JP6369913B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In the gaming machine, based on the determination result by the determination means for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player, the symbol control is performed to display the symbol in a variable manner and then stop and display the symbol with the symbol representing the determination result. . In the image display unit, a background is displayed behind the symbol.

  For example, in the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, when a game ball enters the start opening, a lottery process for a big hit is performed. As a result, when the jackpot is won, a jackpot game in which a privilege is given to the player is performed. In addition, in this pachinko machine, a decorative design in which the image content of the background image is variably displayed before performing an expected effect suggesting the degree of expectation that the jackpot will be won based on the result of the lottery process for the jackpot Every exchange effect that is changed by the effect is performed.

JP, 2006-005624, A

By the way, the symbol is displayed on the background displayed behind. For this reason, the background gives a large impression to the player when performing effects such as variably displaying symbols or displaying them in a stopped state. Therefore, if an effective presentation can be performed using the background, the interest of the gaming machine can be further enhanced.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to perform an effective presentation using the background.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100) is acquired by an acquisition unit (for example, a random number acquisition unit 231) that acquires game information upon establishment of a predetermined condition and the acquisition unit (for example, a random number acquisition unit 231). Based on the game information, a determination unit (for example, a special symbol determination unit 234) that determines whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed, and a determination by the determination unit (for example, the special symbol determination unit 234) Based on the result, continuous effect executing means (for example, effect control unit 300) capable of executing a series of continuous effects over a plurality of games, and an image display unit (for example, image display) of any one of a plurality of types of backgrounds. Unit 114), a background display means (for example, the effect control unit 300), an operation means (for example, an effect key 162) that can be operated by the player, and the operation by the player. Background selection means (for example, the effect control unit 300) that allows the player to arbitrarily select any one of the plurality of types of backgrounds as the selected background by operating the means (for example, the effect key 162); When the background selection means (for example, the effect control unit 300 ) selects the selected background and the continuous effect is not executed by the continuous effect execution means (for example, the effect control unit 300), When the continuous effect is executed by the background transition means (for example, the effect control unit 300) for shifting to the selected background and the continuous effect execution means (for example, the effect control unit 300), the background transition means ( for example, a limiting means for limiting the migration of the selected background by the performance control unit 300) (e.g., the performance control unit 300), wherein the background shifting unit (e.g., Starring The control unit 300), when making the transition to the selected background, a game machine to transition to the selected background in the next game of the game of the selected background is selected.

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

  According to the present invention, an effective presentation can be performed using the background.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower left of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image / sound control part and lamp | ramp control part of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the basic process by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the process at the time of the power supply cutoff by a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the variation pattern used in a variation pattern selection process, and a table. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of a game control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) It is. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of an effect control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a) FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination process. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. (A) is a flowchart which shows the content of prior production selection processing, (b) is a flowchart which shows the content of production selection processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the advance determination effect pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the variation production pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is explanatory drawing of the decoration design change effect which an effect control part performs. It is explanatory drawing of the decoration design change effect which an effect control part performs. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation icon display effect of this Embodiment, and a hold icon display effect. It is explanatory drawing of the stage production of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the continuous notice effect of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the continuous notice effect of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the stage setting process of the stage effect of this Embodiment. It is a processing flow of determination stage production. It is explanatory drawing of the example of an effect regarding the frequency | count of a stage stay of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the special stage effect of this Embodiment. It is a processing flow of selection stage production of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the selection stage production of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between a decoration design change effect and a selection stage effect. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between a continuous notice effect and a selection stage effect. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between special stage production and selection stage production. It is explanatory drawing of the selection stage production of a modification.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 includes a gaming board 110 having a gaming area 111, a rail member 112, a guide member 113, an image display unit 114, a movable accessory 115, and a board lamp 116, And a frame member 150 surrounding the board 110.
The image display unit 114 includes a display screen (hereinafter referred to as a screen) using a liquid crystal display or the like, and for example, notifies the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) as the game progresses by the player. A decorative pattern is displayed, or an effect image or a hold icon due to the appearance of a character or an item is displayed.

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

  The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Then, under a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to either the timeless state or the timeless state. The short-time state is, for example, any one of shortening the special symbol variation time and normal symbol variation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, and increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery. A gaming state controlled by one or more combinations.

Also, in this embodiment, as other prizes and lottery items, a lottery is performed even if a game ball wins a grand prize opening 125 as a special electric bonus that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. An ordinary winning opening 126 that is not present is arranged on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower left position of the game board 110.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161, an effect key 162 that is adjacent to the effect button 161 and includes a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, Is disposed on the frame member 150. In the example shown in the figure, a case is considered where an effect of accepting an operation of selecting one image from a plurality of images is performed. In this case, for example, when the player operates an effect key 162 including four keys arranged in a cross, one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 is instructed, and the effect button 161 is pressed. By performing the operation, it is possible to produce an effect of selecting the instructed image. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the image / sound control unit and the lamp control unit of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that determines whether a special symbol is won or the like as main control means. In addition, as the sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls the effect and a payout control unit 330 that controls payout of the payout ball are provided.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining whether or not to win a special symbol, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 201, and the like. RAM 203 to be provided.

  The game control unit 200 controls the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 in either a high probability state or a low probability state, a time-short state or a time-short state. As a result, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a high probability state and a short time state, a high probability short time gaming state, a low probability state and a short time state, low probability short time gaming state, a high probability state, and a short time short state. It is one of a short-probability state with no probability, a low-probability state, and a short-probability state with a low probability. Then, the game control unit 200 switches between the high probability state and the low probability state based on a predetermined condition, and switches between the short time state and the short time state. In addition, the game control unit 200 performs control such as increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery in the short time state, shortening the normal symbol variation time, and extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123 in the short time state. I do.

  The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when the game ball is won at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Then, a special game such as a jackpot game is performed according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. In the special game, the game control unit 200 performs a predetermined number of rounds that maintain an open state until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won). Control to repeat only. And the game control part 200 controls the opening-and-closing operation space | interval at the time of the jackpot big winning opening 125 opening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Furthermore, the effect control unit 300 is connected to an image / sound control unit 310 that controls an effect using an image and sound, and a lamp control unit 320 that controls an effect using various lamps and the movable accessory 115. Has been.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
As shown in FIG. 4, the image / sound control unit 310 stores an image that expresses the contents of presentation and a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling sound, a program executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. A ROM 312, a RAM 313 used as a working memory for the CPU 311, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 314, a CGROM 315, and an SNDROM 316 are provided.

Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the CGROM 315, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a character for displaying a pre-determination effect to the player Image data such as items and items are stored. The SNDROM 316 stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles.
The CPU 311 performs analysis of the animation pattern, creation of a display list in which commands related to drawing are created, transmission of the display list to the VDP 314, and the like based on the hold number command or the variable effect start command sent from the effect control unit 300. Do.

The VDP 314 reads image data and acoustic data stored in the CGROM 315 and the SNDROM 316 based on the display list received from the CPU 311. Furthermore, the VDP 314 performs drawing processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like, and audio processing using the read acoustic data, using the read image data. . The VDP 314 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to the drawing process. The VDP 314 controls the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the sound data that has been subjected to sound processing.
In the present embodiment, the VDP 314 is configured to perform audio processing in addition to the drawing processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.

Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

  In the present embodiment, game control unit 200, effect control unit 300, image / sound control unit 310, lamp control unit 320, and payout control unit 330 are each a main board disposed on the rear surface of game board 110. The game control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. And a normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes a process associated with special symbol variation.
In addition, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc. As a function unit, a prize winning opening operation control unit 237, an electric tulip operation control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 are provided. And an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241.

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

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

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. That is, the types of jackpots based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game are the jackpots that become the short game state with a high probability after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter, the jackpot of the short game state with a high probability), the short game state with a low probability Jackpot to become a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot of a low probability short game state), a jackpot to be a high probability short gameless state (hereinafter a jackpot of a high probability short gameless state), a jackpot to become a low probability short gameless state (hereinafter low) There is a possibility of a jackpot of probable short gameless state). Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

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

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

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

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

When the special symbol determination unit 234 determines that it is a “big hit” in the special symbol lottery, the big winning mouth operation control unit 237 uses the operation pattern specified based on the type of the winning jackpot as the jackpot game. The opening operation of 125 is controlled. Further, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 opens the special winning opening 125 as a small winning game for a specified time and a predetermined number of times when the special symbol determining unit 234 determines “small winning” in the special symbol lottery. .
The prize ball processing unit 239 sets commands for controlling the number of prizes received for various types of winning-related items and lottery, and for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 330.
The random number control unit 241 updates various random number values that the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires at a predetermined timing.

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

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the basic processing performed by the game control unit 200.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, “step” will be referred to as “S”) 601). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S602).
When the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S602), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the backup flag related to the operation at the time of power-off is ON (S603).
If the backup flag is ON (Yes in S603), the game control unit 200 next determines whether the checksum created when the power is turned off is normal (S604).
If the checksum is normal (Yes in S604), the game control unit 200 next executes a return process (S605). In this return process, the game control unit 200 performs setting of the sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300 accompanying the return from the state where the power is cut off. Specifically, the game control unit 200 determines the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether it is a big hit game, either a high probability state or a low probability state, a short time state and a short time state) The command for setting the sub-control means is output to the effect control unit 300 so that any one of them is reflected. In this return process, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is ON (Yes in S602), the backup flag is OFF (No in S603), and the checksum is abnormal (No in S604), then the game control unit 200 is initialized. As processing, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are cleared (S606), and the work area of the RAM 203 is set (S607). Then, the game control unit 200 outputs a command for setting (initializing) the sub control means to the effect control unit 300, and sets the sub board (sub control means) (S608). The setting of the sub board includes clearing the RAM 303, RAM 313, and RAM 323 mounted on each sub board.

After the return process (see S605) is completed or after the setting of the sub-board (see S608) is completed, the game control unit 200 sets various counters and timers used for game control (S609). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the interrupt permission (S610), the interrupt prohibition (S611), the symbol random number control process (S612), the initial value random number update process (S613), and the power cutoff flag are ON. (S614) is repeatedly executed as a loop process.
Here, interrupt enable (S610) and interrupt disable (S611) are provided to enable execution of interrupt processing during execution of the loop processing (S610 to S614). In the present embodiment, main control processing in game control is executed by this interrupt processing. Details of the main control process will be described later.
In the symbol random number control process (S612), the game control unit 200 updates the variation pattern random number used in the special symbol lottery.
In the initial value random number update process (S613), the game control unit 200 updates initial values of various random values used in the game control.
In the determination of the power cut-off flag, if the power cut-off flag is OFF (No in S614), the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not cut off, and the game control unit 200 performs main control by interruption together with the loop processing (S610 to S614). Repeat the process. On the other hand, when the power shut-off flag is ON (Yes in S614), the game control unit 200 starts a process for shutting off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (power shut-off process).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of power-off processing performed by the game control unit 200.
In the power-off process, the game control unit 200 first clears the setting of the output port for performing various outputs (S701). Next, the game control unit 200 creates a checksum and stores it in the RAM 203 (S702). Next, the game control unit 200 turns on the backup flag (S703), prohibits access to the RAM 203 (S704), and shifts to an infinite loop.

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

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main control processing of the game control unit 200.
The main control process includes a series of processes in game control, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt every predetermined time set in advance, and when the interrupt is permitted in the loop process shown in FIG. 6 (see S610), the main control is performed as the interrupt process. Execute the process. As shown in FIG. 8, in the main control process, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (S801 to S806).

