JP6208311B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs an operation that enables winning according to, for example, a lottery result, and grants a privilege for the winning that actually occurs there.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine of this type, whether or not it is possible to enter a start winning opening (winning) by operating (opening) an internal lottery that determines whether or not a big hit and opening / closing members of a variable start winning device There is known a gaming machine that executes an operation lottery to determine whether or not. As a prior art, there is a gaming machine that notifies an error when detecting a ball (winning) at a start winning opening when an operation lottery is not won and a variable start winning device is not operated (closed state). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Thus, for example, it is possible to open a variable start winning device that is in a closed state in which it is impossible to enter the start winning opening (winning) in an unauthorized manner and win the starting winning opening to obtain a winning ball. It is thought that fraudulent acts (got acts) can be prevented by notifying to.

  In addition, as another prior art, the variable start winning device is activated after the operation lottery is won, and after the operation ends (closes) until a predetermined time elapses, There is known a gaming machine that does not determine that an illegal act has been performed even if a ball entering the start winning opening (winning) is detected and does not notify an error (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). In addition, in these patent documents 2 and 3, when a ball entering the start winning opening (winning) in the variable start winning device is detected in other states, an error is notified, and an illegal act (gotten action) Can be prevented.

  As another prior art, the variable start winning device is operated after winning the operation lottery, and the timer countdown having a predetermined period is executed when the operation ends (closes), and the timer countdown ends. Until then (until 0), there is a gaming machine that does not report an error without determining that an illegal act has been performed even if it detects a winning (winning) at the starting winning opening in the variable starting winning device. (For example, see Patent Document 4). Furthermore, in the technique of Patent Document 4, when a ball (winning) is detected at the start winning opening in the variable start winning device until the timer countdown is completed (until 0), it is started again from the time of detection. A timer having a predetermined period is set, and the countdown of the timer is executed. Then, if a ball (winning) is detected at the starting winning opening in the variable starting winning device after the countdown ends (when it reaches 0), an error is reported to make a fraud Act) can be prevented. Also, the prize ball due to the winning is invalidated along with the error notification.

JP 2008-188091 A JP 2008-125625 A JP 2011-56316 A JP 2009-279153 A

  Each of the prior arts described above is designed to prevent entry into the start winning opening when the variable start winning device is in an inoperative state or when a timer for validating the winning after the operating state is not counted. When a ball was detected, an error was notified and the winning for that ball was invalidated.

  However, during the big hit game, the variable start winning device may be operated by winning the operation lottery, and when the operation ends, the game ball is pinched (engaged with the ball), and the timer counts up. A short time after the end, if the player entered the winning prize opening (winning), the winning was invalidated. Therefore, since a prize ball that should have been originally obtained cannot be obtained by accidentally occurring ball engagement by the opening and closing member, a disadvantage is given to the player.

  Therefore, the present invention makes it effective to win a start winning opening in the variable start winning device even when the variable start winning device is not in operation during a big hit game, and gives a disadvantage to the player. The challenge is to provide technology to prevent this.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution D1: The game machine of the present solution means that when an operation lottery trigger occurs during a game, an operation lottery execution unit that executes an operation lottery and when the operation lottery is executed by the operation lottery execution unit, The normal symbol display means for stopping and displaying the normal symbol in a manner representing the result of the operation lottery after the variable display is displayed, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning manner by the normal symbol display means, a ball is generated. An operation means for performing an operation for changing from an inoperative state that is difficult to enter into an operation state in which the occurrence of the entrance is easy, an entrance detection means for detecting the occurrence of the entrance by the operation means, and a predetermined entrance effective condition When the entrance detection is detected by the entrance detection means in a state satisfying the condition, the internal lottery trigger generation means for generating a lottery trigger for internal lottery different from the operation lottery, and the internal lottery trigger generation means When a lottery trigger for internal lottery is generated, internal lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery and when the internal lottery is executed by the internal lottery execution means, the special lottery Special symbol display means for stopping and displaying the special symbol in a manner representing a result; variable winning means for performing an opening operation for changing from a closed state that makes it difficult to generate a prize to an open state that facilitates the generation of a prize; When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific winning manner by the special symbol display means, the special game executing means for executing a special game for opening and closing the variable winning means, and the specific symbol display means When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode, the non-time shortened state in which the operating means is activated after the special game is completed by the special game executing means. A time shortening state transition means for shifting to a time shortening state in which the actuating means operates at a higher frequency than the shortening state; and in the non-time shortening state, the ball entering the actuating means is valid and invalid The time shortening state is obtained by making the entry into the operating means effective from the non-time shortening state before the transition to the time shortening state and making the state that satisfies the entrance effective condition. And a ball entry effective condition determination unit that enables the lottery trigger of the internal lottery to be generated when the game ball entry is detected by the ball entry detection unit from the non-time shortened state before shifting to .
The present invention can also employ the following solution.
Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present invention has a predetermined fluctuation when an operation lottery trigger is generated during a game, and when the operation lottery is executed by the operation lottery execution unit. When the normal symbols are displayed in a winning manner by the normal symbol display means and the normal symbol display means for stopping and displaying the normal symbols in a manner representing the result of the operation lottery after the normal symbols are variably displayed over time , An operation means for performing an operation of changing from an inoperative state in which entry is impossible over a specified period to an operation state in which entry is possible, and entry detection for detecting occurrence of entry in the operation means And an internal lottery trigger that generates a lottery trigger for an internal lottery different from the operation lottery when the entrance detection is detected by the entrance detection means in a state where a predetermined entrance valid condition is satisfied And when an internal lottery trigger is generated by the internal lottery trigger generation means in a state where a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, the internal lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery and the internal lottery execution means by the internal lottery execution means When the internal lottery is executed, after the special symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined variation time, the special symbol display means for stopping and displaying the special symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery, and the generation of a prize is disabled. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific winning manner by the variable symbol means for performing an opening operation that changes from the closed state to the open state that enables the winning, and the special symbol display unit, the variable prize is displayed. When the opening / closing operation of the apparatus is performed under a predetermined condition (for example, when the predetermined number of opening / closing times is 15 times, when the opening state once reaches a predetermined time (29 seconds), when the opening state is once A special game execution means for executing a special game to be executed until a predetermined winning number (9) is satisfied, and the pitch detection is performed while the special game is being executed by the special game execution means. A game machine comprising: a ball entry effective condition determination unit that determines a condition that satisfies the predetermined ball entry effective condition when an entry of the game ball is detected by the means.

A game by the gaming machine of the present invention proceeds, for example, along the flow shown below. The wording in parentheses is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
(1) When an operation lottery opportunity occurs during a game (a game ball passes through the start gate), an operation lottery (normal symbol lottery) is performed. When this operation lottery opportunity occurs, the operation lottery is performed and the game proceeds.

(2) When the operation lottery of the above (1) is executed, the normal symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the lottery result of the operation lottery. It takes a certain amount of time (variation time and stop display time) until the stop display is performed after the normal symbol change display is started. Once the normal symbol change display is started, the stop display is performed. The next lottery will not be held until is completed.

(3) When the lottery result of the operation lottery in (1) corresponds to winning, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the predetermined winning manner according to (2), the operating means (for example, variable / open / closed type winning) A normal electric accessory device having a mouth performs an opening / closing operation that changes from a closed state to an open state over a predetermined opening time. While the actuating means is in the open state, it becomes possible to generate a ball into the winning opening. Here, “entering a ball” is one of the events that can occur in the operating means, and corresponds to, for example, a game ball as a game medium entering (inflowing) a winning opening. Note that the “closed state” is, for example, a state in which the winning opening is closed (a state in which “winning” cannot be generated), and the open state is, for example, that the winning opening is released and released. Is in a state where “entrance ball” can be generated.

(4) Whether or not the predetermined entry effective condition is satisfied while the operation means of (3) is in the open state or when occurrence of the entry is detected after returning from the open state to the closed state Is confirmed. When it is confirmed that the condition is satisfied, it is considered that an internal lottery opportunity has been generated by treating it as having won a prize opening, and an internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is performed. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the condition is not satisfied, the internal lottery is not performed. For example, when a specific condition is omitted and the operating means is in the non-operating state, even if the occurrence of a ball is detected, it is not handled as having won a winning opening and the winning is invalidated. Specifically, it may be due to a goto action that illegally opened the operating means and entered the ball even though the operation lottery was not won.

(5) When the internal lottery of (4) is executed, the special symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the lottery result of the internal lottery. It takes a certain amount of time (variation time and stop display time) from when the special symbol's variable display is started to when it is stopped. Once the special symbol's variable display is started, the stop display is displayed. The next lottery will not be held until is completed.

(6) When the lottery result of the internal lottery in (4) corresponds to other than non-winning, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the predetermined winning manner according to (5) above, variable winning means (for example, variable / open / closed) Open / close operation that changes from a closed state to an open state over a predetermined opening time (for example, 29 seconds) or until a predetermined number of winnings (for example, 9) is reached by a special electric accessory device having a large winning opening of type Is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). While the variable winning means is in the open state, it becomes possible to enter the big winning opening. In addition, the fact that it corresponds to other than non-winning means that it corresponds to big hit or small hit.

(7) When a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific winning mode (a mode representing a big hit) according to (4) above, it is said that normal (for example, internal lottery and special symbol change are performed) using a variable winning device. A special game (a jackpot game) to which a special condition (for example, a condition that the variable winning device is continuously operated without changing the internal lottery and special symbols) is applied. Here, the specific winning aspect indicates an aspect representing a big hit, not an aspect representing a small hit. Therefore, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing a big hit instead of a big hit, a big hit game is executed.

(8) Even when the big hit game is executed according to (7) above, the operation lottery trigger of (1) above occurs (the game ball passes the start gate), and the operation lottery (normal symbol lottery) is performed. As a result, if the winning means is selected, the operating means (3) (for example, an ordinary electric accessory device having a variable / opening / closing type winning opening) is changed from a closed state to an open state over a predetermined opening time. The action is executed. Then, as described in (4) above, the occurrence of a ball may be detected while the actuating means is in the open state or after returning from the open state to the closed state. At this time, in the present invention, a condition for enabling the detection of the entry during the big hit game is set as an effective entry condition. Therefore, when the occurrence of the entry to the winning opening is detected, the entry is effective. It is confirmed that the condition is satisfied, it is considered that a prize has been won in the winning opening, and an internal lottery opportunity has occurred, and an internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is performed.

  Therefore, when the actuating means is changed from the open state to the closed state, the game ball is sandwiched between the actuating means (so-called “ball biting” state), and after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the actuating means is not activated. When a winning ball is detected in the state, as long as the gaming state is a big hit game, the detection of the winning ball is valid and is treated as having won the winning hole.

  In other words, during a big hit game, even if the variable start winning device is inactive, it will be handled as having won the start winning opening in the variable start winning device, thus preventing any disadvantage to the player. can do.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine according to the present invention provides a game machine according to the present invention in which, in the solution 1, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the specific winning by the special symbol display unit, Compared to the non-time shortened state from the non-time shortened state in which the actuating means operates until the number of post-special game variations corresponding to the number of times of the special symbol variation display and stop display reaches a specific number after the end. And a time shortening state transition means for shifting to a time shortening state in which the actuating means is operated at a high frequency, and the entry effective condition determination means is controlled by the entrance detection means during the time shortening state. The gaming machine is characterized in that, when an entry of the game ball is detected, a determination is made that satisfies the predetermined entry effective condition.

By this solution, the following flow is realized in addition to the above (1) to (8).
(9) After the special game (big hit game) in (7) above is completed, the time until the special game fluctuation count reaches a specific number (for example, 100 times, 10000 times, etc.) Transition to a shortened state. The “number of fluctuations after special game” is the number of times of special symbol fluctuation display and stop display executed according to (5) above after the end of the special game. For example, the special symbol fluctuation display is executed once. If the special symbol stop display is executed once, the number of fluctuations after the special game is “1”. Further, the “specific number of times” is not limited to the above value, and various values can be set depending on the game specifications.

  In addition, the “non-time reduction state” is a state in which a lottery opportunity for internal lottery occurs at least at a normal frequency. In this state, for example, the winning probability of the operation lottery is set to a normal probability (for example, 1/99), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is a normal length (for example, a set time (for example, about 15 seconds to 180 seconds)) ) Is set, and so-called electric chew support is not performed.

  On the other hand, the “time shortening state” is a state in which the lottery trigger of the internal lottery can be generated at a higher frequency than the previous “non-time shortening state”. In this state, for example, the winning probability of the operation lottery is set to a high probability (for example, 98/99), and the normal symbol variation time is set to a reduced length (for example, about 0.6 seconds). That is, a so-called electric Chu support is being performed.

(10) Here, even when the gaming state after the big hit game is in the time shortening state due to the above (9), the operation lottery trigger of the above (1) occurs (the game ball passes the start gate), When an operation lottery (ordinary symbol lottery) is performed and, as a result, a win is made, the actuating means (3) (for example, a normal electric accessory device having a variable and openable opening / closing prize-winning port) is kept for a predetermined opening time. An opening / closing operation that changes from the closed state to the open state is executed. Then, as described in (4) above, the occurrence of a ball may be detected while the actuating means is in the open state or after returning from the open state to the closed state. At this time, in the present invention, since the condition for enabling the detection of the entering ball while the gaming state is in the time shortening state is set as the effective entering condition, the occurrence of entering the winning opening is detected. Then, it is confirmed that the winning ball valid condition is satisfied, it is considered that the winning lot is handled and the internal lottery opportunity is generated, and the internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is performed.

  Therefore, when the actuating means is changed from the open state to the closed state, the game ball is sandwiched between the actuating means (so-called “ball biting” state), and after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the actuating means is not activated. When a winning ball is detected in the state, as long as the gaming state is a time shortening state, the detection of the winning ball is valid and it is handled as having won the winning hole.

  In other words, even if the variable start winning device is inactive during the time shortening state, it will be treated as having won the start winning opening in the variable start winning device, which will give a disadvantage to the player. This can be further prevented.

  Solving means 3: The gaming machine of the present invention is the solving means 1 or 2, wherein the entry effective condition determining means is configured such that the entry detecting means performs the entry during a predetermined time after the operation of the actuation means is completed. The gaming machine is characterized in that when a game ball is detected, a determination is made that satisfies the predetermined ball entry effective condition.

By this solution, the following flow is realized in addition to the above (1) to (10).
(11) A predetermined time (for example, about 5 seconds) after the actuating means (3) is changed from the open state to the closed state is set as an effective time. The sphere is treated as effective. Therefore, when the actuating means is changed from the open state to the closed state, the game ball is sandwiched between the actuating means (so-called “ball biting” state), and after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the actuating means is not activated. When a ball is detected in the state, as long as the ball is detected within the valid time, the detection of the ball is valid and it is handled as having won the winning hole.

  For this reason, by setting a predetermined time after the closed state as an effective time, even if the variable start winning device is not in operation, it is effective that a winning is made at the start winning opening in the variable start winning device. Can be prevented from being disadvantageous.

  Solution 4: The gaming machine according to the present invention is the game machine according to any one of solutions 1 to 3, wherein the entrance detection is detected by the entrance detection means in a state where the predetermined entrance effective condition is satisfied, or The gaming machine further comprises a winning ball paying means for paying a winning ball when the winning occurs.

By this solution, the following flow is realized in addition to the above (1) to (11).
(12) When the winning from the detection of the winning ball to the starting winning opening is handled as valid in (8), (10), or (11), the process of paying out the winning ball is performed. Therefore, when the actuating means is changed from the open state to the closed state, the game ball is sandwiched between the actuating means (so-called “ball biting” state), and after a certain amount of time has elapsed, the actuating means is not activated. If a ball is detected in the state, the detection of the ball is valid, and a prize ball is paid out when it is handled as having won a prize opening.

  For this reason, even if the variable start winning device is not in operation, a prize ball is paid out if it is treated as being valid that a winning has been won in the start winning port in the variable start winning device, which causes a disadvantage to the player. This can be further prevented.

  Solution 5: The gaming machine according to the present invention, in any one of Solution 1 to 4, when the entry of the game ball is detected by the entry detection means, a prize detection information is generated for each detection time. The winning detection information for erasing the winning detection information generated by the winning detection information generating means when the information generating means and the winning effective condition setting means do not determine the predetermined winning effective condition. A gaming machine further comprising an erasing unit.

By this solution, the following flow is realized in addition to the above (1) to (12).
(13) In the above (4), detection information is generated while the operating means is in an open state or when the occurrence of a ball is detected after returning from the open state to the closed state (for example, a start port Detection signal is generated). Based on this detection information, it is determined whether an internal lottery opportunity has occurred. After that, it is confirmed whether or not the predetermined entry effective conditions are satisfied, that is, the condition (8), (10), or (11) above (during the big hit game, during the time reduction state, within the effective time) Whether or not is satisfied.

(14) As a result of the above (13), if any of the above conditions (8), (10), or (11) is not satisfied, the detection information will be erased and an internal lottery opportunity has occurred. No internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is performed.

  Therefore, in order to invalidate winnings, we will not treat those due to Goto acts that illegally opened the operating means and entered the ball, even though we did not win the operation lottery. It can prevent fraud. Further, since the payout of prize balls and the execution of the internal lottery can be prevented, it is possible to prevent a player who performs an illegal act from giving a profit (a prize ball or an opportunity for lottery).

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a game board independently. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a figure explaining the operation example of a variable start prize-winning apparatus. It is a figure explaining the operation example when "ball biting" occurs in the variable start winning device. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a normal symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a normal symbol change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable start prize-winning apparatus management process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a normal symbol operation condition setting table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the completion | finish process in a variable start winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a figure which shows the structure row | line | column of the big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. 4 is a timing chart showing changes in various states that occur through a normal game by the pachinko machine 1; 4 is a timing chart showing changes in various states that occur through an illegal game by the pachinko machine 1; It is a game flow figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine as an example. FIG. 49 is a game flow diagram showing a game flow when the “limiter count” reaches the remaining zero. It is a conceptual diagram which classify | categorizes and shows the pattern of a game flow. It is a conceptual diagram which classify | categorizes and shows the pattern of a game flow. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of normal symbol non-winning. It is a continuation figure showing an example of an effect performed at the time of hitting a normal symbol. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed at the time of variable start prize-winning apparatus action | operation. It is a continuation figure (1/2) which shows the example of the presentation performed at the time of special symbol change (within change time). It is a continuation figure (2/2) which shows the example of the presentation performed at the time of special symbol change (within change time). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of the production performed at the time of special symbol change when not entering the chance zone. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed when a game flow progresses during a probability change from variable winning apparatus operation. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed when the limiter addition by single-shot winning in the process of probability change generate | occur | produces. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect performed after reaching a limiter. It is the figure which showed the example of the background image which changes with progress of a game flow. It is a figure which shows the example of the effect performed when it does not re-enter into a chance zone after reaching a limiter (when returning during a normal game). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the aftereffects management process of a normal symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation process after a big character start. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production pattern selection process during a chance. It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine of another embodiment. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine of another embodiment was equipped. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the switch input event process of another embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation example of the variable start prize-winning apparatus used with the pachinko machine of another embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of operation when ball biting occurs in a variable start prize-winning device. It is a timing chart which shows the change of the various states which generate | occur | produce through the normal game by the pachinko machine 1 in another embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the change of the various states which generate | occur | produce through the illegal game by the pachinko machine 1 in another embodiment.

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

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (a plastic frame, a gaming machine frame) as its main body. The integrated door unit 4 is located on the foremost side when viewed from the front facing the player. An inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (back side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is disposed so as to surround the outer side of the inner frame assembly 7.

  The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame unit 2 has a fastener such as a screw attached to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall. It is used and fixed. In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for a portion corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and a metal material is used for a portion corresponding to the left and right long sides.

  The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at a lower position thereof. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

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

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

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the locking of the integrated door unit 4 is released while the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as a ball clogging in the board surface. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the tray unit 6 is also opened to the front side.

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

  The saucer unit 6 has a shape protruding from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper plate 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. In the tray unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at the lower position of the upper tray 6b. The lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are separately received from the payout unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6b or lower pan 6c).

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

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

  A handle unit 16 is installed on the lower right side of the tray unit 6. The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge portion of the game board 8 along the left edge portion, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. The configuration of the game area 8a (board surface) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for production. Among these, the left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decoration lamp 48, and the upper right electrical decoration unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decoration lamp 50. In addition, left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 are installed in the integrated door unit 4 so as to be connected to the lower part of the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. It extends from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the front surface of the tray unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, 52, and the like are arranged so as to surround the glass unit (no reference symbol).

  The various lamps 46, 48, 50, and 52 described above perform effects by, for example, the light emission of the built-in LEDs (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.). Further, on the upper part of the integrated door unit 4, speakers on the glass frame 54 and 55 are incorporated in the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. On the other hand, an outer frame speaker 56 is incorporated in the lower left position of the outer frame unit 2. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, etc. (sound in general) and execute effects.

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. The effect switching button 45 has, for example, a combination of a push-type circular button and a rotary jog ring (jog dial) around it. The player switches the content of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pushing or rotating the effect switching button 45, for example, while the symbol is changing, the big hit is being confirmed, or During the big hit game, some kind of effect (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, promotion effect while playing a big role, etc.) can be generated.

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 5).

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

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

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

[Configuration of the board]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board 8 alone. In the game area 8a, a relatively large effect unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the effect unit 40 as the center. Further, in the game area 8a, the middle start gate 20, the right start gate 21, the normal winning ports 22, 24, 25, the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30 and the like are distributed around the effect unit 40. ing. Among these, the middle start gate 20 is located in the center of the lower part of the game area 8a, and the right start gate 21 is located near the upper part in the right part of the game area 8a. In addition, the three normal winning holes 22 are positioned on the lower side of the left side of the game area 8a, and the other one normal winning hole 24 is positioned below the middle start gate 20. The remaining ordinary winning opening 25 is located on the right side of the game area 8a, and is located below the right start gate 21, and the variable winning device 30 is arranged directly below the right starting gate 21. The variable start winning device 28 is located on the lower side of the right side of the game area 8a and is arranged side by side to the right of the middle start gate 20.

  The game ball thrown into the game area 8a passes through the middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 in the process of flowing down, enters the normal winning holes 22, 24, 25 (wins), or The player enters (wins) a ball in the variable start winning device 28 during operation or the variable winning device 30 during opening operation. Note that the game balls flowing down the left area of the game area 8a may pass through the middle start gate 20 or may enter the normal winning holes 22 and 24 (win). The game balls flowing down the right area of the game area 8a mainly pass through the right start gate 21, enter the normal winning opening 25 (win), or operate the variable start winning device 28 and the opening operation. There is a possibility of winning (winning) a ball in the variable winning device 30 at the time. The game balls that have passed through the middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but enter the normal winning holes 22, 24, 25, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 (winning) ) Game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. constituting the game board 8).

  In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined stop display time in a winning manner), and accordingly. A ball can be entered (winning) into the start winning opening 28a (ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, one open / close member 28b, and this open / close member 28b reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the drawing, the opening / closing member 28b is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, it is impossible to enter the start winning opening 28a (the starting winning opening 28a is closed). When the variable start winning device 28 is actuated, the opening / closing member 28b is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as a hinge, thereby opening the start winning port 28a (open state). During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible, that is, in an open state in which it is possible to enter a ball, and can generate an event (lottery opportunity) of winning in the start winning port 28a (variable winning). means). At this time, the opening / closing member 28a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the start winning opening 28a. In addition, the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 basically has a mode that does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a during operation). The game ball does not necessarily flow into the variable start winning device 28 at the time of operation, but the flow is generated randomly.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when the specified condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed for the specified stop display time in a mode other than non-winning) and enters the big winning opening 30b. Enables a ball (winning) (special electric accessory). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 30a, and these opening / closing members 30a also reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the left and right opening / closing members 30a are in the closed position with their tips facing upwards, and at this time, it is impossible to enter (win) the big winning opening 30b (game). (There is no gap through which the sphere can flow). On the other hand, when the variable winning device 30 is activated, the left and right opening / closing members 30a are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width is enlarged to the left and right to open the large winning opening 30b. During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state in which game balls can flow in, and can generate a winning (winning) to the big winning opening 30b (variable winning means). Similarly, the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 basically does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable winning device 30 (the large winning opening 30b at the time of opening). However, the game ball does not necessarily flow into the variable winning device 30 (large winning port 30b) at the time of the opening operation, and the inflow is generated randomly.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. In addition, the game areas 8a including the game balls that have entered the normal winning holes 22, 24, 25, the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a), and the variable winning device 30 (large winning port 30b) are driven into the game area 8a. All the game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). That is, the game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, for example, at a lower right position in the window 4a, and a special symbol display device 34 and a game state display device 38. Yes. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed. Here, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps to be lit.

