JP6479876B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technique. That is, with the start of the first opening 1R by the game control unit, the output of music by music data is started. When the special game progresses and the fourth opening 4R ends, the output of the music is stopped. When the special game is played in an 8R open pattern, after acquiring information for specifying the stop point of the music data for which the output of the music has been stopped, and after selecting the read point of the music data based on the acquired information, the long interval Produce with accompanying. Thereafter, the output of the music is resumed from the reading point with the start of the fifth opening 5R, and the output of the music is stopped when the eighth opening 8R ends.

JP2013-20211A

  An object of this invention is to provide the gaming machine which can improve the interest property of a game.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. The gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100) includes special game determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is established, Based on the determination result by the game determination means, after changing the symbol, the symbol display means (for example, the game control unit 200) to stop display in a manner showing the determination result, and the sound output means (for example, a speaker) that outputs a sound 156), an image display means for displaying an image on the screen (for example, the image display section 114), a light emitting body (for example, the movable accessory 115) provided around the screen of the image display means, and capable of emitting light. wherein the image display means displays a predetermined image in a predetermined period after the start variation of the design, along with the the variable display and stop display of symbols by said symbol display means Out performs variable display and stop display of the symbols, the sound output means outputs the first effect sound to change the symbol, and outputs a notification sound that notifies that the predetermined period is started, the sound The state in which the volume of the sound output by the output unit is suppressed is maintained for the predetermined period, and a second effect sound different from the first effect sound is output after the end of the predetermined period. When the special game is determined to be darker than before the start of the predetermined period, and after the second effect sound is output after the end of the predetermined period, the symbol is stopped and displayed. When the sound output means outputs a specific sound and the image display means stops the display of the effect design and it is determined not to execute the special game, the second effect sound is output after the end of the predetermined period. Out After being, with the stop display of the symbols, in a state in which the sound output means has suppressed the volume of the sound without outputting the specific sound, said image display means stops displaying the performance symbols Features.
The present invention is also realized as the following gaming machine. The gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100) includes special game determination means (for example, the game control unit 200) for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is established, Based on the determination result by the game determination means, after changing the symbol, the symbol display means (for example, the game control unit 200) to stop display in a manner showing the determination result, and the sound output means (for example, a speaker) that outputs a sound 156), an image display means for displaying an image on the screen (for example, the image display section 114), a light emitting body (for example, the movable accessory 115) provided around the screen of the image display means, and capable of emitting light. wherein the image display means displays a predetermined image in a predetermined period after the start variation of the design, along with the the variable display and stop display of symbols by said symbol display means Out performs variable display and stop display of the symbols, the sound output means outputs the first effect sound to change the symbol, and outputs a notification sound that notifies that the predetermined period is started, the sound The state in which the volume of the sound output by the output means is suppressed is maintained for the predetermined period, and the first effect sound is output again after the predetermined period ends, and the light emitter starts the predetermined period in the predetermined period. In the case where it is determined that the special game is to be executed in a darker state than before, after the first effect sound is output after the end of the predetermined period, the sound output is performed along with the stop display of the symbol When the means outputs a specific sound, the image display means stops displaying the effect symbol, and it is determined not to execute the special game, after the first effect sound is output after the predetermined period is over ,Previous With the stop display of the symbols, in a state in which the sound output means has suppressed the volume of the sound without outputting the specific sound, the image display means and wherein the stopping displaying the performance symbols.

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

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which can improve the interest property of a game can be provided.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 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 gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of jackpot symbol random number, (c ) Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reach random number, and (d) is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the fluctuation pattern used in a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a figure which shows the structure of a command, (a) is a figure which shows the data structure of a command, (b) is a figure which shows the structure as a bit string of a command. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during completion | finish of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting command reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a timing chart explaining the output sound during design change. (A) thru | or (c) is a figure explaining the image displayed on an image display part in a fluctuation period sound effect. It is a timing chart explaining the modification of an output sound. (A) thru | or (c) is a figure explaining the modification of the image displayed on an image display part in a fluctuation period sound effect. (A) thru | or (e) is a figure explaining the modification of the production | presentation after the silence period end. (A) thru | or (h) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect. (A) thru | or (h) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect. (A) thru | or (h) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect. (A) thru | or (h) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect. (A) thru | or (h) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect. (A) thru | or (h) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect. (I) thru | or (k) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect. (A) thru | or (h) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect. (A) thru | or (e) is a figure explaining the modification of the effect performed in a fluctuation period sound effect.

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) starts when a game ball wins, and it is normal when a game ball passes. A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is disposed on the game board 110. 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.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as gaming states, a low probability state with a low winning probability and a high probability state with a higher winning probability than the low probability state based on the winning probability of the jackpot lottery. And it is controlled to either the low probability state or the high probability state under a predetermined condition. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Then, under a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to either the timeless state or the timeless state. The short-time state is controlled by any one or a combination of, for example, increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, reducing the normal symbol variation time, or extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123. It is a gaming state to be played. In the short time state, the special symbol variation time of the special symbol may be shortened.

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 right position of the game board 110.

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

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. 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 diagram 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 after stopping 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 after the special symbol is variably displayed on the basis of the winning of the second start port 122 after being variably displayed. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display 223 displays the lottery result by stopping the normal symbol after variably displaying it. 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 in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change display operation (while the change display for one win is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, the special symbol variation display operation based on the subsequent winning cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is memorized up to a specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start a special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball ends. Deferred. For normal symbols, the same processing as for special symbols is performed. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of hold (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219 and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state where the winning probability of the special symbol 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 state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 displayed by the state display 224 is not limited to the above example, and other states can be displayed. For example, when the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is set to a medium probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low probability state and the winning probability is lower than the high probability state, the state indicator 224 indicates whether the state probability state is in the medium probability state May be notified by lighting.

  In addition, the indicator 130 includes a round number indicator 225 for displaying the number of rounds when the big winning opening 125 is operated in the jackpot game performed according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. The jackpot game will be described later. The round number display 225 is configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of operating rounds of the big winning opening 125 in the jackpot game is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of 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 illustrated example, the player can instruct one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating an effect key 162 including four keys arranged in a cross, for example. It is possible to select the designated image by operating the effect button 161. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

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

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

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

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 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 includes a first special symbol hold indicator 218 that displays the number of unreserved reserves that have been won to the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol within a limit number (for example, four). , A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays within the limit the number of non-changed reserves won to the second starting port 122 during the change of the special symbol, and the non-changed display that has passed through the gate 124 during the change of the normal symbol A normal symbol hold indicator 220 for displaying the fluctuation hold amount within the limit number is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a special symbol variation display and a special symbol lottery result performed by winning a game ball in the first starting port 121, and a second starting port. 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 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.

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

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

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 330 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.

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

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

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

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. In other words, the type of jackpot based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game is a jackpot that becomes a high probability short-time gaming state having both a short-time state and a high-probability state after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter, high probability A jackpot that becomes a low probability short-game state with both a short-time state and a low-probability state (hereinafter, a jackpot of a low-probability short-game state), both a short-time non-state state and a high-probability state A jackpot that becomes a low probability short-time non-game state that has both a short-time no-game state and a low-probability state that has both a short-time and low-probability state 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. Here, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern based on the determination result whether or not to play the jackpot game, the determination result whether or not to reach, and the like. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. Details of operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Here, “reach” is an effect for causing a player to expect a big hit in a decorative pattern to be described later.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or not”.
The normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol in accordance with the normal symbol lottery result.
The electric tulip operation control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 for a specified time and a specified number of times when it is determined to be “winning” by the normal symbol lottery, and the game ball can be easily won at the second start port 122. Generate a state. Further, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

The special winning opening operation control unit 237 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
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 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit.

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

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating an operation of basic processing by the game control unit 200.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, “step” will be referred to as “S”) 101). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S102).
If the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S102), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the backup flag relating to the operation at the time of power-off is ON (S103).
If the backup flag is ON (Yes in S103), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the checksum created when the power is turned off is normal (S104).
If the checksum is normal (Yes in S104), the game control unit 200 next executes a return process (S105). In this return 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 whether the internal 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 S102), the backup flag is OFF (No in S103), and the checksum is abnormal (No in S104), then the game control unit 200 is initialized. As processing, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are cleared (S106), and the work area of the RAM 203 is set (S107). Then, the game control unit 200 outputs a command for setting (initializing) the sub control means to the effect control unit 300, and sets the sub board (sub control means) (S108). The setting of the sub board includes clearing the RAMs 303, 313, and 323 mounted on each sub board.

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

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

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

FIG. 5-3 is a flowchart 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. Execute main control processing. As shown in FIG. 7, in the main control process, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (S501 to S506).

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

As the switch process (S502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. If this happens, a special symbol lottery process is executed.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the normal symbol determination unit 232, monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3, and for the normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on. Execute the process.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

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

As the electric accessory process (S504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the special prize opening operation control unit 237 and controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the game control unit 200 calls a function (subroutine) of the electric tulip operation control unit 238 and controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

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

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

  The output control unit 240 sequentially checks the storage area of each control command in the RAM 203, and if the control command is stored in each storage area (that is, the control command is generated in the processing of S502 to S505). The control command is read out and output to the output destination (production control unit 300 or payout control unit 330).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, output processing is performed at the end of a series of main control processing. That is, the command generated in each process of S502 to S505 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. 5A to 5C, the interrupt is permitted in the loop process portion of the basic process, and the main control process including a series of processes is executed as the interrupt process. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular intervals, and specific implementation means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. It is not limited. For example, the main control process may be incorporated in a series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may return to the main control process every predetermined time (eg, 4 milliseconds). In addition, while incorporating the main control process in the series of operations of the basic process, as in the operation described with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. If it occurs, it may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated in the basic process.
When a command generated 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. The basic process is a special process such as an initial operation that is performed when the power is turned on, and the processing procedure may vary depending on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on. This is to promptly output the generated command so that there is no such thing. In addition, when a command is continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a process procedure for storing a plurality of commands in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and outputting them in response to a specific process request is adopted. May be.

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

  On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S602), the game control unit 200 next adds 1 to the value of the hold number U1 (S603). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this time winning, and stores it in RAM203 (S604). 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 S501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. Random numbers here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (short or short state after the end of jackpot game, short or short state, high probability state and low probability state, long hit, short Symbol random number value that determines the winning pattern, jackpot symbol random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value for specifying the variation pattern in symbol variation, reach random number value that determines whether or not to perform with reach in the event of a loss, etc. Is included.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (S605). In this preliminary determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, in S605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect based on the advance determination, the advance determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 in S603 in the RAM 203 (S606), and ends the process for winning in the first start port 121. To do. When the advance determination process of S605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the advance determination obtained in S605 is included in the pending number increase command.

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

  On the other hand, when the holding number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S608), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (S609). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this prize-winning, and stores it in RAM203 (S610). Here, since the winning of the second start 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 S604 above. Is done. The random value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (S611). The content of this pre-determination process is the same as that of said S605. This prior determination process may also be omitted in a gaming machine that does not perform a notice effect based on prior determination.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in S609 in the RAM 203 (S612), and finishes the process for winning at the second start port 122. To do. When the advance determination process of S611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the advance determination obtained in S611 is included in the pending number increase command.

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

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S702), the game control unit 200 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (S703). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this time winning, and stores it in RAM203 (S704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number value) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random value is acquired in S704, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G in S703 in the RAM 203 (S705). The process for winning is completed.

