JP6497554B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that suggests in advance that a specific event may occur.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine that suggests in advance that a specific event may occur is known. The gaming machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228867 is a first predetermined number of special figure changing game that a big hit is reached when a reach occurs in a special figure changing display game executed at a first predetermined number of times after the end of the big hit. This is suggested in the special figure change display game of the first notice number of times executed earlier than that.

JP 2012-115350 A

  However, the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1 only performs a predetermined effect according to the result of the jackpot determination in the first predetermined number of special figure fluctuation display game, and the first predetermined number of special figure fluctuations. If no reach occurs in the display game, it will not be a big hit. In other words, the gaming machine has an effect that suggests to the player in advance the content of the effect executed in the first predetermined number of special figure change display game in the first notice number change display game. I'm just going. For example, by executing the special figure variation display game for the first number of times of advance notice, it is not easy to be notified of a result advantageous to the player in the first special number variation display game for the first number of times. As described above, the conventional gaming machine has a problem in that there is a limit to improving the player's expectation toward the notified timing.

  An object of this invention is to provide the gaming machine which can perform the production | presentation which improves a player's expectation aiming at the timing designated beforehand.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention is for determining whether or not to execute a jackpot game in response to one or a plurality of start ports provided on a game board and winning of a game ball to the start port. Random number acquisition means for acquiring one or a plurality of random numbers including a jackpot random number, random number storage means for storing the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means, and the random number stored by the random number storage means is a predetermined random value Determination means for determining whether or not, a notification effect execution means for executing a notification effect for notifying a determination result by the determination means by performing at least one variation display for changing the design, and the random number acquisition means And pre-read information that is information based on a pending random number that is the random number that has not been notified by the notification effect yet is determined by the determination means. An information acquisition unit that acquires the pending random number before the determination by the determination unit is executed, and the notification effect is executed a plurality of times in response to the establishment of a predetermined start condition, whereby the variable display is predetermined. A setting means for setting a specific game mode which is a specific game mode to be executed once, and when the specific game mode is set by the setting means, at least one of the variable displays of the predetermined time in the specific game mode. When the specific prefetch information, which is the specific prefetch information, is acquired by the information acquisition means during the specific game mode, the specifying means for specifying the variable display before the start of the specific game mode, and the specific prefetch information The change executed in the notification effect corresponding to the reserved random number stored by the random number storage means at the time when is acquired. The number of times of change, which is the number of times of display, is determined according to the specific game mode from the time when the specific prefetch information is acquired until the time of the time of the change being specified by the specifying means. Determining means for determining the number of times equal to the specified number of fluctuations.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the change display of the symbol is performed at least once in the notification effect. And the specific game mode which performs a variable display in multiple times according to establishment of a predetermined start condition is set. When the specific game mode is set, at least one of the variable displays scheduled to be executed in the specific game mode is randomly specified by the specifying means. When the specific prefetch information is acquired during the specific game mode, the number of times of the variable display in the notification effect executed for the hold random number is the variable display of the number of times specified by the specifying means from the time when the specific prefetch information is acquired. It is determined to be equal to the number of times of variable display determined by the above. For this reason, the gaming machine according to the present invention performs an unprecedented effect such as executing a variable display of a notification effect corresponding to the reserved random number related to the specific prefetch information in the variable display of the times specified by the specifying means. realizable. Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present invention can execute an effect that improves the player's expectation aiming at a timing specified in advance.

  The gaming machine has a designated timing indicating how many times of the predetermined number of the variable displays in the specific game mode are specified, and a specified number of times indicating the number of the variable displays specified in the specific game mode There may be provided designated pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of designated pattern data defining the above. The specifying means may select any one of a plurality of types of the specified pattern data, and specify the specified timing and the specified number of times in the specific game mode based on the selected specified pattern data.

  Since the designated pattern storage unit stores a plurality of types of designated pattern data, the designation unit can perform designations with variations in designation timing and number of designations based on the designation pattern. For example, the gaming machine can specify in the next specific game mode with a specification timing and a specified number of times different from the previous specific game mode. In this case, although the specified timing and the specified number of times in the specific game mode are different between the previous time and the current time, the change display of the notification effect corresponding to the specific hold random number may be executed in the change display of the time specified in advance. Therefore, the gaming machine can give the player an unexpectedness. In this way, the gaming machine determines how the game is realized in such a manner that the change display of the notification effect corresponding to the specific reserved random number is executed in the change display of the number of times designated in advance. It can be difficult to grasp at first glance. As a result, the gaming machine can make the player interested in the specific game mode and increase the player's willingness to continue the game.

  The gaming machine has a display area corresponding to each of the variable display of the predetermined number of times in the specific game mode, and the display mode of the display area corresponding to the execution of the variable display in the specific game mode A display means that changes to a display mode different from the display mode before execution of the variable display, and the display area corresponding to the variable display of the number of times specified by the specifying means is specified differently from the other display areas You may provide the designated fluctuation | variation display control means displayed on the aspect.