  The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing the occurrence of an operation lottery trigger each time a game ball passes through the start gate 20. Then, every time a change of the normal symbol is started with the passage (up to 4) as a trigger, the display mode is changed by one by one. In the present embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start to change (during stop display). The display mode does not change. That is, the memorized number (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages at which the variation of the normal symbol has not started yet.

  Further, the special symbol display device 34 can display the variation state and the stopped state of the special symbol by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means). Since one special symbol is used in this embodiment, it is sufficient to provide one 7-segment LED as the special symbol display device 34. However, as shown in FIG. By mounting, the same hardware configuration (integrated display substrate 89) can be applied to other models using two special symbols. In the present embodiment, the working memory lamp and the working memory number display device corresponding to the special symbol are not provided. One special symbol may be displayed by two 7-segment LEDs. In addition, the special symbol display device 34 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, three LEDs corresponding to a high probability state display lamp 38c, a time-short state display lamp 38d, and a launch position designation display lamp 38e. In FIG. 4, other lamps (LEDs) not particularly denoted by reference numerals are unused (blank). In the present embodiment, the above-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, special symbol display device 34, and game state display device 38 are mounted on the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89. It has been.

[Other configuration of the game board: see FIG. 3]
The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b, 40c, 40k, and 40m inside. The decorative parts 40b, 40c, 40k, and 40m enhance the decorativeness of the game board 8 by their three-dimensional modeling, and perform a dramatic operation by emitting transmitted light using, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). be able to. A liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images including an effect symbol corresponding to the normal symbol are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. As described above, the game board 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (design of a cell plate (not shown)) and the decoration of the effect unit 40.

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The rolling stage 40e is formed, for example, in two upper and lower stages, of which the upper stage is located at the back as viewed from the player and the lower stage is located at the front as viewed from the player. In both the upper and lower stages, the upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that rolls on the rolling stage 40e eventually flows down from the lower stage into the lower game area 8a.

  An inflow passage 40g is formed at a substantially central position of the rolling stage 40e, and game balls can randomly flow into the inflow passage 40g from the upper rolling stage 40e. The inflow passage 40g is formed by extending the lower edge portion of the effect unit 40 downward and then bent in an L shape toward the front side, and a ball discharge port 40h is formed at the end thereof. The ball discharge port 40h is opened toward the front surface, and the opening position is located directly above the middle start gate 20. For this reason, the game ball that has flowed into the inflow passage 40g from above the rolling stage 40e is released from the ball discharge port 40h and easily passes through the middle start gate 20 directly below it (however, it does not always pass). .)

  In addition, the effect unit 40 is provided with a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, and the like) (not shown) together with a movable body 40f (for example, a heart-shaped ornament) for effect. The effect movable body 40f can execute an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Due to such an effect using the movable body 40f, an appealing power different from the effect using a two-dimensional image can be exhibited. A production example using the movable body 40f will be described later.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

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

  The middle start gate 20 and the right start gate 21 described above are integrally provided with a middle gate switch 78 and a right gate switch 80 for detecting the passage of a game ball, respectively. Further, the game board 8 is provided with a start winning port switch 82 (detection means) and a count switch 84 (detection means) corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. Among these, the start winning port switch 82 is for detecting a winning of a game ball to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a). The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening 30b) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning port switch 86 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the normal winning ports 22, 24, 25. In addition, a common winning opening switch 86 may be used for all the normal winning openings 22, 24, and 26, or separate winning opening switches 86 may be provided for the normal winning openings 22, 24, and 25, respectively. Good. For example, separate winning port switches 86 are installed on the left and right and center of the board, respectively, and the left winning port switch 86 detects the winning of a game ball with respect to the normal winning port 22 located on the left side of the board, and the center winning port switch In 86, the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 24 located in the center of the board surface is detected, and in the right winning port switch 86, the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 25 located on the right side of the board is detected. Good.

  In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the middle gate switch 78, the right gate switch 80, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87. It has become. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, a connection terminal, and the like for relaying each winning detection signal.

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

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

  Although not specifically illustrated, the game board 8 is also provided with a magnetic sensor and a vibration sensor. Among these sensors, the magnetic sensor detects the magnetic flux flying to the game board 8 at the installation position, and the density ( A detection signal corresponding to the magnetic intensity is output. The vibration sensor detects an acceleration (vibration) applied to the game board 8 at the installation position, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnitude. The detection signals of these magnetic sensors and vibration sensors are input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72) through the panel relay terminal board 87, for example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The effect control CPU 126 can be of a type that is faster (high clock frequency) than the main control CPU 72 and has a wide data bus width (for example, 64 bits). The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and an acoustic driving circuit 134. The production control CPU 126 performs production control based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, gives a command to the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134, and various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 and the board surface. Processing is performed to cause the lamp 53 to emit light or to actually output sound effects, voices, or the like from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

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

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

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame lighting board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134 pass through the glass frame lighting board 136 and various lamps 46. , 48, 50, 52 and speakers 54, 55, 56. In addition, the above-described effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame electric decoration board 136, and when the player pushes or rotates the effect switching button 45, a contact signal (during the push operation) or a rotation angle signal ( (At the time of rotation operation) is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame lighting board 136.

  In addition, a panel board 138 is installed in the game board 8, and a movable body solenoid 57 is connected to the panel board 138 in addition to the panel lamp 53. The movable body solenoid 57 drives the movable body 40f, for example, via a link mechanism (not shown). A drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 and the movable body solenoid 57 via the panel illumination board 138, respectively.

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

  The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 126 executes effect control according to this program. The production control includes production control using the various lamps 46 to 53, the speakers 54, 55, and 56, and the movable body 40f as described above, and the production by the image display using the liquid crystal display 42. Control is included. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives the information transmits a specific effect image based on the basic information. Control the display.

  The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. Receiving this, the VDP 152 accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Further, the VDP 152 expands the image data in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time) on the VRAM 156, and each pixel (for example, 24-bit color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data. ) Individually.

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

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

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

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

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends a command for returning to the effect control device 124 (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a working memory number command, a count counter remaining command, a special game state designation command, etc. ). In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, the effect state corresponding to the time reduction state, the effect state corresponding to the internal probability state, the display mode of the effect symbol, and the operation It is possible to restore the production display mode of the stored number, the sound output content, the light emission state of various lamps, and the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 7 (connection symbol A → A).

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

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers (for example, hit symbol random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination) except for jackpot random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to special symbols and hit random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to ordinary symbols. Random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) are generated on the program. Note that the fluctuation pattern determination random number and the reach determination random number corresponding to the special symbol can be generated as necessary, and if not used, the random number generation process can be omitted. In any case, these software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 8), but each time the random number value makes one round in this process, the loop counter The initial value (not all random numbers need to be targeted) is changed. The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 8), and therefore overlap (conflict) ) To prevent the above). As described above, in the present embodiment, the big hit decision random number and the hit decision random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update cycle is faster than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms) ( For example, it is not necessary to update the big hit determined random number and the initial value of the hit determined random number.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Step S204: Here, the main control CPU 72 executes a security management process. Specifically, the control CPU 72 monitors fraudulent acts using the magnetic sensor and the vibration sensor (not shown).

  Step S205: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, events that occurred during the game based on the passage detection signal from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 and the winning detection signal from the start winning opening switch 82 And further processing is executed in accordance with each event that has occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S206, Step S207: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol described above, controls the variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 34, The operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S207), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To do. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (determined random number per normal symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the middle start gate 20 or the right start gate 21 in the previous switch input event process (step S205). In the normal symbol game process, a random number value is read from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (lottery trigger generation operation means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display. The details of the normal symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command for instructing the number of prize balls is output to the payout control device 92. . Note that when the start winning opening winning signal is cleared in the previous switch input event processing (step S205), the prize ball instruction command is not output.

  Step S209: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start port information, etc.) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in port output request buffer.

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

  Step S210: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). These are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S211: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the special symbol display device 34, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer is output to the port in the previous special symbol game process (step S206) or the normal symbol game process (step S207). The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S209) to the port. Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer together.

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Output port.

  Step S214: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored by the current CTC interrupt.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) of step S206 to step S213 is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processings are incorporated and executed in the main loop of the CPU. There is also a programming example.

  Step S215: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) for designating the end of interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Step S216, Step S217: The main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S205 in FIG. 8). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S15.

  Step S11: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the time reduction function is operating or whether or not a big hit is being made. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76, determines whether or not the value of the variable time shortening function operation flag (01H) is set, or the internal status flag “start of big role (during big hit game) ) ”Is set. This variation time shortening function activation flag is set in a special symbol variation pre-process (FIG. 20) described later. In addition, “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag is set in a special symbol stop display processing (FIG. 22) described later. As a result of the confirmation, if “start of big role (during big hit game)” is set as the variable time shortening function operation flag or the internal state flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when “start of big role (during big hit game)” is not set as the variable time shortening function operation flag or the internal state flag (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the ordinary electric accessory is in operation or whether or not the winning valid timer is greater than zero. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76, determines whether or not the value (01H) of the normal electric accessory operation flag is set, or the timer counter value counting the winning valid timer To check whether the count value is 0 or not.

  Here, the normal electric winning combination actuating flag is a flag indicating an internal state for indicating whether or not the variable start winning device 28 (ordinary electric winning combination) is operating, and will be described later. It is set in the processing (FIG. 24). In addition, the winning valid timer has a timing for detecting a winning after closing a setting (setting for invalidating the winning) for preventing an illegal act when the variable start winning device 28 is not in operation by “ball biting” or the like. This is a timer that is provided in consideration of a significant shift. Therefore, if the value of the winning timer is greater than 0, winning (detection) is validated even when the variable start winning device 28 is inactive. The value of the initial value of the winning valid timer (set value before the countdown) is set in consideration of the occurrence of the ball bite. For example, the ball bite is automatically eliminated by the weight of the game ball 300, It is set based on the time required for the ball to roll as it is and to detect the incoming ball. The winning valid timer is a countdown that starts after the variable start winning device 28 is closed. If a player enters the ball before the winning valid timer reaches 0, it is treated as having won. If a winning ball is entered after the winning valid timer reaches 0, it will be handled as if no winning has occurred. This winning validity timer is set in an end process (FIG. 17) in a variable start winning apparatus management process described later.

  As a result of the confirmation, when the value of the normal electric accessory operation flag (01H) is set or the winning validity timer is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the value (01H) of the normal electric accessory actuating flag is not set and the winning validity timer is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S14.

  Step S13: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage process. The specific contents of the special symbol storage process (step S13) will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 clears the winning detection signal for the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a), that is, rewrites the ON bit to OFF (ball entry effective condition determining means). As a result, in the subsequent control process, it is possible to treat that the winning to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) has not occurred. Or the payout of prize balls can be reliably prevented.

  Step S15: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S17.

  Step S17: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 corresponding to the normal symbol. If the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S18 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. The specific contents of the normal symbol memory update process (step S18) will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 8).

  Here, the selection process (step S11, step S12) of the execution of the special symbol storage process (step S13) described above is actually performed by the switch 82 from the time when the game ball enters when the variable start winning device 28 is operated. This takes into account the timing difference until the ball is detected. For example, when the variable start winning device 28 ends the opening operation (open → closed), the start winning port 28a is closed by the opening / closing member 28b in terms of structure, and therefore, basically, after the closing, the start winning port 28a is moved to. Will no longer occur. However, since a certain amount of time (rolling time) is required for the game ball entered while the opening / closing member 28b is opened to pass through the start winning port switch 82, the detected ball is detected after the opening is completed. It is not appropriate to judge invalid. Further, with respect to the variable start winning device 28, there is a case where the timing for detecting a ball is greatly delayed from the end of the opening due to a poor ball entering due to the closing of the opening / closing member 28b, so-called “ball biting”. Therefore, the above-described game state is confirmed (step S11), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory and the prize valid timer is confirmed (step S12), and the detection is greatly delayed due to “ball biting” and the entry to the start prize opening 28a. Even in the case of a ball, it is treated as if a prize has occurred. A case where “ball biting” occurs in a specific operation of the variable start winning device 28 will be described.

[Operation example of variable start winning device]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the variable start winning device 28. In addition, in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 mentioned below, the form (shape of the opening-and-closing member 28b) of the variable start winning device 28 is simplified and shown for convenience. For this reason, the configuration of the variable start winning device 28 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is different from that shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[Closed (before opening)]
In FIG. 10, (A): When the variable start winning device 28 is closed, the opening / closing member 28b is in a closed position where the start winning port 28a is closed in an upright posture along the board surface, and the game ball 300 can enter. Since there is no gap, it is impossible to enter the start winning opening 28a. For this reason, the game ball 300 flowing down the game area only passes through the front side of the variable start winning device 28 as it is, and normally, no ball is generated at the start winning port 28a.

[Opening start]
In FIG. 10, (B): When the winning result is obtained in the normal symbol lottery, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (definite stop), the opening / closing member 28b falls to the front side with its lower edge as a hinge. In this way, it is displaced to the open position, and the start winning opening 28a is opened. Thereby, it is possible to generate a ball into the start winning opening 28a.

[Opening]
In FIG. 10, (C): The variable start winning device 28 continues the open state until a predetermined open time (for example, about 6.0 seconds) elapses. However, if a predetermined number (for example, eight) of game balls 300 are detected within the opening time, the variable start winning device 28 is closed without waiting for the opening time to elapse. The open / close member 28b functions as a member for guiding the game ball 300 in the opened state, and the game ball 300 flowing down from above the open variable start prize-winning device 28 is received and guided by the open / close member 28b, and the start prize opening Enter 28a. The game ball 300 that has entered the ball is detected by the start winning port switch 82 provided in the variable start winning device 28 as described above.

[Closed (opening end)]
In FIG. 10, (D): When the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls 300 are detected within the opening time, the opening / closing member 28b returns to the closed position and is variable. The start winning device 28 is closed. When the variable start winning device 28 returns to the closed state, the game ball 300 flowing down the game area cannot enter the start winning port 28a again.

  The above is the basic operation of the variable start winning device 28. If a ball bit occurs while the variable start winning device 28 is opened, the following operation is performed. “Ball biting” means that the game ball 300 stays (is pinched) for some reason when the variable start winning device 28 is in an open state.

[Operation example of the variable start winning device during ball biting]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation example when “ball biting” occurs in the variable start winning device 28. In the following, a description will be given of "ball biting" that may occur in the variable start winning device 28 and a shift in the detection timing of the ball.

[Closed]
In FIG. 11, (A): When the variable start winning device 28 is closed, the opening / closing member 28b is also in the closed position where the start winning port 28a is closed in an upright posture along the board surface. It is impossible to enter the ball.

[Opening start]
In FIG. 11, (B): Similarly, when the winning result is obtained in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning manner (definite stop), the opening / closing member 28b is displaced to the open position. Then, the start winning opening 28a is opened.

[When closed (example of ball biting)]
In FIG. 11, (C): It is assumed that the opening time elapses or that a predetermined number of game balls 300 are detected within the opening time, so that the variable start winning device 28 is closed. At this time, the opening / closing member 28b is displaced from the open position toward the closed position so as to return to an upright posture along the board surface. However, the game ball 300 is at a timing before the opening / closing member 28b has fully returned to the closed position. May flow down. In this case, the game ball 300 is sandwiched between the opening / closing member 28b and the board surface (the outer region of the start winning opening 28a), and cannot enter the ball as it is, and the ball bite occurs. Here, an example is shown in which one game ball 300 is engaged with a ball, but a plurality of game balls 300 may be engaged with each other.

  Further, here, an example is given in which the game ball 300 is sandwiched between the opening and closing member 28b at the time of closing, and “ball biting” occurs, but in addition to this, for example, the ball enters the start winning opening 28a in an open state. However, there may be a case where “ball biting” occurs when one or more game balls 300 are not able to roll in the start winning opening 28a and are stagnated. The “ball biting” in such a case may occur while the variable start winning device 28 is open.

  At this time, if the degree of the ball biting is moderate, the ball biting may be naturally canceled by the weight of the game ball 300 and the ball may roll as it is. Alternatively, when the game ball 300 that has flowed down next collides with the game ball 300 that is biting, the ball biting may be canceled by the impact. In any case, since the retention of the game ball 300 is released after the ball bite is released, the game ball 300 enters the variable start winning device 28, and the start winning port switch 82 passes through the start winning port 28a. It will roll towards.

[Winning detection timing]
In FIG. 11, (D): When the ball biting is eliminated, the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 has already passed, and the closing time (the time during which the closed state is effectively maintained after closing) is almost reached. May have elapsed. Therefore, the timing at which the game ball 300 that has been bitten until then is detected by the start winning opening switch 82 may be after the closing time of the variable start winning device 28 has elapsed.

  Here, since the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is terminated normally, this pitch is regarded as an illegal pitch and is treated as a case where no winning has occurred. When it is confirmed that the winning valid timer is greater than 0, it is handled that a winning has occurred. Also, in the above-described switch input event processing, when it is confirmed that the time reduction function is operating or that a big hit game is being played, if a delayed ball is confirmed due to the biting of the ball without confirming the winning valid timer , It is treated as if a prize has occurred. In any case, if a “ball biting” occurs, it will be treated as if a winning has occurred if the winning is confirmed in all gaming states. In other words, even if “ball biting” occurs, if the gaming state is a big hit game or the time reduction function is activated, it is treated as if a winning has occurred, and if the gaming state is a normal state, the winning valid timer is set. By confirming, it will be treated as if a prize has occurred. Therefore, it is disadvantageous for a player to treat a ball delayed due to “ball biting” as a winning does not occur while taking measures against an illegal act performed while the variable start winning device 28 is inactive. Can be prevented.

[Normal symbol memory update processing]
Next, the normal symbol memory update process (step S18 in FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the normal symbol storage update process. Hereinafter, the procedure of the normal symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S20: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the normal symbol operating memory number counter to check whether or not the operating memory number is less than the maximum value of 4. The working memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of random numbers determined per ordinary symbol stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 1 byte each) for the normal symbols, and one random number determined per normal symbol can be stored in each section. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter has reached the upper limit value (maximum value) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the upper limit value (maximum value) (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21.

  Step S21: The main control CPU 72 adds one normal symbol operation memory number. The normal symbol operation memory number counter is stored in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, for example, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is controlled by the display output management process (step S211 in FIG. 8).

  Step S22: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a determined random number value per ordinary symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 described above. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has a data bus width of 8 bits, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the determined random number value per ordinary symbol from the designated address, it saves it as the determined random number per ordinary symbol in the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area). Note that the determined random number value per symbol may be acquired from the hit random number counter area of the RAM 76, for example. In this case, when the main control CPU 72 reads the determined random number value per ordinary symbol from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a per-decided random number corresponding to the ordinary symbol.

  Step S23: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved determined random number per normal symbol to a random number storage area corresponding to the normal symbol, and stores it in an empty section in the area. The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the determined random numbers are stored in order from the first section. . Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the determined random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read in the FIFO format.

  Step S24: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol effect command output setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs a setting for transmitting, for example, a normal design start sound control command to the effect control device 124. The main control CPU 72 may perform, for example, a prefetch determination process before this process. In this case, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the lottery is successful in the pre-reading determination process, and generates a normal destination determination effect command based on the result. And main control CPU72 can perform the setting for transmitting a universal destination determination production | presentation command with respect to the production | presentation control apparatus 124 by step S24.

  When the above procedure is completed or the normal symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (maximum value) (step S20: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9).

[Normal design game processing]
Next, the details of the normal symbol game process (step S207 in FIG. 8) executed during the interrupt management process will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the normal symbol game process. Normal symbol game processing includes execution selection processing (step S1001), normal symbol variation pre-processing (step S2001), normal symbol variation processing (step S3001), normal symbol stop display processing (step S4001), variable start winning device management. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5001). First, the basic flow of the normal game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1001: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S2001 to S5001). For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address and sets the end of the normal symbol game process in the “jump table” as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the normal symbol has not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol change pre-process (step S2001) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the normal symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the normal symbol variation processing (step S3001) as the next jump destination, and if the normal symbol variation processing has been completed, For example, the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) is selected as the jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2001: In the normal symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation for preparing conditions for starting the variation display of the regular symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3001: In the normal symbol changing process, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal symbol display device 33 while counting the change timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each of the two LEDs constituting the normal symbol display device 33. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a normal symbol variation display is performed. In this embodiment, since the two symbols are alternately lit and extinguished to perform normal symbol variation display, the drive signal pattern can be configured simply (for example, in two patterns), and the main control accordingly. The load on the CPU 72 can be reduced.

  Step S4001: In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving of the normal symbol display device 33. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each of the two LEDs, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a normal symbol stop display is performed. In the present embodiment, among the two upper and lower LEDs, for example, a stop display at the time of winning is performed with the upper LED lit, and a stop display at the time of non-winning is performed with the lower LED lit. Yes (upper and lower logic may be reversed).

  Step S5001: The variable start winning device management process is selected when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning manner (for example, the upper LED is lit) in the previous normal symbol stop display process. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner, in this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the variable start winning device 28 on the assumption that the operation condition is satisfied. The operating conditions for the variable start winning device 28 will be described later.

  While the variable start winning device 28 is in operation, the jump destination is set in the variable start winning device management process (step S5001) in the previous execution selection process (step S1001), and the normal symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable start winning device management process, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is energized a predetermined number of times (for example, once) so that the variable start winning device 28 operates in a set pattern, and the start winning port is set. It is possible to generate a prize for 28a (lottery opportunity generation operation means). In the present embodiment, the special symbol game process also proceeds with the occurrence of the winning at the start winning opening 28a. However, for the sake of convenience, the normal symbol game process will be explained in advance below. .

[Normal pattern change pre-processing]
Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the normal symbol fluctuation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S6100: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the normal symbol operation memory number remains (is greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demo setting process in step S6500.

  Step S6500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the normal symbol game process.

  On the other hand, if the value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6200.

  Step S6200: The main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol storage shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 reads a random number for lottery (normal random number determined per symbol) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 and stores it in, for example, another common storage area. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 sequentially reads the random numbers from the first section, and moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. Each random number stored in the common storage area is used for the operation lottery in the subsequent hit determination process.

  Step S6250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a normal symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the normal symbol operation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76, and sets the value after subtraction to the “normal symbol fluctuation start operation memory number”. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33 changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S211 in FIG. 8). When the procedure so far is completed, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6300.

  Step S6300: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit determination process (operation lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of normal symbol value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (operation lottery execution means). The range of normal symbol values set at this time is different between the non-time shortened state (when the time shortening function is not activated) and the time shortened state (when the time shortening function is activated). In addition, since the range of the winning value is expanded, the winning probability of the operation lottery is set extremely high as compared with the non-time shortened state. If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the winning value, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol winning flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S6400. In the present embodiment, the hit determination is performed by setting a range of the hit value on the program. However, the hit determination table is written in the ROM 74 in advance, and the hit determination is read and compared with the random number value. There are also programming examples. Further, the specific winning probability for each state will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S6400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the hit flag in the previous hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6404.

  Step S6404: The main control CPU 72 executes a stop symbol determination process upon disconnection. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the normal symbol display device 33. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol designation command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, since two LEDs are used for the normal symbol display device 33, for example, as described above, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is only the lighting display of one of the LEDs (lower side). The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value. In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved. Such a way of thinking can be similarly applied to a case where a 7-segment LED is used for the normal symbol display device 33.

  Step S6406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the normal symbol. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the type of variation pattern or to define the variation time at that time, and is determined, for example, by random number lottery by the main control CPU 72. That is, the main control CPU 72 refers to, for example, a variation pattern determination table (not shown) in this process and selects a variation pattern number corresponding to a random number per symbol (non-winning one) on this table. In the table, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern number (for example, 6.0 seconds to 180 seconds) is preset, and the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern number from the table. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, except for the case where the deviation reach fluctuation is performed, the fluctuation time at the time of deviation is set based on, for example, “the number of operation memory at the time of start of fluctuation display (0 to 3)” set in step S6250. . The variation time is set differently in the non-time shortened state and the time shortened state. In the non-time shortened state, the variable time is set based on the variation pattern number selected as described above, but is fixed in the time shortened state. A value (for example, 0.6 seconds) is set. The setting of the variation time for each state will be further described later using another drawing.

  The above steps S6404 and S6406 are control procedures when the hit determination result is out of order, but when the determination result is hit (step S6400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure.

  Step S6410: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines a winning stop symbol number. However, in this embodiment, since a plurality of winning symbols are not provided for the normal symbol, the main control CPU 72 basically selects one type of stop symbol number at all times.