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

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

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

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

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

  Thereafter, the special symbol 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 (S810). Then, a change start command including setting information (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (S811). The change start command set in S811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in S1001), 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. (S1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in S604 or S610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value (see FIG. 17C). .
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in S1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for detachment from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in S604 or S610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in S1002, 1005, and 1006 (S1007). ). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern table is different, the determined variation pattern is different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in S1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (S1008). The setting information of the variation pattern set in S1008 is included in the variation start command set in S811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S506 of FIG. Details of the variation pattern selected in this embodiment and its setting will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in S504 of FIG. 5-3.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, and the big prize opening process is terminated (No in S1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in S1401), then the special winning opening operation control unit 237 opens in the operation control at the time of the big hit started by the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the operation is in progress (S1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in S1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not a predetermined time (opening time) for performing the opening operation has elapsed. (S1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in S1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (S1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0). Then, the value of the number R of rounds of operation of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (S1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (S1407).

  In the operation setting of S1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. As an example, in the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same for the case of short win and the case of small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

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

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

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in S1404 has elapsed (S1408). If the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in S1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 237 then sets the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 to a predetermined number (for example, 9). It is determined whether or not (S1409). When the opening time has not elapsed and the winning number C is less than the specified number, the operation state (opening state) of the large winning opening 125 is continued, so the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1409). ). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1408) or the winning number C reaches the specified number (Yes in S1409), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 finishes operating the special winning opening 125 (closing). (S1410).

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

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in S1411), the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then starts an ending operation (S1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 sets an ending command for performing an effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (S1413). This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S506 of FIG.

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

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

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

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (S1418) performed by the game control unit 200, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, as a premise, the winning game flag is set to ON in S1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of the hit (S1501, S1502, S1503, S1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as S902, S903, and S905 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of S902, S903, and S905 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in S1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the winning type is a big hit with a low probability short game state (No in S1501, Yes in S1502 and S1503), the game control unit 200 turns on the short flag (S1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the low gaming state with a low probability. In addition, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (S1505) and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the low probability short game state is performed 100 times, the low probability short game state is ended and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, if the winning type is a big hit in the low probability short-time no-game state (No in S1501, Yes in 1502, No in S1503), the game control unit 200 ends the process without turning on both the short-time flag and the probability change flag. To do. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot becomes a low probability short time no game state.

  When the winning type is a big hit in the short probability gaming state with a high probability (No in S1501, S1502, Yes in S1506), the game control unit 200 turns on the hourly flag (S1507) and sets the initial value of the number of lottery times J. (S1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Further, the game control unit 200 turns on the probability change flag (S1509), and sets an initial value of the number of lotteries X (S1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. As a result, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability and short gaming state. If the lottery in the high probability short game state is performed 10,000 times, the high probability short game state is terminated and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit in the high probability short-time no-game state (No in S1501, S1502, and S1506), the game control unit 200 turns on only the probability variation flag (S1509), and the initial value ( 10000 times) is set (S1510). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability short time no gaming state. Then, if the lottery in the high probability short-time non-game state is performed 10,000 times, the high-probability short-time non-game state is finished and the low-probability short-time non-game state is entered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the timeless state, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

A random value as determination information used for various types of lottery starts from a predetermined initial value and is incremented by one each time the random number update process (S501) shown in FIG. 5-3 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 17A). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 17 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting a variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of a variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process illustrated in FIG.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, three types of variation patterns A to C are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (in the case of Yes in S1001 in FIG. 10). In addition, six types of variation patterns D to I are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of place (in the case of No in S1001 in FIG. 10). The fluctuation time is 90 seconds for the fluctuation pattern A, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern B, 30 seconds for the fluctuation pattern C, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern D, 30 seconds for the fluctuation pattern E, 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern F, and 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern G. 13 seconds, the fluctuation pattern H is set to 7 seconds, and the fluctuation pattern I is set to 3 seconds. That is, the variation pattern of the special symbol determines the determination result in the special symbol lottery and the variation time of the special symbol.

  The variation patterns D to F are variation patterns that are selected when the reach effect is performed (in the case of Yes in S1004 in FIG. 10), and the variation patterns G to I are when the reach effect is not performed (FIG. 10 in the case of No in S1004). Since the reach effect is always performed when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to when the variation patterns A to C are selected.

  Further, among the variation patterns G to I, when the variation pattern G has a holding number of 0, when the variation pattern H has one or two holding numbers, the variation pattern I has a holding number of three or four. It is set as a variation pattern to be selected for each of the individual patterns. That is, the average time of the special 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 whether or not the variation pattern random value (see S604 and S610 in FIG. 6) acquired when the game ball wins the start ports 121 and 122, the determination result shown in the setting example in FIG. The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on conditions such as the number of holds. 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.

Although not shown, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate among the variation patterns A to C selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, and the variation at the next highest rate. It can be set so that the pattern B is selected and the variation pattern C is selected at the lowest rate.
In the example shown in FIG. 18, there is no distinction between the case where the game ball wins the first start port 121 and the case where the game ball wins the second start port 122, but the first start port 121 and the second start port 121 It is also possible to change the setting of the variation pattern depending on which of 122 is won.

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

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

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

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

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 19B, the first 1 bit of each of “code” and “data” is used as a flag. That is, in the 8-bit value constituting the “code”, the first 1-bit value is “1”, and in the 8-bit value constituting the “data”, the first 1-bit value is “0”. . Thereby, the effect control unit 300 can identify whether the data string is “code” or “data” by examining the value of the first 1 bit following the start bit of the received data string. The specific value of the flag is merely an example, and a value different from the above value may be used as long as “code” and “data” can be identified.

  Here, since the value of the first bit of “code” is specified as “1”, the range of values that can be taken by “code” is 128 from 10000000B (= 80H) to 11111111B (= FFH). It is. Note that the letter “B” attached to each value indicates binary notation, and the letter “H” indicates hexadecimal notation. In addition, since the value of the first 1 bit of “data” is specified as “0”, the range of values that “data” can take is 128 from 00000000B (= 00H) to 01111111B (= 7FH). is there. That is, according to the configuration shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, 128 types of commands that can take 128 types of values can be set.

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

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

  With this configuration, the possible range of the code value is that the value of the first bit is specified as “1”, and the total size is 7 bits. ) Up to 64). The possible range of the data value is 128 values represented by 8 bits of “data” in which the value of the first bit is specified as “0”, and values “0” and “8” of the 8th bit of “code”. 1 ”is 256. Therefore, it is possible to set a command having 256 types of values as data values.

  Note that the above configuration in the case where a data value is described using a part of the “code” is merely an example, and the specific number of bits and value are not limited to the above configuration example. For example, the data value may be described using the seventh bit and the eighth bit of the “code”. More generally, a predetermined type of data (data value) using a predetermined bit constituting “code” as the first data portion and a bit constituting “data” as the second data portion. Is recorded. Then, by using the remaining bits excluding the predetermined bits in the “code” which is the first data portion, other types of data (code values) different from the predetermined types of data (data values) are recorded. The In other words, a bit constituting “data” as the second data part and b bit (b is smaller than a−1 and an integer of 1 or more) constituting “code” as the first data part. In use, a data value having a size of (a + b) bits is recorded.

  Further, as a means for increasing the number of data values that can be handled, it is conceivable to increase the bit string of “data” describing the data values. For example, it is conceivable to prepare “first data” and “second data” as bit strings describing data values. In this case, if each bit string is 8 bits, a data value can be described by a bit string of 16 bits in total. In order to distinguish between “first data” and “second data”, if the second bit of the 8-bit bit string is used as a flag, for example, the first bit and the second bit of “first data” Can be “00B”, and the first and second bits of “second data” can be “01B”. The first bit has a value “0” as a flag for identifying “code”. That is, the “data” that is the second data portion is a bit string (“first data”, “second data”,...) That represents each data value every 8 bits (more generally, For each a bit), the same value as the value of the first 1 bit is set.

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

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 19-2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 19-2 (a) and an interrupt process shown in FIG. 19-2 (b). Referring to FIG. 19-2 (a), the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (S1901), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S1902), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (S1903).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S1902. Referring to FIG. 19-2 (b), in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S1911). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 and the like by the player (S1912). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S1913). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S1911 in FIG. 19-2 (b)).
In this command reception process, the production control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (S2001). This pending number increase command is set by the game control unit 200 in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 (S606, S612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3. Is done. When the command is an increase command for the number of holds (Yes in S2001), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 (S2002), and shows the value of the number of holds after the addition. Is set in the RAM 303 (S2003).

When the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in S2001), or when a command is received after setting the pending number increase command in S2003, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change start command. (S2004). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in S2004), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (S2005). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command (No in S2001 and S2004), or when a command is received after the execution selection process of S2005, the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change stop command. (S2006). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (S814), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is a change stop command (Yes in S2006), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during end of change effect (S2007). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in S2001, S2004, and S2006), or when the command is received after the execution of the variable effect end process in S2007, the effect control unit 300 determines that the received command is It is determined whether or not it is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect (S2008). This opening command is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (S1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2008), the effect control unit 300 executes a hit effect selection process (S2009). Details of the winning effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command, a change stop command, and an opening command (No in S2001, S2004, S2006, and S2008), or when a command is received after performing the hit effect selection process in S2009, the effect control unit 300 It is determined whether or not the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (S2010). This ending command is set in the special winning opening process shown in FIG. 14 (S1413), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S506) shown in FIG. 5-3.
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2010), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (S2011). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a variation start command, variation stop command, opening command and ending command (No in S2001, S2004, S2006, S2008 and S2010), or if a command is received after the end of the ending effect selection process in S2011, The effect control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for the received command to shift to the customer waiting state (S2012). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the set effect mode. This effect mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. Here, the mode flag is set to any value from 0 to 4, and five types of effect modes from A mode to E mode are assigned to each mode flag. The mode flag is set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery or the number of lotteries of the special symbol lottery.
Mode flag 1 for jackpot of high probability symbol A, mode flag 2 for jackpot of low probability symbol A, mode flag 3 for jackpots of high probability symbol B and low probability symbol B, and jackpot of latent symbol symbol A mode flag 4 is assigned to each small hit. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No mode flag 0 is assigned to any of them. In mode flags 1 to 4, mode flag 0 is set by executing special symbol lottery a predetermined number of times.
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

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

  Although not described in detail, in the effect change pattern selection process in S2204, the effect mode, the change pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in S1903 in FIG. The production pattern is determined based on the random number value). Based on the effect pattern determined here, the decorative symbol variation display, the background effect, and the notice effect are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the special symbol variation display performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In this variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect or the like is executed.

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

  On the other hand, if the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not successful (No in S2303), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (S2305). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in S2305), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (S2306), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (S2307). If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in S2307), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (S2308).

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (S1912 in FIG. 19-2 (b)).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (S2701). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

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

  After that, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (S1913) of FIG. 19-2 (b), and the command set in the RAM 303 by the command reception process and the effect button process described above is displayed in the image / sound control unit 310. And transmitted to the lamp controller 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Output sound during design fluctuation]
FIG. 28 is a timing chart for explaining an output sound during symbol variation.
Next, with reference to FIG. 28, a description will be given of a sound effect (variation period sound effect) output from the speaker 156 between the start and stop of the special symbol change.