  In this case, the gaming machine includes display means having a display area corresponding to each of the variable displays in the specific game mode. In the display means, the display area of the corresponding display area sequentially changes in accordance with the execution of the variable display in the specific game mode, so that the gaming machine can make the player visually recognize the progress of the specific game mode. Further, the gaming machine displays the display area corresponding to the variable display of the number of times designated by the designation means in a specific mode different from other display areas on the display means before the start of the specific game mode. For this reason, the gaming machine can cause the player to recognize the change display of the number of times specified by the specifying means before the start of the specific game mode. The gaming machine can also recognize the progress of the specific game mode for the time designated by the designation means. For this reason, the gaming machine can sequentially increase the player's expectation using the visual effect toward the time designated by the designation means in the specific game mode.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration of a fluctuation meter 30. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the 1st jackpot relation information storage area of RAM52. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a variation pattern determination table stored in a ROM 53. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a scenario variation pattern table stored in a ROM 53. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the 1st mistake scenario table memorize | stored in ROM53. 4 is a flowchart of main processing performed in the main board 41. It is a flowchart of the special symbol process performed in the main process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol process performed in the main process. It is a flowchart of the special symbol process performed in the main process. It is a flowchart of the random-number prefetch process performed in a special symbol process. It is a flowchart of the fluctuation pattern determination process performed in special symbol processing. It is a flowchart of the game state transition process performed in a special symbol process. It is a flowchart of the special electric accessory process performed in the main process. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation meter 30 in a prediction area | region display effect. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation meter 30 and the display screen 28 in case symbol fluctuation | variation is performed in prediction mode. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a prediction mode effect and a color change effect. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the prediction pattern determination table memorize | stored in ROM583. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a variation count determination table stored in a ROM 583. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a color change pattern determination table stored in a ROM 583. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of sub control board processing performed in a sub control board 58; 4 is a flowchart of sub control board processing performed in a sub control board 58; It is a flowchart of the color change effect control process performed in a sub control board | substrate process. It is a flowchart of the alerting | reporting effect control process performed in a sub control board | substrate process. It is a flowchart of the fixed display control process performed in a sub control board | substrate process. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation meter 30 and the display screen 28 in execution of prediction mode production. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation meter 30 and the display screen 28 in execution of prediction mode production. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation meter 30 and the display screen 28 in execution of prediction mode production.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine 1 which is a first embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a game board 2 is provided in the upper half of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 has a plate shape with a substantially square shape when viewed from the front (see FIG. 2), and the front surface is protected by a front frame 10 holding a transparent glass plate. An upper plate 5 is provided at the lower part of the game board 2. The upper plate 5 supplies metal game balls to the game ball launcher 37 (see FIG. 4) and receives prize balls. On the upper surface of the upper plate 5, an operation button 9 that is operated by a player is provided. A lower plate 6 for receiving a prize ball is provided immediately below the upper plate 5. On the right side of the lower plate 6, a launch handle 7 for adjusting the launch strength of the game ball is provided. The launch handle 7 is provided so that the player can rotate the game handle. When the player rotates the launch handle 7 and performs the launch operation, the game ball launching device has a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 7. A game ball is fired by 37. Speakers 48 are respectively provided at the left and right corners of the upper portion of the front frame 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by a guide rail 3 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. The guide rail 3 is formed on the left side of the game area 4. A center ornament 8 for performing various effects is provided at the approximate center of the game area 4. The game balls launched by the game ball launching device 37 are guided to the game area 4 by the guide rail 3 and flow down in the game area 4. A game ball that has been launched with a firing strength that is greater than or equal to a predetermined strength flows down the left side of the center ornament 8 (see, for example, the arrow 21 in FIG. 2). Flow down on the right side (see, for example, arrow 22 in FIG. 2). Hereinafter, launching a game ball as indicated by an arrow 21 is referred to as “left-handed”, and launching a game ball as indicated by an arrow 22 is referred to as “right-handed”.

  The center decoration 8 mainly includes a display screen 28, a warp passage 31, a stage 32, a fluctuation meter 30, and a special winning opening 16. The display screen 28 is arranged in the approximate center at the top of the center decoration 8. The display screen 28 is configured by arranging three 7-segment displays side by side in the left-right direction, and can display various numbers, characters, and the like. In particular, the display screen 28 displays an effect symbol 80 (see FIG. 18), which is an effect symbol for notifying the player of the result of the jackpot determination. The pachinko machine 1 displays a symbol variation that fluctuates a plurality (three in the present embodiment) of the effect symbols 80, and then executes a notification effect that confirms and displays the combination of the effect symbols 80 indicating the result of the jackpot determination. The player is notified of the result of the jackpot determination. In the present embodiment, the combination of effect symbols 80 indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is a combination of three effect symbols 80 indicating the same number such as “777” and “222”, for example. In addition, the combination of the production symbols 80 indicating that the result of the jackpot determination is out of place is a combination in which three production symbols 80 indicating the same number such as “767” and “143” are not arranged.

  The warp passage 31 is provided in the center decoration 8 on the lower left side of the display screen 28. The warp passage 31 is a passage for guiding a part of the game ball that is left-handed and flows down the left side of the center decoration 8 from the outside to the inside of the center decoration 8. The warp passage 31 includes a warp inlet 311, a passage portion 312, and a warp outlet 313. The warp inlet 311 is provided substantially at the center on the left side of the center ornament 8, and a part of the game ball flowing down the left side of the center ornament 8 can be received in the warp passage 31. The passage portion 312 extends from the warp inlet 311 while being inclined downward to the right, and forms a passage for game balls that have entered from the warp inlet 311. The warp outlet 313 is provided at the end of the passage portion 312 opposite to the end where the warp inlet 311 is provided, and the game ball that has passed through the passage portion 312 is moved to the upper part of the stage 32 to be described later or to the front of the stage 32. Discharge towards.

  The stage 32 is a surface portion that extends in the front-rear direction and is capable of rolling the game ball discharged from the warp outlet 313 in the left-right direction. The game balls discharged from the warp outlet 313 to the upper part of the stage 32 are discharged to the front of the stage 32 after rolling the upper part of the stage 32 in the horizontal direction.

  The fluctuation meter 30 is an electrical decoration member imitating the numeral “8”, which is disposed in the approximate center of the center ornament 8. The upper half of the fluctuation meter 30 is provided so as to surround the display screen 28. The lower half portion of the fluctuation meter 30 is provided so as to surround the stage 32.

  The special winning opening 16 is provided in the center decoration 8 at the lower right of the display screen 28. The special winning opening 16 includes an opening / closing member 161 that is electrically opened and closed by a solenoid. Only when the opening / closing member 161 is in the open state, the entrance of the grand prize opening 16 is opened, and the game ball can win the big prize opening 16. A special area 162 having an opening / closing member (not shown) that is electrically opened / closed by a solenoid is provided inside the special winning opening 16, and the game ball is only in an open state where the opening / closing member is opened. Can pass through the specific area 162. The game ball that has won the big prize opening 16 passes through the specific area 162 or a non-specific area (not shown) provided inside the big prize opening 16, and is then discharged to the outside of the gaming area 4.