  Step S6412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 acquires, for example, a variation pattern determination random number (normal symbol variation random number) from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol based on the value. In the game by the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern at the time of hitting including the symbol effect is basically performed at the time of hitting the normal symbol, so the reach variation pattern is selected here. In general, in the case of the reach fluctuation at the time of hit, the fluctuation time longer than that at the time of normal fluctuation is determined. Further, the variation pattern determination random number (ordinary symbol variation random number) may be acquired, for example, in the previous ordinary symbol storage update process (FIG. 12) other than the acquisition in step S6412. In this case, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired normal symbol variation random number as a set with the winning random number in step S23 of the normal symbol memory update process.

  Step S6413: The main control CPU 72 executes a hit and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (win symbol) by the normal symbol display device 33 based on the hit symbol number. However, as described above, since the stop symbol number is always one type in the present embodiment, the main control CPU 72 always determines one display mode (lights the upper LED on). The main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (winning time) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  Step S6414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes normal symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit), and sets the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a normal symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the normal symbol game process.

[Figure 13: Normal symbol changing process, Normal symbol stop display process]
When returning to the normal symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol changing process (step S3001) as the next jump destination. In the normal symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and thereafter, according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter count number). Decrement the timer counter value. Then, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the timer counter and controls the normal symbol fluctuation display as described above until the value becomes zero. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol stop display process (step S4001) as the next jump destination.

  In the normal symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the normal symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the hit stop symbol determination process (steps S6404 and S6410 in FIG. 14). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. If the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the normal symbol stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, the variable start winning device management process will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable start winning device management process. The variable start winning device management process includes a subroutine group of a game process selection process (step S5101), an opening pattern setting process (step S5201), an opening / closing operation process (step S5301), a closing process (step S5401), and an end process (step S5501). It is the structure containing.

  Step S5101: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S5201 to S5501). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable start winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation of the variable start winning device 28 has not been started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects an opening pattern setting process (step S5201) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the opening / closing operation process (step S5301) as the next jump destination, and if the opening / closing operation process has been completed, it closes as the next jump destination. A process (step S5401) is selected. When the opening / closing operation process and the closing process are executed, the main control CPU 72 selects an end process (step S5501) as the next jump destination. Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Open pattern setting process]
Step S5201: In the opening pattern setting process, the main control CPU 72 sets, for example, an operating time (opening time) and the number of operations (opening frequency) as the opening pattern of the variable start winning device 28. In the present embodiment, the operating time and the number of operations of the variable start winning device 28 are set in common in both the non-time shortening state and the time shortening state. The main control CPU 72 sets an opening / closing operation process (step S5301) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5301: In the next opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 drives the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 based on the operation time set in the previous step S5201. Thus, the variable start winning device 28 is actually actuated (opened). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the ordinary electric accessory actuating flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 starts to be driven. The main control CPU 72 sets a closing process (step S5401) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5401: In the closing process, the main control CPU 72 counts the elapsed operating time based on the timer counter value. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 switches the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 212 to the non-operating state (OFF). Then, the main control CPU 72 sets an end process (step S5501) as the next jump destination.

  Step S5501: In the end process, the main control CPU 72 sets conditions for ending the operation of the variable start winning device 28. For example, the main control CPU 72 resets the value (01H) of the ordinary electric accessory operation flag. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1001 in FIG. 13) in the normal symbol game process to the normal symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable start winning device management process.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a normal symbol operating condition setting table. In this normal symbol operating condition setting table, the normal symbol hit probability and variation time are set differently in the non-time shortened state (during normal time) and the time shortened state (during time short), and the variable start winning device 28 for hitting is set. This is for setting an opening pattern (operation time and number of operations).

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 16, in this embodiment, a normal winning probability (for example, 1/99) is obtained in the operation lottery performed in the non-time shortening state (when the time shortening function is not operated). Applied. In addition, for the normal symbol variation display performed in the non-time shortened state, the variation time set using the normal symbol variation random number as described above is applied.

  On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 16, in the operation lottery performed in the time shortening state (when the time shortening function is activated), a higher hit probability (for example, 98 / 99≈1 / 1) applies. Thereby, in the time shortening state, the operation lottery is won (the operation condition is satisfied) more frequently than in the non-time shortening state, so that the variable start winning device 28 is more likely to be won. Further, for the normal symbol variation display performed in the time shortening state, a fixed variation time (for example, 0.6 seconds) set in advance as described above is applied. However, in this embodiment, the operating time is set to be common (for example, 6.0 seconds) in both the non-time shortened state and the time shortened state, and the number of times of operation (one time) is also set in common. ing.

[End processing of variable start winning device management process]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the end process (step S5501 in FIG. 15) during the variable start winning device management process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable start winning device 28. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5530: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the procedure of this end processing is the first activation (calling). If it is the first activation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes Step S5532, and if it is not the first activation (No), it executes Step S5540. The determination as to whether or not it is the first activation is performed by the end time activation flag of the RAM 76 described above. If the end time activation flag is not set, it is determined that the activation is the first time, and the end time activation flag is set. If the end time activation flag is set, it is determined that the activation is not the first time.

  Step S5532: The main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76 and confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the variable time shortening function operation flag is set. This variation time shortening function activation flag is set in a special symbol variation pre-process (FIG. 20) described later. When the variable time shortening function operation flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5534. If the variable time shortening function activation flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5536.

  Step S5534: If the variable time shortening function operation flag is set, that is, if the time is short, the main control CPU 72 sets the end time of the normal symbol to the time reduction time (for example, “10 seconds”). Next, the main control CPU 72 executes step S5540.

  Step S5536: The main control CPU 72 sets the normal symbol end time to the normal time (eg, “45 seconds”) if the variable time shortening function activation flag is not set, that is, if it is not in time. Next, the main control CPU 72 executes step S5538.

  Step S5538: The main control CPU 72 sets a winning validity timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 extends the time during which the winning to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) is valid after the operation (opening and closing) of the ordinary electric accessory is completed. For example, the winning valid timer is set to about 5.0 seconds. Thus, while the variable start winning device 28 is closed, the game ball enters and is sandwiched between the opening and closing members 28b (occurrence of ball biting), and the game ball's own weight is set while the winning effective timer is set. When the variable start winning device 8 (start winning port 28a) is passed through the opening / closing member 28b, the winning is not invalidated (for example, FIG. 11).

  This process is executed when the time reduction function is not in operation (step S5532: No). However, when the end time is the same as the winning valid timer, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is ended. Since the time shortening state may end and the normal state may be entered immediately after the operation, this process may be executed even when the time shortening function is in operation (step S5532: Yes). In addition, through a process of confirming whether or not a big hit game is in progress, a winning valid timer may be set based on the confirmation result. For example, if you are in a big hit game (exclude the big hit game after winning the two-round normal symbol), if you always shift to the time reduction state, do not set the winning valid timer, but if you are not in the big hit game A process such as setting a winning valid timer may be added. Further, even when the start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, a process of not setting the winning valid timer may be added. Next, the main control CPU 72 executes step S5540.

  Step S5540: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the winning validity timer is “0”. If the value of the winning valid timer is “0” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5544. On the other hand, if the value of the winning valid timer is not “0” (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5542.

  Step S5542: The main control CPU 72 counts down the winning valid timer. Next, the main control CPU 72 executes step S5544.

Step S5544: The main control CPU 72 counts down the end time of the normal symbol.
Step S5546: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the normal symbol end time is “0”. If the end time of the normal symbol is “0” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5548. If the end time of the normal symbol is not “0” (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable start winning device management process (see FIG. 15), and further returns to the normal symbol game process (see FIG. 13). Also in the next interruption cycle, the execution selection process (step S1001 in FIG. 13) is jumped to and the variable start winning device management process end process (step S5501 in FIG. 13) is repeatedly executed.

Step S5548: The main control CPU 72 resets the value (01H) of the ordinary electric accessory operation flag. Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the end time activation flag.
Step S5550: Thereby, the operating state of the variable start winning device 28 ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 generates an end time elapsed command. The end time elapsed command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  Step S5552: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1001 in FIG. 13) in the normal symbol game process to the normal symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable start winning device management process (see FIG. 15).

  The above is the outline of the control method for operating the operation lottery and variable start winning device 28 performed through the normal symbol game process (step S207 in FIG. 8). Next, the special symbol storage process (step S13 in FIG. 9) accompanying the winning to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) and the special symbol game process (in FIG. The contents of step S206) will be described.

[Special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol storing process. Hereinafter, the special symbol storage process will be described along with a procedure example.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the special game management status is “00H”. The special game management status is separately set by the main control CPU 72 as follows according to the progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol.

[Special Game Management Status]
That is, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the special game management status (in the brackets) according to the game progress statuses (1) to (8) corresponding to the special symbol as follows, for example.
(1) Special symbol change waiting state: “00H”
(2) Special symbol fluctuation display state: “01H”
(3) Special symbol stop symbol display state: “02H”
(4) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) waiting to be opened: “03H”
(5) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) open state: “04H”
(6) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) Closed after opening: “05H”
(7) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) closed state: “06H”
(8) Variable winning device (special electric accessory) during operation end state: “07H”
(9) Variable prize-winning device (special electric accessory) Operating state at the time of small hit: “08H”

  When the value of the special game management status is other than “00H”, that is, when the current game progress status is other than the special symbol change waiting state (00H) (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 performs switch input event processing (FIG. Return to 9). On the other hand, if the value of the special game management status is “00H” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S32.

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 obtains the jackpot determined random number value from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 described above. The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has a data bus width of 8 bits, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determined random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot determined random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

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

  Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 acquires, for example, a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as a random value related to the variation condition of the special symbol. Similarly, the acquisition of the random number value is performed by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. When the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it in the transfer destination address.

  Step S36: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, the jackpot symbol random number and the variation pattern determination random number to a random number storage area corresponding to the special symbol (at this time, an empty state), and stores these random numbers as a set. .

  Step S38: The main control CPU 72 executes a production command output setting process for the special symbol. This process is for performing setting for transmitting a start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124, for example.

  When the above procedure is completed or the special symbol operation memory has already been stored (step S30: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 9).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 8) will be described.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

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

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

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

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

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the special symbol display device 34. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the “limiter count” for the probability variation function or performs a subtraction process. The specific contents of the process and the significance of the “limiter count” will be further described later.

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit mode, an opportunity to shift to a big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a certain period of time (for example, up to 6.0 seconds or until one winning is counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, twice). As a result, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (variable winning means). During this period, the game ball is entered (winned) into the variable prize winning device 30, thereby giving the player an opportunity to win a prize ball (for example, 6 prize balls are paid out for one prize). (Winning privilege grant means). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a big hit is referred to as “round”, and if the number of continuous operations is two, these may be collectively referred to as “2 rounds”. However, in this embodiment, since the opening time per time is relatively short (6.0 seconds) and the number of counts in one round is the minimum (for example, one), the general 15 rounds Compared with big hits (for example, 1 round 29 seconds open, number of counts 9), the number of prize balls that can be obtained with one big hit (2 rounds) is smaller.

  In any case, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the variable winning device 30 for one round Each time the release operation is completed, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. When the value of the round counter reaches the set number of continuous operations (in this example, 2 times), the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (main role) only for that round.

  When the big hit game (opening operation of the variable winning device 30) is finished, the main control CPU 72 determines the state (high probability state) after the big hit game based on the game state flag (probability changing function operating flag or time shortening function operating flag). , Change the time reduction state). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function operates, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes higher than usual (high probability state transition means). In the present embodiment, even if the probability variation function is in a “low probability state” in which the probability variation function is not activated, the winning probability in the internal lottery is set to a high value of about one half (for example, about 32768/65536). When shifting to the “high probability state” from here, the winning probability is set to a higher probability (for example, about 65535/65536).

  Also, in the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated and the normal symbol operation lottery has a high probability (for example, 1/99 → 98/99), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is reduced. It is set (for example, fixed at about 0.6 seconds). In addition, the variation time of the special symbol is also set to be shorter than the non-time shortened state (for example, fixed at about 0.6 seconds). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them. Also, regarding the mechanism of internal state change such as “low probability state” or “high probability state”, “non-time shortening state” or “time shortening state”, the winning symbol (winning type) of the special symbol or the pachinko machine 1 This will be further described later together with the game system.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not there is a special symbol operation memory in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Alternatively, the main control CPU 72 may refer to the value of the working memory number counter to confirm whether the working memory number corresponding to the special symbol is other than 0 (= 1). Note that the operation memory of the special symbol is generated when a winning is made to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) in the switch input event process as described above. At this time, if it is confirmed that there is no working memory of the special symbol that should start changing (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 19). On the other hand, when it is confirmed that there is a special symbol working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, first, the main control CPU 72 reads a lottery random number (a jackpot determined random number, a jackpot symbol random number) stored in a random number storage area of the RAM 76. The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area, and the working memory is erased (consumed) from the random number storage area. Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the low probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated). In any case, if the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the special symbol display device 34. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the special symbol display device 34, for example, the display pattern of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to display only one segment (center bar “-”). The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  Step S2406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of deviation is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 0.6 seconds). If it is not “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is determined based on, for example, a fluctuation pattern determination random number. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time (at the time of disconnection) in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case other than non-winning), but when the determination result is big hit (step S2400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs the following procedure. Run. In this embodiment, even in the low probability state, the winning probability is a high value of 1/2, and even in the low probability state, the following processing is selected once every two times at the time of change.

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

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number read in the previous step S2300. The main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. The fluctuation time at the time of big hit also differs depending on whether or not the above-mentioned “time reduction state”. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and checks whether or not the current state is the “time reduction state”. In the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time is basically set to a shortened time (for example, about 0.6 seconds) even at the big hit time. If it is not “time shortening state”, a variation pattern corresponding to a certain long variation time (for example, about 30 seconds to 60 seconds) is set in order to secure a time for performing an effect during variation at the time of big hit. Also, in this embodiment, even when the “non-time shortened state” is off, the fluctuation pattern corresponding to a certain long period of time is set in order to execute “out of reach reach” during the fluctuation of the special symbol. Is done. In any case, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of big hit) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of big hit in the stop symbol display timer.

  Step S2413: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the value of the probability variation function activation flag (for example, as a gaming state flag) when the type of winning symbol (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410 corresponds to any probability variation symbol, for example. 01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76, and a count counter value (for example, 10,000 times) is set together. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag as the gaming state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 when the time shortening function operation count corresponding to the winning symbol determined at that time is added. At the same time, the count counter value (100 times or 10,000 times) is set. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a time shortening function operation number command (or a count cut counter number command) based on the value of the time shortening function operation number added corresponding to the winning symbol. The time reduction function activation number command generated here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. The addition of the type of winning symbol and the number of times the time shortening function is activated will be described later with a specific example.

  In step S2413, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the special symbol display device 34 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of the big hit). The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit), and sets the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation timer. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the stop symbol display time corresponding to the variation pattern in the display timer. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Fig. 19: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the timer according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter value). Decrement the counter value. The main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404 and S2410 in FIG. 20). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag. The special symbol stop display in-progress process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
Next, the types of winning symbols determined in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) will be described. In this embodiment, the following three types are roughly prepared as winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a big hit. The three types of breakdown are, for example, “single (normal) symbol 1”, “probability variation symbol 1”, and “probability variation symbol 2”. Note that these are merely preferred examples, and the above three types of winning symbols are not exhaustive.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the big hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol with reference to the big hit stopping symbol selection table shown in FIG. 21 in the previous big hit stopping symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) (winning type) Decision means). Further, the main control CPU 72 can determine the number of times the time shortening function is activated according to the determined gaming state (non-time shortening state, time shortening state, low probability state, high probability state) for each determined winning symbol.

  In the big hit stop symbol selection table shown in FIG. 21, the leftmost column shows the distribution value for each winning symbol, and each distribution value “3”, “32”, “65” has a denominator. This corresponds to a ratio (selection ratio) when 100 is set. In the second column from the left, “single (normal) symbol 1”, “probability variation symbol 1” and “probability variation symbol 2” corresponding to each distribution value are shown. That is, at the time of the big win in the internal lottery, the ratio of “single (normal) symbol 1” being selected is 3/100 (= 3%), and the proportion of “probable symbol 1” being selected is 100 minutes. The ratio at which “probability variation 2” is selected is 65/100 (= 65%). The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number. The “single (normal) symbol 1” here is a winning symbol (non-probable variation symbol) that does not activate the probability variation function after a big hit. Therefore, in this embodiment, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol is 97% as a whole, and the “probability variation symbol” is selected at a very high ratio at the time of big hit.

[Time reduction function operation count (time reduction count)]
Next, a description will be given of the difference in the number of times the time shortening function is activated, which is added for each winning symbol (winning type) and each winning state. In the present embodiment, the three types of winning symbols described above differ in the number of times the time shortening function is activated depending on the state at the time of winning. This will be specifically described below.

(1) Low probability non-short-time medium As shown in the third column from the left in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “low probability state” and the normal symbol (operation lottery) is “non-probable”. It is assumed that the time is in a “time shortening state” (normal time that is neither probabilistic nor time-saving). In this case, when the winning symbol corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1”, 100 times of the time reduction function operation number are added. In addition, in the case of “single (normal) symbol 1”, the state after the big hit is “low probability state”.

  In addition, when the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, 10,000 times of time shortening function activation times are added respectively. It should be noted that the state after the jackpot is a “high probability state” regardless of whether the “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is met.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when winning in the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol from the low probability non-short time (probability of 1/2), it becomes “time reduction state” after the end of the big hit game regardless of the winning symbol. . Therefore, the state does not shift to the “high probability non-short-to-medium” state, and is always in the “time reduction state” after the big hit. Further, the difference in the number of time reductions added in the “time reduction state (short time and medium)” is set as follows.

[Limiter count setting]
First, in the present embodiment, with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery), the internal state at the time of winning is “low probability state”, and from there, winning either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” (first winning) Then, for example, in the previous special symbol stop display process (step S4000 in FIG. 19), the above “limiter count” is set based on a predetermined upper limit count (for example, 18 including the first). (Consecutive number setting means). This “limiter number” means a limit (continuous number of times) that the main control CPU 72 can continuously determine if it falls under “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2” when winning in the “high probability state”. . Then, when the “limiter count” corresponds to “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” at the time of winning in the “high probability state”, one is subtracted each time, and the remaining number decreases. However, while the “limiter count” does not reach the remaining zero (there is one or more remaining), the main control CPU 72 performs the “high probability state” in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20). It is possible to determine that it corresponds to “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 3” continuously when winning. Therefore, first, a case where there is one or more remaining “limiter count” (before reaching the limiter) will be described.

(2) High probability before and after reaching the limiter For example, as shown in the second column from the right in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “high probability state” and the normal symbol ( It is assumed that the “operating lottery” is in the “time reduction state”. That is, when the probability probability symbol 1 or the probability variation symbol 2 is met during the low probability non-time reduction in (1) above, the high probability time reduction state is reached after the big hit. Even in this case, the number of times the time shortening function is activated is added regardless of the winning symbol. Specifically, when the winning symbol corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1”, 100 times of the time shortening function are added. In addition, when the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, in any case, the time reduction function operation count of 10,000 times is added. In this case, since “probability symbol 1” or “probability symbol 2” is continuously won in the “high probability state”, “limiter count” is decremented by 1 as described above. In addition, regardless of whether it is “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2”, the state after the big hit is a “high probability state” and a “time reduction state”. On the other hand, in the case of “single (normal) symbol 1”, the state after the big hit ends returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery), but “time reduction state” with respect to the normal symbol (action lottery) Is maintained, and becomes the following "(3) Low probability time short and medium".

(3) Low probability during short time For example, as shown in the second column from the right in FIG. 21, the special symbol (internal lottery) is “low probability state” and the normal symbol (operation lottery) Assuming the case of “time reduction state”. Low probability if it corresponds to “single symbol 1” during the low probability non-short time of (1) above, or “single (normal) symbol 1” during high probability short time before reaching the limiter of (2) above. It becomes a state of short time. In this case as well, the time reduction function activation count is always added to any of the three types of winning symbols. Specifically, when the winning symbol corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1”, 100 times of the time shortening function are added. In addition, when the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, in any case, the time reduction function operation count of 10,000 times is added. In this case, since “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 3” is initially selected from the “low probability state”, the “limiter count” is reset (set to the remaining 18). In addition, regardless of whether it is “probability pattern 1” or “probability pattern 2”, the state after the jackpot is “high probability state” and “time reduction state” together. ) The high probability time before reaching the limiter is resumed. On the other hand, in the case of “single (normal) symbol 1”, the state after the big hit ends returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery), but “time reduction state” with respect to the normal symbol (operating lottery) Is maintained.

[When reaching the limiter]
In the “high probability state”, either “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2” is won (selection ratio 97%), and “limiter count” is subtracted each time. When the “limiter count” reaches the remaining 0, the main control CPU 72 cannot determine that it corresponds to “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2” when winning in the “high probability state”. Specifically, even if the jackpot symbol random number corresponds to either “probable variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”, the final winning symbol is “single symbol symbol 1” or “single symbol symbol 2”. It is forcibly changed to (Winning type restriction means).

(4) High probability when the limiter is reached Short and medium The forced change of the winning symbol is shown in the rightmost column in FIG. That is, when the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”, even if it corresponds to “probability variation 1” (selection ratio 32%) on the table, The final winning symbol is forced to “one-shot symbol 1”. Or even if it is a case corresponding to "probability variation 2" (selection ratio 65%) on the table, the final winning symbol is forced to "single symbol 2". As a result of the forced (restriction) of the winning symbol, the “high probability state” after the remaining “limiter count” reaches zero is not continued, and once the big hit ends, it becomes “low probability state”. It will be forcibly restored. Furthermore, when “single (normal) symbol 1” is normally selected as the winning symbol and when “single symbol 1” is forcibly selected (composition selection ratio 35%), both are 100 times. Although the number of times the time shortening function is activated is added, when the “single symbol 2” is forcibly selected (selection ratio 65%), the number of times the time shortening function is activated is not added (0 times = no time reduction). This means that when the “limiter count” reaches zero, it always returns to the “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery). This means that the rate of recovery is 65% of the total, and the “time reduction state” is maintained at the rate of the remaining 35%.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it can be seen that the number of times the time shortening function is added is different depending on the state at the time of winning and the number of remaining limiters (before arrival / when reaching). In particular, in the present embodiment, “(4) High probability time when reaching the limiter” becomes “non-time shortened state” only when “one-shot symbol 2” is forcibly selected, and otherwise “ It turns out that it becomes a "time shortening state".

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process (step S3000 in FIG. 19). Hereinafter, a method for setting the above “limiter count” and performing the subtraction process together with a specific procedure for the special symbol stop display process will be described.

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

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 19), and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process in the next interrupt cycle.

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

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

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4310.

  Step S4310: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol is a probability variation symbol. This confirmation can be made based on the big hit stop symbol number. That is, if the current big hit stop symbol number corresponds to one of the above-mentioned “probability variation symbol 1” to “probability variation symbol 3” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S4320.

[When probability variation is selected]
Step S4320: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current winning time is the “high probability state”. When the current winning time is the “low probability state” (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4330.

  Step S4330: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the “limiter count” based on the upper limit count (18 times including the first). Specifically, the “limiter count” value is set to 17 (remaining limiter number = 17), and the value is saved, for example, in the remaining counter area of the RAM 76. Here, the reason why the “limiter count” is set to 17 is that the upper limit count is set to 18 including the first win as described above, so that the remaining count is 17 throughout.

  The above is an example of the procedure when the current winning time is the “low probability state”, but when the current winning time is the “high probability state” (step S4320: Yes), the main control CPU 72 Perform the procedure.

  Step S4340: In this case, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (−1) the “limiter count” and saves (updates) the value after the subtraction in the remaining number counter area. For example, if the current winning is the second consecutive “probability symbol 1” or “probability symbol 2”, the “limiter count” is already set to 17 at the time of the first winning, so the main control CPU 72 In the second time, the “limiter count” is decremented by 1, and the remaining is set to 16 times to update the “limiter count”. Or, if this time's winning is “Continuous Variation 1” or “Continuous Variation 2” for the third consecutive time, the “Limiter Count” subtracted 16 times in the second time is subtracted one more in the third time. The “limiter count” is updated with the remaining 15 times. As a result, when the “high probability state” is a big hit, if any of “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2” is consecutively met, the remaining “limiter count” will decrease each time. (Continuous number subtraction means).

  After this, every time you win, if you fall into “probability pattern 1” or “probability pattern 2” up to the 18th time, the “limiter count” subtracted by the remaining one time in the 17th time is 1 in the 18th time. When one is subtracted, the rest reaches zero. In this case, when the main control CPU 72 executes the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20) at the next winning, the “limiter count” remains 0 when determining the winning symbol using the table of FIG. Since the number of times has been reached, as described above, “probability symbol 1” or “probability symbol 2” is forced to “single symbol 1” or “single symbol 2”.

[When single-shot (normal) design is selected]
On the other hand, in the previous step S4310, the current jackpot stop symbol number corresponds to either the above “single (normal) symbol 1” or the “single symbol 1” forcibly determined. In the case (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S4345.