  First, in the present embodiment, when the symbol variation is started, the image / sound control unit 310 of the effect control unit 300 displays the decorative symbol on the image display unit 114 and generates a predetermined sound on the speaker 156. Output. Then, by changing the sound output from the speaker 156, the effect when the symbol variation is executed is increased.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the effect is executed by combining the period in which the speaker 156 outputs sound and the period in which sound is not output.
In addition, the speaker 156 outputs music A, music B, and a dedicated sound different from music A and music B as predetermined sounds. Here, the music A and the music B are different music from each other, and are assigned according to the degree of expectation (reliability) that is expected to be a big hit. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the degree of expectation when music B is output (played) is higher than that when music A is output.

  Now, in the example shown in FIG. 28, patterns 1 and 2 are provided as patterns of effects executed by the speaker 156. Here, the pattern 1 is an effect with a higher expectation (high expectation effect), and the pattern 2 is an effect with a lower expectation (low expectation effect). Hereinafter, each aspect will be described.

First, pattern 1 which is a high expectation effect will be described.
As shown in FIG. 28, in the pattern 1, the speaker 156 outputs (reproduces) the music piece A with the start of symbol variation. After the music A is output for a predetermined period, the speaker 156 outputs a dedicated sound (described later). Here, the output of the music A is stopped together with the output of the dedicated sound. Then, the speaker 156 outputs the music B after a silent period (described later).

  Here, the dedicated sound is a sound different from the music A that is output when the silent period is started, in other words, when the output of the music A is completed. The dedicated sound is a sound that is output only in the variable period sound effect, that is, a sound dedicated to the variable period sound effect.

  The time for which the dedicated sound is output is long enough to attract the player's attention and is short. In other words, the time during which the dedicated sound is output is shorter than the time during which the music A is output, that is, the time from when the symbol variation starts until the dedicated sound is output (from when the music A starts to when it stops). It is. Specifically, the sound is output in a range of about 0.1 seconds to 3 seconds, more preferably about 0.1 seconds to 1 second. As the dedicated sound in the illustrated example, a sound effect “ping pong” is output as an electronic sound. In addition, it is preferable that this exclusive sound is a different sound from the sound produced by the music A. In other words, the dedicated sound is preferably a sound that is not included in the music piece A. Note that, unlike the example shown in the figure, the dedicated sound may be reproduced overlapping the music A. That is, the dedicated sound may be reproduced over the music A being reproduced.

The silence period (sound stop effect) is a period during which no sound is output from the speaker 156. This silent period is a length of time that allows the player to recognize that the music A has stopped. Further, the silent period is shorter than the time from the start of symbol variation until the music A stops. In the illustrated example, the silent period is longer than the time during which the dedicated sound is output. This silent period is, for example, in the range of about 0.5 seconds to 5 seconds, and more preferably in the range of about 1 second to 3 seconds. The silent period is set to include a period during which a specific image (silent image, which will be described later) is displayed on the image display unit 114.
In addition, in addition to a mode in which the silent period is always set (controlled) to a certain length, a control example in which the length of the silent period is changed according to a predetermined condition is also conceivable. For example, the length of the silent period may be set according to the degree of expectation. Specifically, when the degree of expectation is high, the silence period may be set longer than when the degree of expectation is low. By setting in this way, the player's sense of expectation (pounding feeling) can be beaten as the silent period is longer. In other words, it is possible to obtain an effect that the player expects the silent period to be longer.

Next, pattern 2 which is a low expectation degree effect will be described.
As shown in FIG. 28, in the pattern 2, as in the case of the pattern 1, the speaker 156 outputs the music piece A with the start of the symbol variation. After the music A is output for a predetermined period, the speaker 156 outputs a dedicated sound. Then, the speaker 156 outputs the music piece A after a silent period. The music output after this silence period is the music A, which is different from the pattern 1 in which the music B is output as described above.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the interest of the player can be enhanced by having the pattern 1 and the pattern 2 as the variable period sound effects. That is, it is possible to provide a surprise to the player by performing an effect so that the musical piece A that is output after the start of symbol variation ends suddenly with the output of the dedicated sound. Further, when the output of the sound from the speaker 156 is resumed after the silence period, the player can enjoy pleasure of estimating the degree of expectation depending on which of the music A and the music B is output. In addition, in the pattern 1, the player can be beaten by changing the music output before and after the silent period.

  In the present embodiment, by providing a silent period, the player can more reliably recognize that the music has been changed. To explain further, unlike the pattern 1, for example, if the music suddenly changes from the music A to the music B without providing a silent period, the player may feel uncomfortable. However, in the said pattern 1, it is suppressed that a player has such discomfort. Further, in the present embodiment, by providing a silent period, it is possible to make the player expect that the music may change.

Here, the silent period is a period in which the speaker 156 does not output sound as described above, but the speaker 156 may output sound as long as the volume or sound range is such that the player cannot hear it. More specifically, instead of the silent period, a sound suppression period, which is a period during which the speaker 156 suppresses sound, may be provided.
More specifically, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is played in a state where the pachinko gaming machine 100 is installed in the hall, the speaker 156 may output the sound if the sound is inaudible to the player. Further, a sound that is easy to hear for some players and difficult to hear for other players may be output. For example, the speaker 156 outputs a very high frequency sound (mosquito sound) that is easy for a player in their early 20s to listen to, but difficult for a player of an older age. Also good.

Note that during the silent period, sounds for effects other than the fluctuation period sound effects, such as a pitching sound (winning sound) to the first start port 121, a hold occurrence sound indicating that a hold has occurred, The hold change sound indicating the change or the error sound indicating that an error has occurred is not output (prohibited) from the speaker 156.
Alternatively, as described above, sound for effects other than the variable period sound effect is not output (prohibited), but sounds for effects other than the variable period sound effect are output during the silence period. It may be a mode that is allowed (permitted).

The silent period is started at a predetermined timing without any player operation. This can give the player the impression that the silent period is suddenly started.
In addition, the music A output after the silent period in the pattern 2 is output so as to continue to the music A that was output before the silent period. That is, after the music A that has been output is stopped during the silent period, the output of the music A is resumed from the stopped position.

Note that, during the silence period, the music A may be advanced while the music A is output at zero volume (silence), and the volume may be increased again after the silence period has elapsed. Alternatively, the music piece A may be output again from the beginning after the silent period.
In addition, the control of the output sound can be performed by a so-called soft volume that changes the volume by internal control without an instruction from the outside. That is, the soft volume is made under the control of the effect control CPU 301, and is realized by software, for example. A configuration example is also conceivable in which the soft volume is realized by an ASIC (Application Specific IC) that controls volume control.

[Display image of sound production during variable period]
FIGS. 29A to 29C are diagrams illustrating images displayed on the image display unit 114 in the variable period sound effect.
As shown in FIG. 29A, when the symbol variation is started and the speaker 156 is outputting the music A, the following image is displayed on the image display unit 114. That is, a game effect image composed of elemental images such as the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, and the hold display P13 is displayed on the image display unit 114. The hold display P13 is an image indicating that the right of jackpot determination is held. Moreover, in this Embodiment, the display aspect of the hold display P13 on a screen is determined based on the prior determination result by a prior determination process. To explain further, for example, by changing the display mode of color, pattern, shape, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “color etc.”), the degree of expectation of winning the jackpot is notified based on the result of the preliminary determination by the preliminary determination process. Or suggest.

Next, as shown in FIG. 29B, a dedicated sound is output, and the image displayed on the image display unit 114 is switched from the above-described game effect image to a silent image. Note that the period during which the silent image is displayed corresponds to the silent period.
This silent image includes a background P11 and a character image P14. Note that the character image P14 in the illustrated example includes a character image of “See!” Together with an image showing a character of a gesture that calls attention so as not to make a sound.
The silent image is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, a mode in which a character string (explanation) such as “Expectation is high if the music changes!” May be displayed on the image display unit 114.

Now, after the silent image is displayed, the image displayed on the image display unit 114 changes depending on whether the pattern 1 or the pattern 2 is used.
As shown in FIG. 29 (c-1), in the case of pattern 1 that is a high expectation effect, a reach effect image is displayed after the silent image. This reach effect image includes element images such as a decorative pattern P12 indicating reach, a background P11, and a hold display P13. When the reach effect image is displayed, the speaker 156 outputs the music B (see pattern 1 in FIG. 28).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 29 (c-2), in the case of the pattern 2 which is the low expectation effect, the loss effect image is displayed after the silent image. This lost effect image includes elemental images such as the decorative symbol P12, the background P11, and the hold display P13 that are fluctuating in a state where it is determined that they are not reach. Note that when the lost effect image is displayed, the speaker 156 outputs the music piece A (see pattern 2 in FIG. 28). That is, if the music does not change after the silence period, the loss is confirmed.

  In the present embodiment, the image displayed on the image display unit 114 is changed in synchronization with the sound effect produced by the speaker 156 as described above. In particular, by displaying the silent image on the image display unit 114 during the silent period, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for the effects performed after the silent period.

  It should be noted that the images displayed on the image display unit 114 before and after displaying the silent image on the image display unit 114, in other words, before and after the silent period, are preferably the same display. In the present embodiment, since the degree of expectation is suggested depending on whether or not the music has changed before and after the silent period as described above, it is preferable that the display after the silent period is the same.

  For example, after the game effect image shown in FIG. 29 (a) is switched to the silent image shown in FIG. 29 (b), the game effect image is temporarily switched to the game effect image shown in FIG. 29 (a), unlike the illustrated example. Thereafter, the reach effect image shown in FIG. 29 (c-1) or the lose effect image shown in FIG. 29 (c-2) may be displayed. Thus, by making the display after the silent period the same, the player can recognize the change of the music more reliably.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 30 is a timing chart illustrating a modified example of the output sound.
In the description of FIG. 28 above, it has been described that the dedicated sound is output when the silent period is started. The dedicated sound is not particularly limited as long as it is a sound output from the speaker 156. For example, it may be a firing sound, an explosion sound, a bell sound, a metal sound, a buzzer sound, a breaking sound such as a glass breaking sound, a character's utterance, a high-pitched sound effect sound such as queuing.

  Moreover, as shown in the pattern 11 in FIG. 30, the aspect in which a dedicated sound is not output may be sufficient. That is, after the music A is output, the music A suddenly ends and a silent period is entered. In the example shown in the figure, the music B is output after the silence period ends. As an aspect when the music B is started, the music B may be started by a fade-in in which the volume gradually increases, or the music B may be suddenly started.

  Moreover, as shown in the pattern 12 in FIG. 30, in addition to the start of the silence period, a dedicated sound may be output when the silence period ends. That is, after the music A is output, a dedicated sound (first time) is output, which is a silent period. Then, after the dedicated sound (second time) is output, the music B is output in the illustrated example. The dedicated sound (first time) and the dedicated sound (second time) may be the same or different from each other. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, a mode that a dedicated sound is not output when a silence period is started and a dedicated sound is output only when a silence period ends may be sufficient.

Now, in the description of FIG. 28 above, the mode in which the silent period is provided once after the special symbol change is started until it is stopped, that is, in one special symbol change is described. It may be an embodiment. In other words, the silent period may be repeated during the special symbol variation.
For example, as shown in the pattern 13 in FIG. 30, after the music A is output, a dedicated sound is output and the silent period (first time) is reached. Then, after the music A is resumed, the dedicated sound is output again and the silent period (second time) is reached. Then, after a predetermined period has elapsed, the music B is output in the illustrated example.
In this example, after the first silent period, a player who is disappointed by the output of the music A having a low expectation can be excited by passing the second silent period. The dedicated sound (first time) and the dedicated sound (second time) output at the start of the silent period (first time) and the silent period (second time) may be the same or different from each other.