  In the random number update process (S801), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the random number control unit 241, and updates various random number values used in the game control by the game control unit 200. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (S802), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. If this happens, a special symbol lottery process is executed. In addition, as will be described in detail later, when pre-determination processing is performed in the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212, each function (subroutine) of the special symbol determination unit 234 and the variation pattern selection unit 235 is called, Execute processing for pre-determination.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231 to monitor the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3, and when the switch is turned on, for the normal symbol lottery. Execute the process.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (S803), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235, and executes the special symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation. To do.
In the normal symbol process, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the normal symbol determination unit 232 and the normal symbol variation control unit 236, and executes the normal symbol variation and the process associated with this symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (S804), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the special prize opening operation control unit 237 and controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 that is a special electric accessory based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the electric tulip operation control unit 238 and controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 that is a normal electric accessory based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

  In the prize ball processing (S805), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the prize ball processing unit 239, and sets a command for controlling the number of winning prizes and a control for paying out prize balls according to the winning prize.

  In the output process (S806), the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the output control unit 240, outputs a command for effect control to the effect control unit 300, and sends a command for payout control to the payout control unit 330. Output. The effect control command is generated in each process from S802 to S804, and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. The payout control command is generated in the processing of S805 and stored (set) in the control command storage area provided in the RAM 203. A storage area is set in the RAM 203 for each type of control command.

  The output control unit 240 sequentially checks the storage area of each control command in the RAM 203, and if the control command is stored in each storage area (that is, the control command is generated in the processing of S802 to S805). The control command is read out and output to the output destination (the effect control unit 300 or the payout control unit 330).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, output processing is performed at the end of a series of main control processing. That is, the command generated in each process of S802 to S805 by the above functions as the first processing means is stored in a corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 in each process. After these processes, the output control unit 240 as a second processing unit collectively outputs the commands generated in each process accumulated in the storage area of the RAM 203. In other words, in this embodiment, when the main control process is executed for one cycle, the command generated in the execution of the one cycle is output after the last command generation in the execution of the one cycle is performed.

[Modified example of basic operation of gaming machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the interrupt is permitted in the loop process portion of the basic process, and the main control process including a series of processes is executed as the interrupt process. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular intervals, and the specific implementation means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS. For example, the main control process may be incorporated in a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may return to the main control process every predetermined time (eg, 4 milliseconds). If the main control process is incorporated into the series of operations of the basic process, an interrupt is generated at regular intervals as in the operation described with reference to FIGS. It may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated in the basic process.

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

[Random number update processing by game control unit]
A random number value as determination information used for various types of lotteries in game control such as special symbol lottery is counted by a counter, and a random number update process (S801) of the main control process shown in FIG. 8 starts from a predetermined initial value. Each time it is done, it is incremented by one. Then, the value at the time each lottery is performed is acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 9) and the gate switch process, and is used in the special symbol process (FIG. 10) and the normal symbol process. This random number counter is an infinite loop counter, and after the counted random number reaches the set maximum random number, it returns to the initial value again. In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular time intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on the update interval and the initial value information. Therefore, after returning from the main control process to the basic process shown in FIG. 6, in the initial value random number update process of S613, the initial value of each random number is randomly changed.

[Start-up switch processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in S802 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 9, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball has won the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 has been turned on (S901). If the first start port switch 211 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (S902). . In the example shown in FIG. 9, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U1 has reached the upper limit value (No in S902), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the pending number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S902), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random value for determination by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S903). . Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S801. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. The random value (game information) here is a jackpot random number value that determines jackpot, jackpot or outage, jackpot type (time-short state or time-short state after the end of jackpot game, high probability state and low probability state, Design random number value (big hit design random number value) to determine long hit, short hit), variation pattern random value to specify the variation pattern in symbol variation, decide whether or not to have a reach with the effect described later in the event of deviation Reach random number value, and so on.

  Next, the game control unit 200 performs a prior determination process (S904). The pre-determination process means that a random number is obtained by a special symbol process for a winning ball (holding ball) for which a random number has already been acquired by a winning at the starting opening but a random symbol has not yet been determined by a special symbol process to be described later. This is a process of determining the random number before the determination (preliminary determination).

  And the production | generation control part 300 of this Embodiment determines a random number by the special symbol process based on the determination result (predetermined result) of the random number determined by the prior determination process, and notifies the determination result. Before that, a pre-decision effect that suggests the result of the decision can be performed. This pre-decision effect is, for example, an image display in response to the occurrence of a winning ball (holding ball) for which random number acquisition has already been performed by winning at the start opening but random number determination has not yet been performed by special symbol processing. This is performed using a hold icon display effect (described later) displayed on the unit 114. With the pre-decision effect based on this pre-determination, the player is informed of the determination result when a random number is subsequently determined by special symbol processing for the reserved ball corresponding to the pre-determination related to the pre-determination effect. Thereby, the player can play a game while expecting the reserved ball.

Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U1 (S905).
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a pre-determination result command including the pre-determination information by the pre-determination process in S904 in the RAM 203 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the pre-determination result (S906).
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of an increase in the hold number U1 in S905 (S907), and ends the process for winning in the first start port 121. .

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 9, next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (S908). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the number of unreserved hold numbers U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (S909). ). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in S909), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the pending number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S909), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S910). . Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, random numbers for special symbol lottery (big hit random number value, big hit symbol random number value, reach random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value, etc.) are acquired as in S903 above. Is done. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S801. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a prior determination process (S911). The content of this pre-determination process is the same as that of said S904.
Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (S912).
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a pre-determination result command including pre-determination information obtained by the pre-determination process of S911 in the RAM 203 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the pre-determination result (S913).
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in S912 in the RAM 203 (S914), and ends the process for winning at the second start port 122. .

[Special symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( S1101). Here, the jackpot game flag is a flag that is set to identify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot. Depending on the type of jackpot, either a long hit game flag or a short hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively referred to as a jackpot game flag.

  When the jackpot game flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in the jackpot, so the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in S1101). On the other hand, if the jackpot game flag is OFF (No in S1101), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (S1102). If the special symbol is not changing (No in S1102), then the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number U1 and U2 (see FIG. 9) of the special symbols that have not been changed (S1103 to S1106). In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (S1103). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in S1103), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (S1104). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in S1103), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (S1105). When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in S1105), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (S1106). On the other hand, if the holding number U1 = 0 (No in S1105), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol variation is not started, and the waiting process for waiting for customers set in another routine To finish the process (S1116).
In the present embodiment, priority is given to the processing related to the holding number U2 related to winning in the second start port 122. That is, when the number of holdings U2 is 1 or more, the processing related to the number of holdings U2 is performed, and when the number of holdings U2 = 0, the processing related to the number of holdings U1 is performed (see S1103 to S1106). On the other hand, regardless of whether the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 is won, it is also possible to perform control such that the hold numbers U1 and U2 are subtracted in the order of winning.

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in S1104 or S1106, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1107). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  Next, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 executes the jackpot determination process and the fluctuation pattern selection process described above (S1108, S1109). Setting information for changing the special symbol (big hit symbol, gaming state, variation pattern, etc.) displayed on the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 by the big hit determination processing and the variation pattern selection processing is displayed. It is determined. These pieces of information are included in a change start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (S1110). Then, a change start command including setting information (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (S1111). The variation start command set in S1111 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

  When it is determined in S1102 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in S1102), or after the change start command is set in S1111, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed (S1112). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the variation of the special symbol in S1110 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process in S1109. If the variation time has not passed (No in S1112), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in S1112), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit determination process in S1108. It stops at the symbol determined in (S1113). A change stop command for stopping a decorative design to be described later is set in the RAM 203 (S1114). Then, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 executes a stop routine process of another routine (S1115). In the stop process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 determines whether or not the jackpot has been won or not based on the determination result of the jackpot determination process. When the special symbol variation control unit 233 wins a big hit, the special symbol variation control unit 233 starts an opening operation, and sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation in the RAM 203. On the other hand, the special symbol variation control unit 233 starts the small hit game when the small hit is made. The variable stop command set in S1114 and the opening command set in the stop process are transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (S1109 in FIG. 10).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first refers to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a short time state or a short time state, and a high probability state or a low probability state). (S1301). Then, it is determined whether or not a big win is made in the special symbol lottery this time using the determination result of the big hit determination process (S1302). If it is a big hit (Yes in S1302), the fluctuation pattern selecting unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1303).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in S1302), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random value for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (S1304). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 9 matches a preset value.
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1306). When the reach effect is not performed (No in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1307).
Here, the fluctuation pattern table includes a plurality of fluctuation patterns prepared in advance (fluctuation time 3 seconds, 7 seconds, 13 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) and values of fluctuation pattern random numbers. Is a table in which

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 9 and the variation pattern table set in S1303, S1306, and S1307 (S1308). ). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even when the same random number value is acquired, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a short-time state or a short-time state, and a high-probability state or a low-probability state), the result of a special symbol lottery (whether or not it is a big win) The variation pattern table to be referred to differs depending on the difference in whether or not the reach effect is performed when the jackpot is not hit.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in S1308 as setting information in the RAM 203 (S1309). The variation pattern setting information set in S1309 is included in the variation start command set in S1111 of FIG. 10, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting a variation pattern and a table used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 11 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a setting example of the variation pattern and table used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows a setting example that is selected when a game ball is won at the first start port 121 and the gaming state is a low probability short non-game state or a high probability short non-game state. Yes.

  Although not shown in the present embodiment, as the setting of the variation pattern used for the variation pattern selection process, the variation selected when the gaming state is the low probability short gaming state or the high probability short gaming state. There are also patterns. Then, a variation pattern table for a short time state that is referred to when selecting those variation patterns is provided, and has different setting contents from the variation pattern table for a short time state. Furthermore, regarding the case where a game ball wins at the second start port 122, a table for setting a variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process may be provided individually, or a game ball wins at the first start port 121. In this case, the table to be referenced may be shared and referenced.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the variation patterns A to D are variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big win (Yes in S <b> 1302 of FIG. 11). The variation patterns E to H are variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1305 of FIG. 11). The variation patterns I to K are set as variation patterns that are selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the reach effect is not performed (No in S1305 in FIG. 11). In addition, when the variation patterns A to D when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot is selected, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, four types of variation patterns A to D are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (in the case of Yes in S1302 of FIG. 11). Also, seven types of variation patterns E to K are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of place (in the case of No in S1302 in FIG. 11). The fluctuation time is 90 seconds for fluctuation pattern A, 60 seconds for fluctuation pattern B, 30 seconds for fluctuation pattern C,
Fluctuation pattern D is 15 seconds, fluctuation pattern E is 90 seconds, fluctuation pattern F is 60 seconds, fluctuation pattern G is 30 seconds, fluctuation pattern H is 15 seconds, fluctuation pattern I is 13 seconds, fluctuation pattern J is 7 seconds, fluctuation Pattern K is set to 3 seconds.

Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the range of the random number (variation pattern random number) value is 250 from 0 to 249.
When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern A, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250. Also, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern B, and a fluctuation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Furthermore, 50 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern C, and a variation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Then, 25 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern D, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250.
That is, among the variation patterns A to D selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate, the variation pattern B is selected at the next highest rate, and the next It is possible to set so that the variation pattern C is selected at a higher rate and the variation pattern D is selected at the lowest rate. And, when winning the jackpot, it is easy to execute the variation effect over a relatively long time.

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

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

  The game control unit 200 determines the variation pattern random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 9) acquired when the game ball wins the start openings 121 and 122, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100, presence / absence of reach effect, The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the condition such as the number. Then, the information of the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is included in the variation start command and is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. As will be described later, in the effect control unit 300, an effect corresponding to a change time specified based on information of a change pattern included in the change start command (executable during the change time) as an effect when the special symbol changes Is selected and executed.