  Step S4345: In this case, the main control CPU 72 clears the value of “the number of limiters” to 0 (remaining number of limiters = 0). Note that the main control CPU 72 clears the value of the “limiter count”, for example, when “single symbol 1” is selected as the current winning symbol in the previous big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 20). It is good as well.

  Step S4346: In any case, when the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 next generates a limiter remaining number command based on the current “number of limiters”. The limiter remaining number command generated here is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  Step S4350: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management processing”.

Step S4400: The main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command representing a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.
When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

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

  Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing address as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step 4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the count-down counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter value is set in the probability variation count area or the time-short count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. Here, although “number of times cut” is used, the value of the number of times counter in the “high probability state” is set to an extremely large value (for example, 10,000 times or more). Also, in the case of the “time reduction state”, the number of times of operation may be added 10,000 times depending on the winning symbol as described above. By setting such an enormous value, it is possible to probabilistically guarantee that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” will continue until the next winning is substantially obtained. In addition, when 100 times is added as the number of times of operation in the “time reduction state”, the value of the count cut counter is set to 100 times, but in this embodiment, the normal symbol in the “time reduction state” (operation lottery) Since the winning probability is approximately one-tenth (97/98), it is probabilistically guaranteed that the “time reduction state” will continue until the next time even 100 times.

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

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

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 erases the flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. The probability variation function activation flag or the time shortening function activation flag is erased, but the value of the count-down counter is not substantially zero in the “high probability state” as described above, and similarly In the “time shortening state”, the value of the count-down counter is substantially zero. However, since it may occur theoretically, if the value of the count-down counter actually becomes 0, the corresponding probability variation function activation flag or time reduction function activation flag is deleted. As a result, the “high probability state” or the “time reduction state” ends after the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S211 in FIG. 8) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a subroutine group of a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), and an operation memory display setting process (step S1230). It is.

  Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are, as already described, the special symbol display device 34, the normal symbol display device. 33 and a process of generating and outputting a drive signal applied to each LED of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) is a process for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38c and the time reduction state display lamp 38d, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time shortening function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38c. The probability variation state display lamp 38c continues to be lit until the big hit game related to the special symbol is started, or until the probability variation function is turned off (inactivated) after the special symbol variation display is performed a specified number of times. Thereafter, it is switched to non-display (turned off). On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38d regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output.

  In this state display setting process (step S1220), the main control CPU 72 also controls the firing position designation display lamp 38e of the game state display device 38. For example, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation display lamp 38e when the special game is being executed or the time reduction function is in operation.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

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

  Step S5200: In the special winning opening opening pattern setting process, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening pattern for each opening time, closing time, interval and number of rounds in one round. In the present embodiment, the maximum open time of one round is, for example, “6.0 seconds”, the closing time is, for example, “about 0.5 seconds”, and the number of rounds is fixed to “2 rounds”. As a result, values are set in the open timer, the close timer, the interval timer, and the round number counter, respectively. Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big winning opening / closing operation process. However, the above opening pattern is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

  Step S5300: Next, in the big winning opening / closing operation processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening / closing operation (opening operation) of the variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a drive signal to be applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90. As a result, the opening / closing member 30a of the variable winning device 30 is displaced from the closed position to the open position, and it becomes possible to generate a winning (winning) at the big winning opening 30b. Further, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the release timer, and if the value of the release timer is not less than or equal to 0, then the main control CPU 72 executes the counting of the number of winning balls. When it is confirmed that the opening time has ended or the count number has reached a predetermined number (for example, one), the main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 executes the count-down of the closing timer. When the value of the closing timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 subsequently executes the count-down of the interval timer (only the first round). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the next jump destination is set to the big prize closing process. In the second round, when the value of the closing timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big prize closing process.

  Step S5400: In the special winning opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 continues the operation of the variable winning device 30 or ends the operation. That is, if the current gaming state is a big hit (a big game), the main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. Thereby, for example, the first round ends, and the value of the round number counter increases at the stage toward the second round. The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter when the next jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation processing.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big winning opening / closing operation process as the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100). Then, the variable winning device until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (2 times) by the main control CPU 72 executing the special prize opening closing process again after the special prize opening opening / closing operation process is executed. 30 opening and closing operations are executed continuously. When the actual round number reaches the set execution round number, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (= 0), and sets the next jump destination to the end process. Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

〔End processing〕
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72.
Step S5504: Also, the main control CPU 72 ends the state of being a big player internally here.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76 and confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the time reduction function operation flag is set. This time shortening function operation flag is set in the previous special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 20). If the time reduction function operation flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5512.

  Step S5512: The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the count-down counter corresponding to the time shortening function based on the number of times the time shortening function is activated (100 times or 10,000 times) corresponding to the current winning symbol. The set number-of-times counter value is stored in the above-mentioned time count area of the RAM 76. If the time reduction function operation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512 and the next step S5514. In this case, it does not shift to the “time reduction state” after the big hit (the time reduction function is not activated).

  Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command here. Specifically, with the reset of the big hit flag, a state designation command indicating “end of big role” is generated as the gaming state. In addition, when the value of the count-down counter is set based on the number of times that the time shortening function is activated, a state designation command representing the “time shortening state” is generated as the internal state. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S213 in FIG. 8).

  Step S5516: After the above procedure at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 19) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

  The above is the contents of various control processes performed by the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). As the main control CPU 72 executes these processes, the game by the pachinko machine 1 progresses specifically.

  26 and 27 are timing charts showing changes in various states that occur through a game by the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 26 shows changes in various states when a normal game is played, and FIG. 27 shows changes in various states when an illegal game is played. Here, the illegal game means that the variable start winning device 28 is illegally opened and the game ball is changed to the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a) even though the operation lottery related to the normal symbol is not won. Assume that you have won a prize.

[Until time tn1]
In FIG. 26 (A): For example, a case is assumed where the gaming state before time tn1 is the normal state. That is, it is assumed that the probability variation function for the special symbol or the normal symbol is not activated and the variation time reduction function for the special symbol or the ordinary symbol is not activated. Therefore, it is assumed that the game ball is first passed through the middle start gate 20 by flowing down (left-handed) the left region of the game region 8a.

[Time tn1]
FIG. 26B: For example, at time tn1, the game ball that has left-handed and flowed down the left area of the game area 8a passes the middle start gate 20, and the middle gate switch 78 detects the detection signal. Is output. Further, it is assumed that the operation lottery regarding the normal symbol is performed in accordance with the detection of the game ball by the middle gate switch 78, and as a result, it is won. At that time, the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol is selected, and the variation pattern and the operating condition of the variable start winning device 28 are set. Specifically, for example, a normal symbol is variably displayed over, for example, 60 seconds (Tn1 in the figure), and after the variability display (after the end of the fixed stop display), the variable start winning device 28 operates (opens) for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure). After that, it is set that the end process is performed for 45 seconds (Tn4 in the figure).
(C) in FIG. 26: Fluctuation display is started in accordance with the variation pattern of the normal symbol selected above (variation time 60 seconds (Tn1 in the figure)). In conjunction with the normal symbol variation display, the liquid crystal display 42 executes a reach effect or the like.
In FIG. 26 (A): the gaming state remains in the “normal state”, and the gaming state changes for a while since the operation of the variable winning device 30 is finished and shifts to the “normal state” or the “time reduction state”. Never do.

[Time tn2]
(C) in FIG. 26: After 60 seconds (Tn1 in the figure) where the normal symbol variation display is set, the fixed stop display is performed in a manner representing the winning result, and the fixed stop display ends at time tn2. Is done.
In FIG. 26 (D): After displaying the fixed stop of the normal symbol, the variable start winning device 28 is operated for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the drawing) based on the operating conditions. Specifically, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is operated for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure), and the variable start winning device 28 is opened.
In FIG. 26 (G): With the start of the operation of the variable start winning device 28, the start winning port valid condition changes from the invalid state to the valid state. Therefore, when a game ball enters the start winning opening 28a from the time tn2 until the valid state ends, the winning at the start winning opening 28a is confirmed, and the prize ball accompanying the winning is paid out. If the operation storage process is possible, the storage process is performed.

[Time tn3]
In FIG. 26 (H): For example, at time tn3, the start of the variable start winning device 28 in which the game ball that has flowed down ("right-handed") in the right area of the game area 8a is operating to open from time tn2. The ball enters the winning award port 28a, and a detection signal is output by the start winning award port switch 82. Here, since the start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, the winning at the start winning port 28a is confirmed. Further, it is assumed that an internal lottery regarding a special symbol is performed as a result of the confirmation of winning at the start winning opening 28a, and as a result, the winning is made. At that time, the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol and the type of the winning symbol are selected, and the variation pattern and the operating condition of the variable winning device 30 are set. Specifically, the probability variation symbol 1 is selected as the winning symbol, the special symbol is variably displayed for 35 seconds (Tn3 in the diagram), and the variable winning device is displayed after the variation display (after the end of the fixed stop display in the probability variation symbol 1). 30 is activated for a total of 5 seconds (2 seconds open, 1 second interval (closed), 2 seconds open) (Tn6 in the figure), and then the termination process is set to 0.5 seconds (Tn7 in the figure). . Further, based on the type of winning symbol, a probability variation operation function flag and a variation time shortening operation function flag relating to a special symbol and a normal symbol are also set. Specifically, since the winning symbol is the probability variation symbol 1, the value (01H) is set in the probability variation operation function flag and the variation time reduction operation function flag regarding the special symbol and the normal symbol.
FIG. 26 (I): As described above, when the winning prize opening detection signal of the game ball is output by the starting prize opening switch 82 when the starting prize opening valid condition is in the valid state, the winning at the starting prize opening 28 is won. Is confirmed, and a prize ball payout process associated with the winning is executed. For example, 15 prize balls are paid out. In the invalid state, if a winning detection signal for a game ball is output by the start winning opening switch 82, it is only confirmed that the player has entered a ball, and the detection signal Is invalid, and no prize ball payout process is executed.
(J) in FIG. 26: The variation display is started according to the variation pattern of the special symbol selected above. In conjunction with this special symbol variation display, a battle reach effect (Janken battle effect) or the like is executed on the liquid crystal display 42.

[Time tn4]
In FIG. 26 (H): For example, at time tn4, the game ball that has been “right-handed” and flowed down the right area of the game area 8a is started by the variable start winning device 28 that has been released from time tn2. The ball enters the opening 28a, and the detection signal is output by the start winning opening switch 82. In addition, since the start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, the winning at the start winning port 28a is confirmed, but for the internal lottery regarding the special symbol, the special symbol is variably displayed or the variable winning device 30 is operating. In some cases, the internal lottery is not executed and the lottery elements are not stored. Therefore, since the special symbol variation display due to winning at the start winning opening 28 at the time tn3 is being executed, the internal lottery (the associated variation display (FIG. 26) associated with the special symbol for the winning (detection) at the time tn4. Medium (J)) is never executed.
FIG. 26 (I): As described above, when it is confirmed that the start winning port 28a has been won when the start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, a winning ball payout process is executed. A prize ball is paid out.

[Time tn5]
In FIG. 26 (M): For example, at time tn5, a game ball that has been “right-handed” and flowed down the right area of the game area 8a passes through the right start gate 21, and the detection signal is detected by the right gate switch 80. Is output. However, regarding the operation lottery regarding the normal symbol, if the normal symbol is variably displayed or the variable start winning device 28 is in operation, the operation lottery is not executed immediately, and the memory of the lottery element (operation memory) is stored. After the normal symbol variation display is finished (at the time of disconnection) and the variable start winning device 28 is activated (winning time), the normal symbol operation lottery is performed based on the operation memory and the variation display is started. (Tn12 in the figure).

[Time tn6]
(D) in FIG. 26: At time tn6, the operation of the variable start winning device 28 that has been operating for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure) from time tn2 is terminated. Specifically, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure) is finished, and the variable start winning device 28 is displaced from the open state to the closed state.
(E) in FIG. 26: After the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is finished, the end process of the variable start winning device 28 set as described above is executed for 45 seconds (Tn4 in the drawing).
(F) in FIG. 26: With the start of the end process of the variable start winning device 28, the winning valid timer is set for 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure) until time tn8.
In FIG. 26 (G): With the setting of the winning valid timer for 5 seconds, the start winning port valid condition continues in the valid state even though the variable start winning device 28 is not operated (is in the closed state). Is done.

[Time tn6 to Time tn7]
When the variable start winning device 28 is displaced from the open state to the closed state, a case is assumed where a game ball is sandwiched (engaged with the ball) at the opening / closing member 28b at the entrance of the variable start winning device 28 (for example, FIG. 11C )).

[Time tn7]
FIG. 26 (H): For example, at time tn7, the game ball that has been biting above enters the start winning port 28a of the variable start winning device 28, and a detection signal is output by the start winning port switch 82. Is done. In addition, since the start winning opening valid condition is in the valid state, winning in the starting winning opening 28a is confirmed (validated).
In FIG. 26 (I): It is confirmed that the start winning port 28a has been won when the variable start winning device 28 is not activated (is closed) and the start winning port effective condition is in the valid state. Then, a prize ball payout process is executed, for example, 15 prize balls are paid out. Regarding the internal lottery regarding the special symbol, when the special symbol is variably displayed or the variable winning device 30 is in operation, the internal lottery is not executed and the lottery element is not stored.

[Time tn8]
(F) in FIG. 26: At time tn8, the winning validity timer for 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure) from time tn6 becomes 0 (turns OFF) and ends.
In FIG. 26 (G): The start winning port valid condition changes from the valid state to the invalid state as the winning valid timer is turned off. Therefore, even if a game ball enters the start winning opening 28a from time tn8 to the valid state, it does not result in winning, and no prize ball associated with winning is paid out. No processing is performed.

[Time tn9]
(J) in FIG. 26: After 35 seconds (Tn3 in the figure) where the special symbol variation display is set, the fixed stop display is performed with the probability variation symbol 1, and the fixed stop display is terminated at time tn9.
In FIG. 26 (A): When the special symbol is displayed in a decisive stop manner in a big win mode, an opportunity to shift to the big win game state (a special game state advantageous to the player) occurs.
In FIG. 26 (K): After the special symbol confirmation stop display, the variable winning device 30 is operated for a total of 5 seconds (Tn6 in the figure) based on the operating conditions. Specifically, the special electric accessory solenoid 90 operates for 2 seconds, stops for 1 second, and operates for 2 seconds, for a total of 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure), and the variable winning device 30 is activated.
In FIG. 26 (G): the start winning port valid condition is changed from the invalid state even though the variable start winning device 28 is not operated (is in the closed state) due to the transition of the gaming state to the special gaming state. Changes to the valid state. Therefore, when a game ball enters the start winning opening 28a from the time tn9 until the valid state ends, the winning at the start winning opening 28a is confirmed, and the winning ball associated with the winning is paid out. If the action storage process regarding the symbol is possible, the storage process is performed.

[Time tn10]
In FIG. 26 (K): At time tn10, the operation of the variable winning device 30 that has been operating for a total of 5 seconds (Tn6 in the figure) from time tn9 is terminated. Specifically, the operation of the special electric accessory solenoid 90 for a total of 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure) is finished, and the variable winning device 30 is closed.
In FIG. 26 (L): After the operation of the variable winning device 30 is completed, the end processing of the variable winning device 30 set as described above is executed for 0.5 seconds (Tn7 in the drawing).

[Time tn11]
In FIG. 26 (L): At time tn11, the termination process of the variable winning device 30 that has been processed for 0.5 seconds (Tn7 in the figure) from time tn10 is terminated. In this termination process, the big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is terminated. After the big hit game is over, each function is operated according to each function operation flag set based on the winning symbol, and the game state is also shifted to either the “normal state” or the “time reduction state”. The In this case, since the winning symbol is the probability variation symbol 1, the probability variation function and variation time shortening function regarding the special symbol are activated, and the probability variation function and variation time shortening function regarding the normal symbol are activated.
(A) in FIG. 26: As described above, the special game state is ended when the big hit game is ended. Further, since the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function relating to the special symbol and the normal symbol are activated, the gaming state is shifted to the “time shortening state”.
FIG. 26 (G): The start winning port valid condition is in the valid state even though the variable start winning device 28 is not in operation (closed state) as the gaming state shifts to the time reduction state. It will continue.

[Time tn12]
(E) in FIG. 26: At time tn12, the end process of the variable start winning device 28 that has been processed for 45 seconds (Tn4 in the figure) from time tn6 is completed. In addition, the operation lottery regarding a new normal symbol is attained with the completion | finish of the completion | finish process of this variable start prize-winning apparatus 28. FIG.
(C) in FIG. 26: Here, the normal symbol operation lottery based on the operation memory stored at time tn5 is performed. Since the gaming state at this time is “time shortened state” ((A) in FIG. 26), the winning probability of the operation lottery regarding the normal symbol is high probability (98/99), so it is very easy to win. Yes. In addition, the case where it wins as a result is assumed. At this time, the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol is selected, but since the variation time shortening function is activated for the variation time related to the normal symbol, the shortened time is selected. Then, the fluctuation pattern and the operating condition of the variable start winning device 28 are set. Specifically, the normal symbol is variably displayed for 0.6 seconds (Tn8 in the figure), and after the fluctuation display (after the final display is finished), the variable start winning device 28 is opened for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure), and thereafter It is set that the end process is performed for 15 seconds (Tn10 in the figure).

[Time tn13]
In FIG. 26 (D): After the normal symbol variation display is finished in 0.6 seconds (Tn8 in the diagram), the final stop display is performed in a manner representing the winning result, and then based on the operating conditions. The variable start winning device 28 is operated for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure). Specifically, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is operated for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure), and the variable start winning device 28 is opened.

[Time tn14]
In FIG. 26 (H): For example, at time tn14, the game ball that has been “right-handed” and flowed down the right area of the game area 8a is started by the variable start winning device 28 that has been released from time tn13. The ball enters the opening 28a, and the detection signal is output by the start winning opening switch 82. In addition, since the start winning port validity condition is in the valid state, it is assumed that a winning at the starting winning port 28a is confirmed, and an internal lottery regarding a special symbol is performed in accordance with the confirmation of the winning, resulting in winning. At that time, the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol and the type of the winning symbol are selected, and the variation pattern and the operating condition of the variable winning device 30 are set. Specifically, the probability variation symbol 1 is selected as the winning symbol, and the first special symbol is variably displayed for 5.0 seconds (Tn9 in the figure), and after the variation is displayed (definite stop display end in the probability variation symbol 1) After that, the variable winning device 30 is set to operate for a total of 5 seconds (2 seconds open, 1 second interval (closed), 2 seconds open), and then to finish the process for 0.5 seconds. Further, based on the type of winning symbol, a probability variation operation function flag and a variation time shortening operation function flag relating to a special symbol and a normal symbol are also set. Specifically, since the winning symbol is the probability variation symbol 1, the value (01H) is set in the probability variation operation function flag and the variation time reduction operation function flag regarding the special symbol and the normal symbol.
FIG. 26 (I): As described above, when it is confirmed that the start winning port 28a has been won when the start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, a winning ball payout process is executed. A prize ball is paid out.
(J) in FIG. 26: The variation display is started according to the variation pattern of the special symbol selected above.

[Time tn14 to Time tn15]
FIG. 26 (H): For example, a game ball that has been “right-handed” and has flowed down the right area of the game area 8a enters the start winning opening 28a of the variable start winning apparatus 28 that has been opened from time tn13. The detection signal is output by the start winning port switch 82. In addition, since the start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, the winning at the start winning port 28a is confirmed, but for the internal lottery regarding the special symbol, the special symbol is variably displayed or the variable winning device 30 is operating. In some cases, the internal lottery is not executed and the lottery elements are not stored. Accordingly, since the special symbol variation display due to winning at the start winning opening 28 at time tn14 is being executed, the internal lottery (the associated variation display (J in FIG. 26) in FIG. ) Is never executed.
FIG. 26 (I): As described above, when it is confirmed that the start winning port 28a has been won when the start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, a winning ball payout process is executed. A prize ball is paid out.
In FIG. 26 (M): Also, the game ball that has been “right-handed” and flowed down the right area of the game area 8 a passes through the right start gate 21, and the detection signal is output by the right gate switch 80. However, regarding the operation lottery regarding the normal symbol, if the normal symbol is variably displayed or the variable start winning device 28 is in operation, the operation lottery is not executed immediately, and the memory of the lottery element (operation memory) is stored. After the normal symbol variation display is finished (at the time of disconnection) and the variable start winning device 28 is activated (winning time), the normal symbol operation lottery is performed based on the operation memory and the variation display is started. (Tn19 in the figure).

[Time tn15]
(D) in FIG. 26: At time tn15, the operation of the variable start winning device 28 that has been operating for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure) from time tn13 is terminated. Specifically, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure) is finished, and the variable start winning device 28 is displaced from the open state to the closed state.
(E) in FIG. 26: After the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is completed, the end process of the variable start winning device 28 set as described above is executed for 15 seconds (Tn10 in the drawing).
In FIG. 26 (G): The start winning port valid condition remains in the valid state even though the variable start winning device 28 is not in operation (closed state) due to the game state being in the time shortening state. Will continue. Therefore, when a game ball is won at the start winning opening 28a from the time tn15 until the valid state is completed, the prize ball associated with the winning will be paid out, and if the operation memory related to the special symbol is possible, the storage process is performed. Is called.
In FIG. 26, (F): The winning winning port valid condition is continued in the valid state, and therefore the winning valid timer is not set.

[Time tn16]
(J) in FIG. 26: After 5 seconds (Tn9 in the figure) when the variation display of the special symbol is completed, the fixed stop display is performed with the probability variation symbol 1, and the fixed stop display is terminated at time tn16.
In FIG. 26 (A): When the special symbol is displayed in a decisive stop manner in a big win mode, an opportunity to shift to the big win game state (a special game state advantageous to the player) occurs.
In FIG. 26 (K): After the special symbol confirmation stop display, the variable winning device 30 is operated for a total of 5 seconds (Tn6 in the figure) based on the operating conditions. Specifically, the special electric accessory solenoid 90 operates for 2 seconds, stops for 1 second, and operates for 2 seconds, for a total of 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure), and the variable winning device 30 is activated.
In FIG. 26 (G): The start prize opening valid condition is in the valid state even though the variable start prize device 28 is not operated (is in the closed state) due to the transition of the gaming state to the special gaming state. It will continue. Therefore, when a game ball is won at the start winning opening 28a from the time tn16 until the valid state is completed, the prize ball associated with the winning is paid out, and the storage process is performed if the operation memory related to the special symbol is possible. Is called.

[Time tn16 to Time tn17]
When the variable start winning device 28 is displaced from the open state to the closed state, a case is assumed where a game ball is sandwiched (engaged with the ball) at the opening / closing member 28b at the entrance of the variable start winning device 28 (for example, FIG. 11C )).

[Time tn17]
In FIG. 26 (H): For example, at time tn17, the game ball that has been biting above enters the start winning port 28a of the variable start winning device 28, and a detection signal is output by the start winning port switch 82. Is done. Further, since the start winning port effective condition is in the valid state, the winning at the starting winning port 28a is confirmed.
In FIG. 26 (I): It is confirmed that the start winning port 28a has been won when the variable start winning device 28 is not activated (is closed) and the start winning port effective condition is in the valid state. Then, a prize ball payout process is executed, for example, 15 prize balls are paid out. Regarding the internal lottery regarding the special symbol, when the special symbol is variably displayed or the variable winning device 30 is in operation, the internal lottery is not executed and the lottery element is not stored.

[Time tn17 to Time tn18]
In FIG. 26 (K): The operation of the variable winning device 30 that has been operating for a total of 5 seconds (Tn6 in the figure) from the time tn16 is ended. Specifically, the operation of the special electric accessory solenoid 90 for a total of 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure) is finished, and the variable winning device 30 is closed.
In FIG. 26 (L): After the operation of the variable winning device 30 is completed, the end processing of the variable winning device 30 set as described above is executed for 0.5 seconds (Tn7 in the drawing).

[Time tn18]
In FIG. 26 (L): At time tn18, the termination process of the variable winning device 30 that has been processed for 0.5 seconds (Tn7 in the figure) is terminated. In this termination process, the big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is terminated. After the big hit game is over, each function is operated according to each function operation flag set based on the winning symbol, and the game state is also shifted to either the “normal state” or the “time reduction state”. The In this case, since the winning symbol is the probability variation symbol 1, the probability variation function and variation time shortening function regarding the special symbol are activated, and the probability variation function and variation time shortening function regarding the normal symbol are activated.
(A) in FIG. 26: As described above, the special game state is ended when the big hit game is ended. Further, since the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function relating to the special symbol and the normal symbol are activated, the gaming state is shifted to the “time shortening state”.
FIG. 26 (G): The start winning port valid condition is in the valid state even though the variable start winning device 28 is not in operation (closed state) as the gaming state shifts to the time reduction state. It will continue.