  In the description of the pattern 1 in FIG. 28, it has been described that the music output from the music A to the music B changes with a special symbol change once through the silent period. This change in music may be executed a plurality of times during the period from when the special symbol variation is started to when it is stopped. In other words, it may be an aspect in which the change of the music is repeated while passing through the silent period during the special symbol variation.

For example, as shown in the pattern 14 in FIG. 30, after the music A is output, a dedicated sound is output and the silent period (first time) is reached. And after the music B is output, a dedicated sound is output again and it becomes a silence period (2nd time). Then, after a predetermined period elapses, a song C different from the song A and the song B is output. Note that the music C has higher expectation than the music A and the music B.
In this example, the music changes every time the silent period passes, and further described. By outputting a music with a higher expectation, the player's expectation can be enhanced.

  In the above description, the music A, B, and C are described as different from each other. However, the music A, B, and C may be different from each other to the extent that the player can feel the difference. For example, the music itself may be the same, and each may be modulated, or each tempo and volume may be different. To further explain, a mode in which the tempo of music becomes faster as the degree of expectation becomes higher may be used. Instead of the music A, B, and C, a sound other than the music, for example, a character speech or sound effect may be output.

[Modification 2]
FIGS. 31A to 31C are diagrams for describing a modification example of an image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the variable period sound effect.
In the description of FIGS. 29 (a) to 29 (c), it has been described that whether or not the reach effect image is displayed after the silent period has changed according to the degree of expectation. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it suggests either a relatively advantageous state for the player or a relatively unfavorable state for the player after the silent period.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 31A to 31C, after the reach effect image is displayed, it becomes a silent period, and after that, whether or not the reach effect image is displayed again is changed. Good.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 31A, when the symbol variation starts and the speaker 156 outputs the music A (see FIG. 28), the decorative symbol P12 indicating reach, A reach effect image composed of element images such as the background P11 and the hold display P13 is displayed.
And as shown in FIG.31 (b), while a dedicated sound is output, the image displayed on the image display part 114 switches from a reach effect image to a silence time image.

Next, in the case of the above-described pattern 1 (see FIG. 28), as shown in FIG. 31 (c-1), the reach effect image is displayed again after the silent image. At this time, the speaker 156 outputs the music B (see pattern 1 in FIG. 28).
On the other hand, in the case of the above-described pattern 2 (see FIG. 28), as shown in FIG. 31 (c-2), the loss effect image is displayed after the silent image. This lost effect image includes element images such as the decorative pattern P12, the background P11, and the hold display P13 that are determined to be lost. Note that when the lost effect image is displayed, the speaker 156 outputs the music A (see pattern 2 in FIG. 28).

Although not described above, the silent image shown in FIG. 31 (b) includes a so-called slow motion image P15 that displays the fighting scene of the character at a lower speed than usual, in addition to the decorative pattern P12. That is, this silent image is different from the silent image shown in FIG.
The silent image is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 29B and 31B. The silent image may be an image different from the image displayed until the silent period starts. For example, as the background P11, a monochrome background image, a space or desert image, a recollection scene image, or the like is displayed. Also good.

Here, the silent image shown in FIG. 31B includes a decorative design P12. This decorative design P12 is different from the decorative design P12 of FIG.
Specifically, it is displayed smaller than the dimensions in the reach effect image shown in FIG. Further, the decorative symbol P12 is displayed on the outer peripheral side of the image display unit 114, unlike the position in the reach effect image shown in FIG.
Unlike the silent image shown in FIG. 31 (b), the silent image may include an aspect including both the decorative symbol P12 and the hold display P13, or an aspect not including both the decorative symbol P12 and the reserved display P13.

[Modification 3]
FIGS. 32A to 32E are diagrams for explaining a modification example of the effect after the end of the silent period.
In the description of FIGS. 29A to 29C, it has been described that the reach effect image (see FIG. 29C-1) is displayed as the high expectation effect that is executed after the silence period. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it indicates that the degree of expectation is higher.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 32A, when the symbol variation starts and the speaker 156 outputs the music A, a game effect image is displayed on the image display unit 114. . Then, as shown in FIG. 32 (b), a silent image is displayed during the silent period.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 32 (c), the movable accessory 115 is operated after the silence period ends to indicate that the degree of expectation is higher. In the illustrated example, the movable accessory 115 moves to the front surface of the image display unit 114 and rotates on the front surface of the image display unit 114. It should be noted that when the movable accessory 115 is operated, the decorative symbol P12 is displayed small on the outer peripheral side of the image display portion 114 in the image display portion 114 so as to avoid being hidden by the movable accessory 115. In the illustrated example, the hold display P13 is not displayed, but the hold display P13 may be displayed.

In addition, as an aspect that suggests that the other degree of expectation is higher, an image that is different from the silent image may be displayed on the image display unit 114 after the silent period ends.
For example, as shown in FIG. 32 (d), an operation instruction image P <b> 16 instructing to press the effect button 161 may be displayed on the image display unit 114. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 32 (e), an suggestion image P <b> 17 indicating an image indicating that the degree of expectation is high (in the illustrated example, “GO!” Character) may be displayed. In the example shown in FIGS. 32D and 32E, the decorative pattern P12 is displayed small on the outer peripheral side of the image display unit 114. In the illustrated example, the hold display P13 is not displayed, but the hold display P13 may be displayed.

[Modification 4]
33 (a) to 33 (h) are diagrams for explaining a modification example of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect.
Next, a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 33A to 33H, it is assumed that a main liquid crystal 114A and a sub liquid crystal 114B are provided as the image display unit 114.

  As shown in FIG. 33 (a), in the state in which the symbol variation is started, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the hold number display P24 are displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. On the sub liquid crystal 114B, a sub background P21 and a sub character image P22 are displayed. The speaker 156 outputs the music piece A.

  Here, the fourth symbol P23 is a special symbol based on the winning in the first starting port 121 (see FIG. 1) or the second starting port 122 (see FIG. 1) by the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 (see FIG. 4). Is an image indicating that is changing (decorating display of the decorative symbol P12). The fourth symbol P23 is controlled by the effect control unit 300 and is displayed in a different manner according to the variation and stoppage of the special symbol.

  The fourth symbol P23 is three images respectively corresponding to the decorative symbol P12. The fourth symbol P23 shown in FIG. 33A is displayed as an image having a smaller size than the decorative symbol P12. In addition, the fourth symbol P23 is displayed in a mode (for example, vertical scrolling) indicating that the special symbol is fluctuating in accordance with winning in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122. And the 4th symbol P23 stops with a change stop of a special symbol. In the example shown in the figure, the number indicated by the fourth symbol P23 that is stopped and displayed coincides with the number indicated by the decorative symbol P12. Note that the fourth symbol P23 plays the same role as the decorative symbol 41 in that it is performed as an effect suggesting the change and stop of the special symbol.

  The hold number display P24 is an image indicating the hold number. In the number-of-holds display P24, the number displayed on the image display unit 114 changes in accordance with the number of holds for winning in each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. The number-of-holds display P24 shown in FIG. 33 (a) shows a number “4” as the number of holds for winning at the first start port 121 and a number “0” as the number of holds for winning at the second start port 122. Indicates. Note that the hold number display P24 plays the same role as the hold display P13 in that the hold number display P24 is performed as an effect suggesting the number of holds for winning in each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122.

  The sub background P21 is an image serving as a background in the image displayed on the sub liquid crystal 114B. The sub character image P22 is an effect image displayed on the sub liquid crystal 114B. In the example shown in FIG. 33A, the sub character image P22 is an image including a character image. The sub character image P22 is displayed so as to overlap the near side (upper layer) of the sub background P21.

  And as shown in FIG.33 (b), in the main liquid crystal 114A, the reach effect which arranged the design of both sides in the decoration design P12 is performed. At this time, the sub liquid crystal 114B displays the sub background P21 and the sub character image P22. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), the SP reach effect is executed. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156.

SP Reach Production is generally called Super Reach or Special Reach, and is a production that expects to win more than Reach. Production.
In the illustrated example, the main liquid crystal 114A displays the background P11, the decorative design P12, the fourth design P23, the reserved number display P24, and the SP image P25, and the sub liquid crystal 114B displays the sub background P21 and the sub SP image P35. Is displayed.

Here, the decorative design P12 is displayed with small dimensions at the corners (upper left corner and upper right corner) of the image display area in the main liquid crystal 114A.
Each of the SP image P25 and the sub SP image P35 is an image including a character image. Each of the SP image P25 and the sub SP image P35 is an image displayed only when the SP reach effect is executed. In the illustrated example, the SP image P25 and the sub SP image P35 are images that are similar (related) to each other.

Then, as shown in FIG. 33 (d), a button operation effect is executed. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156.
In the illustrated example, on the main liquid crystal 114A, a background P11, a decoration symbol P12, an operation instruction image P16, a fourth symbol P23, and a hold number display P24 are displayed. Further, the sub liquid crystal 114B displays the sub background P21 and the sub SP image P35. The sub SP image P35 is an image that is not similar to the operation instruction image P16.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 33 (e), the introduction effect is executed. In addition, the speaker 156 outputs a dedicated sound (special sound, introduction sound). As the introduction sound, for example, a sound effect such as “Pushun” is output.

  The introduction effect is an effect suggesting that a blackout effect (described later) is executed. In other words, the introductory effect can be understood as an effect of notifying (notifying) that the blackout effect is executed. In addition, the introduction effect can be understood as a switching effect (buzzing effect) to a high expectation effect.

  In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 33 (e), the main liquid crystal 114A displays the background P11, the fourth symbol P23, the reserved number display P24, and the horizontal image P26. Further, on the sub liquid crystal 114B, the sub background P21 and the sub horizontal image P27 are displayed. The sub horizontal image P27 is an image similar to the horizontal image P26.

  Each of the horizontal image P26 and the sub-horizontal image P27 in the illustrated example is a linear image extending in one direction (left-right direction). The linear image extending in one direction is displayed extending over the entire image display area of the main liquid crystal 114A or the sub liquid crystal 114B. Moreover, in the example of illustration, the width | variety of the center part in one direction is comprised by the shape thicker than another part. The width (length in the vertical direction) of the linear image extending in one direction becomes narrower (decreases) with the passage of time.

  The horizontal image P26 and the sub horizontal image P27 are displayed in a different color from the background P11 and the sub background P21. The background P11 and the sub background P21 in the illustrated example are displayed as single color images. For example, the background P11 and the sub background P21 are displayed in black. The horizontal image P26 and the sub-horizontal image P27 that are displayed so as to overlap the background P11 and the sub-background P21 that are displayed as black images are displayed in white.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 33 (f), a blackout effect is executed. Further, the speaker 156 is controlled so as to be in a sound suppression period (silence period).

  Here, the blackout effect is an effect of displaying a monochromatic image (for example, black) over the entire display area of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B). Note that the display area of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B) is a single color image as long as the player can recognize that the single color image is displayed on the entire display area of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B). This does not exclude the display of images other than images. For example, a single color image is displayed as a background image over the entire display area of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B), and a single line image extending in the left-right direction is displayed over the background image, or a character image is displayed. You may do it.