[Configuration of RAM of Game Control Unit and RAM of Effect Control Unit for Performing Pre-decision Production Based on Prior Judgment]
Next, the configuration of the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 and the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment for executing a predetermination effect based on the predetermination will be described.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage area 204, and FIG. 13B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each storage unit shown in FIG. 13A.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the RAM 203 includes a storage area 204 as a special symbol holding storage area for storing the jackpot random number acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. This storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum number of reservations of the first start port 121 and the number of reservations of the second start port 122 (when the upper limit value of each reservation number is 4). . Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204b, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage. Part 204g and eighth storage part 204h.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.13 (b), each of these memory | storage parts 204a-204h is an area | region where the information showing the distinction of the winning start port (the 1st start port 121 or the 2nd start port 122) is memorize | stored. And an area for storing the acquired jackpot random number, an area for storing the design random number, an area for storing the reach random number, and an area for storing the variation pattern random number. That is, the jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number are stored in each of the storage units 204a to 204h.

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

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306, and FIG. 14B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each storage unit shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14A, the RAM 303 includes a first hold storage area 305 and a second hold storage area 306 as a hold status storage area for storing a status where a hold ball is held. The first holding storage area 305 and the second holding storage area 306 correspond to holding for winning in the first starting port 121 and holding for winning in the second starting port 122, respectively. Have. Specifically, the first reserved storage area 305 includes a first storage unit 305a, a second storage unit 305b, a third storage unit 305c, and a fourth storage unit 305d. The second reserved storage area 306 includes a first storage unit 306a, a second storage unit 306b, a third storage unit 306c, and a fourth storage unit 306d.

As shown in FIG. 14B, each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d has a hold flag storage area for turning ON / OFF the hold flag, and a notification flag storage for turning ON / OFF the notification flag. And a region.
The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of a hold ball for each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d. That is, for example, when the number of holds due to winning at the first start port 121 is 3, the hold flag is turned ON in the three hold flag storage areas of the first to third storage units 305a, 305b, and 305c.

  The notification flag is a flag for setting whether or not to perform a pre-decision effect based on a pre-determination result for each reserved ball. In the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 can set whether or not to perform a notice effect based on a pre-determination result in accordance with the gaming state and the state of the effect. Therefore, the notification flag is set to ON when the notice effect is performed, and the notification flag is set to OFF when the notice effect is not performed. For example, when the notice effect is performed for the third reserved ball among the three reserved balls, the notification flag is turned ON in the notification flag storage area of the third storage unit 305c.

  In the present embodiment, whether the notification flag is set to ON or OFF is determined based on a determination result of a random value for determining whether or not to perform a preliminary determination effect based on the preliminary determination result. To do. In particular, in the present embodiment, in the case of a variation pattern with a relatively long variation time (for example, variation patterns A, B, C, E, F, and G), the rate at which the notification flag is turned on is increased. Yes. On the other hand, in the case of a variation pattern with a relatively short variation time (for example, variation patterns D, H, I, J, K), the rate at which the notification flag is turned on is low.

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

  Although not particularly shown, the RAM 203 has an area for storing prior determination information (hereinafter referred to as a prior determination information storage area) separately from the configuration shown in FIG. The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process based on each random number (see S904 and S911 in FIG. 9). The content of the prior determination information is the same as the information obtained as various determination results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 10), and specifically, whether or not a big hit (and whether or not a big hit), a big hit If it is, the type of the jackpot and the content of the production are information for indicating whether the production is a reachable or non-reach production, or the content of the variation pattern (variation time). The pre-determination information stored in the pre-determination information storage area is unique or independent from the hold information corresponding to the winning ball (holding ball) subjected to the pre-determination process (hereinafter referred to as hold information). At the timing, it is included in the prior determination result command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Next, the prior determination process (see S904 and S911 in FIG. 9) will be described in detail.
In the prior determination process in the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 performs prior determination using the same random number table as that of the random number configuration example described above.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the pre-determination process (S904, S911 in FIG. 9) according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (S2401), and if it is determined that the gaming state is a high probability state (Yes in S2401), A table is selected, and a jackpot random number and a jackpot symbol random number are pre-determined (S2402). On the other hand, if it is determined No in S2401, the table for the low probability state is selected, and the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number are determined in advance (S2403).

After pre-determination of the jackpot random number and jackpot symbol random number in S2402 or S2403, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the gaming state is a short-time state (S2404), and determines that it is a short-time state (Yes in S2404), The table for the short time state is selected, and the reach random number is determined in advance (S2405). Further, the table for the short time state is selected, and the fluctuation pattern random number is determined in advance (S2406).
On the other hand, if it is determined No in S2404, a table for time reduction and no state is selected and a reach random number is determined in advance (S2407). Further, a table for timelessness and no-time state is selected, and a variation pattern random number is preliminarily determined (S2408).

  Thereafter, the game control unit 200 obtains the results of the jackpot random number prior determination obtained as described above, the results of the jackpot symbol random number prior determination, the reach random number prior determination result, and the variation pattern prior determination result. It is stored in the advance determination information storage area as advance determination information (S2409). Further, in order to transmit the advance determination information to the effect control unit 300, the advance determination result command including the advance determination information is set in the RAM 203 (S2410).

  Here, the above-described prior determination is the same as the determination table used in the random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 9) acquired according to the winning of the game ball to the start ports 121 and 122 and the jackpot determination process. This was performed using a configuration determination table. That is, the determination itself after selecting the determination table to be used is the same as the determination in the jackpot determination process. Therefore, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination process subroutine (S1108 in FIG. 10) used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 10) is called to determine the random number in the above-described prior determination.

  With this configuration, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to prepare a processing function (subroutine) for determining a random number separately from the jackpot determination process in order to determine a random number in the prior determination process. Therefore, the number of control instructions can be reduced, and an increase in the size of the program related to the jackpot determination process and the prior determination process can be suppressed. Further, as described above, when the determination table used for the pre-determination is configured similarly to the determination table used for the jackpot determination, the determination table used for the jackpot determination may also be used for the pre-determination.

  Further, here, only the prior determination (whether or not a big win) related to the special symbol lottery has been described, but in the present embodiment, the variation pattern when the special symbol variation display and stop display are performed is also pre-read (preliminary determination). I do. The selection of the variation pattern in the special symbol lottery is performed by selecting a variation pattern selection random number (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 9) and a variation pattern table (see FIG. 12) obtained in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the start ports 121 and 122. (See S1109 in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11). Therefore, even in the prefetching of the variation pattern, the random number value for variation pattern selection acquired at the time of winning a prize and the prefetch table having the same configuration as the variation pattern table used in the variation pattern selection processing of the special symbol process are selected. The variation pattern can be prefetched.

  In this case, in order to prefetch the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection processing, the variation pattern selection processing subroutine (see S1109 in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) used in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 10) is called and used. be able to. Further, regarding the prefetch table used for prefetching of the variation pattern selection, the variation pattern table used in the variation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing may be used. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of control instructions relating to the prefetching of the variation pattern selection and to suppress an increase in the program size.

  Note that if the pre-determination process and the jackpot determination process at the time of special symbol change are performed in the same subroutine using the same determination table group, the execution time of each process is different, so the pre-determination result and the special symbol change time There is a case where the determination result by the jackpot determination process is different. That is, it is a case where the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, short time state or short time state) changes after the execution of the pre-determination process until the start of the special symbol change. In this case, since different types of determination tables are used depending on the gaming state, the specific determination table used for determination differs between the execution of the pre-determination process and the execution of the jackpot determination process. . Therefore, even if the same random number value acquired at the time of winning the start openings 121 and 122 is used, the prior determination result and the determination result of the jackpot determination process may be different. In such a case, in the effect control unit 300, if the game state changes before the start of the special symbol variation after the execution of the pre-determination process, the control based on the pre-determination result is not executed (prohibition). You may do.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 16A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 16A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (S2501), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S2502), and then follows the set cycle. The interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (S2503).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S2502. Referring to FIG. 16B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S2511). In this command reception process, the effect content (effect pattern) is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 and the like by the player (S2512). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs a command transmission process of transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S2513). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S2511 in FIG. 16B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not a prior determination result command and a pending number increase command have been received (S2601). Note that the advance determination result command and the hold number increase command are set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 9 in the game control unit 200 (S906, S907, S913, S914), and the output process (S806) shown in FIG. ) Is a command transmitted to the production control unit 300.
Then, when it is determined that the advance determination result command and the hold number increase command are received (Yes in S2601), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the hold number held in the RAM 303 (S2602). Further, the effect control unit 300 performs a prior effect selection process based on the prior determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2603). The contents of the pre-effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a prior determination result command or a pending number increase command (No in S2601), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change start command (S2604). This variation start command is a command that is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 10 in the game control unit 200 (S1111) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in S2604), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (S2605). When a change start command is received, a random number value for effect control used in the effect selection process is acquired. This random number value is a random number value that is periodically updated in S2503 of the main process shown in FIG. Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, or a change start command (No in S2601 and S2604), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change stop command (S2606). This variation stop command is a command set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 10 in the game control unit 200 (S1114) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
If the received command is a variation stop command (Yes in S2606), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the variation effect (S2607).

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a change start command, or a change stop command (No in S2601, S2604, and S2606), the effect control unit 300 starts the opening operation of the jackpot game It is determined whether or not it is an opening command (S2608). This opening command is a command that is set in the stopping process shown in FIG. 10 (S1115) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2608), the effect control unit 300 executes a jackpot effect selection process (S2609). Details of the jackpot effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a change start command, a change stop command, or an opening command (No in S2601, S2604, S2606, and S2608), the effect control unit 300 determines that the received command is a big hit game It is determined whether or not the ending command is for starting the ending operation (S2610). This ending command is a command that is set in the special prize opening process and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2610), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (S2611). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  When the received command is not a prior determination result command, a pending number increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command, or an ending command (No in S2601, S2604, S2606, S2608, and S2610), the effect control unit 300 then Then, a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state is executed (S2612). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 18A is a flowchart showing the contents of the prior effect selection process (S2603) in FIG. 17, and FIG. 18B is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (S2605).
In the prior effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the prior determination result command received from the game control unit 200 (S1801). Further, the effect control unit 300 analyzes the pending number increase command received from the game control unit 200 (S1802). Then, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (pre-determined effect pattern) used in the advance determination effect based on the advance determination result command and the hold count increase command (S1803).

  Here, as the pre-decision effect pattern, various effect patterns can be provided so as to notify the determination result of the random number by the special symbol process before the start of the variation based on the determination result of the random number by the special symbol process. For example, effects such as a hold icon display effect and a continuous notice effect can be provided as a prior determination effect pattern. In the present embodiment, when a reserved ball is generated, a display indicating the number of held balls is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218 and the second special symbol hold indicator 219 of the display 130 (see FIG. 2). At the same time, a hold display for displaying the occurrence of the hold and the number of holds on the image display unit 114 is performed (hold icon display effect). Therefore, in this hold icon display effect, by reflecting the prior determination result in the display mode of the hold display, etc., the determination result when the random number is determined by the special symbol processing for the hold ball is subsequently obtained. It can be a pre-decision effect that suggests

  In addition, although the case where the hold icon display effect is used as the pre-decision effect has been described here, various pre-effects can be obtained by reflecting it on various effect contents performed before the start of the variation based on the random number determination result by the special symbol processing. A determination effect can be performed. For example, an effect using an effect image displayed on the image display unit 114, an effect due to light emission of the panel lamp 116 or the frame lamp 157, an effect due to the operation of a movable accessory, an effect due to sound output such as music or sound effects, etc. It can be set as a determination effect pattern.