  In the game area 4, the first start port 14 is provided in the approximate center of the area surrounded by the lower half portion of the fluctuation meter 30. A left out port 34 and a right out port 35 are provided below the first start port 14 and on the left and right sides of the lower end portion of the region surrounded by the lower half portion of the fluctuation meter 30. A part of the game ball guided to the inside of the center ornament 8 through the warp passage 31 can win the first starting port 14. The game balls that flow down the area surrounded by the lower half of the variation meter 30 in the game area 4 without winning the first start opening 14 pass through the left out opening 34 and the right out opening 35, and then the game area 4 is discharged to the outside.

  A normal symbol operating gate 12 is provided on the lower right side of the center ornament 8. A second starting port 15 is provided diagonally to the left of the normal symbol operating gate 12. The second starting port 15 includes an opening / closing member 151 as an ordinary electric accessory (an accessory that changes the size of the entrance of the winning opening based on the result of the normal hit determination described later), and the opening / closing member 151 is opened. Only in the state, the entrance of the second start opening 15 is opened, and the game ball can win the second start opening 15. The opening / closing member 151 is electrically opened and closed by a solenoid. The second starting port 15 can win game balls even in a closed state in which the opening / closing member 151 is closed, and the opening of the opening / closing member 151 makes it easier for the game balls to win than in the closed state. It may be a configuration.

  In addition to the above, the game area 4 is provided with a lower outlet 36, various electric lamps, a winning opening, a windmill, a game nail, and the like. Among the game balls that flow down outside the center ornament 8, the game balls that have flowed down to the bottom of the game area 4 without winning any of the second start port 15, the big winning port 16, and other winning ports After passing through the mouth 36, it is discharged to the outside of the game area 4.

  In the lower right part of the game board 2, a symbol display unit 24 for displaying the result of jackpot determination, the number of reserved balls, and the like is provided. The symbol display unit 24 includes a first special symbol display unit, a second special symbol display unit, a normal symbol display unit, a first special symbol memory number display LED, a second special symbol memory number display LED, and a normal symbol memory number display LED. Prepare. Each of the first special symbol display unit and the second special symbol display unit includes one 7-segment LED, and displays a first special symbol and a second special symbol indicating the results of the first jackpot determination and the second jackpot determination. Hereinafter, when the first jackpot determination and the second jackpot determination are collectively referred to, or when neither is specified, it is also referred to as a jackpot determination. The normal symbol display unit displays the result of the normal hit determination by turning on and off the LED. The first special symbol memory number display LED and the second special symbol memory number display LED display a special symbol reserved ball number which is the number of game balls for which the result of the jackpot determination is not yet displayed. The normal symbol memory number display LED displays the number of normal symbol holding balls, which is the number of game balls whose normal hit determination result is not yet displayed.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the detailed structure of the fluctuation | variation meter 30 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the fluctuation meter 30 includes six members, which are the upper segment 301, the upper right segment 302, the lower right segment 303, the lower segment 304, the lower left segment 305, and the upper left segment 306 that constitute the outer periphery of the variation meter 30. Is provided. Each of the upper segment 301 and the lower segment 304 is divided into nine display areas. The interiors of the upper right segment 302, lower right segment 303, lower left segment 305, and upper left segment 306 are each divided into eight display areas. In this manner, the fluctuation meter 30 includes 50 display areas indicated by numbers (1) to (50) in FIG. Each of the 50 display areas is hereinafter referred to as a “meter area”. Note that the numbers (1) to (50) in FIG. 3 are given to indicate individual positions of the respective meter areas, and (1) To (50) are not attached. A light emitting member (for example, a full color LED) is provided in each meter area, and each meter area can be independently displayed with a different color and lighting mode (lighting / extinguishing / flashing, etc.). Hereinafter, the numbers (1) to (50) assigned to each meter area are also referred to as “area numbers”.

  The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment displays one or more symbol variations in one notification effect. The pachinko machine 1 changes the display mode of one meter region corresponding to the symbol variation among the fifty meter regions of the variation meter 30 every time the symbol variation is displayed once in the prediction mode described later. It is changed to a display mode different from that before the change is displayed. The change of the display mode of the meter area is performed in order from the meter area having the smallest area number among (1) to (50) according to the progress of the prediction mode. In the following, each meter area, such as “1 meter area” as the meter area with the area number (1), and “meter area (2)” as the meter area with the area number (2). .

  Next, a game flow in the pachinko machine 1 will be schematically described. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a big hit game and a normal hit game. In the pachinko machine 1, when it is determined that the jackpot is “big hit”, a jackpot game is performed in which the open / close member 161 of the big prize opening 16 is opened a predetermined number of times in a predetermined time. Hereinafter, the total number of times that the opening and closing member 161 is opened during a single jackpot game is referred to as “number of rounds”. In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the jackpot is “big hit”, a jackpot game of a predetermined number of rounds (“10” in the present embodiment) is executed, and the specific area 162 is opened in the final round. In the present embodiment, the special winning opening 16 is provided in the right part of the center decoration 8 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, during the jackpot game, it is advantageous for the player to advance the game by hitting right.

  In the pachinko machine 1, the game ball passing through the specific area 162 in the big winning opening 16 during the jackpot game is a condition for causing the probability variation state after the jackpot game is finished. The pachinko machine 1 has a non-stochastic fluctuation state in which the jackpot probability determined to be “big hit” in the jackpot determination is about 1/300 and the probability of about 1/60 on the condition that the game ball passes to the specific area 162 The fluctuating state can occur after the end of the jackpot game.

  Next, the normal hit game will be described. When the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 12, the normal hit determination is performed. When it is determined as “winning” in the normal hit determination, a normal hit game is performed in which the opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 is opened for a predetermined time.

  In the pachinko machine 1, the ratio at which the opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 is opened is a normal ratio, and the ratio at which the opening / closing member 151 is opened is higher than that in the non-temporal state. The short-time state can be generated after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the probability of being determined to be a normal hit in the time reduction state (99/100 in this embodiment) is higher than the probability of being determined to be a normal hit in the non-time reduction state (4/100 in this embodiment). In addition, the maximum opening time of the opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 during the normal hit game is longer in the short time state (4.2 seconds) than in the non-short time state (0.2 seconds). Further, the variation time of the normal symbol is shorter in the variation time in the short time state (2 seconds in the present embodiment) than in the non-time-short state (in this embodiment, 10 seconds). The opening / closing member 151 is released after the normal symbol indicating the hit is fixedly displayed. As a result, it is possible to easily win the game ball at the second start port 15 rather than at the first start port 14 in the short time state. Therefore, it is advantageous for the player to advance the game by hitting to the right during the short-time state. On the other hand, in the non-short-time state, the rate at which the opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15 is opened is lower than in the short-time state, so that the player can move to the first start port 14 rather than the second start port 15. It is possible to easily win game balls. Therefore, during the non-time-short state, it is advantageous for the player to advance the game by left-handed.