[Time tn19]
(E) in FIG. 26: At time tn12, the termination process of the variable start winning device 28 that has been processed for 15 seconds (Tn10 in the figure) from time tn15 is terminated. In addition, the operation lottery regarding a new normal symbol is attained with the completion | finish of the completion | finish process of this variable start prize-winning apparatus 28. FIG.
(C) in FIG. 26: Here, an operation lottery of normal symbols is performed based on the operation memory stored from time tn14 to time tn15. Since the gaming state at this time is “time shortened state” ((A) in FIG. 26), the winning probability of the operation lottery regarding the normal symbol is high probability (98/99), so it is very easy to win. Yes. In addition, the case where it wins as a result is assumed. At this time, the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol is selected, but since the variation time shortening function is activated for the variation time related to the normal symbol, the shortened time is selected. Then, the fluctuation pattern and the operating condition of the variable start winning device 28 are set. Specifically, the normal symbol is variably displayed for 0.6 seconds (Tn8 in the figure), and after the fluctuation display (after the final display is finished), the variable start winning device 28 is opened for 6 seconds (Tn2 in the figure), and thereafter It is set that the end process is performed for 15 seconds (Tn10 in the figure).

〔after that〕
FIG. 26 (A): In the internal lottery regarding the special symbol, when the probability variation symbol 1 or the normal symbol 1 is selected as the type of the winning symbol, the gaming state is repeated as “time reduction state” and “special gaming state”. . On the other hand, when the probability variation symbol 2 is selected as the winning symbol type, the gaming state is shifted to the “normal state” after the “special gaming state (big hit game)” is completed.
In FIG. 26 (G): While the game state is repeated between the “time reduction state” and the “special game state”, the variable start winning device 28 is not operated (is in a closed state), but the start is started. The winning opening valid condition is continued in the valid state. On the other hand, when the game state is shifted to the “normal state” after the “special game state (big hit game)” is finished, the game state is disabled.

  As described above, a winning winning timer is set for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is completed, or during a special gaming state (during a big hit game) or a time shortening state. The valid condition is in the valid state. Therefore, even when the variable start winning device 28 is not operated (is in a closed state), the start winning port switch 82 outputs a game ball winning detection signal when the start winning port valid condition is in the valid state. Then, the winning detection signal is validated, the winning at the start winning opening 28a is confirmed, and a winning ball payout process is executed (15 winning balls are paid out).

  In the above description, changes in various states when a normal game is performed have been described. Next, changes in various states when an illegal game is performed will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[Until time tp1]
(A) in FIG. 27: For example, a case is assumed where the gaming state before time tp1 is a normal state. That is, it is assumed that the probability variation function for the special symbol or the normal symbol is not activated and the variation time reduction function for the special symbol or the ordinary symbol is not activated. Therefore, it is assumed that the game ball is first passed through the middle start gate 20 by flowing down (left-handed) the left region of the game region 8a.
In addition, the fluctuation display regarding the normal symbol is not performed ((C) in FIG. 27), the variable start winning device 28 is not operating ((D) in FIG. 27), and the variable start winning device 28 It is assumed that the termination process is not executed ((E) in FIG. 27) and the winning valid timer is not set ((F) in FIG. 27).
Therefore, it is assumed that the start winning port validity condition ((G) in FIG. 27) is in an invalid state.

[Time tp1]
In FIG. 27 (H): For example, at time tp1, the player illegally opens the variable start winning device 28 (execution of the goto action) and illegally places the game ball in the start winning port 28a of the variable start winning device 28. The ball is entered, and the detection signal is output by the start winning port switch 82. However, as described above, the start winning port valid condition ((G) in FIG. 27) is not valid but invalid, so even if a winning detection signal for a game ball is output by the start winning port switch 82, It is only confirmed that the ball has been hit, it does not mean that the start winning opening 28a has been won, and its detection signal is invalidated. Therefore, the winning ball payout process associated with winning is not executed ((I) in FIG. 27). Further, since the winning detection signal is also invalidated, the lottery elements relating to the special symbol are not stored, and the internal lottery is not executed, so that the special symbol variation display is not started (FIG. 27). Middle (J)).

  As described above, if the winning valid timer is not set in the end process related to the variable starting winning device 28, or if the special game state (during big hit game) or the time reduction state is not being set, the start winning port valid condition is invalidated. It is in a state. Therefore, even if the opening / closing member 28b of the variable start winning device 28 is illegally opened and a winning detection signal for a game ball is output by the start winning port switch 82, the start winning port valid condition is in an invalid state. The winning detection signal is invalid, and the prize ball payout process, the memory update process for special symbols, the variable display process, etc. are not executed. In the above description, regarding the variable start winning device 28, when a winning is detected, it is determined whether or not to handle as a winning based on the effective winning condition. When valid conditions are provided and a winning ball is detected, it may be determined whether or not to handle as a winning.

[Game Flow]
Next, FIG. 28 is a game flow diagram showing an example of a game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. A game by the pachinko machine 1 proceeds by driving (launching) a game ball into the game area 8a in accordance with the player's operation. Hereinafter, the flow of the game on the premise that the game ball is launched will be described. In the following description, reference numerals F1 to F47 and the like in the drawings are indicated with parentheses as appropriate. Further, “winning” used in the following description means that “the detected ball is treated as valid”.

[F1] During normal game For example, when a player starts a game with the pachinko machine 1, it is assumed that the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 is in a "normal game" state. In the present embodiment, the state of “in normal game” means “non-time shortened state” with respect to the normal symbol (operating lottery) and “low probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery).

[F2] Normal symbol non-winning [F1] During normal game, when the game passes through the middle start gate 20 (or the right start gate 21), the above-described operation lottery is executed. When the result of the operation lottery is non-winning, no internal state change occurs, and [F1] normal game is continued as it is.

[F3] Per normal symbol in normal game On the other hand, [F1] If the game lottery is won during normal game, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F4] Variable Start Winning Device Operation In this case, the variable start winning device 28 is operated, and it becomes possible to generate a winning at the start winning port 28a as described above. Due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), it is necessary to drive a game ball toward the right side in the game area 8a after winning the normal symbol (action lottery).

[F5] No winning When the variable starting winning device 28 is in operation (operating time 6.0 seconds) and no winning is made to the starting winning port 28a, the game flow returns to [F1] normal game. In this case, the game flow is resumed from the operation lottery.

[F6] Starting Port Winning In contrast, when a winning to the starting winning port 28a occurs while the variable start winning device 28 is operating (operating time 6.0 seconds), the game flow further proceeds to the next stage. In addition, although the winning that triggers the internal lottery is valid only once, each time a plurality of winnings (on average, 7 to 8 winnings) occur during operation of the variable start winning device 28, A prize bonus (for example, 12 prize ball payouts per prize ball) is given to the player.

[F7] Special symbol variation A special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning port 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F8] Non-winning When the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, the game flow returns to [F1] normal game and is resumed from the operation lottery.

[F11] One-shot symbol 1 winning When the winning symbol is an internal lottery and the current winning symbol corresponds to the above-mentioned “single (normal) symbol 1”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing “single (normal) symbol 1”. Is done. In this case, the game flow further proceeds to the next stage.

[F12] Variable winning device operation
The variable winning device 30 is opened by winning in the special symbol (internal lottery), and the number of times of opening is 2 (2 rounds). In the case of “single (normal) symbol 1”, the probability variation function activation flag is not set, but the time reduction function activation count is set to 100 times. For this reason, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is not [F1] during normal game, but proceeds to the stage of [F31] time reduction. In addition, the game flow from [F31] time is described later.

[F16] Probability Variation 1, 2 Winning On the other hand, if the winning symbol corresponds to the above-mentioned “probability variation 1”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing “probability variation 1”. Alternatively, when the winning symbol corresponds to the “probability variation 2”, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the “probability variation 2”. In either case, the game flow proceeds to the following stage.

[F14] Limiter remaining number set [F1a] In the case of normal winning, “limiter count” is internally set to the remaining 17 (limiter remaining number = 17).

[F18] Variable prize-winning device operation (during big role)
By winning the special symbol (internal lottery), the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation. In addition, when either of the “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” is met, the probability variation function operation flag is set and the time reduction function operation frequency is set to 10,000 times. The game flow after the opening operation of 30 proceeds to the probability change (high probability, short time: F19).

[F19] Probability change (high probability, short time)
In the present embodiment, once the game flow enters [F19] probability change, it is easy to continue [F19] probability change in terms of probability. Hereinafter, this point will be specifically described.

[F20] Normal symbol non-winning [F19] During probability change, the winning probability of the normal symbol (working lottery) is set to approximately one-tenth (98/99), so it is probable that it will not win rare. However, in theory, there is a possibility of non-winning, and if it is not won, the game in [F19] probability change will be continued.

[F21] Per normal symbol during probability change In the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), [F19] During the probability change, a game ball is shot into the right side portion in the game area 8a (so-called "right hit"). Is assumed. As a result, when the game ball passes through the right start gate 21, it is won with almost one change of the normal symbol. Since the variation time is shortened (0.6 seconds) as described above, the game flow proceeds to the next stage within a very short time.

[F22] Variable start winning device operation The variable start winning device 28 is activated by winning the normal symbol (actuation lottery), and the start winning port 28a is ready for winning. In the present embodiment, the operating time of the variable start winning device 28 is constant (6.0 seconds) even in the “time reduction state”. However, if a game ball is driven into the right side portion in the game area 8a, the game ball flows down toward the variable start winning device 28 that is operating as it is.

[F23] No winning Even if no winning is made to the starting winning opening 28a during the operation of the variable starting winning device 28 for some reason (out of ball, clogged ball, etc.), the game flow is [F19] As the inside continues, there is no extreme penalty for the player.

[F24] Start opening prize [F19] If a winning to the start winning opening 28a occurs during the operation of the variable start winning apparatus 28 due to the "right-handed" flow during the probability change, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F25] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning port 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F26] Non-winning With regard to the special symbol (internal lottery), the winning probability in the “high probability state” is approximately one-tenth (65535/65536), and therefore, almost no non-winning occurs probabilistically. However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, since the game flow continues during [F19] probability change, there is no extreme disadvantage for the player. Moreover, since the maximum number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to 10,000 times, even if one non-winning event occurs, the number of time reductions still remains.

[F27] Probability Symbol 1, 2 Winning In this embodiment, since the probability variation ratio is 97% of the total as described above, the probability changing symbol is selected with high frequency when winning. [F19] When the winning symbol falls under either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” during probability variation, 10,000 times are added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated as described above. In [F19], the continuation during the probability change is confirmed internally.

[F28] Limiter remaining number -1
In this case, since the positive variation is continuously selected in the “high probability state”, the “limiter count” is subtracted internally (limiter remaining number−1).

[F18] Variable prize-winning device operation (during big role)
Similarly, the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). The probability variation function activation flag is set and the time shortening function activation count is set to 10000 times for both cases of “probability variation symbol 1” and “probability variation symbol 2”. In addition, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 continues to be in the process of being probabilistic (high probability, short time: F19).

[Chance zone due to certain change]
As described above, once the game flow is shifted to [F19] probability change, [F21] from the normal symbol [F22] variable start winning device operation, [F24] start opening winning, [F25] special symbol fluctuation, [F27 ) Probability symbol 1, 2, winning, [F28] Limiter remaining -1, and [F18] Variable winning device activated, [F19] Looping during probability change is most frequent (or probability, rate, ratio) It becomes easy to occur. In this case, the variable start winning device 28 is operated once in a loop, and the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation. Therefore, a game ball is basically located on the right side in the game area 8a. If the player has been struck, the winning ball is paid out in response to the occurrence of the winning prize (winning privilege granting means).

  Each time the above loop is performed once, [F28] Limiter remaining number -1 decreases the remaining "limiter count", but the same frequency remains high until the remaining zero is reached. The loop will be repeated.

[F29] One-shot symbol 1 winning during probability change On the other hand, if [F19] The winning symbol corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1” during probability change, the game flow is as follows. In this case, since it is not a probabilistic symbol, the “high probability state” is not maintained, but since 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, the continuation of the “time shortening state” is promised internally at this point. .

[F30] Variable winning device activated
Similarly, the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Although not shown, the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the control process of the main control CPU 72 as described above (limiter reset).

[F31] Shorter time [F19] If it falls under “single (normal) symbol 1” from the probability change, the probability variation function activation flag will be cleared, but the time reduction function activation count will be set to 100, so variable prizes The game flow after the opening operation of the device 30 shifts to a short time (low probability short time) (continuous number resetting opportunity generating means).

[F20] Normal symbol non-winning [F31] During the short time, the winning probability of the normal symbol (working lottery) is set to about 1 (98/99), so it is almost impossible to win Absent. In theory, however, there is a possibility of non-winning, so if it is not won, the game in [F31] time is continued.

[F32] per normal symbol during time reduction [F31] Even during the time reduction, if the game ball passes through the right start gate 21 in the “right-handed” flow as it is, it is won with almost one normal symbol change. Since the variation time is shortened (0.6 seconds) as described above, the game flow proceeds to the next stage within a very short time.

[F33] Variable start winning device operation The normal start (operating lottery) winning operation activates the variable start winning device 28 so that a winning can be generated at the start winning port 28a.

[F34] No win Similarly, even if no winning is made to the start winning opening 28a during the operation of the variable start winning device 28 for some reason (out of ball, clogged ball, etc.), the game flow is [ F31] Since the time is continued, there is no extreme penalty for the player.

[F35] Start opening prize [F31] If the winning to the start winning opening 28a occurs during the operation of the variable start winning apparatus 28 due to the "right-handed" flow in the short time, the game flow proceeds to the next stage.

[F36] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning opening 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F37] Non-winning [F31] Regarding the special symbol (internal lottery) during the short time, the winning probability in the “low probability state” is half (32768/65536), so there is almost no non-winning stochastically. . However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, since the game flow continues for [F31], there is no extreme penalty for the player. In addition, since the number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to 100 times, even if one non-winning event occurs, the number of time reductions (99 times) still remains.

[F38] Probability change symbol 1 and 2 winning in short time And since the probability change ratio is 97% of the whole as described above, the probability change symbol is also selected with high frequency at the time of winning. [F31] When the winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” from the time shortening, 10,000 times are added as the number of times of the time reduction function operation as described above.

[F39] Number of remaining limiters = 17
In this case, since [F31] the “low probability state” during the time reduction corresponds to the first probability variation winning, the “limiter count” is internally reset here (the limiter remaining) Number = 17). Furthermore, in this case, since it is a chance variation winning game, the following game flow will proceed.

[F18] Variable winning device operation
By winning the special symbol (internal lottery), the variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation. [F31] The probability variation function activation flag is set and the time shortening function activation count is set to 10000 times for any of the cases where “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” falls under time reduction. Therefore, the game flow after the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is actually changed (high probability time short: F19) is resumed (re-entry, return).

[Addition of a limiter by single winning during a certain change]
In the above game flow, even if the “limiter count” is subtracted to some extent while repeating the loop of [F19] probability change, if “one-shot (normal) symbol 1” is won in the middle, This means that the “limiter count” is reset, and the “limiter count” is reset to the maximum value again by winning “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2” (continuous count resetting generation means).

  As a result, even if [F19] “Limiter count” during probability change is reaching the remaining 0, if “One-shot (normal) symbol 1” is won (selection ratio 3%) before that, As a result, the “limiter count” is reset, so that [F19] the game characteristic that the loop count during the probability change can be extended is realized.

[F40] One-time symbol 1 winning during short time Note [F31] If the winning symbol is “single (normal) symbol 1” following the time-shortening, 100 times will be added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated. . Accordingly, the game flow continues for [F31] time reduction after [F30] variable winning device operation.

  The above is the game flow that can occur before [F19] “Limiter count” reaches 0 remaining during [F19] probability change. On the other hand, as a result of repeating the above loop during [F19] probability change, when the remaining "limiter count" reaches zero, the following game flow is performed.

[Game flow when reaching the limiter]
FIG. 29 is a game flow diagram showing a game flow when the “limiter count” reaches the remaining zero. For example, in the case where [F19] variable start winning device is activated and [F24] start opening winning is generated per [F21] normal symbol in a state where [F19] “limiter count” reaches 0 remaining during [F19] probability change. Suppose.

[F41] Special Symbol Variation Similarly, a special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in response to the occurrence of a winning at the start winning opening 28a. As a result, the special symbol display device 34 displays the variation of the special symbol. Further, when the fluctuation time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the internal lottery.

[F42] Non-winning Regardless of the “limiter count”, the winning probability of the “high probability state” with respect to the special symbol (internal lottery) is about one-tenth (65535/65536). Does not occur. However, in the rare event that the internal lottery is not won, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner. In this case, the game flow continues during [F19] probability change, but the “limiter count” remains 0. In addition, since the maximum number of times the time shortening function is activated is set to 10,000 times, the number of time reductions still remains even if a non-winning event occurs.

[F43] One-shot symbol 1 winning [F19] If the winning symbol is “single (normal) symbol 1” with the remaining “limiter count” reaching 0, the game flow is as follows. In this case, since it is not a probability variable symbol, the remaining number of “limiter times” is not particularly related, and 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated.

[F44] Variable winning device activated
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). At this time, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0, but the remaining limiter is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the control process of the main control CPU 72 as described above.

[Chance zone continuation]
In this case, the game flow returns to [F31] time shortening, and from there, again in the “time shortened state”, [F32] per normal symbol, [F33] variable start winning device operation, [F35] start opening winning, [F36] special A game flow such as symbol variation proceeds. Then, [F38] Probability change symbol 1 and 2 wins, [F39] Limiter remaining number = 17, “limiter count” is reset, and the game flow shifts again to [F19] Probability change.

[F45] Probability symbol 1 winning → Forced one shot 1
[F19] The game flow is as follows when the winning symbol corresponds to “probability symbol 1” with the remaining “limiter count” during probability variation reaching zero. In this case, since the “limiter count” has already reached 0, the probability variation symbol cannot be selected in the control process of the main control CPU 72, and “single symbol 1” is forcibly set as described above. Will be selected. In this case, the probability variation function activation flag is cleared, but 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, so the “time shortening state” continues.

[F44] Variable winning device activated
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Similarly, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0 at this time, but the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped.

[Chance zone continuation]
In this case as well, the game flow returns to [F31] time reduction, and from there, again in the “time reduction state”, [F32] per normal symbol, [F33] variable start winning device operation, [F35] start opening winning), [F36] A game flow such as special symbol variation proceeds. Then, [F38] Probability change symbol 1 and 2 wins, [F39] Limiter remaining number = 17, “limiter count” is reset, and the game flow shifts again to [F19] Probability change.

[F46] Probability symbol 2 winning → Forced one shot 2
On the other hand, if the winning symbol is “probability variation 2” in the state where [F19] “limiter count” during probability variation has reached 0, the game flow is as follows. Also in this case, since the “limiter count” has already reached 0, it is not possible to select the probability variation symbol on the control process of the main control CPU 72. Then, “probability variation 2” is forcibly changed to “single symbol 2” as described above. In this case, since the probability variation function operation flag is cleared and 0 (= no time reduction) is set as the time shortening function operation count, the time shortening function operation flag is also cleared.

[F47] Variable winning device operation
The variable winning device 30 performs a two-round opening operation by winning a special symbol (internal lottery). Similarly, the remaining “limiter count” has reached 0 at this time, but the remaining limiter count is cleared to 0 after the special symbol is stopped.

[End of Chance Zone]
In this case, the game flow returns to [F1] normal game (normal game), and becomes a “non-time shortened state” and a “low probability state”.

[Summary of game flow]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the game flow is once changed during [F19] probability change, the following features are clarified.
30 and 31 are conceptual diagrams showing the classification of game flow patterns in the present embodiment. In the following, description will be given in order.

(1) Basic pattern (A) in FIG. 30: When the game flow is once changed to [F19] through the winning of “probability variation 1” or “probability variation 2”, basically a very high rate ( Probability wins occur continuously at a selection ratio of 97%. Therefore, assuming that the “limiter count” before the first (first) chance of winning the change is 18 for convenience (up to 18 consecutive times including the first), the remaining 17 is set at the time of the first win. The “limiter count” is subtracted 1 from 17 by the second consecutive chance of winning the variation and becomes 16 times, and further, 1 is subtracted from 16 by the third consecutive chance of winning the variation and becomes 15.

  After this, the “Limiter Count” is subtracted every time the chance variation wins continuously, and when the 18th consecutive chance variation win is counted, the “Limiter Count” is subtracted from the remaining one. Reach 0 times. In this case, since the winning with the single symbol is compulsory at the next winning, the probability variation winning is forcibly ended up to 18 consecutive times.

(2) Limiter addition pattern In FIG. 30 (B): In the basic pattern of (1) above, before the “limiter count” reaches the remaining 0, for example, the first limit is passed through the correct variation selection n times, Consider the case where the “number of times” remains (18-n) times and corresponds to “single (normal) symbol 1” (selection ratio 3%). In this case, 100 times are added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated.

  In FIG. 30 (C): Then, after the end of the big role, it will shift to the above [F31] time shortening, so after winning the normal symbol (operating lottery) winning the next special symbol (internal lottery) (selection ratio 97% ), The “limiter count” is reset there. The probability variation winning in this case corresponds to the first time after the single winning, and therefore, the possibility of the probability variation winning is newly generated 18 times including the first time (the remaining “limiter count” is 17 times). In this case, the “number of limiters” is obtained by adding the remaining (18-n) times so far (ie, n times) from the newly generated 18 times this time.

  This addition can be repeated, and even if the “limiter count” is reset, it will again fall under “single (normal) symbol 1” before the “limiter count” reaches 0 after the reset. Then, 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated.

  In FIG. 30 (D): Then, after the end of the big role, it will shift to the above [F31] time, so the regular symbol (working lottery) will be won and the next special symbol (internal lottery) will be selected. In this case, the “limiter count” is reset. Similarly, since the chance variation win in this case corresponds to the first time after the single win, there is a new possibility of the probability change winning of 18 consecutive times including the first time (the remaining “limiter count” is 17 times). It has occurred.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, [F19] If the single winning is made before reaching the limiter during the probability change, the “limiter count” is reset (the limiter is reset) at the time of the next probability change winning [F19] the probability change. As a result of restarting the inside, it is possible to realize a game characteristic as if the “limiter count” is added one after another. However, the “limiter count” is not increased in game control, and the single symbol winning is always sandwiched between them, so that the gambling of the game is not extremely enhanced. Further, the number of times of addition is “18 times—the current remaining number of times”, and when the addition occurs, the remaining number of times until then is discarded.

(3) Continuation pattern after reaching the limiter (addition pattern after reaching the limiter)
In FIG. 31, (E): On the other hand, when the upper limit before reaching the limiter does not occur and the “limiter count” reaches 0 times according to the basic pattern of (1) above, “probability pattern 1” at the 19th consecutive time Is forcibly changed to “single symbol 1”.

  In FIG. 31 (F): However, since the forced “single symbol 1” in this case is added 100 times as the number of times the time shortening function is activated, it shifts to the above [F31] time shortening after the end of the major role. . Then, after winning the normal symbol (operational lottery), when the next special symbol (internal lottery) is selected, the “limiter count” is set again. The probability variation winning in this case corresponds to the first time after the probability variation ends, so the possibility of the probability variation winning is added 18 times consecutively including the first time (the remaining “limiter count” is 17 times). .

  In this case, as the game flow, [F19] during the probability change is temporarily ended by reaching the limiter, but if the winning symbol at the time of reaching the limiter is forced to "one-shot symbol 1", [F31] the next probability variation winning from the short time Sometimes “limiter count” is newly set and [F19] is being changed. In addition, if it happens to be “single (normal) symbol 1” after reaching the limiter, 100 times is added as the number of times the time shortening function is activated. To do. Therefore, the rate of shifting to the [F31] time reduction after reaching the limiter is 35%, which combines the selection ratios of “single (normal) symbol 1” and “probability variable symbol 1”.

  In any case, by winning the “single pattern with short time” after reaching the limiter, it is possible to realize a game characteristic as if the “number of limiters” seemed to be added (in this case, +18 times). Here too, the “variable number of limiters” is not increased in game control, but forced single symbol winning (or pure single symbol winning) due to reaching the limiter in the meantime is generated. There is no increase in gambling.

(4) End pattern (G) in FIG. 31: On the other hand, if it corresponds to “probability pattern 2” at the 19th consecutive time after reaching the limiter, it is forcibly changed to “single pattern 2”. In this case, the forced “one-shot symbol 2” is not added with the number of times the time shortening function is activated (0 times = no time), so after [F1] normal game is played, [F19] The game inside ends.