  In addition, the pre-decision effect is executed in accordance with the symbol variation for the other winning spheres performed before the symbol variation for the winning ball (holding ball) for which the pre-determination is performed. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of holding balls is four per one start port (first start port 121 or second start port 122) (see FIG. 9). In addition, priority is given to the digestion of the reserved balls in the second start port 122. In this case, for example, if a determination is made in advance for the reserved ball with the second start port 122, before the symbol variation for the reserved ball is performed, the currently changing variation (referred to as the variation) is included. The symbol variation for up to four winning balls will be performed. In a pre-decision effect related to a reserved ball for which a prior determination has been made, if a plurality of symbol variations are performed before the symbol variation for the reserved ball is performed, a pre-decision effect that spans the multiple symbol variations (hereinafter referred to as the symbol variation) , Called a continuous notice effect).

  Then, the effect control unit 300 sets the number-of-holds command including the value of the number of holds after the addition and information on the pre-determined effect pattern selected in the effect selection process in the RAM 303 (S1804). In addition, the number-of-holds command includes information indicating the pattern in order to notify the CPU 311 of the image / sound control unit 310 of the selected pre-decision effect pattern. By receiving the hold number command, the CPU 311 creates a display list or the like for drawing and outputting the image and sound corresponding to the selected pre-decision effect pattern on the VDP 314. Based on the display list or the like, the VDP 314 reads image data and sound data for representing the selected pre-decision effect pattern from the CGROM 315 or SNDROM 316 and expresses the pre-determination effect using the image display unit 114 or the speaker 156. .

  In the effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (S1811). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S1812), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (S1813). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the change start command and the effect mode determined by the mode flag. Then, the variation effect pattern of the symbol variation by the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (S1814).

  Finally, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect start command for instructing the execution start of the selected effect in the RAM 303 (S1815). Note that the change effect start command includes information indicating the selected change effect pattern to notify the CPU 311 of the selected change effect pattern. The CPU 311 receives the variation effect start command, and creates a display list or the like for drawing and outputting the image and sound corresponding to the selected variation effect pattern on the VDP 314. Based on the display list or the like, the VDP 314 reads image data and acoustic data for representing the selected variation effect pattern from the CGROM 315 and the SNDROM 316, and expresses the variation effect using the image display unit 114 and the speaker 156.

[Pre-decision production pattern selection processing by production control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the advance determination effect pattern selection processing (S1803 in FIG. 18A).
In the prior determination effect pattern selection process, the effect control unit 300 first refers to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (S3501). Then, it is determined whether or not the time is short (S3502). Then, when the state is not time-saving (Yes in S3502), the effect control unit 300 reads the pre-decision effect pattern table for time-lessness state from the ROM 302 and sets it in the RAM 303 (S3503). On the other hand, if it is not in the timeless state (No in S3502), the preliminary determination effect pattern table for the time-shortening state is read from the ROM 302 and set in the RAM 303 (S3504). Here, the preliminary determination effect pattern table is a table in which a plurality of preliminary determination effect patterns prepared in advance and random numbers for effect control are associated with each other.

Next, the effect control unit 300 determines a random value using the variation pattern included in the advance determination result command and the advance determination effect pattern table set in S3503 and S3504 (S3505). That is, the effect control unit 300 refers to the predetermination effect pattern table set in the RAM 303 and selects the predetermination effect pattern according to the variation pattern and the random value. Here, in the present embodiment, the contents of the effect to be executed are different between the time reduction state and the non-time reduction state. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the pre-determined effect pattern tables that are referred to differ depending on whether the time-short state or the time-less state is changed or the variation pattern or the like is different.
Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 sets the pre-determined effect pattern selected in S3505 in the RAM 303 (S3506). The setting information of the pre-decision effect pattern set in S3506 is included in the hold number command set in S1804 of FIG. 18A, and the image / sound control unit 310 and the command transmission process shown in S2513 of FIG. It is transmitted to the lamp controller 320.

[Variation production pattern selection process by production control unit]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation effect pattern selection process (S1814 in FIG. 18B).
In the variation effect pattern selection process, the effect control unit 300 first refers to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (S3601). Then, it is determined whether or not the time is short (S3602). If it is in the state without time reduction (Yes in S3602), the effect control unit 300 reads the variation effect pattern table for timelessness without state from the ROM 302 and sets it in the RAM 303 (S3603). On the other hand, if it is not the timeless state (No in S3602), the variable effect pattern table for the timeless state is read from the ROM 302 and set in the RAM 303 (S3604). Here, the variation effect pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation effect patterns prepared in advance are associated with random values for effect control.

  Next, the effect control unit 300 uses the change pattern included in the change start command, the effect control random number acquired at the time of receiving the change start command, and the change effect pattern table set in S3603 and S3604. A determination is made (S3605). That is, the effect control unit 300 refers to the change effect pattern table set in the RAM 303 and selects the change effect pattern according to the change pattern and the random number value. Therefore, even when the same random number value is acquired, the variation effect pattern table to be referred to differs depending on the variation pattern or the like depending on whether the state is the short time state or the short time state.

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 sets the changed effect pattern setting information selected in S3605 in the RAM 303 (S3606). The changing effect pattern setting information set in S3606 is included in the changing effect start command set in S1815 of FIG. 18B, and the image / sound control unit 310 and the command transmission process shown in S2513 of FIG. It is transmitted to the lamp controller 320.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (S2512 in FIG. 16B).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (S3701). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in S3701), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303, and ends the effect button process. (S3702).

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (S2513) of FIG. 16B, and the command set in the RAM 303 by the command reception process and the effect button process described above is displayed in the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp. Transmit to the control unit 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Variation production]
Next, the effect control unit 300 executes the change effect using the image display unit 114 and the speaker 156 (see FIG. 1) based on the gaming state and the change pattern. The effect control unit 300 sets the change effect pattern by the change effect pattern selection process (S3606 in FIG. 20).
In the variation effect pattern of the present embodiment, a decoration symbol variation effect that is an effect performed by variably displaying the decorative symbol 41 on the screen of the image display unit 114, or a variation icon display that displays a variation icon 51 described later. Contents such as stage effects and stage effects in which a stage image is displayed behind the decorative pattern 41 are reflected.

<Decorative design variation production>
22 and 23 are explanatory diagrams of the decorative symbol variation effect performed by the effect control unit 300. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 22, three decorative symbols 41 are displayed on the image display unit 114. As shown in FIG. 22 (a), the effect control unit 300 displays the three decorative symbols 41 in a variable manner by, for example, vertical scrolling, and then, first, as shown in FIG. 22 (b). As described above, the left decorative pattern 41 (for example, the numeral “5”) is stopped and displayed. Next, as shown in FIG. 22C, the decorative symbol 41 on the right side (for example, the numeral “3”) is stopped and displayed. Finally, as shown in FIG. 22D, the central decorative pattern 41 (for example, the number “6”) is stopped and displayed. In addition, the combination “563” of the decorative symbols 41 that are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 22D is an example of a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is off. Moreover, the fluctuating effect of the decorative design 41 shown in FIGS. 22A1 to 22D is an example of a reachless effect.

In the case of an effect with reach, the effect control unit 300 stops and displays the number “5”, which is the decorative symbol 41 on the left side, as shown in FIG. The numeral “5” which is the decorative symbol 41 is stopped and displayed, and the left and right decorative symbols 41 are aligned. After that, when the jackpot is not won, the effect control unit 300 stops displaying the number “6”, which is the central decorative symbol 41, as shown in FIG. 22 (f), and wins the jackpot. If it is, as shown in FIG. 22 (g), the number “5”, which is the central decorative symbol 41, is stopped and displayed.
In the following, after reaching the reach state, it is a decorative symbol 41 different from the decorative symbol 41 on both sides and does not win a big hit without performing development effects such as SP reach effect and SP / SP reach effect described later. The effect of stopping and displaying the decorative symbol 41 indicating this in the center is referred to as a normal reach effect. For example, the normal reach effect is an effect that transitions from FIG. 22 (a) → FIG. 22 (b) → FIG. 22 (e) → FIG. 22 (f).

Or, as shown in FIG. 22 (e), the effect control unit 300 stops and displays “5”, which is the decorative symbol 41 on the right side, and after reaching the reach state, as shown in FIG. 22 (h) Then, “5” and “5”, which are the decorative symbols 41 on the right side, are moved to the corners of the image display area and reduced in size, and as shown in FIG. In the following description, the fact that the SP reach effect is being performed is expressed by illustrating the SP reach image 42.
After that, when the jackpot is not won, with the end of the SP reach production, as shown in FIG. 22 (j), the number “6” as the central decorative symbol 41 is stopped and displayed. If the jackpot is won, as shown in FIG. 22 (k), the number “5”, which is the central decorative pattern 41, is stopped and displayed. The SP reach effect is basically an effect in which the effect time is longer than the above-described normal reach effect.

  Or, as shown in FIG. 23A, the effect control unit 300 starts to fluctuate the three decorative symbol sequences, and then, as shown in FIG. 23B, the number “ 5 ”is stopped and displayed, as shown in FIG. 23 (c), the numeral“ 5 ”which is the decorative symbol 41 on the right side is stopped and displayed, and after reaching, as shown in FIG. 23 (l), The numbers “5” and “5”, which are the decorative patterns 41 on the left and right sides, are moved to the corners of the image display area and reduced in size, and as shown in FIG. SP / SP reach). Note that the SP / SP reach effect is basically an effect with a longer effect time than the SP reach effect. In the following description, the fact that the SP / SP reach effect is being performed is represented as an SP / SP reach image 43.

  Or, as shown in FIG. 23C, the effect control unit 300 stops and displays the number “5”, which is the decorative symbol 41 on the right side, and reaches the reach state, as shown in FIG. The numbers “5” and “5”, which are the left and right decorative patterns 41, are moved to the corners of the image display area and reduced in size. First, as shown in FIG. Produce. Then, at the end of the SP reach production, as shown in FIG. 23 (j), the numeral “6” as the central decorative design 41 is temporarily stopped and then restarted, as shown in FIG. 23 (l). Then, the numbers “5” and “5”, which are the decorative symbols 41 on the left and right sides, are moved to the corners of the image display area and reduced in size, and as shown in FIG. 23 (m), the SP / SP reach effect is performed. . After that, when the jackpot is not won, as shown in FIG. 23 (n), the number “6”, which is the central decorative symbol 41, is stopped and displayed. If the jackpot is won, as shown in FIG. 23 (o), the numeral “5” which is the central decorative symbol 41 is stopped and displayed. The temporary stop is a state in which the decorative design 41 appears to stop when it is first viewed, but does not stop completely, for example, the decorative design 41 moves slightly.

  Note that the effect control unit 300 may perform a pseudo-continuous effect (pseudo-continuous) as a variable effect of the other decorative symbols 41. The pseudo-continuous effect is an effect that makes it appear as if a variation display of the decorative symbol 41 for a plurality of times is performed in the variation display for one variation of the special symbol. In the quasi-continuous production, the production control unit 300, for example, changes the decorative design 41 before changing to the reach state, temporarily stops the three decorative designs 41, and then displays the changed display of the decorative design 41 again. Let it begin.