  In the illustrated example, in the main liquid crystal 114A, in addition to the background P11 that is a monochrome image, a fourth symbol P23 and a reserved number display P24 are displayed. On the other hand, in the sub liquid crystal 114B, only the sub background P21 that is a monochrome image is displayed. Note that the background P11 and the sub background P21 in the illustrated example are black images displayed on the entire display area of the main liquid crystal 114A or the sub liquid crystal 114B. This black image is the same as the background P11 and the sub-background P21 of the introduction effect shown in FIG. In addition, the black image of the background P11 and the sub-background P21 in the illustrated example has a uniform image density, but may have a distribution of light and shade in the image.

  And as shown in FIG.33 (g), a high expectation degree effect is performed. Further, in the illustrated high expectation effect, the speaker 156 outputs the music B. That is, the speaker 156 outputs a music B that is different from the music A that was output before the sound suppression period (see FIG. 33F). In other words, the sound output from the speaker 156 changes before and after the sound suppression period.

  In the illustrated example, on the main liquid crystal 114A, the background P11, the fourth symbol P23, the reserved number display P24, and the next image P28 are displayed. On the sub liquid crystal 114B, the sub background P21 and the sub next image P29 are displayed. Here, next image P28 and sub next image P29 are images including the character string “next time!”. Further, the next image P28 and the sub next image P29 suggest that there is a high possibility that a big hit game will be played.

Then, as shown in FIG. 33 (h), a fixed stop effect using the decorative design P12 is executed. The speaker 156 outputs a definite sound. For example, the speaker 156 outputs a sound “Zshang!”.
In the illustrated example, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the fourth symbol P23, and the reserved number display P24 are displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. Further, the sub background P21 and the sub decoration pattern P18 are displayed on the sub liquid crystal 114B. Here, the sub decorative design P18 is an image corresponding to the decorative design P12. The decorative design P12 and the sub-decorative design P18 in the illustrated example are images including the number “777”. The decorative symbol P12 and the sub decorative symbol P18 are combinations when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit.

  In the illustrated example, when the button operation effect shown in FIG. 33 (d) shifts to the introduction effect shown in FIG. 33 (e) as described above, the display mode of the decorative design P12 is switched. That is, the decorative design P12 is switched from display to non-display. On the other hand, when the button operation effect shown in FIG. 33 (d) shifts to the introduction effect shown in FIG. 33 (e), the display of the fourth symbol P23 is maintained.

  In the above description, it has been described that the decorative symbol P12 is hidden, that is, disappears in the introduction effect shown in FIG. 33 (e). However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, the display mode may be switched so that the decorative design P12 is not conspicuous, such as the transparency of the decorative design P12 is increased and the size of the decorative design P12 is reduced. To further explain, this inconspicuous display mode may be maintained in the blackout effect shown in FIG.

  In the above description, it has been described that the display of the fourth symbol P23 is maintained in the introduction effect shown in FIG. 33E. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, unlike the example shown in the figure, the fourth symbol P23 may be hidden in the introduction effect shown in FIG. In addition, although the display itself of the fourth symbol P23 is maintained, the transparency and color of the fourth symbol P23 may be changed so as to reduce the visibility of the fourth symbol P23 or to make it difficult to visually recognize. To further explain, the display mode in which the visibility is lowered (not displayed) may be maintained in the blackout effect shown in FIG. Here, as a mode of reducing the visibility of the fourth symbol P23, an image covering the fourth symbol P23 may be displayed in a layer higher than the fourth symbol P23.

Similarly to the fourth symbol P23, the number-of-holds display P24 is not displayed or is not displayed in the introduction effect shown in FIG. 33 (e) and the blackout effect shown in FIG. 33 (f). It is good also as an aspect.
By controlling the display of the fourth symbol P23 and the number-of-holds display P24 as described above, the player can be more concentrated on the introduction effect and the blackout effect.

In the above example, when the reach effect shown in FIG. 33 (b) is shifted to the SP reach effect shown in FIG. 33 (c), the hold display P13 is not displayed, while the hold number display P24. Is displayed. Thus, the player can be more concentrated on the SP reach production.
In the above example, the introduction effect shown in FIG. 33 (e) is executed immediately before the transition to the blackout effect shown in FIG. 33 (f). By executing the dynamic introduction effect immediately before the blackout effect which is a static effect, the blackout effect can be executed more effectively. Note that, unlike the example shown in the figure, a mode of shifting to the blackout effect shown in FIG. 33 (f) without executing the introduction effect shown in FIG. 33 (e) may be used.

  Here, the blackout effect can be regarded as a darkening effect. Further, the blackout effect can be understood as an effect of changing the visibility of the image displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B) to a visual difficulty state lower than a predetermined state (reference state). Also, the blackout effect can be understood as an effect that reduces the brightness of the entire image displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B). Note that the blackout effect may be executed only in one of the main liquid crystal 114A and the sub liquid crystal 114B. That is, when the blackout effect is executed on the main liquid crystal 114A, the blackout effect may not be executed on the sub liquid crystal 114B. Further, when the blackout effect is executed with the sub liquid crystal 114B, the blackout effect may not be executed with the main liquid crystal 114A.

  Further, instead of this blackout effect, a whiteout effect may be executed. In this white-out effect, the visibility of the image displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A (sub-liquid crystal 114B) can be regarded as an effect of changing to a visually difficult state that is higher than the reference state. Further, the whiteout effect can be regarded as an effect that increases the luminance of the entire image displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B). For example, in the whiteout effect, a white image is displayed as the background P11 (sub background P21) over the entire display area of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B).

  Note that, unlike the illustrated example, the effect button 161 switches between a non-projecting state, which is a normal state, and a mode in which the effect button 161 is deformed in a projecting state, which is a projecting state rather than the non-projecting state (deforms )Sometimes. In this way, when the effect button 161 is deformed, the button operation effect in FIG. 33D may be executed according to the expectation level of the effect executed after the blackout effect. For example, when the effect executed after the blackout effect is low expectation, the operation instruction image P16 indicating the effect button 161 in the non-projecting state is displayed, and the effect executed after the blackout effect is high expectation. In some cases, an operation instruction image P16 indicating the projecting effect button 161 may be displayed.

  In addition, unlike the illustrated example, a plurality of effect buttons 161 may be provided. Also in this case, the button operation effect may be executed according to the expectation level of the effect executed after the blackout effect. For example, when the effect executed after the blackout effect is low expectation, the operation instruction image P16 indicating the first effect button 161 is displayed, and the effect executed after the blackout effect is high expectation. In this case, an operation instruction image P16 indicating the second effect button 161 may be displayed.

[Modification 5]
34 (a) to (h) are diagrams for explaining a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect.
Next, with reference to FIGS. 34 (a) to (h), a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect will be described. In the description from the modification shown in FIG. 34 to the modification shown in FIG. 40, which will be described later, the points different from the effects of FIG. 33 will be mainly described, and the points corresponding to the effects of FIG. 33 will be described. May be omitted.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 34 (a) to 34 (f), after the symbol variation is started, the reach effect, the SP reach effect, the button operation effect, the introduction effect, and the blackout effect are executed. The effects shown in FIGS. 34 (a) to 34 (f) are the same as the effects shown in FIGS. 33 (a) to 33 (f).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 34 (g), the low expectation degree effect is executed. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156. At this time, on the main liquid crystal 114A, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the fourth symbol P23, and the reserved number display P24 are displayed. On the sub liquid crystal 114B, a sub background P21 and a sub character image P22 are displayed. That is, an image similar to the image displayed by the reach effect shown in FIG. 34B is displayed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 34 (h), a fixed stop effect using the decorative design P12 is executed. The speaker 156 outputs a stop sound. For example, the speaker 156 outputs a sound “Chun!”.
In the confirmed stop effect of the illustrated example, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the fourth symbol P23, and the reserved number display P24 are displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. Further, the sub background P21 and the sub decoration pattern P18 are displayed on the sub liquid crystal 114B. In the illustrated example, the decorative design P12 and the sub-decorative design P18 are images including the number “787”. The decorative symbol P12 and the sub decorative symbol P18 are combinations when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is lost.

Here, a comparison between the effect shown in FIG. 33 and the effect shown in FIG. 34 will be described.
First, in the effect shown in FIG. 33, after the introduction effect shown in FIG. 33 (e) and the blackout effect shown in FIG. 33 (f) are executed, the high expectation effect is shown in FIG. 33 (g). Executed. On the other hand, in the effect shown in FIG. 34, after the introduction effect shown in FIG. 34 (e) and the blackout effect shown in FIG. 34 (f) are executed, the low expectation effect as shown in FIG. 34 (g). Is executed.
Therefore, the player who desires to execute the high expectation effect is given a sense of expectation when the introduction effect and the blackout effect are executed.

Here, in the high expectation degree effect shown in FIG. 33 (g), the next image P28 having a higher expectation degree is displayed, the music B having a higher expectation degree is output, and the hold display P13 is not displayed.
On the other hand, in the low expectation degree effect shown in FIG. 34 (g), the decorative symbol P12 indicating the reach with a lower expectation is displayed, the music A with the lower expectation is output, and the hold display P13 is displayed.

In addition, in the high expectation degree effect shown in FIG. 33 (h), a definite sound with a higher expectation degree is output. Note that the volume of the definite sound is large in order to increase the player's feeling of uplifting.
On the other hand, in the low expectation degree effect shown in FIG. 34 (h), a stop sound with a lower expectation degree is displayed. In addition, the volume of this stop sound is small compared with a definite sound.

[Modification 6]
FIGS. 35A to 35H are diagrams for describing a modification example of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect.
Next, a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, in the modification shown in FIGS. 35A to 35H, a main liquid crystal 114A and a sub liquid crystal 114B are provided as the image display unit 114, and the sub liquid crystal 114B is movable. Specifically, the sub liquid crystal 114B is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction. In the modification shown in FIG. 35, unlike the modification shown in FIG. 33, the hold number display P24 is not displayed. Further, in this modified example, a plurality of lamps (not shown) indicating the number of holdings are provided, and a prize is awarded to each of the first start port 121 (see FIG. 1) and the second start port 122 (see FIG. 1). The display mode of the lamp (for example, the number of lamps to be lit) changes according to the number of holds for.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 35 (a) to 35 (c), the reach effect and the SP reach effect are executed after the symbol variation is started. The effects shown in FIGS. 35 (a) to 35 (c) are the same as the effects shown in FIGS. 33 (a) to 33 (c).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 35 (d), the introduction effect is executed. In addition, the speaker 156 outputs an introduction sound. As the introduction sound, for example, a sound effect such as “Dokan” is output. Further, the sub liquid crystal 114B rises with the output of the introduction sound (see arrow A1 in the figure). In addition, the sub liquid crystal 114B is arranged so as to cover more (wider) the image display area of the main liquid crystal 114A than when the sub liquid crystal 114B is raised (see FIG. 35C).

  In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 35 (d), the background P11 and the fourth symbol P23 are displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. Further, the sub background P21 is displayed on the sub liquid crystal 114B. The background P11 in the illustrated example is a white image displayed on the entire display area of the main liquid crystal 114A. The sub background P21 is a black image displayed on the entire display area of the sub liquid crystal 114B. The sub-background P21 is an image that is similar to the background P11 but has different colors.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 35 (e), a blackout effect is executed. Further, the speaker 156 is controlled so as to be in a sound suppression period (silence period).