  The above is the outline of the prominent patterns (1) to (4) of the game flow by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. In particular, the above (2) limiter addition pattern and (3) the continuation pattern after reaching the limiter. The player's profit increases as each game flow occurs. However, the above patterns (2) and (3) are only performed on the control processing by the main control CPU 72, and it is difficult for the player to perceive the flow directly.

  Of course, if the display mode of the special symbol display device 34 is carefully observed, it is possible for the player to confirm what winning symbol the game corresponds to during the game. However, the special symbol display device 34 itself is a 7-segment LED, and the display mode of any winning symbol is somewhat symbolic (for example, “巳”, “self”, “L”, “¬”, “Γ”). Therefore, it is difficult to instantaneously determine the type of winning symbol from such a display mode.

  Further, the “limiter count” is an internal control variable, and is not displayed on the game state display device 38 in particular, so that the “limiter count” is added during the game, It is difficult for the player to directly know the control information such as that the “limiter count” has reached the remaining 0, or that the time limit has been reached and the single symbol has been won after reaching the limiter.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, an effect technique is used to easily convey to the player that the game flow is progressing along the patterns (1) to (4). Hereinafter, the production technique employed in the present embodiment will be described with some examples. Note that these are merely examples, and there is no particular limitation on the contents of the effect design and the effect image.

[Normal design off-line production]
First, FIG. 32 is a continuous diagram showing an example of an effect executed when [F2] normal symbol is not won. This effect example corresponds to normal symbol variation display and stop display, and is specifically an example of a variation display effect and a result display effect based on the effect symbol. Of these, the variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects that are performed during the period from when the normal symbol starts variable display to when it is stopped and displayed (including the fixed stop). The result display effect is an effect that represents that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the operation lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. As described above, since the normal symbol display device 33 itself is a lighting / flashing display using two LEDs, it does not have an appealing appearance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 basically performs a variable display effect and a result display effect using the effect symbols. In addition, since the normal symbol is only displayed in a simple manner (for example, one upper lamp is lit), the player can determine whether or not the winning symbol is selected unless the result is a result display by the effect symbol. Hard to notice. On the contrary, this means that the player basically has a tendency to judge the result of the internal lottery from the contents of the production, and it can be said that the production plays an important role in the game flow.

  The effect symbols include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Of these, the medium effect design is smaller in size than the other left and right effect designs. In addition, the left and right effect designs are designed with a picture card with some image (for example, a character not shown), for example, with the Chinese numerals “1” to “9”. Is a design in which some images are added together with the arithmetic numbers “1” to “9”. These left effect symbol, middle effect symbol, and right effect symbol potentially constitute a symbol sequence in which, for example, Chinese numerals are arranged in descending order of “9” to “1”. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen.

[Variable display production start]
In FIG. 32 (A): Synchronized with the start of the change of the normal symbol, the change display effect is started when the three effect symbols scroll and change on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. That is, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol, the variable display effect is started such that the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scroll in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. In the figure, the change display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. Although not shown here, for example, an image (background image of the seaside) that is the background of the effect design is displayed in the display screen at this time. In addition, after this, for example, a notice effect may be performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen.

[Reach condition occurs]
(B) in FIG. 32: For example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed, the left effect symbol first stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the Chinese numeral “5” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Further, the right effect symbol stops changing, and at this time, the effect symbol representing the Chinese numeral “5” is also stopped at the middle position of the screen, so that the reach state occurs. At this time, the medium performance symbol is changing. In this example, no effect symbols other than the effect symbols stopped on the screen are displayed.

  In general, when all three of the same type of effect symbols are stopped on the effect, it is “winning”, and here, there is only one of the remaining medium effect symbols until “winning” is confirmed. Although not particularly illustrated, it may be an aspect in which character information such as “reach!” Is displayed on the display screen, and a sound is output together.

[Reach production]
FIG. 32 (C): After the reach state is generated, the process until the last effect symbol (medium effect symbol) is stopped and displayed is expressed in various contents. In this example, a process in which the numbers “1” to “6” move while flying around the display screen while drawing a circle, and the numbers are sequentially dropped from “1” is expressed. Yes. Such an effect is intended to remind the player of the notion that “if the last arithmetical number of“ 5 ”remains”, the player will continue to expect. Although not shown in the figure, a mode in which a notice effect after the occurrence of reach is performed by displaying an image of a character or the like on the display screen in this process may be used.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 32 (D): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the normal symbol (not necessarily at the same time). In the example shown in the figure, the arithmetic numeral “5” is deleted on the screen, and the medium effect symbol is the arithmetic numeral “6”. For this reason, the left, middle, and right effect symbols are stopped and displayed in a mode of “out” (non-winning) of “5”-“6”-“5”.

[Normal design per design]
Next, FIG. 33 is a continuous diagram showing an example of effects executed at the time of [F3] normal symbol hitting. In FIG. 32, an example of an effect that is lost after a normal reach effect has been described, but in FIG. 33, an example of an effect that is won (winning) after a super reach effect is described.

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 33 (A): Similarly, the lines of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction (for example, upward) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol. The scrolling display effect is started as if scrolling from the bottom to the bottom.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
(B) in FIG. 33: Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character's picture image (picture card) is performed. This pre-reach pre-announcement effect is a pre-announcement effect in which the change of the mode progresses in stages from one stage to a plurality of stages (for example, 2 to 5 stages) according to a predetermined order. The pattern image used in the pre-reach notice effect is located in front of the effect pattern that is displayed on the screen in a variable manner, for example, so as to appear suddenly from the left edge of the screen (other appearance modes) May be.) Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a chance of winning is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect can be obtained in which the player has a sense of expectation that “the possibility of winning may increase to reach”.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 33C, after the first stage aspect of the pre-reach notice effect is executed, the change of the pre-reach notice effect proceeds to the second stage. Here, an effect using a character pattern image different from the previous one is performed as the notice effect before the occurrence of reach in the second stage. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed.

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

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 33 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the Chinese numeral “seven” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 33 (E): Next to the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, since the production symbol representing the Chinese numeral “seven” is stopped at the right position of the screen, the Chinese numeral “seven”-“in a horizontal line (on one line) on the screen. Reach state of “Fluctuating”-“Seven” has occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes one line that is in a reach state is also displayed. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed.

  After the reach state occurs, the super reach effect is executed. In the super reach production, only the production symbols corresponding to the tempered numbers (here, the Chinese numeral “seven”) are displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect design may be displayed in a reduced state at each corner of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 33, (F): After a reach state occurs, for example, a notice effect after the occurrence of reach (first time) is performed in which images representing “heart” figures form a group and pass diagonally on the screen. . In this case, the image of the “heart group” is suddenly displayed on the screen so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a notice effect after the visually lively reach occurs, the player can have an even greater expectation.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 33 (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach, for example, images representing arithmetic numbers “1” to “8” are displayed in a three-dimensional sequence on the screen, There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “1”, “2”, “3”,. Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the arithmetic number “7” remains “unerased” until the end. Also, when the arithmetic number “6” is deleted and the arithmetic number “7” remains in front of the screen, it is “hit”, but when the arithmetic number “7” is deleted, it is “out of”. It means that there is. In this case, for example, “8” as the arithmetic number is displayed on the screen after the arithmetic number “7” is deleted. Therefore, during this time, the numbers “1”, “2”, “3”,... Are sequentially erased, and as the order of the numbers “5” approaches, Tension and expectation will also increase. After this, for example, if up to the arithmetic number “5” is erased on the screen, then the next time the Chinese numeral “6” is erased, the possibility of “winning” will increase, so there is a game there. A person's tension increases at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 33 (H): When the reach production is approaching the final stage, the image of the character is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it was split into a close-up, and the content that the character emits some dialogue (or silently) (The content may be that of smiling). At this point, for example, the content of the reach production is “If the arithmetical number“ 6 ”is deleted, then“ seven ”-“ 7 ”-“ seven ”will increase the chance of a normal symbol” ” is there. Therefore, by causing a character image to appear large at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “may be a hit”.

[Result display effect]
In FIG. 33 (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the normal symbol. In this example, since it corresponds to “winning” internally, the effect design representing the arithmetical number “7” is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen, so that the effect design is “seven”-“ 7 ”-“ Seven ”is stopped and displayed.

  In FIG. 33 (J): For example, the confirmed stop display is also performed for the result display effect as the effect symbol substantially in synchronization with the fixed stop display of the normal symbol. The effect design fixed stop display is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle, and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a fixed stop display, it is possible to teach the player that “per normal symbol” has been fixed in the production. However, in the present embodiment, since the hit of the normal symbol (operation lottery) does not guarantee the above [F19] high probability or [F31] time shortage, it is the content that appeals “winning” too much. Not. In other words, the “three-piece” image is relaxed to some extent by setting the display pattern of the medium effect symbol to a numerical value different from the left effect symbol and the medium effect symbol.

[Direction when variable start winning device is activated]
Next, FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of effects executed when the [F4] variable start winning device is operated. In this example, for example, a female character appears on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and an effect of generating a dialogue such as “Please make a right strike!” Is performed. In addition, a speech balloon image in which dialogue is written is displayed, and an arrow indicating the lower right direction of the board surface is displayed therein. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “right-hand” and to be aware that the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is started. At this time, sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the display of the dialogue as character information on the display screen.

[Direction when special symbol changes]
FIG.35 and FIG.36 is a continuous figure which shows the example of an effect performed when said [F7] special symbol fluctuation | variation (within fluctuation time). In this example, a game flow is assumed in which the player wins with a probability of 1/2 from the special symbol variation of [F7] and proceeds to either [F16] probability variation symbol 1, 2, or [F11] one-shot one winner. Yes.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 35 (A), at the beginning of the production, images of female characters (left side) and enemy characters (right side) are displayed side by side, and they rub each other. A state where sparks are scattered in the middle is expressed stunningly by moving images. Further, by appropriately displaying characters such as “game” on the display screen, it is possible to remind the player that “the game of two players will finally begin”. Further, at this time, the dialogue of each character (for example, “absolutely win!”, “Please come!”, Etc.) may be output as sound. In this case, for example, the degree of expectation can be suggested by the content of the dialogue (the more the content of the dialogue is more positive, the higher the degree of expectation).

  In FIG. 35 (B): In the middle of the production, the two characters disappear from the display screen and the character information “Janken” is displayed large. As a result, it is possible to remind the player of the notion that “characters are fighting against each other”. In addition, it may be a mode in which a shout, sound effect, BGM, etc., such as “Janken de match” are output as sound.

  In FIG. 36 (C): In the middle stage of the production, two characters display a moving image with the contents “Janken hands out”. In this example, a series of situations from the left side of the screen to the appearance of the friendly character's hand “Choki” and the appearance of the enemy character's hand “par” from the right side of the screen are represented. At this time, in accordance with the movement of each character, a mode in which a shout such as “Janken-pon!” Is output as sound.

  In FIG. 36 (D): At the end of the production, it is displayed that the ally character has won a brilliant victory as a result of the game. In this example, the ally-winning character is a close-up in the center of the display screen, and the appearance of showing the victory V-sign beside the face is expressed in a stunning manner. In addition, the display screen displays the word “I won!” To remind the player that they won “Janken,” and “ Can be taught.

[Examples of special symbols when not selected]
FIG. 37 is a continuous diagram showing an example of effects executed when the special symbol changes (within the change time) when not entering the chance zone. Specifically, in the case of proceeding from [F7] special symbol variation to [F8] non-winning, for example, the following effects are executed.

  In FIG. 37 (A): In this example, a series of states from the left of the screen until the friendly character's hand “Choki” appears and from the right of the screen the enemy character's hand “Goo” appears. It is expressed.

  In FIG. 37 (B): It is displayed that, as a result of the match, unfortunately the ally character has been defeated. In this example, the defeated ally character becomes a close-up in the center of the display screen, and the state of disappointment is expressed in a stunning manner. In addition, by displaying the letters “Lose ...” in the display screen, the player is reminded of the idea that “Janken was defeated”. Can't be taught ".

[Direction during certain change]
Next, FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of effects executed when the game flow progresses during the probability change of [F19] from [F18] variable winning device operation. Here, although “probability changing effect” is used, it may be an example of an effect executed when the game flow progresses to a chance zone that combines [F19] probability change and [F31] time.

  FIG. 38 (A): For example, when the variable winning device [F18] is operated, for example, the right-handed character information is displayed together with the background image on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the game area 8a An arrow symbol indicating the right side portion of is displayed. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “right-hand” and to be aware that a winning accompanying the opening operation of the variable winning device 30 occurs. At this time, the background image represents, for example, a state in which a female character who has won in the previous production example is sitting relaxed.

  In addition, a limiter remaining number meter (reference symbol M) corresponding to the remaining “limiter count”, for example, is displayed at the lower position in the screen. The limiter remaining number meter M displays the “limiter count” at the present time. Is displayed in a bar graph-like manner. In this example, in the rectangular frame of the limiter remaining number meter M, the “limiter count” is maximum (18 times) in a state where all the vertically long blocks are fully lit up to the right end. After this, when the game flow progresses during the variable change of [F19] from the operation of the variable winning device of [F18], the display on the limiter remaining number meter M is decreased by one to 17 times.

[Limiter remaining meter production]
38 (B): While the above [F19] probability change is repeated and the loop is repeated, “right-handed” character information is continuously displayed on the screen together with the background image, and the right portion in the game area 8a is also displayed. An arrow symbol is displayed. On the other hand, the limiter remaining number meter M is displayed in such a manner that the number of lighting blocks decreases one by one every time a probability variation winning occurs. With such a display mode of the limiter remaining number meter M, the player is reminded that the remaining number of limiters that are probably changing is gradually decreasing, and the internal information used in the actual game flow. ("Limiter count") can be transmitted (taught, suggested) to the player.

[Director on limiter]
Next, FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect that is executed when a limiter is added due to a single winning winning change. However, the actual number of extra additions differs depending on the number of remaining limiters at the time of occurrence, and it is difficult for the player to visually determine at which stage the extra addition occurred. Various aspects can be considered for the presentation technique (how to show) when expressing this on the presentation.

  In FIG. 39 (A): For example, even if the “limiter count” is internally increased by 10 times, this can be divided into 5 times and the additional effect can be executed twice. In this case, an image simulating a relatively small heart shape is displayed on the screen, and information on the number of times of addition, for example, “+5” is displayed inside the image. In addition, an effect of increasing the display of the limiter remaining number meter M by 5 times is performed (not shown). Thereby, it can be transmitted to the player that “the remaining limiter count has been added five times”. After that, for example, when the limiter remaining number meter M becomes less displayed, an additional effect for five times is executed. Thereby, although the number of times of addition per production is reduced, it is possible to give the player a sense of surprise and surprise by generating a number of addition effects.

  In FIG. 39B: Alternatively, when the limiter remaining number meter M has already been displayed with a small amount of remaining, the actual increase of 12 times can be expressed as an additional effect. In this case, an image simulating a relatively large heart shape is displayed on the screen, and information on the number of times of addition, for example, “+12” is displayed inside the image. In addition, an effect of increasing the display of the limiter remaining number meter M by 12 degrees at a stretch is performed (not shown). Thereby, it can be transmitted to the player that “the remaining limiter count has been added 12 times at a time”. Moreover, when the limiter remaining number meter M is displayed with a little remaining, an extra is generated, so that the tension of “the limiter may be lost” is released, and the feeling of relief and joy due to the extra is displayed. be able to.

[Director after reaching the limiter]
Next, FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an effect example executed after reaching the limiter. For example, when the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 times in the game flow, the following example effects are executed.

[End production]
In FIG. 40, (A): In this case, for example, character information of “chance zone end” is displayed on the screen, and the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M becomes zero. As a result, the player is instructed to “end during probability change” and contributes to maintaining motivation for the next probability change entry.

[Continuation (revival) production]
In FIG. 40 (B): On the other hand, when shifting to [F31] time reduction after reaching the limiter in the actual game flow, the continuation effect is executed following the end effect. In this case, an effect of dropping the movable body 40f to the front side of the liquid crystal display 42 is performed. In addition, the appearance as if the female character in the background image is surprised at the fall of the movable body 40f is expressed in a stunning manner. At the lower position in the screen, for example, an effect is produced in which the number displayed on the limiter remaining number meter M returns to full (full). Although not particularly illustrated, the movable body 40f may return to the original position after this, and a character such as “continuation of chance zone” may be displayed on the screen, for example. In any case, it is possible to give a big surprise to the player by executing such a continuous effect. Further, by using the movable body 40f, it is possible to enhance the visual appeal and maximize the effect of the presentation.

[Background change production]
In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, when the “limiter count” decreases in the game flow, an effect of changing the background image according to the remaining count is performed.
FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a background image that changes as the game flow progresses.

[Initial stage production]
In FIG. 41 (A): For example, in the early stage of the transition to [F19] probability change in the game flow, the background image is the “female character wearing a yukata” and this is the “initial stage”, for example. . In this case, since the content of the background image is relatively calm, it is possible to express a stable impression that has just shifted to the probability change. Although not shown here, it is assumed that the above-mentioned limiter remaining number meter M, “right-handed” character display, and the like are displayed on the display screen (the same applies hereinafter).

[Yukata stage production]
41B: When the remaining “limiter count” decreases to some extent as the game flow progresses (for example, the remaining 15 to 12 times), the background image is changed based on a lottery for effect control. Production is performed. In this example, for example, a large “female character wearing a yukata” is displayed on the display screen, and this is, for example, a “yukata stage”. In this way, by performing an effect (stage change effect) that changes from the “initial stage” to the “yukata stage”, the visual impact on the player is enhanced, and [F19] Can give a sense of continuity and a sense of tension.

[Fireworks stage production]
In FIG. 41 (C): When the game flow further progresses and the “limiter count” gradually decreases (for example, the remaining 8 to 5 times), the background image is further changed based on the lottery for effect control. Production is performed. In this example, for example, the display screen is changed to “Landscape of fireworks in the night sky”, and “Scenery of another female character looking up at fireworks” is displayed in a stunning manner. In the present embodiment, this is, for example, a “fireworks stage”. By executing such an effect of changing to the “fireworks stage”, it is possible to finally make the player feel that the game in the middle of [F19] probability change has reached the climax.

[Festival stage production]
In FIG. 41 (D): This example changes the background image to “festival scenery”, and in the present embodiment, this is referred to as “festival stage”. This “festival stage” represents that the remaining “number of limiters” is small (for example, 4 to 1 time). By executing such an effect to change to the “festival stage”, the player can realize that [F19] the game that is undergoing certain change is low, or add it when the limiter arrives (or before it reaches). It can make you feel nervous about whether continuation will occur.

[Director after reaching the limiter]
Next, FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect executed when the chance zone is not re-entered after reaching the limiter (when returning to the normal game). For example, when the remaining “limiter count” reaches 0 times in the game flow, the following example effects are executed.

[End production]
In FIG. 42, (A): In this case, for example, the character information of “chance zone end” is displayed on the screen, and the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M becomes zero. As a result, the player is instructed to “end during probability change” and contributes to maintaining motivation for the next probability change entry.

[Game description production]
In FIG. 42 (B): [F1] When shifting to the normal game after reaching the limiter in the actual game flow, the game explanation effect is executed following the above-mentioned end effect. In this example, for example, a female character appears on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and an effect of giving a speech such as “Please return to the left” is performed. In addition, an arrow symbol indicating the left portion in the game area 8a is displayed. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prompt the player to “left strike” and be aware that the chance zone has ended. At this time, sound may be generated from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with the display of the dialogue as character information on the display screen.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-mentioned effect per normal symbol (FIG. 32), the effect when the variable start winning device is activated (FIG. 34), the effect when the special symbol fluctuates (FIGS. 35 and 36), the effect during probability change (FIG. 38), and the limiter addition effect (FIG. 39). ), The effect after reaching the limiter (FIGS. 40 and 42), the background change effect (FIG. 41) and the like are controlled through the following control process.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes a command reception process (step S400), an effect symbol management process (step S402), a normal symbol post-effect effect management process (step S404), a display output process (step S405), a lamp driving process (step S406), This is a configuration including a subroutine group of an acoustic drive process (step S408), an effect random number update process (step S410), and other processes (step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The production commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a start gate passage command, a normal operation memory number command, a start opening winning tone control command, a demonstration production command, a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, a variation There are a start command, a stop symbol command, a symbol stop command, a state designation command, a time shortening function operation number command (number cut counter number command), a limiter remaining number command, an error notification command, and the like.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the result display effect using the effect symbol. In this process, the contents such as the above-mentioned normal symbol deviation effect (FIG. 32) and the normal symbol effect (FIG. 33) are controlled.

  Step S404: In the normal symbol after-effects management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effects after winning in the normal symbol lottery (operation lottery). For example, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of effects when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, and controls the contents of effects when the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed. In this process, the above-described variable start winning device operation effect (FIG. 34), special symbol change effect (FIGS. 35, 36, and 37), probability change effect (FIG. 38), limiter addition effect (FIG. 39), The contents of the effect after reaching the limiter (FIGS. 40 and 42) and the background change effect (FIG. 41) are controlled. Note that the contents of the post symbol management processing for normal symbols will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S405: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 gives basic control information of the effect contents to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) (for example, the number of working memories of normal symbols, the variable effect pattern number, the notice effect) Number, effect mode number, limiter added effect pattern number, limiter remaining number meter display number pattern number, background change effect pattern number, revival effect pattern number, end effect pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed contents of the effect (acts as various effect executing means).

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives the various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52, the panel lamp 53, and the like (turns on or off, blinks, changes in luminance gradation, etc.) based on the control signal.

  Step S408: In the next acoustic drive process, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the sound drive circuit 134 about the effect contents (for example, BGM, audio data, etc. during various effects). Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

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

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body solenoid 57 as a drive source, and performs an effect in synchronism with the display of the image by the liquid crystal display 42 as described above or independently.

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

[Normal presentation management processing per symbol]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the after-effect production management process for a normal symbol. For example, the after-hit effect management process for the normal symbol is, for example, an execution selection process (step S500), an initial variable start winning device operation process (step S502), a special symbol change-time effect process (step S504), and a major role start effect process (step S506). ), A group of subroutines for the end effect process (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, the effect control CPU 126 selects the first variable start winning device operating process (step S502) as the first jump destination. On the other hand, if the variable start winning device operation process (step S502) has already been completed and a special symbol variation pattern command (or a start opening winning tone control command) has been received, the effect control CPU 126 can execute the next jump. As a destination, the special symbol variation effect process (step S504) is selected. If the special symbol variation effect processing (step S504) is completed and the winning command for the special symbol (internal lottery) has been received, the effect control CPU 126 will perform the effect processing after starting the big role as the next jump destination (step S506). ) Is selected. Then, the effect control CPU 126 selects the end process (step S508) as the next jump destination when the end flag is set in the effect process after the start of the big role. Note that the first variable start winning device activation process (step S502) and the special symbol variation effect process (step S504) are not selected as jump destinations when a state designation command representing "time reduction state" is received. This is because, when the game flow is once shifted to the “time reduction state” ([F19] during probability change or [F31] time reduction), the center of the effect content is the above-described effect during change (FIG. 38) or limiter addition effect (FIG. 38). 39), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 40), the background change effect (FIG. 41), etc., during this time the variable start winning device operating effect (FIG. 34) and the special symbol change effect (FIG. 35, FIG. This is because it is not necessary to execute 36).

  Step S502: In the first variable start winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect when the variable start winning device 26 is operated after the first hit of the normal symbol (operation lottery). The contents of the effects controlled here are the same as the effects when the variable start winning device is activated (FIG. 34). For example, a message such as “Right-handed!” Is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. By displaying, the progress status in the game flow is guided to the player. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prevent the player from digesting the game indiscriminately and to reconfirm the purpose consciousness to prevent a decrease in gaming motivation.

  Step S504: In the special symbol variation production process, the production control CPU 126 can produce the content corresponding to the special symbol variation display or stop display. The contents of the effects controlled here are the same as the special symbol fluctuation effects described above (FIGS. 35 and 36). By performing such an effect, the player has a sense of expectation whether or not he / she can enter the chance change (chance zone) due to the special symbol (internal lottery) fluctuation after the first winning of the normal symbol (action lottery), It is possible to provide fun and fun.

  Step S506: In the effect process after the start of the big role, the effect control CPU 126, as described above, the effect during probability change (FIG. 38), the limiter addition effect (FIG. 39), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 40), and the background change effect (FIG. 41). Etc. are controlled. As a result, information on the flow and progress of the game after the game flow has changed to [F19] Probability Change or [F31] Time Shortening is communicated to the player, or the “limiter count” addition is strongly urged. Can be.

  Step S508: In the end effect process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the effect accompanying the end of [F19] probability change. The content of the effect controlled here is the same as the aspect ((A) in FIG. 40) representing the “end of chance zone” among the effects after reaching the limiter described above. By executing such an effect, once the [F19] probability change is completed, the player is informed in the game flow, and the game motivation is maintained for the next transition to [F19] probability change. Can be made.