(Variation production pattern setting example)
Next, a setting example of a variation effect pattern that is associated with the variation pattern shown in FIG. 12 in the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the non-reach effect, the normal reach effect, the SP reach effect, and the SP / SP reach effect are provided as the variation effect patterns. These variation effect patterns are associated with the variation patterns A to K (see FIG. 12).
In the present embodiment, in the case of the variation patterns A and E having a relatively long variation time, the SP / SP reach production having a relatively long production time is set to be executable. In the case of the fluctuation patterns B, C, F, and G having the next longest variation time, the SP reach production having the next longest production time is set to be executable. Further, in the case of the fluctuation patterns D and H with a relatively short production time, a normal reach production with a relatively short production time can be executed. In the case of the variation patterns I, J, and K, a reachless effect is executed.

  Here, when the determination result is a big hit, the variation time (variation patterns A to D) of 90 to 15 seconds is set. And, when winning the jackpot, it is set so that the fluctuation time becomes longer. That is, the longer the variation time, the higher the expectation of jackpot is set. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the expectation of jackpot is lower in the order of the no reach effect, the normal reach effect, the SP reach effect, and the SP / SP reach effect.

  Although not shown in the present embodiment, it is selected when the gaming state is the low-probability short-time gaming state or the high-probability short-time gaming state as the setting of the variation rendering pattern used for the variation rendering pattern selection process. There are also fluctuating performance patterns. A variable effect pattern table for a short time state that is referred to when selecting these variable effect patterns is provided, and has different setting contents from the variable effect pattern table for a short time state. Further, regarding a case where a game ball wins at the second start opening 122, a table for setting a variation effect pattern selected in the change effect pattern selection process may be provided individually, or a game ball may be provided at the first start opening 121. It may be possible to share and refer to a table that is referred to when a prize is won.

<Change icon display effect>
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the variation icon display effect and the hold icon display effect of the present embodiment.
(Change icon 51)
When a game ball first wins at the first start port 121 (see FIG. 1) in a state where there is no hold, immediately, the display of the variation for the first win is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, for example, on the lower side of the screen, a change icon 51 indicating that the special symbol is changing (decreasing display of the decorative symbol 41) is displayed. That is, the variation icon 51 is displayed on the screen as an icon related to the variation display of the special symbol during the variation display of the special symbol. The variation icon 51 starts to be displayed in the area where the variation icon 51 is displayed (in the present embodiment, on the lower side of the center of the screen) at the start of the variation display of the special symbol, and is displayed with the variation suspension of the special symbol. Disappear.

[Pre-decision effect]
Next, the prior determination effect of the present embodiment will be described. The advance determination effect is an effect executed by the effect control unit 300 based on the hold number command. When it is determined that the preliminary determination effect is to be executed, the effect control unit 300 stores the notification flag ON in the notification flag storage area of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 14).
Further, the advance determination effect pattern is set by selection of the advance determination effect pattern (see S3506 in FIG. 19). The advance determination effect pattern is determined based on predetermined conditions such as the content of the advance determination result and the result of the effect random number determination.
And the contents of a prior notice production pattern and a hold icon display production which displays the hold icon 52 mentioned below are reflected in the prior judgment production pattern of this embodiment.
In addition, in the following description, the hold for which the prior determination result is notified by the prior determination effect is referred to as “notification target”.

<On-hold icon display effect>
During the fluctuation display, the game ball is further awarded to the first start port 121 (see FIG. 1), and the suspension occurs. At this time, the change display for further winnings cannot be started immediately, and is reserved as a jackpot determination right. Then, when one variation display based on the first first start port 121 is completed, another variation display is performed in the order in which the variation is suspended based on the right that has been suspended. The same applies to the second start port 122.

(Hold icon 52)
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the hold icon 52 is displayed on the screen of the image display unit 114 as shown in FIG. 24 based on the information in the storage area corresponding to the hold ball in the RAM 303. The hold icon 52 is an icon indicating that the jackpot determination right is held. Moreover, in this Embodiment, the display mode of the hold icon 52 on a screen is determined based on the prior determination result by a prior determination process.

Specifically, a maximum of four holds are generated by winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, a maximum of four hold icons 52 are displayed on the screen by winning at the first start port 121. In the present embodiment, the plurality of hold icons 52 are displayed side by side from the right side to the left side in order from the position close to the variation icon 51 to the position away from the change icon 51.
In the following description, with respect to the four hold icons 52 displayed at the maximum, the “first hold”, “second hold”, “third hold”, and “fourth hold” are arranged in order from the variation icon 51, respectively. "

Also, a maximum of four holds are generated by winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, although not shown, a maximum of four hold icons 52 are displayed on the screen due to winning at the second start port 122. Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of hold icons 52 related to winning in the second start port 122 are displayed side by side from the left side to the right side sequentially from the position close to the variation icon 51 to the position away from it. Yes.
In the description of the present embodiment, the reservation based on the winning at the first starting port 121 will be described in detail as a representative example, and the detailed description of the holding based on the winning at the second starting port 122 will be omitted.

  The hold change effect is executed by changing the display mode of the hold icon 52 corresponding to the hold to be notified of the hold icon 52. As a change in the display mode, the default display target of the hold icon 52 can be made to have a different color, a different shape, or a blinking display.

<Stage production>
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of stage effects according to the present embodiment.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment performs a stage effect in which a stage image (background image) is displayed on the screen.
The stage image may be a still image or a moving image. Further, in the present embodiment, regarding the image layer to be displayed on the screen of the image display unit 114, the image layer that draws the decorative pattern 41, the variation icon 51, and the hold icon 52 is higher than the image layer that draws the background. It is located on the player side. That is, the decorative pattern 41, the hold icon 52, and the change icon 51 are displayed on the near side that is the player side from the stage image.

  As shown in FIG. 25A, in the stage effect, a “land stage” for displaying the land stage image 61 on the screen is provided. The land stage is about the land. The land stage image 61 is expressed by the content of the theme of land and is displayed behind the decorative symbol 41. In the land stage, the change icon 51 and the hold icon 52 are expressed in a shape with the theme of land, like the land stage image 61. On the land stage, a stage name image 81 (land stage) is displayed that clearly indicates that the currently staying stage is the land stage.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 25B, in the stage effect, a “sea stage” for displaying the sea stage image 62 on the screen is provided. The sea stage is themed around the sea. The sea stage image 62 is expressed by the content of the sea theme and is displayed behind the decorative symbol 41. In the sea stage, the change icon 51 and the hold icon 52 are expressed in the shape of the theme of the sea, like the sea stage image 62. In the sea stage, a stage name image 81 (sea stage) is displayed that clearly indicates that the currently staying stage is the sea stage.

  And as shown in FIG.25 (c), in the stage production, the "empty stage" which displays the empty stage image 63 on a screen is provided. The sky stage is about the sky. The empty stage image 63 is expressed by the content of the sky and is displayed behind the decorative symbol 41. Note that, in the empty stage, the change icon 51 and the hold icon 52 are expressed in a shape with the theme of sky, like the empty stage image 63. In the empty stage, a stage name image 81 (empty stage) that clearly indicates that the currently staying stage is an empty stage is displayed.

  In the following description, the three stages of the land stage, the sea stage, and the sky stage are collectively referred to as a normal stage. The three stage images of the land stage image 61, the sea stage image 62, and the sky stage image 63 are collectively referred to as a normal stage image.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 25D, in the stage effect, a “special stage” for displaying the special stage image 64 on the screen is provided. The special stage is space-themed. The special stage image 64 is expressed by the content of the space theme and is displayed behind the decorative symbol 41. In the special stage, the change icon 51 and the hold icon 52 are expressed in a shape with the theme of the universe, like the special stage image 64. In the special stage, a stage name image 81 (space stage) is displayed that clearly indicates that the currently staying stage is the special stage.

  As described above, a plurality of stages are prepared for stage production. And the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs a variation effect using any one of the plurality of stages. In the present embodiment, a “stage transition effect” is performed in which a stage shifts from a certain stage to a certain stage based on a predetermined condition.

  Here, as described above, a plurality of stages are provided in the stage effect of the present embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display content of the continuous notice effect, which is one of the prior determination effects, is varied depending on the stage. First, the continuous notice effect will be described. Thereafter, the contents of the stage transition effect will be described in detail.

<Continuous notice effect>
26 and 27 are explanatory diagrams of the continuous notice effect according to the present embodiment.
In the continuous notice effect of the present embodiment, a predetermined cut-in image is displayed on the screen at the symbol variation based on the notification target hold and at least the symbol variation executed immediately before the symbol variation based on the notification target hold. . That is, in the continuous notice effect of the present embodiment, a predetermined cut-in image is displayed on the screen even when the symbol variation immediately before that including the symbol variation based on the hold of the notification target is performed. It is displayed continuously across the fluctuation display. That is, in the continuous notice effect of the present embodiment, a series of continuous effects can be executed over a plurality of games.

The cut-in image is an image that is temporarily displayed on the screen as a short scene, separately from images that are continuously displayed for a certain period of time, such as stage images and decorative symbols 41.
In addition, there may be a maximum of three holds before the notification target hold. Therefore, it is possible to perform an effect over a maximum of four symbol variations as a continuous notice effect. In the continuous notice effect of the present embodiment, it is possible to display cut-in images continuously up to four times.

The execution of the continuous notice effect is determined based on the presence or absence of the jackpot to be notified, the type of jackpot symbol, the variation time, and the like. In the present embodiment, for example, when a variation pattern (for example, variation patterns A, B, C, E, F, G, see FIG. 12) with a relatively long variation time of the notification target is selected, continuous notice effect Is likely to be executed. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in the case of a variation pattern with a relatively short variation time of the notification target (for example, variation patterns D, H, I, see FIG. 12), the probability that the continuous notice effect is executed is lowered. Yes.
In the present embodiment, when the variation time to be notified is a variation pattern with a short variation time (for example, variation patterns J and K, see FIG. 12), the continuous notice effect is not executed.

First, the continuous notice effect performed at the sea stage will be described.
As shown in FIG. 26A, at the sea stage, the sea stage image 62 is displayed on the screen. In addition, a decorative pattern 41 is displayed on the screen. Further, a variation icon 51 and a hold icon 52 having a shape related to the sea are displayed on the screen. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 26A, the second hold is a notification target by the prior determination effect.
Thereafter, the display of variation of the next decorative design 41 is started. Here, as shown in FIG. 26B, the sea cut-in image 72 is displayed as the first cut-in image at the start timing of the variable display of the decorative design 41. The first sea cut-in image 72 is displayed in a shape related to the sea, which is the same theme as the sea stage image 62.
Further, as shown in FIG. 26C, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner. And as shown in FIG.26 (d), it stops and displays with the decoration symbol 41 showing the lottery result of a special symbol lottery.

Thereafter, the variable display of the next decorative symbol 41 based on the notification target hold is started. Here, as shown in FIG. 26 (e), the sea cut-in image 72 is displayed as the second cut-in image at the start timing of the variable display of the decorative symbol 41. The sea cut-in image 72 for the second time is displayed in a shape related to the sea, which is the same theme as the sea stage image 62, like the first sea cut-in image 72.
Further, as shown in FIG. 26 (f), the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 26 (g), the left symbol and the right symbol are aligned to reach a reach state, and in the example shown in FIG. 26 (h), three decorative symbols 41 are finally aligned. Determine.

Next, the continuous notice effect performed at the empty stage will be described.
As shown in FIG. 27A, in the empty stage, an empty stage image 63 is displayed on the screen. In addition, a decorative pattern 41 is displayed on the screen. Further, a variation icon 51 and a hold icon 52 having a shape related to the sky are displayed on the screen. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 27A, the second hold is a notification target by the prior determination effect.