  In the main liquid crystal 114A in the illustrated example, a background P11 and a fourth pattern P23 which are single color images are displayed. On the other hand, in the sub liquid crystal 114B, only the sub background P21 that is a monochrome image is displayed. Note that the background P11 (sub background P21) in the illustrated example is a black image displayed on the entire display area of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B). This sub-background P21 is the same image as the background P11.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 35 (f), the high expectation degree effect is executed. Further, in the illustrated high expectation effect, the speaker 156 outputs the music B. That is, the speaker 156 outputs a song B that is different from the song A that was output before the sound suppression period (see FIG. 35E). In other words, the sound output from the speaker 156 changes before and after the sound suppression period.

  In the high expectation effect shown in the figure, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the fourth symbol P23, and the explosion image P31 are displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. Further, on the sub liquid crystal 114B, a sub decorative pattern P18, a sub background P21, and a sub explosion image P32 are displayed. Here, the explosion image P31 (sub-explosion image P32) is an image showing a flame spreading from the center of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub-liquid crystal 114B) toward the outer periphery of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub-liquid crystal 114B). Further, the explosion image P31 and the sub-explosion image P32 suggest that there is a high possibility that a big hit game will be performed. In the illustrated example, the explosion image P31 and the sub-explosion image P32 are images that are similar (related) to each other.

Then, as shown in FIG. 35 (g), a button operation effect is executed. In addition, the music B is output from the speaker 156.
In the illustrated example, the main liquid crystal 114A displays a background P11, a decorative design P12, an operation instruction image P16, and an explosion image P31. Further, in the sub liquid crystal 114B, a sub decoration pattern P18, a sub background P21, and a sub explosion image P32 are displayed. The image displayed on the sub liquid crystal 114B is not similar to the image displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A in that the image corresponding to the operation instruction image P16 is not included. In this button operation effect, the fourth symbol P23 is not displayed. As a result, the player can be more concentrated on the button operation effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 35 (h), a fixed stop effect using the decorative design P12 is executed. The speaker 156 outputs a definite sound. For example, a sound “Zshang!” Is output.
In the illustrated stop effect, the background P11 and the decorative pattern P12 are displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. Further, the sub background P21 and the sub decoration pattern P18 are displayed on the sub liquid crystal 114B. The decorative design P12 and the sub-decorative design P18 in the illustrated example are images including the number “777”. In this final stop effect, the fourth symbol P23 is not displayed.

  In the above description, it has been explained that the fourth symbol P23 is not displayed in the button operation effect shown in FIG. 35 (g) and the final stop effect shown in FIG. 35 (h). However, in one or both effects The fourth symbol P23 may be displayed.

[Modification 7]
FIGS. 36A to 36H are diagrams for describing a modification example of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect.
Next, a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect will be described with reference to FIGS. In this modification, one image display unit 114 is provided instead of two image display units (main liquid crystal 114A and sub liquid crystal 114B).

  As shown in FIG. 36 (a), in the state in which the symbol variation is started, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the right-handed display P19, the fourth symbol P23, and the hold number display are displayed on the image display unit 114. P24 is displayed. The speaker 156 outputs the music piece A.

  Here, the right-handed display P19 suggests that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a state advantageous to the player (right-handed state) by making a right-hand hit (by changing the hitting force of the game ball). It is an image.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 36B, the introduction effect is executed. Specifically, the background P11, the fourth symbol P23, the hold number display P24, and the horizontal image P26 are displayed on the image display unit 114. In addition, the speaker 156 outputs an introduction sound. The panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 1) is turned off. Further, the movable accessory 115 (see FIG. 36 (f)) is turned off and stopped.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 36C, a blackout effect is executed. Specifically, the speaker 156 is controlled to be in the sound suppression period. Further, the background P11, the fourth symbol P23, and the reserved number display P24, which are monochrome images, are displayed on the image display unit 114. The panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 1) is turned off. Further, the movable accessory 115 (see FIG. 36 (f)) is turned off and stopped. At this time, the LED provided on the display unit 130 (see FIG. 1) is in a state of being lit in a predetermined lighting mode. In other words, while the panel lamp 116 is turned off, all of the LEDs provided on the display unit 130 are not turned off (not turned off). Thus, in the blackout effect, some of the lamps provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100 are turned off, and the other lamps are turned on.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (d), the high expectation degree effect is executed. Moreover, in this high expectation degree production, the speaker 156 is controlled to be in the sound suppression period.
In the high expectation level effect in the illustrated example, the image display unit 114 displays the background P11, the fourth symbol P23, the reserved number display P24, and the special character image P36. The panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 1) is turned off. Further, the movable accessory 115 (see FIG. 36 (f)) is turned off and stopped. The special character image P36 is an image in which a character appears. The special character image P36 is an image that is displayed only when the high expectation degree effect is executed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (e), the high expectation degree effect is continuously executed. In the illustrated high expectation effect, the speaker 156 outputs the music B after outputting a high expectation sound that is an effect sound for notifying that the jackpot game is likely to be played. That is, the speaker 156 outputs a sound different from the music A that was output before the sound suppression period (see FIG. 36C). In other words, the sound output from the speaker 156 changes before and after the sound suppression period. In the example shown in the figure, the speaker 156 outputs a sound “chance!” As the sound of high expectation as the sound of the character indicated by the special character image P38. Further, in the high expectation degree effect shown in FIG. 36 (e), the panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 1) is turned off. Further, the movable accessory 115 (see FIG. 36 (f)) is turned off and stopped.

  In the illustrated high expectation effect, the image display unit 114 displays the background P11, the fourth symbol P23, the reserved number display P24, and the special character image P38. The special character image P38 is an image in which a character appears. The special character image P38 is an image obtained by adding an effect image to the special character image P36 shown in FIG. The characters included in the special character image P38 and the special character image P36 are the same. The special character image P38 can be regarded as an image similar to the special character image P36. Also, the fourth symbol P23 is displayed with the symbols aligned. Specifically, the image includes a number “777”. The fourth symbol P23 is a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit.

  And as shown in FIG.36 (f), a high expectation degree effect is performed further continuously. Further, in the illustrated high expectation effect, the speaker 156 outputs the music B. The panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 1) is lit (flashes). Further, the movable accessory 115 starts its operation.

  Specifically, the movable accessory 115 moves to the front of the image display unit 114 (see arrow A3). At this time, the movable accessory 115 is arranged to cover a part of the image display area of the image display unit 114. In addition, the movable accessory 115 rotates on the front surface of the image display unit 114 (see arrow A4).

  Further, the movable accessory 115 emits light in a special mode (special light emission) different from a normal light emission mode in which light is emitted in, for example, a single color. In the illustrated example, light is emitted with a so-called rainbow pattern in which the light emission color changes to multiple colors (seven colors). Here, the light emission with the rainbow pattern is an aspect in which a plurality of colors constituting the rainbow, for example, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple are emitted in order.

  In the image display unit 114, the background P11, the fourth symbol P23, the hold number display P24, and the effect image P39 are displayed. It should be noted that the effect image P39 is an image that is displayed in the outer peripheral area of the movable accessory 115 as viewed from the player and that enhances the effect of the movable accessory 115. This effect image P39 is displayed in a rainbow pattern, for example.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (g), the movable accessory 115 rises, and a fixed stop effect using the decorative design P12 is executed. The speaker 156 outputs a definite sound. For example, a sound “Zshang!” Is output.
In the illustrated stop effect, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the fourth symbol P23, and the reserved number display P24 are displayed on the image display unit 114. In addition, the decorative design P12 in the illustrated example is an image including the number “777”.

And as shown in FIG.36 (h), the opening effect according to the determination result of special symbol lottery is performed. The speaker 156 outputs an opening sound.
Here, the opening effect is an effect executed in the above-described opening operation. In the illustrated opening effect, the image display unit 114 displays the background P11, the right-handed display P19, and the opening image P37. The opening image P37 is an image including a character string of “Super Bonus” indicating the type of jackpot game.

  Now, in the above example, in the high expectation degree effect shown in FIG. 36 (e), the big hit is notified by stopping with the symbols aligned in the fourth symbol P23. The effect of aligning the symbols in the fourth symbol P23 is executed before the fixed stop effect using the decorative symbol P12 shown in FIG.

  In the above example, in the introduction effect shown in FIG. 36 (b), the blackout effect shown in FIG. 36 (c), and the high expectation effect shown in FIG. When 115 is turned off, the game board 110 (see FIG. 1) is maintained in a dark state. Thereby, the introduction effect or the blackout effect can be executed more effectively.

  In the above example, the right-handed display P19 disappears in the introduction effect shown in FIG. That is, the right-handed display P19 disappears when the horizontal image P26 is displayed. Further, the display of the right-handed display P19 is limited until the opening operation is started. As a result, the player can be more concentrated on effects such as introduction effects and blackout effects.

  Here, in the above example, the time from the start of the symbol variation (see FIG. 36 (a)) to the start of the sound suppression period (see FIG. 36 (c)) is from the start of the sound suppression period. It is shorter than the time until the silencing period ends. In addition, the time from the start of the change to the start of the introduction effect (see FIG. 36B) is shorter than the time from the start of the sound suppression period to the end of the sound suppression period. The time from the end of the sound suppression period (see FIG. 36C) to the final stop of the decorative symbol P12 (see FIG. 36G) is the time from the start of the sound suppression period to the sound suppression period. Longer than the time it takes to finish. For these reasons, by providing a sound suppression period at the beginning (first half) of the period in which the symbol variation is performed, the player can be more concentrated on the symbol variation. Further, an unexpected effect can be executed by darkening the game board 110 (see FIG. 1) immediately after the start of symbol variation (early at the start).

  In addition, after maintaining the sound suppression period in the blackout effect shown in FIG. 36 (c) and the high expectation effect shown in FIG. 36 (e), the character voice is used as the high expectation sound as shown in FIG. 36 (e). Is executed. As described above, by outputting the character voice from a state in which no sound is output from the speaker 156, it is possible to concentrate the player on the highly expected sound.

  Unlike the example shown in the figure, in the case of the configuration having the movable sub liquid crystal 114B (see FIG. 35D), the sub liquid crystal 114B in the blackout effect shown in FIG. 36C is black as the sub background P21. An image is displayed and controlled to be in a stopped state.

  In the above description, the right-handed display P19 is not displayed when the blackout effect is executed. However, the right-handed display P19 is maintained when the blackout effect is executed. May be. Moreover, when maintaining the display of the right-handed display P19 when the blackout effect is executed, the size, position, color, and transparency of the right-handed display P19 may be changed. For example, when the blackout effect is started, the right-handed display P19 may be reduced, the right-handed display P19 may be moved, or the right-handed display P19 may be in a color that is difficult to visually recognize. Here, as a mode of reducing the visibility of the right-handed display P19, an image covering the right-handed display P19 may be displayed in a layer higher than the right-handed display P19.

  In addition, unlike the example shown in the figure, when the remaining number of STs (special time) that maintains a certain change or a short time state is displayed for a predetermined number of special symbol fluctuations, a blackout is displayed. When the effect is executed, the remaining number of STs may be hidden. Further, the display of the remaining number of STs may be maintained when the blackout effect is executed. Further, when maintaining the display of the remaining number of STs, the display size, position, color, and transparency of the remaining number of STs may be changed. For example, when the blackout effect is started, the display of the remaining number of STs may be reduced, the display of the remaining number of STs may be moved, or the display of the remaining number of STs may be in a color that is difficult to visually recognize. Here, as a mode of reducing the visibility of the display of the remaining number of STs, an image covering the display of the remaining number of STs may be displayed in a higher layer than the display of the remaining number of STs.