  The pachinko machine 1 has a combination of these states, “non-probability variation non-short state” (hereinafter referred to as “normal state”), “probability variation short state” (hereinafter, “probability variation short state”), and “ Three types of game states, “non-probability short time state” (hereinafter referred to as “non-probability short time state”), occur after the jackpot game is over. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the pachinko machine 1 may generate four or more types of gaming states including, for example, a “probability variation non-short-time state”. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 may generate two or less types of gaming states.

  The “probability change short state” and “non-probability change short state” are the sum of the number of first jackpot determinations and the number of second jackpot determinations made after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter referred to as “determination times”). When the number reaches the specified number of times (100 times in the present embodiment), the process ends and shifts to the “normal state”. That is, the probability variation state of the pachinko machine 1 is terminated by the operation of a so-called number cut probability changing function when the sum of the number of hit determinations reaches a specified number. The “probability change short state” and the “non-probability change short state” are also ended when the jackpot game is started. In this case, the specified number of counts is cleared. Note that the number of times the probability variation state is continued is not limited to 100 in the present embodiment. Further, the realization of the present invention is not limited to a gaming machine having a frequency cut probability changing function. The present invention can also be realized by a so-called loop type gaming machine in which a probability variation state occurs after the jackpot game ends and the probability variation state continues until the next jackpot game is determined. Note that the pachinko machine 1 may have a configuration of the game area 4 in which it is advantageous for the player to advance the game by left-handed regardless of the game state.

  The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 40 of the pachinko machine 1 mainly includes a main board 41, a sub control board 58, a lamp driver board 46, an effect control board 43, a payout control board 45, a relay board 47, and a power board 42.

  The main board 41 controls the main control of the pachinko machine 1. The main board CPU unit 50 of the main board 41 is provided with a CPU 51 that performs various arithmetic processes, a RAM 52 that temporarily stores data, and a ROM 53 that stores a control program and the like. An interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the main board CPU unit 50. The main board 41 executes a program each time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57. The main board 41 is connected to the sub control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, the output port 55, the first start port switch 72, and the second start port switch 73 via the I / O interface 54. Yes. The output port 55 outputs information of the pachinko machine 1 to a game hall management computer (not shown). The first start port switch 72 detects a game ball won in the first start port 14. The second start port switch 73 detects a game ball won in the second start port 15.

  The sub control board 58 includes a CPU 581, a RAM 582, and a ROM 583, and is connected to the lamp driver board 46, the effect control board 43, the operation buttons 9, and the speaker 48. The sub control board 58 performs comprehensive control such as effects according to the command transmitted from the main board 41. The lamp driver board 46 controls the display operation of the fluctuation meter 30 and the operation of various illumination lamps according to the command received from the sub-control board 58. The effect control board 43 includes a CPU 431 and the like, and controls the display of the display screen 28 in accordance with a command received from the sub control board 58. The payout control board 45 includes a CPU 45a and the like. The payout control board 45 controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 in accordance with a command transmitted from the main board 41, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls.

  The relay board 47 includes a normal electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 69, a special prize opening / closing solenoid 70, a specific area opening / closing solenoid 71, a normal symbol operating switch 74, a special prize opening switch 75, a specific area switch 76, a non-specific area switch 77, and a pattern. The display unit 24 is connected. The ordinary electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 69 opens and closes the opening / closing member 151 of the second starting port 15 during the normal winning game. The big prize opening / closing solenoid 70 opens and closes the opening / closing member 161 of the big prize opening 16 during the big hit game. The specific area opening / closing solenoid 71 opens and closes the opening / closing member of the specific area 162 in the big prize opening 16 in the final round of the big hit game. The normal symbol operation switch 74 detects a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 12. The big prize opening switch 75 detects a game ball won in the big prize opening 16. The specific area switch 76 detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 162. The non-specific area switch 77 detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area.

  The power supply board 42 is connected to the main board 41 and the game ball launching device 37, and supplies DC stabilized power to each board and the game ball launching device 37. The game ball launching device 37 launches one game ball to the game area 4 at regular intervals (0.6 seconds in the present embodiment).

  The first jackpot relation information storage area of the RAM 52 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the configuration of the second jackpot relation information storage area is the same as that of the first jackpot relation information storage area, the description will be simplified. The first jackpot relation information storage area and the second jackpot relation information storage area are used in a special symbol process (see FIGS. 10 to 12) of the main process described later. The first jackpot relation information storage area is provided with a plurality of storage areas. When a game ball wins at the first start opening 14, if the number of the first reserved balls by winning the first start opening 14 out of the special symbol holding balls is less than 4 (0 to 3), the number is small. Random numbers are stored in order from the storage area. In the present embodiment, the number (maximum first reserved ball number) that can hold the jackpot determination and store a random number for the game ball won at the first start port 14 is “4”. The CPU 51 uses the storage area with the smallest number among the random numbers in the storage area that has not yet been processed as a determination area, and performs various processes such as jackpot determination on the random number stored in the determination area. When the process related to the random number stored in the determination area (specifically, the notification effect for informing the determination result and the jackpot game executed when the determination result is a big win) ends, the storage area with the next smallest number Is set as a determination area, and processing such as jackpot determination is repeated. Note that the random numbers in the storage area that has been processed may be deleted as appropriate.

  In each storage area, a first jackpot random number field in which the value of the first jackpot determination counter is stored, a first special symbol determination random number field in which the value of the first special symbol determination counter is stored, and a first variation pattern determination counter A first variation pattern determination random number column is provided in which the values are stored. When a game ball wins the first starting port 14, the value of each random number acquisition counter counted at that time is stored in each column. The first jackpot random number is used for determining the first jackpot. The first special symbol determination random number is used to determine the first special symbol. The first variation pattern determination random number is used to determine a variation pattern indicating the variation time of the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit of the symbol display unit 24.