Thereafter, the display of variation of the next decorative design 41 is started. Here, as shown in FIG. 27B, an empty cut-in image 73 is displayed as the first cut-in image at the start timing of the variable display of the decorative symbol 41. The first empty cut-in image 73 is displayed in a shape related to the sky, which is the same theme as the empty stage image 63.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 27C, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner. And as shown in FIG.27 (d), it stops and displays with the decoration symbol 41 showing the lottery result of a special symbol lottery.

Thereafter, the variable display of the next decorative symbol 41 based on the notification target hold is started. Here, as shown in FIG. 27E, the empty cut-in image 73 is displayed as the second cut-in image at the start timing of the variable display of the decorative symbol 41. The second empty cut-in image 73 is displayed in a shape related to the sky, which is the same theme as the empty stage image 63, as with the first empty cut-in image 73.
Further, as shown in FIG. 27F, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 27G, after SP / SP reach is executed, in the example shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when performing a continuous notice effect, a cut-in image related to a stage is used according to the stage. For example, in the sea stage, the sea cut-in image 72 having a shape related to the sea is continuously displayed across a plurality of fluctuation displays. In the empty stage, an empty cut-in image 73 having a shape related to the sky is displayed across a plurality of fluctuation displays.
Although not shown, a cut-in image of a shape related to the stage is also displayed across a plurality of variation displays in the land stage and special stage as well.

<Stage transition production>
Next, the stage transition effect will be described in detail.
The stage transition effect is provided with a “special stage effect” for shifting to a special stage and a “normal stage effect” for shifting to a normal stage. In the normal stage production, “selected stage production” for shifting the stage to the selected stage selected by the player's operation, and the determination stage determined by the production control unit 300 instead of the player's operation. A “determination stage effect” is provided for performing stage transition.

In this embodiment, stage candidates are determined based on the special stage effect, the selected stage effect, and the determination stage effect. One of the candidate stages determined in each stage effect is set as a “next variation stage” used in the next symbol variation by a stage setting process described later.
In the present embodiment, a priority order is provided for the adoption as the next fluctuation stage. That is, the special stage determined by the special stage effect is set with the highest priority as the next variation stage. Next, the selection stage determined by the selection stage effect is given priority over the determination stage determined by the determination stage effect as the next variation stage.

  The next variation stage is set by a stage setting process to be described later, and is stored in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 4) as a command for designating the next variation stage (hereinafter, “stage designation command”). The stage designation command stored in the RAM 303 is referred to when a stage image is selected in the variation effect pattern setting (see S3606 in FIG. 20).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the stages (land stage, sea stage, and sky stage) that can be determined as the selection stage in the selection stage effect are common with the stages that can be determined in the determination stage effect. In the present embodiment, the special stage used in the special stage effect cannot be selected by the player in the selected stage effect.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of stage effect stage setting processing according to the present embodiment.
Referring to the storage area of RAM 303, it is determined whether or not a special stage transition flag (described later) set by the special stage effect is ON (S2801). If the special stage transition flag is ON (Yes in S2801), the special stage determined by the special stage effect is set as the next variation stage (S2802). Specifically, the stage designation command is stored in the RAM 303 including the contents for designating the drawing of the special stage image 64 in the stage designation command.

  On the other hand, when the special stage transition flag is OFF (No in S2801), it is determined whether or not a selection stage transition flag (described later) set by the selection stage effect is ON with reference to the storage area of the RAM 303. (S2803). If the selected stage transition flag is ON (Yes in S2803), the selected stage determined by the selected stage effect is set as the next variation stage (S2804). Specifically, the stage designation command is stored in the RAM 303 including the contents for designating the drawing of one normal stage (selected stage) selected from the normal stages.

  If the selected stage shift flag is OFF (No in S2803), it is determined whether or not a determination stage shift flag (described later) set by the determination stage effect is ON with reference to the storage area of the RAM 303. (S2805). If the determination stage transition flag is ON (Yes in S2805), the determination stage determined by the determination stage effect is set as the next variation stage (S2806). Specifically, the stage designation command is stored in the RAM 303 including the contents for designating drawing of one normal stage (determination stage) determined from the normal stages.

  On the other hand, if the determination stage transition flag is OFF (No in S2805), the stage used in the current fluctuation display or the stage used in the previous fluctuation display if the fluctuation is stopped. A certain previous stage is set as the next variation stage (S2807). Specifically, the stage designation command is stored in the RAM 303 including the contents for designating drawing of one normal stage (previous stage) of the normal stages.

If the special stage is set as the next fluctuation stage in S2802, the selected stage is set as the next fluctuation stage in S2804, or the determination stage is set as the next fluctuation stage in S2806, whichever The value of the number of stays in the stage, which is the number of times the variable display has been performed after one stage image is displayed, is reset to zero (S2808). Thereafter, 1 is added to the value of the number of stays on the stage (S2809).
If the previous stage was selected in S2807, 1 is added to the value of the number of stays in the stage in S2809.

  As described above, in the stage setting process according to the present embodiment, a process for setting the stage used in the next variation display is performed. Further, in the stage setting process, a process of counting the number of stays of the stage is also performed with the setting of the stage.

[Decision stage production]
FIG. 29 is a flow of the determination stage effect of the present embodiment.
In the determination stage effect of the present embodiment, the determination stage is determined by the number of stays in the stage and the stage shift lottery.
First, it is determined whether or not the number of stays on the stage exceeds a preset number of times (S2901). If the number of stays on the stage does not exceed the set number (No in S2901), the process ends.

On the other hand, if the stage stay count exceeds the set count (Yes in S2901), a stage shift lottery is executed (S2902).
In the stage shift lottery, it is determined by lottery whether or not the stage shifts to a stage different from the currently staying stage. In the present embodiment, the order is determined in advance for a plurality of stages when the stage is shifted by the determination stage effect. Specifically, the order of transition of the stage transition by the determination stage production is in the order of land stage → sea stage → sky stage → land stage. In the stage shift lottery, for example, a lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the stage is performed with a probability of 1/2.

If the result of the stage shift lottery is that the lottery result indicates that the stage shift is not performed (No in S2903), the process ends.
On the other hand, if the result of the stage shift lottery is that the lottery result indicates that the stage shifts (Yes in S2903), the determination stage shift flag ON is stored in the storage area of the RAM 303.

In the determination stage effect of the present embodiment, as described above, the stage shift determination is performed by the stage shift lottery performed when the number of stage stays and the set number of times are reached, but the present invention is not limited to this mode.
The determination of the stage shift in the determination stage effect may be performed based only on the number of stage stays, for example. Further, the determination of the stage shift in the determination stage effect may be performed based on the contents of the decorative symbol variation effect in addition to the number of stage stays and the stage shift lottery. More specifically, for example, when a decorative design variation effect (for example, FIG. 22 (j) or FIG. 23 (j)) is performed after SP reach or SP / SP reach is executed, The stage may be shifted from the next fluctuation display to another stage.

(Examples of stage performance)
Next, effects related to the number of stays performed based on the count of the number of stage stays performed in the stage setting process described above will be described.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a production example related to the number of stage stays according to this embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the stage transition lottery is performed when the stage stay frequency reaches the set number by the determination stage transition effect, and the stage may be shifted according to the lottery result. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 30 (a), a remaining stay count display 86 is displayed on the screen, and the player is notified of the number of variable displays until the stage transition is scheduled to be performed by a countdown. In the example of FIG. 30A, the user is currently on the land stage. Accordingly, as the remaining stay count display 86, for example, a text message of “change in stage from land stage with 5 remaining?” Is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the remaining stay count display 86 starts counting down from when a new stage transition is made. The remaining stay number display 86 may start displaying from a predetermined remaining number (for example, five times). Further, the remaining stay number display 86 may be performed only once.

  By the way, a player may desire to stay at any stage among a plurality of types of stages. On the other hand, as described above, the stage transition is performed by the determination stage transition effect. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the player can continue to stay in the stay stage by reselecting the stay stage as the selection stage by the selection stage production before the number of stays in the stage reaches the set number of times. It is like that.

  When the stage transition to the selected stage is performed in S2804 of the stage setting process described above, the number of stage stays is reset to zero in S2808. This resetting of the number of stays in the stage is naturally performed when the stage shifts from one stage to another stage different from the one stage. In addition, in the present embodiment, the resetting of the number of stays in the stage is also applied when the player uses the same one stage as the selected stage in one stage (stay stage) by the selected stage effect. Even in this case, the count of the number of stays in the stage is started again in S2809. As a result, the remaining number of stage stays increases with respect to the set number of times in the determination stage transition effect. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to continuously stay on the stage desired by the player.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 30A, a stage continuation operation instruction image 87 is displayed on the screen to notify that the player can continue to stay on the stage by selecting the same stage according to the selected stage effect. Is displayed. The stage continuation operation instruction image 87 displays, for example, a text message “A land stage can be selected and a land stage can be continued”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 30B, when the number of stays on the stage is reset by the player, a reset explicit image 88 that clearly indicates that the number of stays on the stage has been reset is displayed on the screen. In the example of FIG. 30B, the currently staying stage is the land stage. Therefore, the reset explicit image 88 displays, for example, a text message “Land stage count is reset!”.

  Note that the display of the remaining stay number display 86 and the stage continuation operation instruction image 87 described above is not essential, and the stay number display 86 and the stage continuation operation instruction image 87 may not be displayed on the screen.

[Special stage production]
Next, the special stage production will be described.
The execution of the special stage effect is determined based on the presence or absence of the jackpot of the effect, the type of jackpot symbol, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display, and the like. In the present embodiment, for example, in the case of a variation pattern with a relatively long variation time (for example, variation patterns A, B, E, F, see FIG. 12), the probability that a special stage effect is executed is increased. On the other hand, in this embodiment, in the case of a variation pattern with a relatively short variation time (for example, variation patterns C, D, G, H, I, see FIG. 12), the probability that the special stage effect is executed is lowered. ing.
As described above, the special stage effect is executed with a relatively long variation pattern. Therefore, when the special stage effect is executed, the player can be expected to win a big hit.

In the present embodiment, the special stage effect is not executed when the fluctuation pattern has a short fluctuation time (for example, fluctuation patterns J and K, see FIG. 12).
As described above, the special stage effect is positioned as an effect that is executed when the degree of expectation of the jackpot is high by increasing the probability of being executed in a variable effect with a long effect time. Therefore, the special stage effect is not executed in the variation effect that is out of place and has a short variation time. Thus, in this embodiment, the value of the special stage effect for the player is not lowered.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that a special stage effect is to be performed, the special stage shift flag ON is stored in the storage area of the RAM 303.

Next, the special stage effect will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of special stage effects according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 31A, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a variable manner on the screen. Further, a land stage image 61 is displayed on the screen, and the land stage is set. Then, as shown in FIG. 31B, the decorative symbol 41 is stopped and displayed.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 31 (c), the stage shifts from the land stage to the special stage as the next symbol display starts to change. Then, with the special stage image 64 as a background, the decorative pattern 41 is displayed in a variable manner.
And in the example shown in FIG.31 (d), the three decoration symbols 41 are arranged, and it is a big hit.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 31 (e), even when a special stage effect is executed, the result may be a loss. In this case, as shown in FIG. 31 (f), the stage shifts to a stage different from the stage where the stage stayed before the stage shift to the special stage. In this example, in the example shown in FIG. 31 (a), the stage before the special stage effect is executed is the land stage, and thus the stage is shifted to the sea stage after the special stage effect ends.