[Direction processing after the start of a major role]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect process after the start of a big game. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 performs special symbol (internal lottery) winning symbol-specific (single shot or probability change) processing.

  Step S600: That is, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol corresponds to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2”. This confirmation can be performed based on the winning symbol command received from the main control CPU 72. For example, the effect control CPU 126 confirms the winning symbol command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms that the current winning symbol is either “probable variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” (Yes). ), And then proceeds to step S602.

  Step S602: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes an effect pattern selection process during chance. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 creates specific effect patterns for the above-mentioned effect during probability change (FIG. 38), the limiter addition effect (FIG. 39), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 40), the background change effect (FIG. 41), and the like. select. The contents of the during-chance effect pattern selection process will be described later using another flowchart.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S600 that the current winning symbol does not correspond to either “probability variation symbol 1” or “probability variation symbol 2” (step S600: No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S604.

  Step S604: Next, the production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol corresponds to the “single symbol with time reduction”. This confirmation can be confirmed based on, for example, the time reduction function operation number command received from the main control CPU 72. That is, the effect control CPU 126 confirms, for example, the time shortening function activation number command stored in the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms that the value is greater than 0 (> 0) (Yes), then proceeds to step S606. move on.

  Step S606: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 sets the effect limiter remaining number counter to the maximum. That is, the effect control CPU 126 stores in advance, for example, an effect limiter remaining counter in the count area of the RAM 130 based on the limiter remaining number command received from the main control CPU 72 in the previous command reception process (step S400 in FIG. 43). However, in step S606, the effect control CPU 126 sets the effect limiter remaining number counter to the maximum value (for example, 18 times). This is because, if the winning symbol of the special symbol (internal lottery) falls under “single symbol with a short time”, the subsequent game flow shifts from [F31] short time to [F19] during probability change as described above. Furthermore, this corresponds to the occurrence of resetting of the “limiter count” in the processing of the main control CPU 72.

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect pattern selection process during chance with the value of the effect limiter remaining counter set to the maximum value.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S604 that the current winning symbol does not correspond to the “single symbol with time reduction” (step S604: No), the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S608.

  Step S608: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 sets an end process flag. As a result, the end effect process (step S508 in FIG. 44) is selected as the next jump destination in the execution selection process (step S500 in FIG. 44) after returning to the normal symbol hit effect management process (FIG. 44). Will be.

[Dance pattern selection process during chance]
FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the during-chance effect pattern selection process executed in the previous post-starter effect process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 acquires the value of the limiter remaining number counter. The limiter remaining number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 130 as described above, and is normally updated (subtracted update) based on the value of the limiter remaining number command, or corresponds to the occurrence of a limiter reset (addition). The maximum value is set.

  Step S702: Next, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect content to be given priority from the difference between the limiter remaining number displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 and the internal limiter remaining number. For example, the effect control CPU 126 first calculates the difference between the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M currently displayed in the screen and the value of the limiter remaining number counter. Then, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect content to be prioritized from the priority effect selection table (not shown) according to the calculation result.

[Direction priority]
The effect pattern during the chance mainly includes the above-mentioned limiter addition effect (FIG. 39), the effect after reaching the limiter (FIG. 40), the background change effect (FIG. 41), etc. It is desirable to determine this based on the progress of the game flow. For example, even if the “limiter count” is added internally, the actual number of additions differs depending on the number of remaining limiters at the time of occurrence, and at what stage for the player It is difficult to visually determine whether an actual addition has occurred. Therefore, for example, even if the limiter remaining number is sufficiently large (for example, the remaining 17 times), the number of times of addition is relatively small. Therefore, the limiter addition effect (FIG. 39) is executed at this timing. But there is not much surprise (joy) for the player. On the other hand, when the limiter remaining number is considerably reduced (for example, the remaining three times or less), an additional number of times can be obtained. Therefore, the limiter addition effect (FIG. 39) is executed at this timing. As a result, the surprise (joy) increases for the player. Further, it is natural that the restoration effect after reaching the limiter ((B) in FIG. 40) is actually executed at the timing when the “limiter count” becomes zero. In the present embodiment, based on the above-described concept of effect priority, the content of effects to be prioritized according to the difference between the number displayed on the limiter remaining number meter M and the value of the limiter remaining number counter is defined by a priority effect selection table (not shown). doing.

  Step S704: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the number-of-times increasing effect (limiter addition effect) is selected as the priority effect in the previous step S702. If the number-of-times effect (limiter addition effect) is actually the current priority effect (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S706.

  Step S706: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes a limiter number increase effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 performs an effect lottery using, for example, an effect lottery random number, and if this is won, the pattern number of the limiter added effect (FIG. 39) is selected. The limiter added effect pattern number selected here is output to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) in the display output process (step S405 in FIG. 43). As a result, the limiter addition effect shown in (A), (B), etc. in FIG. 39 is actually executed in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  On the other hand, if the number-of-times increasing effect (limiter added effect) is not selected as the priority effect in the previous step S702, it is determined that the effect control CPU 126 times increasing effect (limiter added effect) is not the current priority effect (No). Step S708 is executed.

  Step S708: In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes other effect pattern selection processing. Also in this process, the effect control CPU 126 performs an effect lottery using an effect lottery random number, and when winning is selected, for example, the pattern number of the background change effect (FIG. 41) is selected. Alternatively, for example, when there is no difference between the number displayed on the limiter remaining number meter M and the actual limiter remaining number counter value and both are zero, the effect control CPU 126 reaches the limiter by effect lottery (probability 1/1). The pattern number of the later revival effect ((A) and (B) in FIG. 40) is selected. The background change effect pattern number or the revival effect pattern number selected here is also output to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) in the display output process (step S405 in FIG. 43). Thereby, the background change effects shown in (A) to (D) in FIG. 41 are actually executed in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, or shown in (A) and (B) in FIG. The rebirth production will be executed.

  In each of the previous step S706 and step S708, particularly when the effect lottery is not won (effect non-winning), the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern number for reducing the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M. Thereby, in any case, an effect of reducing the display number of the limiter remaining number meter M in the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is executed.

[Summary of production techniques]
According to the example of the production method described above, information useful to the player can be provided as production in accordance with the progress of the game flow in the pachinko machine 1. Specifically, (1) the necessity of “right-handed” has occurred per normal symbol, and (2) internal lottery (special figure fluctuation) due to winning at the variable start winning device 28 (start winning port 28a). (3) Winning in the internal lottery (with time reduction at the time of the first hit), (4) The game flow is changing to [F19] probability change or [F31] time reduction (rushing in) (5) [F19] The remaining “limiter count” decreases during certain changes, (6) “Limiter count” increases, (7) After reaching the limiter [F31] [F19] Information that the opportunity to return to the probability change has occurred, and (8) the fact that [F19] the probability change is ended by reaching the limiter and the game flow is returned to [F1] normal game, etc. Provide direct to the player by directing Teaching, it is possible to suggest). Further, regarding (3) above, it can be provided as information that the winning in the probable variation pattern was not obtained by the internal lottery.

  Thereby, the player can fully enjoy the game performance by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment while preventing the game from being performed indiscriminately while the progress of the game flow is not understood by the player. In addition, by clearly realizing from the contents that the “limiter count” has actually been added in the game flow, the player's own game outcome ([F19] 3% single win during probability change) The player can feel a certain level of satisfaction and achievement. Alternatively, by clearly realizing from the contents that the resurgence occurred after reaching the limiter in the game flow, the game result was again given to the player (35% after reaching the limiter, and a single win was assigned. ) Realize it, so that the player can have a certain level of satisfaction and achievement.

  In particular, in the internal game flow, the contents of the actual control processing are complicated for the mechanisms (6) and (7) above, but in the present embodiment, this is transmitted to the player in an easy-to-understand manner as performance information. In that respect, not only the game flow but also the production technique is excellent.

[Usefulness in game flow]
In addition, in the present embodiment, the original game flow itself has the following utility.
(1) For example, [F1] The right (possibility) to generate 18 consecutive [F19] probabilistic loops, including the first, is generated by winning the [F16] probable change 1 and 2 wins from the normal game To do. Accordingly, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation for each loop, and the profit can be increased.

(2) Furthermore, if [F29] single symbol 1 winning is allocated in the middle of [F19] probability changing loop, [F38] probability changing symbol 1 and 2 winning (97% probability change rate) will occur after the [F31] short time. It is easy to re-loop into [F19] probability change. In this case, since the “limiter count” is reset (reset) as described above, a new “limiter count” is added to the amount that has been digested in the previous loop. Become. As a result, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation, and the profit can be further increased.

(3) [F19] Even if no additional occurs in the loop under certain probability and the remaining "limiter count" reaches 0, [F43] single symbol 1 win or [F45] Probability symbol 1 win → compulsory single-shot symbol 1 (combination selection ratio 35%), from there through [F31] time shortening [F19] loop in probability variation can be resumed. Also in this case, since the “limiter count” is reset (reset), a new “limiter count” is added to the amount that has been digested during the loop before reaching the limiter. . As a result, the player can be given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball through the [F22] variable start winning device operation and the [F18] variable winning device operation, and the profit can be further increased.

(4) In addition, since the profit of (2) or (3) may occur randomly according to the result of the special symbol (internal lottery), the above (2) and (3) occur in a chain. By doing so, it is possible to realize a game property that can add a ball to the ball each time.

(5) In addition, in this type of pachinko game, drawing a probabilistic symbol basically generates continuity of profit (so-called continuous chain). The common sense of gaming is that sex ends. However, in the present embodiment, [F19] Draws a single-shot symbol during probability change to generate an increase in continuity of profit, which is significant in that it achieves game characteristics using the concept of reversal from the conventional one. It is useful.

[Other Embodiments]
FIG. 47 is a front view showing a pachinko machine 101 according to another embodiment. The pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment (second embodiment) has a board surface configuration different from that of the above-described one embodiment (first embodiment).

〔overall structure〕
A pachinko machine 101 according to another embodiment includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (a plastic frame and a gaming machine frame) that are common to the pachinko machine 101 described in the previous embodiment. Accordingly, the left top lens unit 47, the upper right illumination unit 49, the glass frame top lamp 46, the left glass frame decoration lamp 48, the right glass frame decoration lamp 50, the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52, etc. The configuration is also common.

  Similarly, the on-glass speakers 54 and 55 and the outer frame speaker 56 are also common to the embodiment. In the following description, components that are basically the same as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in the drawings, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, even if the code | symbol is common to one embodiment, in another embodiment, a different name from one embodiment may be used, but even in this case, it is assumed to have a functionally common configuration.

[Board configuration]
The pachinko machine 101 according to another embodiment has a so-called “one type (old standard)” board surface configuration. Hereinafter, the board | substrate surface structure in the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment is demonstrated.

  In the game area 8a, a starting gate 20, normal winning ports 22, 24, an upper starting winning port 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, and the like are installed. The start gate 20 is functionally the same as the “medium start gate 20” in one embodiment.

  In the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment, the game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or the normal start holes 22, 24 and the upper start winning opening 26, enter the variable start winning device 28 during operation (win). The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side of the game board 8 through through holes formed in the game board.

  Also in another embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly, a prize is awarded to the lower start winning port 28a. Make it possible (ordinary electric equipment). Here, the lower start winning opening 28a is functionally the same as the “start winning opening 28a” in the embodiment.

  The variable start winning device 28 used in the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b are placed on the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. And reciprocates in the left-right direction. That is, as shown in the drawing, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with the tip facing upward, and at this time, it is impossible to enter the lower start winning opening 28a (there is no gap through which game balls can flow). It has become. On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width of the lower start winning port 28a is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which a game ball can flow in, and generates a win to the lower start winning port 28a. Note that the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is basically a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28, but the game ball is always a variable start winning device. The inflow does not necessarily flow into 28, but the inflow occurs only at random.

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

  As described above, the pachinko machine 101 according to another embodiment has (1) a structure in which the variable start winning device 28 has a pair of movable pieces 28b, and (2) a structure in which the variable winning device 30 has one opening / closing member 30a. There is a difference from the pachinko machine 101 of one embodiment.

  In the case of the pachinko machine 101 according to another embodiment, the game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position in the window 4a, for example, and the first special symbol display device 34. A second special symbol display device 35, a first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game state display device 38 are provided.

  That is, the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment has a first special symbol and a second special symbol as two special symbols, and each has a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. The point is also different from the pachinko machine 101 of the embodiment. The first special symbol display device 34 is functionally the same (equivalent) as the “special symbol display device 34” in one embodiment.

  FIG. 48 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the variation state and stop state of the special symbol by, for example, 7 segment LEDs (with dots), respectively (symbol display means). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

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

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is changed to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing that a winning is generated each time a game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26. (Up to a maximum of 4), every time the first special symbol starts to change, the display mode is reduced by 1 each time the winning is triggered. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is displayed after being incremented by one in the sense of memorizing that a winning occurs every time a game ball flows into the variable starting winning device 28 (lower starting winning port). It changes into a mode (up to 4), and every time the change of the second special symbol is started with the winning as a trigger, it changes to a display mode after decreasing by one. When the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball flows into the upper start winning opening 26 in a state where the first special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even so, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port) in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball flows in, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of winnings that have not yet started to change in the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Represents.

  The game state display device 38 includes four LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, a probability variation state display lamp 38c, and a short time state display lamp 38d. The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The state display device 38 is attached to the game board 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display substrate 89.

[Other configuration of game board: see FIG. 47]
Moreover, in the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment, the effect unit 40 is installed on the game board 8 from the center position to the right side portion. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b and 40c on the inner side. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board 8 by the three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a dramatic operation by emitting transmitted light using, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images including an effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. When a transparent board (for example, an acrylic board) is used for the game board 8 instead of a veneer board, decorativeness by various decorative bodies (including a movable body and a light emitting body) disposed on the front and back of the transparent board is added. .

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40f is formed at the center of the rolling stage 40e. At this time, the game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 140f easily flows into the upper start winning opening 26 directly below the ball discharge path 40f. Become.

  In addition, the decoration unit 400 is attached to the effect unit 40 as a movable body for the effect. The decorative body 400 is, for example, a decorative part shaped like a heart shape, and is stored in the effect unit 40 at a position above the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in the state shown in FIG. The decorative body 400 descends from the position stored in the effect unit 40 by the functions of the decorative body motor 402 and the link mechanism not shown in FIG. 47, and the whole of the decorative body 400 reaches a position before the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. Can move. Further, the decorative body 400 is provided with a decorative body lamp 404 not shown in FIG. 47, and the decorative body 400 can perform a light emission effect by turning on and blinking the decorative body lamp. Such a decorative body 400 executes an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Such an effect using the decorative body 400 can have an impact different from the effect using a two-dimensional image.

[Control configuration]
FIG. 49 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment. Hereinafter, the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment is demonstrated centering on a different structure from the pachinko machine 1 of one embodiment.

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 278 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Further, an upper start winning port switch 180, a lower start winning port switch 182 and a count switch 84 are provided corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively.

  Also in the pachinko machine 101 according to another embodiment, the panel board 138 is installed on the game board 8. The decorative body motor 402 and the decorative body lamp 404 are connected to the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) via the panel electric decoration board 138. The decorative body motor 402 can raise and lower the decorative body 400 via a link mechanism or the like (not shown). Further, the decorative body lamp 404 can cause the decorative body 400 to emit light in a decorative manner, for example, by light emission of an LED.

[Control of variable start winning device]
In the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment, the control method for operating the variable start winning device 28 is basically the same as that of the pachinko machine 1 of one embodiment. In other words, during the game, the determined random number per normal symbol is acquired in response to the passing of the game ball at the start gate 20, and the operating lottery corresponding to the normal symbol is performed by consuming the operating memory. In the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment, it is assumed that the winning probability of the operation lottery is set lower (for example, about 1/250) than that of the pachinko machine 1 of one embodiment.

  When winning (per normal symbol) is obtained in the operation lottery, the normal symbol is displayed in a manner representing the result of winning after the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner. When the normal symbol stop display time elapses, control is performed to shift the variable start winning device 28 from the closed state to the open state after waiting for the release (FIG. 15: variable start winning device management). Processing).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of switch input event processing according to another embodiment (second embodiment). Each procedure will be described below. As described above, in the first embodiment, there is only one start winning opening for the special symbol (start winning opening 28a), whereas in the second embodiment, there is a starting winning opening for the special symbol. The difference is that the upper start winning opening 26 and the lower start winning opening 28a are two. Therefore, the switch input event process according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with a focus on the added process (steps S8 and S9) related to the upper start winning opening 26. The other processes (steps S10 to S18) in the second embodiment are the same as the contents of the processes (steps S10 to S18) in the first embodiment, and the name of the start winning opening is the lower start winning opening. The only difference is whether or not it exists and whether or not the name of the special symbol is the second special symbol.

  Step S8: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol (the first event is generated). When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S9 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. The details of the specific process are the same as the special symbol storage process in the first embodiment, and will be omitted. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S10.

  Step S10: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (second event occurs) from the lower start winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S11. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S15.

  Step S11: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the time reduction function is operating or whether or not a big hit is being made. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76, determines whether or not the value of the variable time shortening function operation flag (01H) is set, or the internal status flag “start of big role (during big hit game) ) ”Is set. As a result of the confirmation, if “start of big role (during big hit game)” is set as the variable time shortening function operation flag or the internal state flag (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when “start of big role (during big hit game)” is not set as the variable time shortening function operation flag or the internal state flag (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the ordinary electric accessory is in operation or whether or not the winning valid timer is greater than zero. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the flag area of the RAM 76, determines whether or not the value (01H) of the normal electric accessory operation flag is set, or the timer counter value counting the winning valid timer To check whether the count value is 0 or not. As a result of the confirmation, when the value of the normal electric accessory operation flag (01H) is set or the winning validity timer is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the value (01H) of the normal electric accessory actuating flag is not set and the winning validity timer is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S14.

  Step S13: The main control CPU 72 executes a second special symbol storage process. The specific content of the second special symbol storage process (step S13) is the same as the special symbol storage process in the first embodiment, and will not be described.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 clears the winning detection signal for the variable starting winning device 28 (lower starting winning port 28a), that is, rewrites the ON bit to OFF (winning detection information erasing means). As a result, in the subsequent control process, it can be handled that the winning to the variable starting winning device 28 (the lower starting winning port 28a) has not occurred. It is possible to surely prevent the winning ball from being broken or paid out.

  Step S15: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S17.

  Step S17: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the middle gate switch 78 or the right gate switch 80 corresponding to the normal symbol. If the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S18 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. The specific contents of the normal symbol storage update process (step S18) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and are therefore omitted. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 8).

[Operation example of variable start winning device]
FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the variable start winning device 28 used in the pachinko machine 101 according to another embodiment. The configuration of the variable start winning device 28 shown in FIG. 51 (and FIG. 52 below) is slightly different from that shown in FIG. 47, but the basic functions and structures are the same. In addition, the operation example of the variable start winning device 28 listed here can be basically applied to the operation of the variable winning device 30 used in the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment. However, in the case of the variable winning device 30 used in the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment, the number of times of opening, the opening time, the closing time, and the like are different from those of the variable start winning device 28.

[Closed]
51 (A): When the variable start winning device 28 is closed, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in a closed position with their respective tips facing upward, and there is no gap into which the game ball 300 can enter. Therefore, winning in the variable start winning device 28 is impossible. For this reason, the game ball 300 flowing down the game area does not enter the variable start winning device 28 even if it collides (contacts) with the variable start winning device 28.

[Opening start]
In FIG. 51, (B): When the winning result is obtained in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position. Open) and widen the opening width of the lower start winning opening 28a to the left and right. In this case, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which the game ball 300 can flow in, and can generate a winning to the lower start winning port 28a.

[Opening]
In FIG. 51 (C): the variable start winning device 28 continues the open state until a predetermined open time elapses. However, when a predetermined number of winnings (for example, about 5) or more are detected within the opening time, the variable start winning device 28 is closed without waiting for the opening time to elapse. Note that the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is different between the non-time shortened state and the time shortened state, and a short open time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is applied in the non-time shortened state. In the time reduction state, a long open time (for example, 5.0 seconds) is applied.

[Closed]
In FIG. 51 (D): When the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 elapses or when a predetermined number of winnings or more are detected within the opening time, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in a state where their tips are directed upward. Returning to the closed position, the variable start winning device 28 is closed. When the variable start winning device 28 returns to the closed state, the game ball 300 flowing down the game area does not enter the variable start winning device 28.

  The above is the basic operation of the variable start winning device 28. If a ball bit occurs while the variable start winning device 28 is opened, the following operation is performed. “Ball biting” in the variable start winning device 28 means that a regular ball is generated while the variable start winning device 28 is in an open state, but the game ball is clogged for some reason.

[Operation example of the variable start winning device during ball biting]
FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation when ball biting occurs in the variable start winning device 28. Note that the variable start winning device 28 used in the pachinko machine 101 of another embodiment has the same structure as the variable winning device 30 used in the pachinko machine 1 of one embodiment. For this reason, the variable winning device 30 used in the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment may also generate a ball bit according to the same principle as the operation example given here.

[Closed]
In FIG. 52 (A): When the variable start winning device 28 is closed, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and it is impossible to enter the variable start winning device 28. It has become. For this reason, the game ball 300 flowing down the game area does not enter the variable start winning device 28 even if it collides with the variable start winning device 28.

[Opening (ball chewing first example)]
In FIG. 52 (B): When the winning result is obtained in the operation lottery corresponding to the normal symbol and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning manner, the left and right movable pieces 28b are respectively directed from the closed position to the open position. Are displaced (expanded), and the opening width of the lower start winning opening 28a is expanded to the left and right. In this case, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which the game ball 300 can flow in, and can generate a winning to the lower start winning port 28a.

However, in the case of this operation example, the ball biting occurs inside the variable start winning device 28. The variable start winning device 28 can enter the game ball 300 from either the left or right direction of the variable start winning device 28 when the left and right movable pieces 28b move to the open state.
For this reason, two game balls 300 may enter substantially simultaneously from both sides of the variable start winning device 28 where the movable piece 28b is open.

  In this way, when two game balls 300 enter the variable start winning device 28 at the same time, the two game balls 300 may be arranged between the left and right movable pieces 28b. In this case, the two game balls 300 are sandwiched between the movable pieces 28b from the left and right directions, and the two game balls 300 cannot move, and a ball clog occurs.

  In FIG. 52 (C): At this time, if the degree of ball biting is moderate, the ball biting may be naturally canceled by the dead weight of the game ball 300 and flow into the variable start winning device 28 as it is. Alternatively, when the game ball 300 that has entered the variable start winning device 28 collides with the two game balls 300 that are causing the ball clogging, the impact of the ball may be eliminated. In any case, since the retention of the game ball 300 is released after the ball bite is eliminated, the game ball 300 enters the variable start winning device 28.

[Opening (Ball biting second example)]
52D: On the other hand, even if the game ball 300 enters only from one side of the variable start winning device 28, if the game ball 300 enters at the moment when the movable piece 28b closes, the movable piece 28b and others There is a case where the game ball 300 is sandwiched between the members (not shown) and the ball is bitten. Usually, the force for returning the movable piece 28b to the closed position is not set so strong. For this reason, even if the game ball 300 enters the variable start winning device 28 at the moment when the movable piece 28b is closed, the force that causes the game ball 300 to open the movable piece 28b by its own weight (the game ball 300 opens the movable piece 28b in the opening direction). The pushing force) exceeds the force by which the movable piece 28b returns to the closed position. Therefore, normally, the entry of the game ball 300 is given priority and the winning at the variable start winning device 28 is generated. However, even if the power relationship between the two rarely balances, the ball at the variable start winning device 28 is rarely balanced. Biting may occur.

  In FIG. 52 (E): At this time, if the degree of the ball biting is moderate, the ball biting may be naturally canceled by the weight of the game ball 300 and the variable start winning device 28 may be won. Alternatively, the ball chewing may be eliminated by the next collision of the game ball 300 approaching the variable start winning device 28 with the game ball 300 causing the ball clogging. In any case, since the stagnation of the game ball 300 is released after the ball bite is eliminated, the game ball 300 enters the variable start winning device 28.

[Closed]
In FIG. 52 (F): When the ball biting is eliminated, the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 has already passed, so that the left and right movable pieces 28b are in a state in which each tip is directed upward. Returning to the closed position, the variable start winning device 28 is closed. However, in this case, since it takes a certain amount of time to eliminate the ball biting, the closing time of the variable start winning device 28 may end when the game ball passes the lower start winning port switch 82.

