the third mode, the method of the production in which the drum lamp units 11 to 14 are sequentially turned on step by step for each variable display. It becomes possible to execute with.

  As described above, in the first to fourth embodiments, the interest is improved by executing the lighting number increasing effect using the drum lamp units 11 to 14 according to the result of the hold prefetching. In addition, it is possible to reduce the control burden of the effect control unit 300 associated with the execution or interruption of such a more interesting lighting increase effect.

Here, the pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is an example of a gaming machine. The first start port 121 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 3) is an example of a first start port, and the second start port 122 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 3) is an example of a second start port. The first start port switch 211 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a first detection unit, and the second start port switch 212 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a second detection unit.
The random number acquisition unit 231 (see FIG. 4) of the game control unit 200 is an example of a first lottery unit, an example of a second lottery unit, an example of an acquisition unit, and a prior determination unit. It is an example.
The CPU 301 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 is an example of a determination unit and an example of an execution unit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Pachinko machine, 121 ... 1st start port, 122 ... 2nd start port, 200 ... Game control part, 211 ... 1st start port switch, 212 ... 2nd start port switch, 231 ... Random number acquisition part, 300 ... Production control unit, 301 ... CPU

Claims (1)

When the first detection means detects a winning at the first starting port, the first lottery means performs the big winning lottery, and when the second detecting means detects the winning at the second starting port, the second winning lottery is performed. a selecting means performs gaming machine performing a variable display that symbol varies before symbol display and the symbol display shows the results of the jackpot lottery,
An acquisition means for acquiring reserved ball generation information about the generation of a reserved ball for which the jackpot lottery of the first lottery means performed corresponding to a winning detected by the first detecting means is held;
And pre-determining means for determining the results of the jackpot lottery before jackpot lottery is performed by the first selecting means for winning in accordance with the hold sphere generation information acquired by the acquisition unit,
Determining means for determining a final effect mode in a specific effect performed over a plurality of variation displays that continue to the variation when the determination by the prior determination unit is predetermined;
The specific effect, an execution unit for executing to migrate in the said variations in the effect mode of the ultimate which effect is produced when a plurality of variable display is determined by the determining means changes,
With
The execution means, the jackpot lottery result even if out even when the jackpot, the execution of the specific effect as a trigger variable display based on the winning to be detected by the second detecting means during execution of the specific effect It was back to the state before execution of the specific effect canceled, and a game machine, characterized in that for shifting to the effect mode of the eventual at the specific effect as well as perform the specific effect in the said variation.

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