As described above, the special stage effect according to the present embodiment is a so-called that the determination result is suggested during the changing effect until the decoration symbol 41 of the currently changing display is confirmed and the determination result is notified. It is an effect by the notice.
However, the special stage effect may be executed based on the preliminary determination result. When performing a special stage effect based on a pre-determined effect, first, a pre-determined result regarding the reserved right is referred to, and a notification target to be a target of the special stage effect is determined based on the variation time. . Then, the stage is shifted to the special stage from the variation display before the variation display for the notification target to the variation display for the notification target.

[Selected stage production]
FIG. 32 is a processing flow of the selected stage effect according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of the selection stage effect of the present embodiment.
Subsequently, the selected stage effect will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33. In the selected stage effect, the stage shifts to the selected stage arbitrarily selected by the player from the normal stages shifted to the stage in the above-described determination stage effect. In addition, in the selection stage production | presentation of this Embodiment, the player cannot select a special stage.

  As shown in FIG. 32, first, it is determined whether or not a stage selection restriction flag (described later) for restricting a stage selection operation in which the player selects a selection stage is ON (S3201). If the stage selection restriction flag is not ON (No in S3201), the stage selection operation is validated (S3202).

As shown in FIG. 33A, the decorative pattern 41, the change icon 51, and the hold icon 52 are displayed on the screen with the empty stage image 63 as a background. In other words, you are staying on the empty stage. In addition, on the screen, a stage name image 81 (empty stage) is displayed that clearly indicates the currently empty stage.
In the present embodiment, images related to the stage selection operation are not displayed on the screen until the stage selection operation is performed by operating the effect key 162.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32, it is determined whether or not there is a stage selection operation by the player (S3203). In the present embodiment, the stage selection operation is accepted by operating the effect key 162 (see FIG. 2B) by the player. When the stage selection operation is performed (Yes in S3203), the stage option image 82 is displayed (S3204).

  As shown in FIG. 33B, the stage option image 82 includes a land stage option image 82a, a sea stage option image 82b, and an empty stage option image 82c corresponding to the land stage, the sea stage, and the sky stage, respectively. Has been. In the following description, the land stage option image 82a, the sea stage option image 82b, and the sky stage option image 82c are collectively referred to as a “stage option image 82”.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), the stage option image 82 displays a selection frame image 82S that moves in accordance with the operation of the effect key 162. Then, by operating the effect key 162, as shown in FIG. 33 (d), the selection frame image 82S is sequentially placed on the land stage option image 82a, the sea stage option image 82b, and the empty stage option image 82c of the stage option image 82. Moving. Further, an explanation image 83 is displayed on the screen. The explanation image 83 is an image explaining to the player that the stage can be changed by operating the effect key 162. The explanatory image 83 displays a text message such as “Stage can be changed with arrow keys”.

Then, after the stage option image 82 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 32, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has passed since the operation of the effect key 162 is not performed (S3205). ). When the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S3205), the stage corresponding to the stage option image where the selection frame image 82S is located at that time is determined as the selection stage (S3206).
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33 (d), for example, when the selection frame image 82S stops on the sea stage option image 82b and a predetermined time elapses, the sea stage is determined as the selection stage.

Then, as shown in FIG. 32, the selected stage information is displayed on the screen (S3207).
As shown in FIG. 33 (e), the selected stage information includes information that is determined as the selected stage and that clearly indicates the stage to be shifted to the stage later, and information that notifies the stage shift to the selected stage.
In the present embodiment, the information specifying the stage determined as the selection stage is one stage option image 82 corresponding to the selection stage. In the example of FIG. 33 (e), since the sea stage is determined as the selection stage, the sea stage option image 82b is displayed.
The selected stage information is not limited to the stage option image 82. In other words, the selection stage information only needs to clearly indicate the selection stage selected by the stage selection operation, such as a text message indicating the selection stage, an image related to the selection stage such as a theme image indicating the theme of the selection stage, and the like. Also good.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 33 (e), the information for notifying that the stage shifts to the selected stage is a notice message image 84. The notice message image 84 is an image that tells the player that the stage shifts to the selected stage when the next variation display starts. The notice message image 84 displays a text message such as “the stage changes at the next change”.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 32, it is determined whether or not a stage transition restriction flag (described later) for restricting stage transition to the selected stage in the next variation display is ON (S3208). If the stage transition restriction flag is ON (Yes in S3208), the process ends.
On the other hand, if the stage transition restriction flag is not ON (No in S3208), the selected stage transition flag ON is stored in the storage area of the RAM 303 (S3209).

If the stage selection restriction is ON in S3201 (Yes in S3201) or if there is no stage selection operation in S3203 (No in S3203), the stage transition is performed even though it has been previously determined as the selection stage. It is determined whether there is an unmigrated selection stage that has not been performed (S3210). An unmigrated selection stage occurs, for example, when the selected stage has been determined in S3206 but the stage has not been migrated because the stage migration restriction flag is ON in S3208.
If there is no unmigrated selection stage (No in S3210), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is an unmigrated selection stage (Yes in S3201) and the stage migration restriction flag is not ON (No in S3208), the selected stage is stored in the storage area of the RAM 303 based on the unmigrated selection stage. The shift flag ON is stored (S3209).

In the present embodiment, three stages, a land stage, a sea stage, and an empty stage can be selected. Therefore, in detail, as the selection stage transition flag, a land selection stage transition flag, a sea selection stage transition flag, and an empty selection stage transition flag corresponding to each stage are provided.
In the example of FIG. 33 (e), the selection stage is the sea stage. Therefore, ON of the sea selection stage transition flag is stored in the storage area of the RAM 303 so that the stage transitions to the sea stage.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 33 (f), the stage shift is executed with the start of the next fluctuation display fluctuation. In the example of FIG. 33 (f), the sea stage image 62 is displayed on the screen in order to shift to the sea stage. In this embodiment, immediately after the stage transition, a post-transition stage explicit image 85 indicating that the stage has been transitioned to any stage is displayed. The post stage transition explicit image 85 displays, for example, a text message of “sea stage change”.

Then, as shown in FIG. 33 (g), the decorative symbol 41 is displayed together with the new sea stage image 62, and the variable display is performed.
As shown in FIG. 33 (h), the stage option image 82 is displayed by operating the effect key 162 again. Then, the stage transition operation and the stage transition can be performed again.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, when the selected stage is selected during the previous fluctuation display, the stage shifts to the selection stage with the start of fluctuation of the next fluctuation display. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. When a selected stage is selected during one fluctuation display, the stage may be shifted to the selection stage during the first fluctuation display. For example, when the production key 162 is operated during one fluctuation display, the stage shifts from the land stage to the sea stage, and when the production key 162 is further operated, the sea stage is moved to the empty stage during the same fluctuation display. You may make it move to a stage.

[Restriction flag]
Next, a restriction flag for restricting the stage transition by the player will be described.
The restriction flag of the present embodiment includes a “stage transition restriction flag” that restricts the selection stage from being set to the next variation stage, and a “stage selection restriction flag” that restricts the stage selection operation by the player. One is provided. This restriction flag is stored in the storage area of the RAM 303.
In this embodiment, the restriction flag (stage transition restriction flag, stage selection restriction flag) is set to ON / OFF based on a predetermined condition. Then, the stage selection operation by the player is set to invalid or valid, or the stage transition to the selected stage associated with the start of the subsequent variation display is invalid or valid. In the present embodiment, the predetermined condition is a relationship with the decorative symbol variation effect, a relationship with the continuous notice effect, and a relationship with the special stage effect.

(Relationship with decorative design variation production)
FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the decorative symbol variation effect and the selected stage effect.
The relationship between the decorative symbol variation effect and the selected stage effect will be specifically described with reference to FIG. Note that the six fluctuation displays illustrated in FIG. 34 are referred to as fluctuation display (A) to fluctuation display (F) in time series order. The fluctuation display (A) is a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 13 seconds and no reach. The fluctuation display (b) is a fluctuation pattern with a reach time of 15 seconds and a reach. The fluctuation display (C) is a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 60 seconds and a reach (including SP reach). The fluctuation display (d) and the fluctuation time (e) are fluctuation patterns with a fluctuation time of 3 seconds and no reach. The fluctuation time (f) is a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 13 seconds and no reach.

-Non-variable display-
In the present embodiment, the stage selection restriction flag is OFF when the variable display is not performed (when the variable display is not performed). That is, the stage selection operation is valid even during non-variable display.

As shown in FIG. 34, the stage selection operation restriction flag is OFF at the time of non-change display before the change display (a) starts changing. That is, the stage selection operation is valid during non-variable display. At this time, for example, a stage selection operation A is performed to select an empty stage as the selected stage.
At the time of non-change display before the change display (a) starts changing, the stage transition restriction flag is OFF. That is, the stage transition in the next variation display (b) is possible. In the example of FIG. 34, the stage selection operation A is performed when the stay stage is the sea stage. Therefore, the stage shifts from the sea stage to the empty stage with the start of the next fluctuation display (A).

-Stop display of fluctuation display-
As shown in FIG. 34, in the present embodiment, the stage selection restriction flag is set to ON in the period from immediately before the decorative symbol stop display (hereinafter referred to as pre-stop timing) to stop display. That is, the stage selection operation is invalidated during the period from the timing before the stop of the decorative symbol to the stop display. In addition, the timing before a stop can illustrate the timing which a middle symbol begins to stop temporarily, for example, when the stop order of a decoration symbol is the order of a left symbol, a right symbol, and a middle symbol.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, for example, in order to prevent misrecognition of a game or the like, the confirmation of the decoration symbol is surely shown to the player. Here, when the stage selection operation is accepted, display control is performed on an image related to the stage selection operation (for example, the selection frame image 82S is moved), so that the load of display control increases. Then, accepting the stage selection operation during the period from the timing before stoppage of the decorative symbol to the stop display is not appropriate in that the player can reliably confirm the above-mentioned decorative symbol. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stage selection operation is not accepted during a predetermined period before the fluctuation display of the fluctuation display.

  For example, in the fluctuation display (A) and the fluctuation display (B), the stage selection restriction flag is turned ON from the timing before the stop of each fluctuation display to the stop display. That is, the stage selection operation is invalid during the period from the pre-stop timing of the variable display to the stop display. At this timing, even if the player operates the effect key 162, the stage option image 82 (see FIG. 33B) is not displayed on the screen.

  If the stage selection operation has been performed before the stop timing of the variable display, the stage corresponding to the stage option image in which the selection frame image 82S is located at the pre-stop timing is selected as the selected stage. Determine as.

In addition, as shown in the fluctuation display (b), if it is before the timing before stop, even if the selected stage is once determined by the stage selection operation, by performing the stage selection operation again, The selection stage can be redetermined.
For example, the land stage is selected as the selected stage by the stage selection operation B in the fluctuation display (b). Thereafter, by performing stage selection operation C in the fluctuation display (b), the sea stage is selected as the selection stage.

-SP reach / SP / SP reach-
As shown in FIG. 34, in the present embodiment, the stage selection restriction flag is set to ON when SP reach or SP / SP reach is being executed. That is, the stage selection operation is invalidated during execution of SP reach or SP / SP reach.
In the present embodiment, the SP reach effect and the SP / SP reach effect are timings when expectations for the player are increased. Accordingly, after the SP reach effect or the SP / SP reach effect is started, the stage selection operation is not accepted. In the present embodiment, the player can concentrate on the SP reach production.

Specifically, the fluctuation display (C) starts to fluctuate. In this example, the normal reach effect is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display (c). After that, the SP reach effect is executed following the normal reach in the variable display (c). Further, the stage staying at the time of the fluctuation display (C) is the sea stage.
In the variation display (C), the stage selection operation is validated from the start of variation until the SP reach production is started. Here, the land stage is determined as the selection stage by the stage selection operation D. Thereafter, when the SP reach effect is started in the variable display (C), the subsequent stage selection operation becomes invalid.
Further, if the selected stage is determined by the stage selection operation D before the start of the SP reach production, the land stage option image and the notice message image 84 (see FIG. 33) are displayed on the screen.