[Modification 8]
FIGS. 37A to 37H are diagrams for describing a modification example of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect.
Next, with reference to FIGS. 37 (a) to 37 (h), a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect will be described. In this modification, one image display unit 114 is provided instead of two image display units (main liquid crystal 114A and sub liquid crystal 114B).

  As shown in FIG. 37 (a), in the state in which the symbol variation is started, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the right-handed display P19, the fourth symbol P23, and the hold number display are displayed on the image display unit 114. P24 is displayed. The speaker 156 outputs the music piece A.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), a button operation effect is executed. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156. In the illustrated example, the image display unit 114 displays a background P11, an operation instruction image P16, a right-handed display P19, a fourth symbol P23, and a hold number display P24.

Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (c), an accessory action effect is executed. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156.
In the illustrated example, the image display unit 114 displays a background P11, a right-handed display P19, a fourth symbol P23, and a number-of-holds display P24. The movable accessory 115 moves to the front of the image display unit 114 (see arrow A3) and rotates on the front of the image display unit 114 (see arrow A4). In addition, the movable accessory 115 emits light in a normal light emission mode such as blinking white.

And as shown in FIG.37 (d), the movable accessory 115 raises and a reach effect is performed. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156.
In the illustrated example, the image display unit 114 displays a background P11, a decorative design P12, a right-handed display P19, a fourth design P23, and a hold count display P24. In addition, the movable accessory 115 rises, stops at the upper position, and emits light in a normal light emission mode.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (e), the introduction effect is executed. Specifically, a background P11, a right-handed display P19, a fourth symbol P23, a reserved number display P24, and a horizontal image P26 are displayed on the image display unit 114. In addition, the speaker 156 outputs an introduction sound. The panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 1) is turned off. The movable accessory 115 (see FIG. 37 (c)) is turned off and stopped.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (f), a blackout effect is executed. Specifically, the speaker 156 is controlled to be in the sound suppression period. In addition, a background P11, a right-handed display P19, a fourth symbol P23, and a reserved number display P24, which are monochrome images, are displayed on the image display unit 114. The panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 1) is turned off. The movable accessory 115 (see FIG. 37 (c)) is turned off and stopped.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (g), the high expectation degree effect is executed. Further, in the illustrated high expectation effect, the speaker 156 outputs the music B. The panel lamp 116 (see FIG. 1) is lit (flashing). The movable accessory 115 moves to the front of the image display unit 114 (see arrow A3) and rotates on the front of the image display unit 114 (see arrow A4). In addition, the movable accessory 115 emits light in a special mode (special light emission) different from the normal light emission mode. In addition, the background P11 and the effect image P39 are displayed on the image display unit 114, and the right-handed display P19, the fourth symbol P23, and the reserved number display P24 are not displayed.

  And as shown in FIG.37 (h), the movable accessory 115 raises and the fixed stop effect using the decoration design P12 is performed. The speaker 156 outputs a definite sound. For example, a sound “Zshang!” Is output. The image display unit 114 displays a background P11, a right-handed display P19, a fourth symbol P23, and a reserved number display P24.

  In the above example, the board lamp 116 and the movable accessory 115 are turned off by the introduction effect shown in FIG. 37 (e) and the blackout effect shown in FIG. 37 (f), so that the game board 110 (FIG. 1) is turned off. Is kept dark. As a result, the blackout effect can be executed more effectively.

  In the high expectation effect shown in FIG. 37 (g), the right-handed display P19, the fourth symbol P23, and the reserved number display P24 are not displayed on the image display unit 114. In other words, the display of the right-handed display P19, the fourth symbol P23, and the hold number display P24 on the image display unit 114 is suppressed at the start of the operation of the movable accessory 115 (end of the blackout effect). As a result, the player can be more concentrated on the high expectation effect.

  Here, as an effect example different from the illustrated example, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is lost, the movable accessory 115 may not be operated after the blackout effect shown in FIG. Thus, when the blackout effect shown in FIG. 37 (f) is executed, it is possible to make the player expect whether or not the movable accessory 115 will be executed next.

[Modification 9]
FIGS. 38-1 (a) to (h) and FIGS. 38-2 (i) to (k) are diagrams illustrating modification examples of effects executed in the variable period sound effects.
Next, a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 38-1 (a) to (h) and FIGS. 38-2 (i) to (k).

  In this modification, it is assumed that one image display unit 114 is provided instead of two image display units (main liquid crystal 114A and sub liquid crystal 114B). In addition, unlike the example shown in FIG. 33, the hold number display P24 is not displayed. Further, in this modified example, a plurality of lamps (not shown) indicating the number of holdings are provided, and a prize is awarded to each of the first start port 121 (see FIG. 1) and the second start port 122 (see FIG. 1). The display mode of the lamp (for example, the number of lamps to be lit) changes according to the number of holds for.

  As shown in FIG. 38A (a), it is assumed that a definite stop effect is being executed as the previous special symbol changes. At this time, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the zone notice image P41 are displayed on the image display unit 114. The speaker 156 outputs the music piece A. In the hold display P13, the fourth hold display from the left is a display mode with high expectation as compared with the first to third hold displays from the left.

  Here, the zone notice image P41 is an image for notifying (notifying) that the zone effect is executed. The zone effect is an example of a notice effect (pre-reading effect) that is executed based on the result of prior determination by the prior determination process. This zone effect is an effect in which the background P11 changes to a special image from the start of the next special symbol change display to the special symbol change for the pre-read target hold (fourth hold display from the left in the illustrated example). There is an effect that suggests that there is a high possibility that the background P11 is a big hit in the variable display while it changes to a special image. In the example shown in the figure, it is suggested that there is a high possibility of a big hit in the variable display while the zone image P43 (described later) is displayed. Note that the zone preview image P41 in the illustrated example includes a character string “zone waiting!”.

  As shown in FIG. 38-1 (b), in the state where the symbol variation is started, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the zone notice image P41 are displayed on the image display unit 114. Is done. The speaker 156 outputs the music piece A.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 38-1 (c), the introduction effect is executed. Specifically, the background P11, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the zone notice image P41 are displayed on the image display unit 114. The introduction sound 1 is output from the speaker 156. As the introduction sound 1, for example, a sound effect such as “Zuhune” is output. In addition, the background P11 in the illustrated example is displayed as a single color image (black image).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 38-1 (d), the introduction effect is continuously executed. Specifically, the background P11, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, the horizontal image P26, and the zone notice image P41 are displayed on the image display unit 114. In addition, the introduction sound 2 is output from the speaker 156. As the introduction sound 2, unlike the introduction sound 1, for example, a sound effect such as “Pushun” is output.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 38-1 (e), a blackout effect is executed. Specifically, the speaker 156 is controlled to be in the sound suppression period. Further, the background P11, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the zone notice image P41, which are monochrome images, are displayed on the image display unit 114.

  And as shown to FIG. 38-1 (f), a high expectation degree effect is performed. Further, in the illustrated high expectation effect, the speaker 156 outputs the music B and also outputs a high expectation sound. As the high expectation sound, for example, a sound effect such as “cure quince” is output.

  In the illustrated high expectation effect, the image display unit 114 displays the background P11, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the zone start image P42. The zone start image P42 is an image for informing that the zone effect is started. The illustrated zone start image P42 includes a character string “Zone entry”.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 38-1 (g), the fixed stop effect using the decorative design P12 is executed. The speaker 156 outputs the music B. In addition, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the zone image P43 are displayed on the image display unit 114. The zone image P43 is an image for informing that the zone effect is being executed. The illustrated zone image P43 is a band-like image displayed in the image display area of the image display unit 114. In the illustrated example, the decorative symbol P12 includes the number “543”, and is a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is lost.

  Then, after the variation of the next (second) special symbol is started, the final stop effect is executed as shown in FIG. 38-1 (h). The speaker 156 outputs the music B. In addition, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the zone image P43 are displayed on the image display unit 114. In the illustrated example, the decorative symbol P12 includes the number “124” and is a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is lost.

  Then, after the variation of the next (third) special symbol is started, a fixed stop effect is executed as shown in FIG. 38-2 (i). The speaker 156 outputs the music B. In addition, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the zone image P43 are displayed on the image display unit 114. In the illustrated example, the decorative symbol P12 includes the number “611”, and is a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is lost.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 38-2 (j), in the state where the next (fourth) special symbol has started to change, the image display unit 114 has a background P11, a decorative symbol P12, a hold display P13, Four symbols P23 and a zone image P43 are displayed. The speaker 156 outputs the music B.

Then, as shown in FIG. 38-2 (k), a fixed stop effect using the decorative design P12 is executed. The speaker 156 outputs a definite sound. For example, a sound “Zshang!” Is output.
In the illustrated stop effect, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, and the fourth symbol P23 are displayed on the image display unit 114. The decorative symbol P12 and the fourth symbol P23 in the illustrated example are images including the number “777”.

In the above example, as shown in FIGS. 38-1 (a) to 38-1 (e), the display of the zone preview image P41 is maintained. This can surely notify the player that the zone effect will be executed.
Further, in the above example, as shown in FIGS. 38-1 (c) and 38-1 (d), the introduction effect is executed in two stages. Thereby, the blackout effect executed following the introduction effect can be further increased.

  In the above example, the blackout effect shown in FIG. 38-1 (e) is executed prior to the zone effect executed after FIG. 38-1 (f). This blackout effect can be understood as an effect for informing that the zone effect is executed. Further, the illustrated blackout effect can be understood as an effect for informing that the high expectation effect (definite effect) is executed.

Further, in the above description, it has been described that the hold number display P24 is not displayed. However, the hold number display P24 may be displayed.
In the above description, the blackout effect is executed when the zone effect is executed. However, for example, the blackout effect may be executed when the mode effect is executed. Here, the mode effect is an effect that is executed according to a plurality of scenes (modes) on the effect. In this mode effect, when the mode transition condition is satisfied, the mode is shifted to one of a plurality of modes, and an effect specific to the mode is executed.

[Modification 10]
FIGS. 39A to 39H are diagrams for describing a modification example of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect.
Next, a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect will be described with reference to FIGS. In this modification, the decorative design P12 has a plurality of display modes. In other words, in addition to characters such as numbers and alphanumeric characters, a decorative pattern P12 (see FIG. 39B) having a highly decorative display mode in which character images and the like are displayed, and only characters such as numbers and alphanumeric characters are displayed. The display is switched to the decorative pattern P12 (see FIG. 39 (f)) of the display mode with low decorativeness.