  In the pachinko machine 1, the variation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is equal to the effect time of the notification effect informing the player of the results of the first jackpot determination and the second jackpot determination. The sub control board 58 controls the notification effect according to the first fluctuation pattern and the second fluctuation pattern determined by the main board 41. Specifically, the main board 41 starts the fluctuation of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol according to the first fluctuation pattern and the second fluctuation pattern. The sub-control board 58 starts the variation display of the effect symbol 80 in synchronization with the start of variation of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol. When the fluctuation time of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol that has started to change ends, the main board 41 displays the changed first special symbol or second special symbol for a predetermined special symbol stop display time. It is confirmed and displayed for 0.8 seconds in this embodiment. The sub-control board 58 confirms and displays the effect symbol 80 in synchronization with the special symbol stop display time. Further, the sub control board 58 executes the notification effect synchronized with the first variation pattern and the second variation pattern not only by the effect symbol 80 but also by various illumination lamps, the speaker 48 and the like.

  The second jackpot relation information storage area is used in a special symbol process (see FIGS. 10 to 12) of the main process described later. Similar to the first jackpot relation information storage area, the second jackpot relation information storage area is provided with a plurality of storage areas. When a game ball wins a prize at the second start opening 15, if the number of the second reserved balls by winning the second start opening 15 out of the special symbol holding balls is less than 4 (0 to 3), the number is small. Random numbers are stored in order from the storage area. In the present embodiment, the number (maximum second reserved ball number) that can hold the jackpot determination and store a random number for the game ball won in the second starting port 15 is “4”.

  In the following description, when the first jackpot random number and the second jackpot random number are collectively referred to, or when neither is specified, it is also referred to as a jackpot random number. Further, when the first variation pattern determination random number and the second variation pattern determination random number are collectively referred to, or when neither is specified, it is also referred to as a variation pattern determination random number. Further, when the first jackpot relation information storage area and the second jackpot relation information storage area are collectively referred to, or when neither is specified, it is also referred to as a jackpot relation information storage area. In addition, the jackpot random numbers that are stored in the jackpot relation information storage area and the jackpot random numbers that are stored in the jackpot relation information storage area are stored together with the jackpot random numbers that are stored in the jackpot relation information storage area. Collectively called a pending random number. The number of first reserved random numbers stored in the first jackpot related area among the reserved random numbers corresponds to the number of first reserved balls. The number of the second reserved random numbers stored in the second jackpot related area among the reserved random numbers corresponds to the second reserved ball number. The RAM 52 is provided with a normal hit relation information storage area for storing a random number acquired when a game ball is won in the normal symbol operating gate 12. The normal hit relation information storage area is configured in the same manner as the big hit relation information storage area.

  The variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the variation pattern determination table includes the type of jackpot determination (first jackpot determination or second jackpot determination), the gaming state at the time of the jackpot determination (normal state, short state with probability change, or short state with non-probability change) ) And the result of jackpot determination (big hit or miss) are provided with a plurality of tables. Each table is assigned a plurality of types of variation patterns, and each variation pattern is associated with a variation pattern determination random number value (0 to 511). When the first jackpot determination is performed, a table corresponding to the gaming state at that time and the determination result is referred to, and one variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern determination random number value acquired together with the jackpot random number is determined. . In the present embodiment, the variation pattern determination table is referred to in order to determine the variation pattern of the notification effect that is executed in a case other than the prediction mode described later.

  The scenario variation pattern table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the scenario variation pattern table defines a variation pattern of a notification effect that is executed during a prediction mode to be described later. When the determination result of the jackpot determination performed in the prediction mode is “big jackpot”, the variation pattern of “big jackpot fluctuation” shown in FIG. 7 is determined. When the variation pattern of “big hit variation” is determined, the pachinko machine 1 displays a maximum of four symbol variations in the big hit notification effect informing that the determination result of the big hit determination is a big hit. When the determination result of the jackpot determination performed during the prediction mode is “out of place”, any one of the fluctuation patterns of “one-time fluctuation A”, “one-time fluctuation B”, and “two-time fluctuation” shown in FIG. The first failure scenario table (see FIG. 8) or the second failure scenario table is determined.

  The scenario fluctuation pattern table stores the fluctuation patterns that constitute the first offshoot scenario table (see FIG. 8) or the second offshoot scenario table. When any one of the fluctuation patterns of “one-time fluctuation A” and “one-time fluctuation B” is determined, the pachinko machine 1 notifies the fact that the determination result of the jackpot determination is out of order once in the off-road notification effect. The pattern variation of is displayed. In this embodiment, the variation time (12 seconds) of the special symbol defined by the variation pattern of “one-time variation B” is longer than the variation time (3 seconds) of the special symbol defined by the variation pattern of “one-time variation A”. . When the fluctuation pattern of “twice fluctuation” is determined, the pachinko machine 1 displays two symbol fluctuations in the off-call notification effect informing that the determination result of the jackpot determination is out of place.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the first failure scenario table stored in the ROM 53 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the first failure scenario table stores a plurality of scenario patterns that predetermine the execution order of 30 notification notification effects in the prediction mode. Specifically, the pattern A is changed from the first time to the first time 30 so that the fluctuation pattern of the first deviation notification effect is “1 time fluctuation A” and the variation pattern of the second time error notification effect is “twice fluctuation”. This is a scenario pattern that prescribes the fluctuation pattern of the miss notification effect until the first time. Similarly, the pattern B and the pattern C also define a variation pattern of the outlier notification effect for 30 times in a different order from the other scenario patterns. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the execution order of the detachment notification effect in the prediction mode as compared with the case where only one scenario pattern is provided.

  The scenario pattern is configured such that 50 symbol variations are performed in total when 30 outlier notification effects defined by the patterns A to C are performed. The execution order of the 30-time deviation notification effects determined by the patterns A to C is configured using the variation patterns stored in the scenario variation pattern table (see FIG. 7). That is, when the deviation notification effect is performed in the prediction mode, one or two symbol variations are performed in accordance with the variation pattern defined by the scenario pattern in one deviation notification effect.