  In addition, when the stage selection operation D is started before the start of the SP reach effect but the selected stage is not determined before the start of the SP reach effect, the selection frame is displayed when the SP reach effect is started. The stage corresponding to the stage option image where the image 82S is located is determined as the selection stage.

-Production time-
As shown in FIG. 34, in the selected stage production according to the present embodiment, the stage transition may be limited depending on the production time. Specifically, the stage selection operation is valid when a fluctuation display with a relatively short fluctuation time is executed, but the stage is not shifted to the selected stage with the start of the next fluctuation display. The stage shifts to the selected stage with the start of the fluctuation display.

Specifically, the stage selection operation E is accepted during the execution of the fluctuation display (d). Here, an empty stage is determined as the selection stage. The stage at this time is the land stage.
Thereafter, the next change display (e) starts. Although the empty stage is determined as the selected stage by the stage selection operation E in the previous fluctuation, the stage transition is not executed in this fluctuation display (e). In other words, the stage remains the land stage.
Then, with the start of the next fluctuation display (F), the stage shifts from the land stage to the empty stage as the selected stage.

  Further, when a variation display with a relatively short variation time is executed, even if the selected stage is determined by the previous variation display, the stage may not be shifted during the short variation display. In the variation display with a relatively short variation time, it is necessary to perform the variation display of the decorative symbol 41 and perform the stop display in a short time. In addition, in a short variation display, if various display controls related to the stage transition are further performed, the display control process becomes complicated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a change display with a relatively short change time is executed, the stage is not shifted during the short change.

  The control is not limited to the above-described embodiment. As described above, when a relatively long variation display is being executed, the stage selection operation during the period from the pre-stop timing to the stop display is invalidated, but when a relatively short variation display is being executed. The stage selection operation may be validated even after the pre-stop timing. Specifically, as shown in the variation display (2) of FIG. 34, in the variation display with the short presentation time (for example, when the variation pattern with the shortest variation time is selected among the variation patterns provided) The stage selection operation F may be validated during the entire period from the start to the fluctuation stop (including the pre-stop timing).

(Relationship with continuous notice production)
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the continuous notice effect and the selected stage effect.
In the present embodiment, a continuous recreation effect is executed based on a predetermined condition in the prior determination effect pattern (see FIG. 26). In the present embodiment, when the continuous notice effect is performed, the stage shift restriction flag is set to ON to limit the stage shift by the selected stage effect.
Note that the four variation displays illustrated in FIGS. 35A and 35B are referred to as variation display (A) to variation display (D) in chronological order. The continuous notice effect is executed across the variable display (b) and the variable display (c).

  In the continuous notice effect, a predetermined effect is executed across a plurality of variable displays. In particular, as described with reference to FIG. 26, the cut-in image associated with the stage image is used in the continuous notice effect of the present embodiment. Further, the cut-in image having the same shape is used across a plurality of variable displays.

  Here, in the continuous notice effect, for example, when the stage shift is performed, if the cut-in image is changed in accordance with the stage shift, the first cut-in image and the second cut-in image are different. Then, the effect as a continuous notice effect may be reduced. Also, if the cut-in image is made common before and after the stage shift, the relationship between the stage image and the cut-in image is lost.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stage selection operation before the execution of the continuous notice effect is restricted, and as a result, the stage transition during the execution of the continuous notice effect is restricted.
As shown in FIG. 35 (a), in the variation display (b) and the variation display (c) during the continuous notice effect, the stage is changed from the change display (b) before the first change display (b) of the continuous notice effect. Set the selection restriction flag to ON. That is, the stage selection operation becomes invalid in the variation display (c) where the continuous notification effect ends from the variation display (b) before the first variation display (b) of the continuous notification effect.
As a result, the stage shift to the selected stage is not performed from the start of the continuous notice effect until the end of the continuous notice effect.
The stage selection restriction flag is turned off at the end of the continuous notice effect (in this example, the end of the variable display (c)).

Further, the stage shift to the selected stage may be restricted while the stage selection operation is enabled.
As shown in FIG. 35 (b), the stage selection restriction flag is turned OFF from the fluctuation display (A) to the fluctuation display (D). As a result, the stage selection operation during the continuous notice effect is enabled.
On the other hand, the stage transition restriction flag is turned ON in the fluctuation display (A) and the fluctuation display (B). That is, the selection stage is restricted from being set as the next fluctuation stage during the execution of the fluctuation display (A) and the fluctuation display (B). Thus, the selected stage is not set as the next fluctuation stage in the next fluctuation display (b) after the fluctuation display (b) and the next fluctuation display (b) after the fluctuation display (b). As a result, even if the selected stage is determined by the stage selection operation, the stage transition is not performed during continuous notice execution.
The stage transition restriction flag is turned OFF when the fluctuation display (b) stops changing.

  As described above, with the execution of the continuous notice effect, the restriction flag related to the selected stage effect is set. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, during the continuous notice effect, the stage selection operation cannot be performed even if the effect key 162 is operated, or the stage transition is performed even if the stage selection operation is executed. There is not. That is, during the continuous notice effect, even if the effect key 162 is operated, an event that the stage shift is not performed as a result occurs. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, it is possible for the player to indirectly recognize that the continuous notice effect is currently being performed.

  In the present embodiment, a pseudo continuous effect may be executed separately from the continuous notice effect. For example, when a pseudo continuous effect is executed, a stage selection operation may be enabled. On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 35A, the stage selection operation is disabled when the continuous notice is being executed. As a result, when the player performs a stage selection operation, there is a situation in which the stage selection operation cannot be performed when the continuous notice effect is being executed, and the stage selection operation is possible when the pseudo continuous effect is being executed. Can do. When configured in this way, the player can perform the stage selection operation by operating the effect key 162 during the execution of the pseudo continuous effect or the continuous notice effect. It can also be inferred whether it is a pseudo-continuous effect or a continuous notice effect.

(Relationship with special stage production)
FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the special stage effect and the selected stage effect.
Note that the three variation displays illustrated in FIG. 36A are referred to as variation display (A) to variation display (C) in chronological order. Then, the special stage effect is executed in the variable display (b).

In the present embodiment, a special stage effect for shifting the stage to the special stage is executed (see FIG. 29). As described with reference to FIG. 28, when the special stage shift flag is ON, the process shifts to the special stage, and the determination stage and the selection stage are not set as the next variation stage. That is, the special stage effect is executed with priority over the determination stage effect and the selected stage effect.
However, in the present embodiment, the stage selection operation in the selected stage transition effect is enabled in the special stage.

As shown in FIG. 36 (a), in the present embodiment, the stage selection restriction flag is turned OFF even in the variable display (b) in which the special stage effect is executed. That is, the stage selection operation is valid in the variable display (b) where the special stage effect is executed.
Accordingly, when a stage selection operation is performed by the player while the special stage effect is being executed, the stage shifts to the selected stage as the next variation display (c) starts to vary.

Also, the special stage effect can be executed based on the result of prior determination.
Note that the four fluctuation displays illustrated in FIG. 36B are referred to as fluctuation display (A) to fluctuation display (D) in chronological order. The special stage effect is executed in the variable display (b) and the variable display (c).

As described with reference to FIG. 28, when the special stage shift flag is ON, the process shifts to the special stage, and the determination stage and the selection stage are not set as the next variation stage. That is, the special stage effect is executed with priority over the determination stage effect and the selected stage effect.
However, in the present embodiment, the stage selection operation in the selected stage transition effect is possible even in the special stage that is executed based on the preliminary determination result.

  As shown in FIG. 36 (b), the stage selection restriction flag is also turned OFF in the variable display (b) and the variable display (c) where the special stage effect is executed. That is, the stage selection operation is valid in the variable display (b) and the variable display (c) where the special stage effect is executed.

  When the stage selection operation is performed by the player during the variation display (b) in which the special stage effect is being executed, the stage selection operation is possible, but in the next variation display (c), the selected stage There will be no special stage, and the stage will continue. In addition, when the player performs a stage selection operation during the variation display (b) or variation display (c) in which the special stage effect is being executed, along with the start of variation of the next variation display (d), Move to selected stage.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a selection stage effect of a modification.
As shown in FIG. 37, in the selection stage effect of the modification, the contents of the stage option image 82 displayed by the stage selection operation and the subsequent processing are different from those of the present embodiment described above.
As shown in FIG. 37, the stage option image 82 includes a land stage option image 82a, a sea stage option image 82b, an empty stage option image 82c, and a stage automatic image 82d. In other words, the stage automatic image 82d is displayed.
When the stage auto image 82d is selected by the stage selection operation, one of the land stage, the sea stage, and the sky stage is selected by lottery and determined as the selected stage. Then, the stage transition to the selected selection stage is performed with the start of the subsequent variation display.

In addition, when adopting the selection stage effect of a modification, it is not necessary to always display the stage automatic image 82d. For example, based on the prior determination result, it is determined in advance that the special stage effect is executed in the subsequent variation display. Therefore, for example, when the special stage effect is executed in the next variation display, the stage selection operation is validated as an exception, and the stage option image 82 to which the stage automatic image 82d is added is displayed.
Here, in this embodiment, the special stage cannot be set as the selected stage by the stage selection operation. However, as described above, the stage automatic image 82d is set to be displayable at the timing before the transition to the special stage, so that when the player operates the effect key 162 at an arbitrary timing, a predetermined value is set. When the above condition is satisfied, the stage automatic image 82d is displayed, and in some cases, it is possible to show an effect that the stage shifts to a special stage.

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

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

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is an example of a gaming machine. The game control unit 200 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a game control unit. The production control unit 300 (see FIG. 3) is an example of production control means. The output control unit 240 (see FIG. 5) is an example of an output unit. The RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) is an example of a storage unit. The command storage area is an example of a storage area.

  Further, the above-described embodiment can be applied to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that displays a lottery result in a combination of symbols when a plurality of reels are stopped.

41 ... decorative pattern, 61 ... land stage image, 62 ... sea stage image, 63 ... sky stage image, 64 ... special stage image, 72 ... sea cut-in image, 73 ... sky cut-in image, 81 ... stage name image, 82 ... stage option image, 82a ... land stage option image, 82b ... sea stage option image, 82c ... empty stage option image, 82d ... stage automatic image, 82S ... selection frame image, 83 ... description image, 84 ... notice message image, 85 ... stage explicit image after transition, 86 ... stay count display, 87 ... stage continuation operation instruction image, 88 ... reset explicit image, 162 ... production key

Claims (1)

Obtaining means for obtaining game information upon establishment of a predetermined condition;
Determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
Based on the determination result by the determination means, continuous effect execution means capable of executing a series of continuous effects over a plurality of games;
Background display means for displaying any one of a plurality of types of backgrounds on the image display unit;
An operation means operable by the player
Background selection means that allows a player to arbitrarily select one of the plurality of types of backgrounds as a selection background by operating the operation means by a player;
A case where the background selection hand stage makes a selection of the selected background, when the continuous presentation by the continuous presentation execution unit is not running, and the background shifting unit for shifting to the selected background,
When the continuous effect is being executed by the continuous effect executing means, a restricting means for restricting the transition to the selected background by the background transferring means;
Equipped with a,
When the transition to the selected background is performed, the background transition unit is a gaming machine that transitions to the selected background in a game next to the game in which the selected background is selected .

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