  First, as shown in FIG. 39 (a), in the state where the symbol variation is started, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the hold number display P24 are displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. The On the sub liquid crystal 114B, a sub background P21 and a sub character image P22 are displayed. The speaker 156 outputs the music piece A.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 39B, the main liquid crystal 114A executes a reach effect in which the symbols on both sides of the decorative symbol P12 are aligned. At this time, the decorative design P12 is a display mode with high decorativeness. Further, the sub liquid crystal 114B displays the sub background P21 and the sub character image P22. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 39C, the SP reach effect is executed. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156. At this time, the decorative design P12 is displayed with small dimensions at the corners (upper left and upper right corners) of the image display area in the main liquid crystal 114A. Moreover, this decorative pattern P12 is a display mode with low decorativeness. In other words, triggered by the execution of the SP reach effect, the decorative pattern P12 moves, and the display mode is switched from the display mode with high decorativeness to the display mode with low decorativeness.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 39 (d), the introduction effect is executed. In addition, the speaker 156 outputs an introduction sound. Further, the movable accessory 115 moves to the front surface of the image display unit 114 while maintaining the light extinguished state (see arrow A3). Then, the movable accessory 115 is stopped on the front surface of the image display unit 114. In the main liquid crystal 114A, the background P11, the fourth symbol P23, the reserved number display P24, and the horizontal image P26 are displayed. Further, on the sub liquid crystal 114B, the sub background P21 and the sub horizontal image P27 are displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 39 (e), a blackout effect is executed. Further, the speaker 156 is controlled so as to be in a sound suppression period (silence period). At this time, the movable accessory 115 is extinguished and the state where it is stopped on the front surface of the image display unit 114 is maintained. The main liquid crystal 114A displays the background P11, which is a monochrome image, the fourth symbol P23, and the reserved number display P24, and the sub liquid crystal 114B displays only the sub background P21, which is a monochrome image.

  And as shown in FIG.39 (f), the movable accessory 115 raises, maintaining a light extinction state, and a low expectation degree effect is performed. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156. At this time, the decorative design P12 is a display mode with low decorativeness.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 39 (g), a temporary stop effect using the decorative design P12 is executed. At this time, the decorative design P12 is a display mode with low decorativeness. The speaker 156 outputs a stop sound. For example, the speaker 156 outputs a sound “Chun!”.

  And as shown in FIG.39 (h), the fixed stop effect using the decoration design P12 is performed. At this time, the decorative design P12 is a display mode with high decorativeness. Further, the speaker 156 is silent, for example.

  In the above example, the movable accessory 115 is operated in the introduction effect shown in FIG. This can make the blackout effect more exciting. Further, in the introduction effect shown in FIG. 39 (d) and the blackout effect shown in FIG. 39 (e), the blackout effect can be more effectively executed by maintaining the movable accessory 115 in the off state. .

  In the above example, as a low expectation degree production, it has been described that the state where the light is turned off is maintained when the movable accessory 115 rises in FIG. Note that, unlike the illustrated example, when the high expectation degree effect is executed after the blackout effect shown in FIG. 39 (e), the movable accessory 115 may be raised while emitting light. For example, the movable accessory 115 may emit light with a rainbow pattern.

[Modification 11]
40 (a) to 40 (e) are diagrams for explaining a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect.
Next, a modification of the effect executed in the variable period sound effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 40 (a) to 40 (e). In this modified example, as a whiteout effect, a monochrome image (for example, white) is displayed on the entire display area of the main liquid crystal 114A (sub liquid crystal 114B), and other decoration patterns P12, operation instruction images P16, and the like are displayed. Display the images together.

  First, as shown in FIG. 40 (a), in the state in which the symbol variation is started, the background P11, the decorative symbol P12, the hold display P13, the fourth symbol P23, and the hold number display P24 are displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. The On the sub liquid crystal 114B, a sub background P21 and a sub character image P22 are displayed. The speaker 156 outputs the music piece A.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 40B, a white-out effect is executed in the main liquid crystal 114A. Specifically, a background P11 that is a monochrome image is displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. Further, on the main liquid crystal 114A, the fourth symbol P23 and the number-of-holds display P24 are displayed. Further, in the illustrated example, an operation instruction image P16 is displayed. At this time, the sub liquid crystal 114B displays the sub background P21 and the sub character image P22. The sub background P21 is an image other than a single color image. Further, the speaker 156 is controlled so as to be in the sound suppression period.

  As shown in FIG. 40 (c), in the main liquid crystal 114A, the left symbol in the decorative symbol P12 is temporarily stopped. At this time, the background P11 is an image other than a monochrome image. Further, the sub liquid crystal 114B displays the sub background P21 and the sub character image P22. The sub background P21 is an image other than a single color image. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (d), in the main liquid crystal 114A, the central symbol in the decorative symbol P12 is temporarily stopped. At this time, the background P11 that is a monochrome image is displayed on the main liquid crystal 114A. Further, the sub liquid crystal 114B displays the sub background P21 and the sub character image P22. The sub background P21 is an image other than a single color image. In addition, the music piece A is output from the speaker 156.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (e), in the main liquid crystal 114A, after the right symbol in the decorative symbol P12 is temporarily stopped, the decorative symbol P12 is fixedly stopped. At this time, the background P11 is maintained as a single color image. In addition, the sub liquid crystal 114B displays the sub background P21 and the sub decoration pattern P18. The sub background P21 is an image other than a single color image. Further, the sub decorative design P18 is an image corresponding to the decorative design P12. In addition, a definite sound is output from the speaker 156.

Here, the decorative design P12 shown in FIG. 40 (e) is temporarily stopped at the chance. Here, the chance eye is an aspect in which the decorative symbol P12 is stopped and displayed in a specific combination (for example, a combination of different symbols of the same color), and is an aspect of a notice effect.
In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 40 (d), when the central symbol in the decorative symbol P12 is temporarily stopped and expected to stop at the chance, a whiteout effect is used. Is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 40D and the like, in the case where the decorative design P12 is displayed over the background P11 that is a single color image, the decorative design P12 may be displayed in a manner that is difficult to visually recognize.

[Others]
Now, the execution mode of the introduction effect may be changed according to the degree of expectation. For example, the higher the degree of expectation, the longer the execution time (scale) of the introduction effect may be. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 may be varied depending on the degree of expectation. Further, the horizontal image P26 displayed on the image display unit 114 or the like may be varied depending on the degree of expectation. For example, the horizontal image P26 may have different colors depending on whether the degree of expectation is high or low.

  Similarly, the execution mode of the blackout effect may be changed according to the degree of expectation. For example, the higher the degree of expectation, the longer the execution time (scale) of the blackout effect may be. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 may be varied depending on the degree of expectation. Further, the background P11 displayed on the image display unit 114 or the like may be varied for each expectation.

  Here, the execution time (scale) of the introduction effect is a short time. For example, the execution time of the introduction effect is shorter than the execution time of the blackout effect. Specifically, the execution time of the introduction effect is not more than half of the execution time of the blackout effect, more preferably not more than 1/10. The execution time of the blackout effect may be shorter than the time from the start of the symbol variation to the introduction effect.

  Further, unlike the above description, each of the hold display P13, the right-handed display P19, the fourth symbol P23, and the hold number display P24 is displayed on the image display unit 114 or the like when the introduction effect is executed. Alternatively, it may be an aspect that does not display.

  Further, it has been described that the movable accessory 115 is turned off and stopped when the introduction effect is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the movable accessory 115 may be lit and moved. Further, it has been described that the panel lamp 116 is turned off when the introduction effect is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the panel lamp 116 may be lit.

  In the above description, it has been described that the light emission mode of the panel lamp 116 is controlled in the introduction effect shown in FIG. 36B and the blackout effect shown in FIG. Here, the frame lamp 157 (see FIG. 1) may be controlled in the same manner as the panel lamp 116. For example, the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 may be turned off in the introduction effect shown in FIG. 36 (b) and the blackout effect shown in FIG. 36 (c).

  In the above description, the blackout effect is described by using the background P11 as a single color image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a monochromatic image that covers the entire image display area of the image display unit 114 may be displayed on the layer above the decorative design P12. As a result, the monochromatic image is displayed so that it can be seen in front of the background P11 and the decorative pattern P12.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the aspect which displays a character image on the image display part 114 one by one after completion | finish of a blackout effect as another example of a high expectation degree effect may be sufficient. That is, the aspect which suggests that expectation is higher than the case where this effect is not performed by performing the effect which this character image displays in order may be sufficient.

  Further, the probability that the music output from the speaker 156 changes after the blackout effect may be set according to the variation time. Specifically, when a long special symbol variation time is set, the music may be set to change more easily after the blackout effect than when a short special symbol variation time is set. By setting in this way, it is possible to execute an effect with a long special symbol variation time and to increase the player's expectation.

  In the above description, although the description has been given of the production of the sound that is executed in the case of symbol variation, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, in the case of a big hit game, for example, during the round of the big prize opening 125, the sound effect as described above may be executed. For example, in the case of a jackpot game, when a falling lottery for ending the probability variation state is performed, and when the winning lottery is won, the mode is shifted to the normal mode. The sound output from may be changed. In other words, the falling may be notified by sound output from the speaker 156.

In addition, the above-described embodiments and modifications can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine that displays a lottery result when a game medium is inserted in a combination of symbols when a plurality of reels are stopped.
Moreover, although various embodiment and modification were demonstrated above, you may naturally comprise combining these embodiment and modification.
Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

100 ... Pachinko machine (an example of a game machine)
114 ... Image display section (an example of image display means)
115 ... Movable accessory (an example of a light emitter)
156 ... Speaker (an example of sound output means)
200: Game control unit (an example of special game determination means)

Claims (2)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player by establishing a predetermined condition;
Based on the determination result by the special game determination unit, after changing the symbol, the symbol display unit to stop display in a manner showing the determination result;
Sound output means for outputting sound;
Image display means for displaying an image on the screen;
A light-emitting body provided around the screen of the image display means and capable of emitting light;
The image display means displays a predetermined image in a predetermined period after the start of the change of the symbol, performs a change display and a stop display of the effect symbol along with the change display and stop display of the symbol by the symbol display means,
The sound output means outputs a first effect sound during the variation of the symbol, outputs a notification sound notifying that the predetermined period is started, and suppresses the volume of the sound output by the sound output means. Maintaining the state for the predetermined period, outputting a second effect sound different from the first effect sound after the end of the predetermined period,
The light emitter is maintained in a darker state in the predetermined period than before the predetermined period starts ,
In the case where it is determined that the special game is to be executed, after the second effect sound is output after the end of the predetermined period, the sound output means outputs a specific sound along with the stop display of the symbol, The image display means stops and displays the effect design,
When it is determined not to execute the special game, after the second effect sound is output after the end of the predetermined period, the sound output means outputs the specific sound along with the stop display of the symbol. The game machine , wherein the image display means stops and displays the effect design in a state where the volume of the sound is suppressed . Special game determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player by establishing a predetermined condition;
Based on the determination result by the special game determination unit, after changing the symbol, the symbol display unit to stop display in a manner showing the determination result;
Sound output means for outputting sound;
Image display means for displaying an image on the screen;
A light-emitting body provided around the screen of the image display means and capable of emitting light;
The image display means displays a predetermined image in a predetermined period after the start of the change of the symbol, performs a change display and a stop display of the effect symbol along with the change display and stop display of the symbol by the symbol display means,
The sound output means outputs a first effect sound during the variation of the symbol, outputs a notification sound notifying that the predetermined period is started, and suppresses the volume of the sound output by the sound output means. Maintaining the state made for the predetermined period, outputting the first effect sound again after the end of the predetermined period,
The light emitter is maintained in a darker state in the predetermined period than before the predetermined period starts ,
In the case where it is determined that the special game is to be executed, after the first effect sound is output after the end of the predetermined period, the sound output means outputs a specific sound along with the stop display of the symbol, The image display means stops and displays the effect design,
When it is determined not to execute the special game, after the first effect sound is output after the end of the predetermined period, the sound output means outputs the specific sound along with the stop display of the symbol. The game machine , wherein the image display means stops and displays the effect design in a state where the volume of the sound is suppressed .

Images