  Each of the 50 symbol variations is associated with each of the 50 meter areas of the variation meter 30. When the prediction mode is started, the change of the display mode starts from the meter area (1) located at the left end of the upper segment 301 in accordance with the symbol variation. After that, the display mode is changed in order according to the number of symbol fluctuation executions, through the upper right segment 302, the lower right segment 303, the lower segment 304, and the lower left segment 305 to the (50) meter area located at the upper end of the upper left segment 306. Changed. When the jackpot notification effect is performed in the prediction mode, the variation pattern of “hit variation” stored in the scenario variation pattern table is determined. When a jackpot notification effect is performed in the prediction mode, a maximum of four symbol variations are performed in one jackpot notification effect. In FIG. 8, a corresponding meter area column indicating a meter area corresponding to the number of symbol fluctuations is provided. This explains that the number of symbol fluctuations is associated with each meter area. Is for. When the first failure scenario table is stored in the ROM 53, the corresponding meter area column does not have to be provided in the first failure scenario table.

  In the present embodiment, a prediction mode for the first round and a prediction mode for the second round are provided as the prediction modes. The first-round prediction mode is started in synchronization with the start of the short-time state. The second-round prediction mode is started after the first-round prediction mode is completed and executed continuously to the first-round prediction mode. The first failure scenario table predetermines the execution order of the 30 miss notification effects in the first round prediction mode.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 8, in any of the patterns A to C, the variation pattern of the 30th miss notification effect is defined as “one variation B”. This is to make the time for executing the prediction area display effect, which will be described later, at the end of the prediction mode of the first round by making the effect time of the 30th miss notification effect longer than that due to “one-time fluctuation A”. This is to ensure. On the other hand, although not shown, the second failure scenario table predetermines the execution order of the 30-time failure notification effect in the second round prediction mode. The scenario pattern stored in the second failure scenario table is configured in the same manner as the patterns A to C of the first failure scenario table except that the variation pattern of the 30th failure notification effect is defined as “one-time variation A”. The This is because the prediction area display effect is not executed at the end of the second-round prediction mode, so that it is not necessary to secure the effect time of the 30th miss notification effect.

  The operation of the main board 41 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The main control of the pachinko machine 1 is performed by a control program stored in the ROM 53. The main process of the control program (see FIG. 9) is executed by the CPU 51 when the CPU 51 senses an interrupt signal generated every 4 ms by the interrupt signal generation circuit 57 (see FIG. 4). Hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is abbreviated as “S”.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the main process is started, a command output process is first performed (S10). In the command output process, a control command is output to the sub control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, and the like. The control command output here is a control command stored in the RAM 52 in the main process executed last time.

  Next, a switch reading process is performed (S11). In the switch reading process, each switch provided in the normal symbol operating gate 12, the first starting port 14, the second starting port 15, the big winning port 16, the specific region 162, the non-specific region, and other winning ports (see FIG. 4). From the detection result, a process for detecting a game ball is performed.

  Next, a counter update process is performed (S12). In the counter update process, the value of the random number acquisition counter stored in the RAM 52 is added, and the value of the special symbol variation time counter that is a timer counter for measuring the variation time of the special symbol is subtracted.

  Next, special electric accessory processing is performed (S13). Although details will be described later, in the special electric accessory processing, the processing for controlling the operation of the jackpot game (mainly the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 161 of the big prize opening 16) and the game state generated after the end of the jackpot game are concerned. Processing is performed (see FIG. 16).

  Next, special symbol processing is performed (S14). Although details will be described later, in the special symbol processing, jackpot determination, determination of a variation pattern, determination of special symbols, transition processing of a gaming state, and the like are performed (see FIGS. 10 to 12).

  Next, ordinary electric accessory processing is performed (S15). In the ordinary electric accessory process, a process for controlling the operation of the normal winning game (mainly opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 151 of the second start port 15) is performed. When it is determined that the normal hit is made during the time reduction state, the CPU 51 opens the opening / closing member 151 longer than in the non-time reduction state. Note that if the time reduction flag is set to “ON”, the CPU 51 determines that it is in the time reduction state.

  Next, normal symbol processing is performed (S16). In the normal symbol processing, a normal hit random number is acquired when the normal symbol operation switch 74 detects a game ball. Based on the acquired random number, processing such as ordinary hit determination, storage of commands for controlling fluctuations in ordinary symbols, and the like are performed. As described above, the normal hit determination is performed with each probability (99/100 or 4/100) depending on whether or not the time-short state has occurred.

  Next, a payout process (S17), an error check (S18), and an information output process (S19) are performed. In the payout process, payout of prize balls is controlled. In the error check, when an error occurs, the error is notified using the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like. In the information output process, various types of information are output to a game hall management computer (not shown).

  Details of the special symbol process (S14, see FIG. 9) will be described with reference to FIGS. First, flags used in special symbol processing will be described. The RAM 52 stores a jackpot gaming state flag, a special symbol display state flag, a probability variation flag, a time reduction flag, and the like. The jackpot game state flag is a flag indicating whether or not the jackpot game is in progress, and “1” is stored and turned “ON” during the jackpot game state, and “0” is stored when the jackpot game state is not set. Is turned OFF. The jackpot game state includes a period from when the jackpot game is started to the opening of the jackpot 16 having a predetermined number of rounds until a jackpot ending time described later elapses. The special symbol display state flag is “1” when either one of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (during change), and when either one is stopped (during stop display) “2” is stored, and “0” is stored when neither of them is changing nor being stopped. The probability variation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the probability variation state is in effect, and “1” is stored in the probability variation state and becomes “ON”. The time reduction flag is a flag indicating whether or not the time reduction state is in effect, and “1” is stored in the time reduction state and is set to “ON”.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the special symbol process is started, it is determined whether or not a game ball is won at the first start port 14 (S41). When the first start port switch 72 provided in the first start port 14 detects winning of a game ball, a flag corresponding to the first start port switch 72 is displayed in the switch reading process of the main process (S11, see FIG. 9). “ON”. If this flag is not “ON”, it is determined that the game ball has not won (S41: NO), and the process proceeds to the determination of S51. If a game ball has won a prize at the first start port 14 (S41: YES), it is determined whether or not the first reserved ball number is “4” (S42). If the first number of reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is “4” (S42: YES), the number of stored balls that can be stored has reached the upper limit, and the process proceeds to the determination of S51.