  Here, since the operation of the variable start winning device 28 has been completed, this winning is regarded as an illegal winning, and it is treated that no winning has occurred. However, in the above-described switch input event processing, the winning is effective. If it is confirmed that the timer is greater than 0, it is treated as if a winning has occurred. Also, in the above-described switch input event processing, when it is confirmed that the time reduction function is operating or that a big hit game is being played, if a delayed ball is confirmed due to the biting of the ball without confirming the winning valid timer , It is treated as if a prize has occurred. In any case, if a “ball biting” occurs, it will be treated as if a winning has occurred if the winning is confirmed in all gaming states. In other words, even if “ball biting” occurs, if the gaming state is a big hit game or the time reduction function is activated, it is treated as if a winning has occurred, and if the gaming state is a normal state, the winning valid timer is set. By confirming, it will be treated as if a prize has occurred. Therefore, it is disadvantageous for a player to treat a ball delayed due to “ball biting” as a winning does not occur while taking measures against an illegal act performed while the variable start winning device 28 is inactive. Can be prevented.

  53 and 54 are timing charts showing changes in various states that occur through games by the pachinko machine 1 in the second embodiment. FIG. 53 shows changes in various states when a normal game is played, and FIG. 54 shows changes in various states when an illegal game is played. Here, the illegal game means that the variable start winning device 28 is illegally opened to release the game ball to the variable start winning device 28 (the lower start winning port 28a), even though the operation lottery related to the normal symbol is not won. Assume that you have won a prize.

[Until time tn1]
FIG. 53 (A): For example, it is assumed that the gaming state before time tn1 is a normal state. That is, it is assumed that the probability variation function for the special symbol or the normal symbol is not activated and the variation time reduction function for the special symbol or the ordinary symbol is not activated. Therefore, it is assumed that the game ball is in a situation where it is first awarded to the upper start winning opening 26.

[Time tn1]
53B: For example, at time tn1, a game ball enters (wins) the upper start winning opening 26, and the upper start winning opening switch 80 outputs a detection signal thereof. Further, it is assumed that an internal lottery regarding a special symbol is performed in accordance with the detection of a game ball by the upper start winning a prize opening switch 80, and as a result, a winning is made. At that time, a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol is selected, and the variation pattern and the operating condition of the variable winning device 30 are set. Specifically, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for 120 seconds (Tn1 in the figure), for example, and the big hit game is started after the change display (after the end of the fixed stop display). During the big hit game, the variable winning device 30 is operated (released) for 16 rounds (Tn6 in the figure), and after the end process (Tn8 in the figure) is performed, the big win game is finished.
(C) in FIG. 53: Fluctuation display is started according to the variation pattern of the special symbol selected above (variation time 120 seconds (Tn1 in the figure)). In conjunction with this special symbol variation display, the liquid crystal display 42 executes a reach effect or the like.
In FIG. 53 (A): the gaming state remains in the “normal state”, and the gaming state changes for a while since the operation of the variable winning device 30 is finished and shifts to the “normal state” or the “time reduction state”. Never do.
53 (M): When a game ball winning detection signal is output by the upper start winning opening switch 80, a winning ball payout process is executed, for example, three winning balls are paid out.

[Time tn2]
53 (F): For example, at time tn2, the game ball passes through the start gate 20, and the detection signal is output by the gate switch 78. Further, it is assumed that an operation lottery regarding a normal symbol is performed as a result of the detection of a game ball by the gate switch 78, and as a result, it is won. At that time, the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol is selected, and the variation pattern and the operating condition of the variable start winning device 28 are set. Specifically, for example, the normal symbol is variably displayed over, for example, 30 seconds (Tn2 in the figure), and the variable start winning device 28 is operated (opened) for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the figure) after the variability display (after the final stop display is completed) After that, it is set that the end process is performed for 10 seconds (Tn4 in the figure).
53 (G): The variation display is started in accordance with the variation pattern of the normal symbol selected above (variation time 30 seconds (Tn2 in the figure)). It should be noted that a special effect (for example, a slot effect by a character) or the like may be executed on the liquid crystal display 42 in conjunction with the normal symbol variation display.

[Time tn3]
In FIG. 53 (G): After 30 seconds (Tn2 in the figure) where the normal symbol variation display is set, the fixed stop display is performed in a manner representing the winning result, and the fixed stop display ends at time tn3. Is done.
In FIG. 53 (H): After displaying the fixed stop of the normal symbol, the variable start winning device 28 is operated for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the drawing) based on the operating conditions. Specifically, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is operated for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the figure), and the variable start winning device 28 is opened.
In FIG. 53 (K): With the start of the operation of the variable start winning device 28, the lower start winning port valid condition changes from the invalid state to the valid state. Therefore, when a game ball enters the lower start winning opening 28a from the time tn3 until the valid state ends, the winning is confirmed at the lower start winning opening 28a, and the winning ball associated with the winning is paid out. If the operation storage process for the special symbol is possible, the storage process is performed.

[Time tn4]
In FIG. 53 (L): For example, at time tn4, the game ball enters the lower start winning opening 28a of the variable start winning apparatus 28 that has been opened from time tn3, and is detected by the lower start winning opening switch 82. A signal is output. In addition, when the lower start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, the lower start winning port switch 82 outputs a game ball winning detection signal, so that the winning at the lower starting winning port 28a is confirmed (the detection signal is Not invalidated). However, with regard to the internal lottery regarding the special symbol, if the special symbol is variably displayed or the variable winning device 30 is in operation, the internal lottery is not executed immediately, and the lottery element is stored (operating memory). After the special symbol variation display is finished (at the time of losing) or after the variable winning device 30 is activated (at the time of the big hit), the special symbol internal lottery is performed based on the operation memory, and the variation display is started. (Tn17 in the figure).
In FIG. 53 (M): As described above, when the lower start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, the winning ball payout process is executed because the winning at the lower start winning port 28a is confirmed. A prize ball is paid out.

[Time tn4 to Time tn5]
In FIG. 53 (L): Similarly to the above, when the variable start winning device 28 is in operation, when the ball enters the lower start winning port 28a of the variable start winning device 28, the lower start winning port switch 82 detects it. A signal is output. When the lower start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, the lower start winning port switch 82 outputs a game ball winning detection signal, so that the winning at the lower starting winning port 28a is confirmed, and the working memory is limited to the upper limit. Unless the value is reached, the lottery elements relating to the internal lottery of the special symbol are stored (operating memory).
In FIG. 53 (M): Also, when the lower start winning opening valid condition is in the valid state, it is confirmed that the lower start winning opening 28a has been won. Prize balls are paid out.

[Time tn5]
(H) in FIG. 53: At time tn5, the operation of the variable start winning device 28 that has been operating for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the drawing) from time tn3 is terminated. Specifically, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the figure) ends, and the variable start winning device 28 is displaced from the open state to the closed state.
53 (I): After the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is completed, the end process of the variable start winning device 28 set as described above is executed for 10 seconds (Tn4 in the drawing). Here, the time required for this end processing is set to 10 seconds, but it may be shorter (for example, 1 second).
(J) in FIG. 53: With the start of the end process of the variable start winning device 28, the winning valid timer is set for 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure) until time tn7. Even if the time required for the termination process is short (for example, 1 second) as described above, the winning validity timer is set to 5 seconds. Therefore, even when the variable display by the normal symbol is performed, the winning valid timer may be counted down (in the first embodiment, the countdown was executed in the end process, but in other processes, You may count down each time an interrupt process is performed).
FIG. 53 (K): With the setting of the winning effective timer for 5 seconds, the lower starting winning port effective condition remains in an effective state even though the variable starting winning device 28 is not operating (closed state). Will continue. Therefore, when a game ball is won in the lower start winning opening 28a from time tn5 until the valid state is completed, the prize ball associated with the winning is paid out. Done.

[Time tn5 to Time tn6]
When the variable start winning device 28 is displaced from the open state to the closed state, it is assumed that a game ball is sandwiched (engaged with the ball) at the opening / closing member 28b at the entrance of the variable start winning device 28 (for example, ( B) to (D) in FIG.

[Time tn6]
In FIG. 53 (L): For example, at time tn6, the game ball that has been biting above enters the lower start winning port 28a of the variable start winning device 28, and the lower start winning port switch 82 detects the detection signal. Is output. In addition, since the lower start winning opening valid condition is in the valid state, the winning at the lower starting winning opening 28a is confirmed (validated). In addition, since it was confirmed that the prize was won, the lottery element relating to the internal lottery of the special symbol (operation memory) is performed unless the operation memory reaches the upper limit value.
In FIG. 53 (M): When the variable start winning award device 28 is not activated (closed state) and the lower start winning award valid condition is in the valid state, a winning at the lower start winning award 28a is made. Upon confirmation, a prize ball payout process is executed, for example, four prize balls are paid out.

[Time tn7]
(J) in FIG. 53: At time tn7, the winning valid timer for 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure) from time tn5 becomes 0 (turns OFF) and ends.
In FIG. 53 (K): As the winning valid timer is turned OFF, the lower start winning prize valid condition changes from the valid state to the invalid state. Therefore, even if a game ball has entered the lower start winning opening 28a from time tn7 to the valid state, it is only confirmed that the game has been entered, it has not been won, and its detection signal is It is invalidated, and no winning ball associated with winning a prize is paid out, and the storage process for special symbols is not performed.

[Time tn8]
(I) in FIG. 53: At time tn8, the termination process of the variable start winning device 28, which has been processed for 10 seconds (Tn4 in the figure) from time tn5, is completed. In addition, the operation lottery regarding a new normal symbol is attained with the completion | finish of the completion | finish process of this variable start prize-winning apparatus 28. FIG.

[Time tn9]
53 (C): After 120 seconds (Tn1 in the figure) when the special symbol variation display is set, the fixed stop display is performed with the probability variation symbol 1, and the fixed stop display is terminated at time tn9.
In FIG. 53 (A): When a special symbol is displayed in a decisive stop manner in a big win mode, an opportunity to shift to a big win game state (a special game state advantageous to the player) occurs.
In FIG. 53 (D): After the special symbol fixed stop display, the variable winning device 30 is operated based on the operating conditions. Specifically, the special electric accessory solenoid 90 is operated (opened) until 29 seconds elapse or until a predetermined number of winnings is detected, and then stopped for an interval time (for example, 0.5 seconds). (Closed state) is performed 16 times (16 rounds).
In FIG. 53 (K): the lower start winning port valid condition is invalid even though the variable start winning device 28 is not operated (is in a closed state) due to the transition of the gaming state to the special gaming state. Changes from active to active. Therefore, when a game ball enters the lower start winning opening 28a from time tn9 until the valid state ends, the winning at the lower start winning opening 28a is confirmed and the winning ball associated with the winning is paid out. If the operation storage process for the special symbol is possible, the storage process is performed.

[Time tn10]
53 (F): For example, at time tn10, the game ball passes through the start gate 20, and the detection signal is output by the gate switch 78. Further, it is assumed that an operation lottery regarding a normal symbol is performed as a result of the detection of a game ball by the gate switch 78, and as a result, it is won. At that time, the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol is selected, and the variation pattern and the operating condition of the variable start winning device 28 are set. Specifically, for example, the normal symbol is variably displayed over, for example, 40 seconds (Tn7 in the figure), and the variable start winning device 28 is activated (opened) for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the figure) after the fluctuation display (after the end of the fixed stop display). After that, it is set that the end process is performed for 10 seconds (Tn4 in the figure).
53 (G): The variation display is started according to the variation pattern of the normal symbol selected above (variation time 40 seconds (Tn2 in the drawing)). It should be noted that a special effect (for example, a slot effect by a character) or the like may be executed on the liquid crystal display 42 in conjunction with the normal symbol variation display.

[Time tn11]
In FIG. 53 (G): After 40 seconds (Tn7 in the figure) where the normal symbol variation display is set, the fixed stop display is performed in a manner representing the winning result, and the fixed stop display ends at time tn11. Is done.
In FIG. 53 (H): After displaying the fixed stop of the normal symbol, the variable start winning device 28 is operated for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the drawing) based on the operating conditions. Specifically, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 is operated for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the figure), and the variable start winning device 28 is opened.

[Time tn12]
FIG. 53 (L): For example, at time tn12, a game ball enters the lower start winning opening 28a of the variable start winning apparatus 28 that is open from time tn11 and is detected by the lower start winning opening switch 82. A signal is output. In addition, when the lower start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, the lower start winning port switch 82 outputs a game ball winning detection signal, so that the winning at the lower starting winning port 28a is confirmed (the detection signal is Not invalidated). However, with regard to the internal lottery regarding the special symbol, if the special symbol is variably displayed or the variable winning device 30 is in operation, the internal lottery is not executed immediately, and the lottery element is stored (operating memory). After the special symbol variation display is finished (at the time of losing) or after the variable winning device 30 is activated (at the time of the big hit), the special symbol internal lottery is performed based on the operation memory, and the variation display is started. (Not shown).
In FIG. 53, (M): When the lower start winning opening valid condition is in the valid state, the winning at the lower starting winning opening 28a is confirmed, and therefore, a winning ball payout process is executed. For example, four winning balls are To be paid out.

[Time t12 to Time t13]
In FIG. 53 (L): Similarly to the above, when the variable start winning device 28 is in operation, when the ball enters the lower start winning port 28a of the variable start winning device 28, the lower start winning port switch 82 detects it. A signal is output. Then, when the lower start winning port valid condition is in the valid state, the winning detection signal of the game ball is output by the lower start winning port switch 82, so that the winning at the lower start winning port 28a is confirmed. Here, since the operation memory has already reached the upper limit value (for example, 4), the lottery element regarding the internal lottery of the special symbol (operation memory) is not performed.
In FIG. 53 (M): Also, when the lower start winning slot valid condition is in the valid state, the winning ball payout process is executed because the winning at the lower start winning slot 28a is confirmed. For example, four prizes are awarded. The ball is paid out.
In FIG. 53 (F): the game ball passes through the start gate 20 and a detection signal is output by the gate switch 78. However, regarding the operation lottery regarding the normal symbol, if the normal symbol is variably displayed or the variable start winning device 28 is in operation, the operation lottery is not executed immediately, and the memory of the lottery element (operation memory) is stored. After the normal symbol variation display is finished (at the time of disconnection) and the variable start winning device 28 is activated (winning time), the normal symbol operation lottery is performed based on the operation memory and the variation display is started. (Tn15 in the figure).

[Time t13]
53 (H): At time tn13, the operation of the variable start winning device 28 that has been operating for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the figure) from time tn11 is terminated. Specifically, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 for 6 seconds (Tn3 in the figure) ends, and the variable start winning device 28 is displaced from the open state to the closed state.
53 (I): After the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is completed, the end process of the variable start winning device 28 set as described above is executed for 10 seconds (Tn4 in the drawing).
In FIG. 53 (K): The lower start prize opening is valid despite the fact that the game state is the special game state (during the big hit game) and the variable start prize device 28 is not operating (closed state). The condition continues in a valid state. Therefore, when a game ball is won at the lower start winning opening 28a from the time tn13 until the valid state is completed, the prize ball associated with the winning is paid out. Done.
53 (J): Here, along with the start of the termination process of the variable start winning device 28, the winning valid timer is set for 5 seconds (Tn5 in the figure), but the lower starting winning port valid condition is already valid. Therefore, the lower start winning port valid condition is continued in the valid state without being affected by the winning valid timer. In the end process, a process such as not setting the winning valid timer during the big hit game may be executed.

[Time tn13 to Time tn14]
When the variable start winning device 28 is displaced from the open state to the closed state, it is assumed that a game ball is sandwiched (engaged with the ball) at the opening / closing member 28b at the entrance of the variable start winning device 28 (for example, ( B) to (D) in FIG.

[Time tn14]
FIG. 53 (L): For example, at time tn14, the game ball that has been biting above enters the lower start winning port 28a of the variable start winning device 28, and the lower start winning port switch 82 detects the detection signal. Is output. In addition, since the lower start winning opening valid condition is in the valid state, the winning at the lower starting winning opening 28a is confirmed (validated). In addition, since the working memory has already reached the upper limit value (for example, 4), the lottery element relating to the internal lottery of the special symbol (the working memory) is not performed.
In FIG. 53 (M): When the variable start prize winning device 28 is not in operation (is in a closed state) and the valid condition for the lower start prize opening is in the valid state, the player has won the lower start prize opening 28a. Is confirmed, prize ball payout processing is executed, for example, four prize balls are paid out.

[Time tn15]
(E) in FIG. 53: At time tn15, the termination process of the variable start winning device 28 that has been processed for 10 seconds (Tn4 in the figure) from time tn13 is completed. In addition, the operation lottery regarding a new normal symbol is attained with the completion | finish of the completion | finish process of this variable start prize-winning apparatus 28. FIG.
In FIG. 53 (G): Here, an operation lottery of normal symbols is performed based on the operation memory stored at times tn12 to tn13. At that time, a variation pattern (variation time) of a normal symbol is selected, the variation pattern is set, and variation display is started according to the variation pattern. It should be noted that a special effect (for example, a slot effect by a character) or the like may be executed on the liquid crystal display 42 in conjunction with the normal symbol variation display.

[Time tn16]
(D) in FIG. 53: At time tn16, the operation of the variable winning device 30 that has been operating from time tn9 is terminated. Specifically, the operation over 16 rounds of the special electric accessory solenoid 90 is finished, and the variable winning device 30 is closed.
53 (E): After the operation of the variable winning device 30 is completed, the termination process of the variable winning device 30 set as described above is executed for 0.5 seconds (Tn8 in the drawing).

[Time tn17]
(E) in FIG. 53: At time tn17, the termination process of the variable winning device 30 that has been processed for 0.5 seconds (Tn8 in the figure) from time tn16 is terminated. In this termination process, the big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is terminated. After the big hit game is over, each function is operated according to each function operation flag set based on the winning symbol, and the game state is also shifted to either the “normal state” or the “time reduction state”. The In this case, since the winning symbol is the probability variation symbol 1, the probability variation function and variation time shortening function regarding the special symbol are activated, and the probability variation function and variation time shortening function regarding the normal symbol are activated.
In FIG. 53 (A): As described above, the special game state is ended by the end of the big hit game. Further, since the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function relating to the special symbol and the normal symbol are activated, the gaming state is shifted to the “time shortening state”.
In FIG. 53 (K): The lower start winning port valid condition is in an effective state even though the variable start winning device 28 is not in operation (closed state) as the gaming state shifts to the time reduction state. It will continue.

〔after that〕
53 (A): In the internal lottery regarding the special symbol, when the probability variation symbol is selected as the type of the winning symbol, the gaming state is repeated as “time reduction state” and “special gaming state”. On the other hand, when a normal symbol is selected as the type of winning symbol, the gaming state is shifted to a “time reduction state” after completion of the “special gaming state (big hit game)”, and when the variation display regarding the special symbol is performed a predetermined number of times. The shortening function is turned off and the state is shifted to the “normal state”.
In FIG. 53 (K): While the game state is repeated between the “time reduction state” and the “special game state”, the variable start winning device 28 is not operated (is in a closed state), but is started. The winning opening valid condition is continued in the valid state. On the other hand, when the game state is shifted to the “normal state” after the “special game state (big hit game)” is finished, the game state is disabled.

  As described above, a winning start timer is set for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is completed, or the lower start winning is in a special gaming state (during big hit game) or in a time shortening state. Mouth valid condition is in valid state. Therefore, even if the variable start winning device 28 is not operated (is in the closed state), the lower start winning port switch 82 is used to detect the game ball winning detection signal when the lower start winning port effective condition is in the valid state. Is output, the winning detection signal is validated, the winning at the lower start winning opening 28a is confirmed, and the winning ball payout process is executed (15 winning balls are paid out).

  In the above description, changes in various states when a normal game is performed have been described. Next, changes in various states when an illegal game is performed will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[Until time tp1]
54 (A): For example, a case is assumed where the gaming state before time tp1 is the normal state. That is, it is assumed that the probability variation function for the special symbol or the normal symbol is not activated and the variation time reduction function for the special symbol or the ordinary symbol is not activated. Therefore, it is assumed that the game ball is in a situation where it is first awarded to the upper start winning opening 26.
In addition, the fluctuation display regarding the normal symbol is not performed ((G) in FIG. 54), the variable start winning device 28 is not operating ((H) in FIG. 54), and the variable start winning device 28 It is assumed that the end process is not executed ((I) in FIG. 54) and the winning valid timer is not set ((J) in FIG. 54).
Accordingly, it is assumed that the lower start winning opening validity condition ((K) in FIG. 54) is in an invalid state.

[Time tp1]
54 (L): For example, at time tp1, the player illegally opens the variable start winning device 28 (execution of goto action), and the game ball is illegally placed in the lower start winning port 28a of the variable start winning device 28. The lower start winning award opening switch 82 outputs a detection signal. However, as described above, the lower start winning port valid condition (FIG. 54 (K)) is not the valid state but the invalid state, so even if the lower start winning port switch 82 outputs the winning detection signal of the game ball, It is only confirmed that the player has entered the ball, and the player does not win the lower start winning opening 28a, and the detection signal is invalidated. Therefore, the winning ball payout process associated with winning is not executed ((M) in FIG. 54). Furthermore, since the winning detection signal is also invalidated, the lottery elements relating to the special symbol are not stored, and the internal lottery is not executed, so that the special symbol variation display is not started (FIG. 54). Middle (C)).

  As described above, when a winning validity condition is provided and the winning validity timer is not set in the end process related to the variable start winning device 28, or when the special gaming state (during big hit game) or not during the time reduction state The start winning port valid condition is disabled. Therefore, even if the opening / closing member 28b of the variable start winning device 28 is illegally opened and a winning detection signal for a game ball is output by the lower start winning port switch 82, the lower start winning port valid condition is in an invalid state. Therefore, the winning detection signal is invalidated, and the prize ball payout process, the memory update process for the special symbol, the fluctuation display process, etc. are not executed. In the above description, regarding the variable start winning device 28, when a winning is detected, it is determined whether or not to handle as a winning based on the effective winning condition. When valid conditions are provided and a winning ball is detected, it may be determined whether or not to handle as a winning.

  The present invention can employ various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the images and operations given as examples of various production methods are merely examples, and these can be modified as appropriate.

  In addition, the probability of the lottery and the variation time of the symbols mentioned in the embodiment (one embodiment and another embodiment), the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, the closing time, the number of times of opening, the number of winning balls, etc. The conditions are merely examples, and these may be modified as appropriate. Further, the arrangement of the various start gates 20 and 21, the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30 and the like in the game area 8 may be variously modified.

  In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1 and the board surface configuration are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Middle start gate 21 Right start gate 28 Variable start winning device 30 Variable winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 Special symbol display device 42 Liquid crystal display device 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (4)

An operation lottery execution means for executing the operation lottery when an operation lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the operation lottery is executed by the operation lottery execution means, the normal symbol display means for stopping and displaying the normal symbol in a manner representing the result of the operation lottery after the normal symbol is variably displayed;
When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner by the normal symbol display means, an operating means for performing an operation of changing from a non-operating state in which entry is difficult to an operation state in which entry is easy,
Entry detection means for detecting occurrence of entry by the actuating means,
An internal lottery trigger generating means for generating a lottery trigger of an internal lottery different from the operation lottery when the entrance detection is detected by the entrance detection means in a state where a predetermined entrance valid condition is satisfied;
When the internal lottery trigger generation means generates the internal lottery trigger, the internal lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery,
When the internal lottery is executed by the internal lottery execution means, special symbol display means for stopping and displaying the special symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery after the special symbol is variably displayed;
Variable winning means for performing an opening operation for changing from a closed state that makes it difficult to generate a prize to an open state that facilitates the generation of the prize;
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific winning manner by the special symbol display means, special game execution means for executing a special game for opening and closing the variable winning means,
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the specific winning manner by the special symbol display means, the non-time shortening state from the non-time shortening state in which the operating means is activated after the special game is finished by the special game executing means. A time shortening state transition means for shifting to a time shortening state in which the actuating means operates at a higher frequency than the state;
In the non-time shortened state, there are a valid state and an invalid state for entering the operating means, and the entrance to the operating means from the non-time shortened state before the transition to the time reduced state is valid. When the entrance of the game ball is detected by the entrance detection means from the non-time shortening state before the transition to the time shortening state The game machine is characterized by further comprising a ball entry effective condition determination means that enables the occurrence of a lottery trigger for the internal lottery. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The entry effective condition determining means includes:
By keeping the entrance valid condition for a predetermined time after the operation of the operation means is completed, when the entrance of the game ball is detected by the entrance detection means, the internal lottery A gaming machine characterized by enabling the generation of a lottery opportunity. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
When the entrance detection is performed by the entrance detection means in a state where the entrance entrance effective condition is satisfied, or when the winning occurs, a prize ball payout means for paying out a prize ball is further provided. A gaming machine. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A winning detection information generating means for generating winning detection information for each detection time when a game ball is detected by the winning detection means;
And a winning detection information erasing unit that erases the winning detection information generated by the winning detection information generating unit when the winning effective condition determining unit does not determine the winning effective condition. A gaming machine characterized by