  When the first reserved ball number is not “4” (S42: NO), “1” is added to the first reserved ball number stored in the RAM 52 (S43). Next, various random numbers are acquired and stored in the storage area with the smallest number among the empty storage areas in the first jackpot relation information storage area (see FIG. 5) (S45). Specifically, the value of the first jackpot determination counter is in the first jackpot random number column, the value of the first special symbol determination counter is in the first special symbol determination random number column, and the value in the first variation pattern determination random number column is The value of the single variation pattern determination counter is stored in the RAM 52. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the determination of S51.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball is won at the second start port 15 (S51). When the second start port switch 73 provided at the second start port 15 detects winning of a game ball, a flag corresponding to the second start port switch 73 is displayed in the main process switch reading process (S11, see FIG. 9). “ON”. If this flag is not “ON”, it is determined that the game ball has not won (S51: NO), and the process proceeds to the determination of S61 (see FIG. 11). If a game ball has won the second starting port 15 (S51: YES), it is determined whether or not the second reserved ball number is “4” (S52). If the number of second reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is “4” (S52: YES), the number of stored balls that can be stored has reached the upper limit, and the process proceeds to the determination of S61.

  If the second reserved ball number is not “4” (S52: NO), “1” is added to the second reserved ball number stored in the RAM 52 (S53). Next, a reserved ball number notification command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the second reserved ball number is stored in the RAM 52 (S54). The reserved ball number notification command is transmitted to the sub control board 58 in the command output process (S10, see FIG. 9) of the main process to be executed next time.

  Next, various random numbers are acquired and stored in the storage area with the smallest number among the empty storage areas in the second jackpot relation information storage area (not shown) (S55). Specifically, in the second jackpot random number column, the value of the second jackpot determination counter (second jackpot random number), the value of the second special symbol determination counter (second special symbol determination random number), the second variation pattern determination counter Each value (second variation pattern determining random number) is stored.

  Next, information about the second reserved random number newly stored in S55 is acquired (prefetched) before the second big hit determination is actually performed on the second big hit random number included in the second held random number. A random number look-ahead process is performed (S56). Thereafter, the process proceeds to the determination of S61.

  With reference to FIG. 13, the random number prefetching process (S56, see FIG. 10) will be described in detail. In the random number look-ahead process, information about the determination result of the second jackpot determination performed on the second stored random number newly stored in S55 (see FIG. 10) is acquired. In addition, a prefetch command based on the acquired information is stored.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when the random number prefetching process is started, the information on the second reserved random number newly stored in S55 is acquired as the reserved random number prefetched information (S131). The value of the second jackpot random number is referred to in the acquired reserved random number prefetch information (S132).

  Next, a determination table according to whether or not a probability variation state has occurred is referred to (S133). Although not shown, the ROM 53 is provided with a low probability determination table and a high probability determination table as tables for performing jackpot determination. The low probability determination table is a table used for jackpot determination in a non-stochastic fluctuation state, and a random number value of a jackpot random number corresponding to each of “big jackpot” and “missing” is defined. The high probability determination table is a table used for jackpot determination in a probability variation state, and random numbers of jackpot random numbers respectively corresponding to “big hit” and “out of” are defined. In S133, when the probability variation flag is “ON”, it is determined that the probability variation state has occurred, and the high probability determination table is selected. When the probability variation flag is “OFF”, it is determined that the probability variation state has not occurred, and the low probability determination table is selected. With reference to the selected low-probability determination table or high-probability determination table, information indicating whether the second jackpot random number referenced in S132 corresponds to “big jackpot” or “out of” is acquired as jackpot random number look-ahead information (S134).

  Next, a prefetch command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the jackpot random number prefetch information is created and stored in the RAM 52 (S135). The prefetch command is transmitted to the sub control board 58 in the command output process (S10, see FIG. 9) of the main process to be executed next time. The process returns to the special symbol process (see FIG. 11).

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the jackpot gaming state is set (S61). If the jackpot gaming state flag is “ON”, it is determined that the jackpot gaming state is in effect (S61: YES), and the process returns to the main process. When the jackpot gaming state flag is “OFF”, it is determined that the jackpot gaming state is not in effect (S61: NO), and it is determined whether either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing. (S62). If the special symbol display state flag is not “1”, it is determined that none of the symbols is changing (S62: NO), and whether one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is in a stopped state or not. Is determined (S63). If the special symbol display state flag is not “2”, it is determined that none of the special symbol display state is being displayed (S63: NO), the process proceeds to S71 (see FIG. 12), and processing such as jackpot determination is performed.

  In the present embodiment, in the jackpot determination, the second jackpot determination is performed with priority over the first jackpot determination. As shown in FIG. 12, first, it is determined whether or not the number of second reserved balls is “1” or more (S71). When the number of second reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is “1” or more (S71: YES), the second big hit determination is performed, which will be described in detail later. When the second reserved ball number is “0” (S71: NO), it is determined whether or not the first reserved ball number is “1” or more (S72). If the number of first reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is “0” (S72: NO), the process returns to the main process.

  When the number of first reserved balls is “1” or more (S72: YES), “1” is subtracted from the number of first reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 (S73). Next, the determination area of the first jackpot relation information storage area (see FIG. 4) is shifted to the storage area of the next number (S75).

  Next, a first jackpot determination is made according to whether or not the state is a probability fluctuation state (S76). In S76, with reference to the state of the probability variation flag, it is specified whether or not the probability variation state has occurred at the present time. The aforementioned low probability determination table or high probability determination table is selected in accordance with the result of specifying whether or not the probability fluctuation state has occurred. With reference to the selected low probability determination table or high probability determination table, it is determined whether the first jackpot random number stored in the determination area shifted in S75 corresponds to “big jackpot” or “missing”. The Thereby, the first jackpot determination based on the undetermined first jackpot random numbers stored in the RAM 52 is performed in the order in which the first jackpot random numbers are stored.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the first jackpot determination is a jackpot (S77). When the result of the first jackpot determination is a jackpot (S77: YES), a first special symbol indicating a jackpot is determined (S78). Although not shown, the ROM 53 determines a first special symbol indicating that the result of the first jackpot determination is a jackpot and a second special symbol indicating that the result of the second jackpot determination is a jackpot. A special symbol determination table is provided. In the special symbol determination table, random numbers of special symbol determination random numbers corresponding to the special symbol are defined. In the process of S78, the first special symbol corresponding to the value of the first special symbol determination random number acquired simultaneously with the jackpot random number stored in the determination area shifted in S75 is determined by referring to the special symbol determination table. Is done. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S111. When the result of the first jackpot determination is out of order (S77: NO), a predetermined first special symbol indicating that it is out of place is determined (S80), and the process proceeds to S111.

  In the second big hit determination, first, the second reserved ball number is subtracted by “1” (S93). Next, a reserved ball number notification command for notifying the sub-control board 58 of the second reserved ball number is stored in the RAM 52 (S94). The determination area of the second jackpot related information storage area is shifted to the storage area of the next number (S95).

  Next, a second jackpot determination is made according to whether or not the probability variation state is present (S96). In S96, it is specified whether or not the probability variation state has occurred at the present time with reference to the state of the probability variation flag. The aforementioned low probability determination table or high probability determination table is selected in accordance with the result of specifying whether or not the probability fluctuation state has occurred. With reference to the selected low probability determination table or high probability determination table, it is determined whether the second jackpot random number stored in the determination area shifted in S95 corresponds to “big hit” or “out of line”. The Thereby, the second jackpot determination based on the undetermined second jackpot random number stored in the RAM 52 is performed in the order in which the second jackpot random numbers are stored.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the second jackpot determination is a jackpot (S97). If the result of the second jackpot determination is a jackpot (S97: YES), a second special symbol indicating a jackpot is determined (S98). Specifically, the special symbol determination table (see FIG. 5) is referred to, and the second special symbol determination random number corresponding to the value of the second special symbol determination random number acquired simultaneously with the jackpot random number stored in the determination area shifted in S95. Two special symbols are determined. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S111. When the result of the first jackpot determination is out of place (S97: NO), a predetermined second special symbol indicating that it is out of place is determined (S100), and the process proceeds to S111.

  Next, a variation pattern determination process is performed (S111). In the variation pattern determination process, one variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern determination table according to the gaming state and the determination result among the plurality of variation pattern determination tables stored in the ROM 53.

  With reference to FIG. 14, the variation pattern determination process (S111, see FIG. 12) will be described in detail. The variation pattern determination process is a process for determining a variation pattern of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. As shown in FIG. 14, when the variation pattern determination process is started, it is determined whether or not the time-shortening state is in effect (S141). This determination is made according to the state of the time reduction flag. When the time reduction flag is “OFF” (S141: NO), the process proceeds to S144.

  When the time reduction flag is “ON” (S141: YES), it is determined whether or not H indicating the value of the jackpot determination count counter is “60” or less (S142). The jackpot determination count counter is a counter that is set in a game state transition process (S128, see FIG. 11) described later, and is stored in the RAM 52. The jackpot determination count counter counts the number of determinations after the end of the previous jackpot game. That is, in S142, it is determined whether or not the number of jackpot determinations continuously executed in the short time state after the jackpot game ends is 60 or less. When the value of H is “60” or less (S142: YES), when the determination result of jackpot determination is out of place, the scenario pattern determined in the gaming state transition process is referred to, and the fluctuation according to the value of H A pattern is determined (S143). When the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the variation pattern of the “jackpot variation” is determined by referring to the scenario variation pattern table (see FIG. 7) (S143). The process returns to the special symbol process (see FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, when the value of H is larger than “60” (S142: NO), the process proceeds to S144. Next, referring to the variation pattern determination table, one of the variation patterns according to the gaming state and the determination result of the jackpot determination is determined by the value of the first variation pattern determination random number or the second variation pattern determination random number ( S144). The process returns to the special symbol process (see FIG. 12).

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, a variation pattern designation command for designating the determined variation pattern is stored in the RAM 52 (S112). The variation pattern designation command is transmitted to the sub control board 58 in the command output process (S10, see FIG. 9) of the main process to be executed next time. The variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol determined according to the determined variation pattern is set in the special symbol variation time counter (S113). “1” indicating that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S114), and the process returns to the main process.

  In addition, in the determination of S62 shown in FIG. 11, if “1” is stored in the special symbol display state flag, it is determined that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing ( S62: YES), it is determined whether or not the variation time has elapsed (S121). When the value of the special symbol variation time counter set in the process of S113 (see FIG. 12) is “0”, it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S121: YES), and the special symbol is stopped in the RAM 52. The command is stored (S122). This command is transmitted to the relay board 47 and the sub-control board 58 by the command output process (S10, see FIG. 9), and instructs to stop changing the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the effect design 80 on the display screen 28. To do. Next, a predetermined special symbol stop display time (0.8 seconds in this embodiment) is stored in the special symbol stop time counter (S123). “2” indicating that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being stopped is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S124). Thereafter, the process returns to the main process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S101 that the variation time has not yet elapsed (S121: NO), the process returns to the main process.

  In addition, when “2” is stored in the special symbol display state flag in the determination of S113 (S63: YES), whether or not the stop display time has elapsed according to the value of the special symbol stop time counter set in S122. Is determined (S126). If the value of the special symbol stop time counter is not “0”, it is determined that the stop display time has not yet elapsed (S126: NO), and the process returns to the main process. When the stop display time has elapsed (S126: YES), “0” indicating that neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is changing or stopped is stored in the special symbol display state flag. (S127). Next, a game state transition process is performed (S128), and the process returns to the main process.

  With reference to FIG. 15, the gaming state transition process (S128, see FIG. 11) will be described in detail. In the game state transition process, when it is determined that the game is a big hit, the game is transferred to the big hit game, and when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, various flag controls for terminating the short-time state and the probability variation state are performed. Done.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the gaming state transition process is started, it is first determined whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (S151). In the case of a big hit (S151: YES), a predetermined value (“10” in this embodiment) is set in the R number counter (S152). The R number counter is a counter that counts the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game, and is stored in the RAM 52. Next, the value of H is cleared to “0” (S153). Next, if there is a short time flag and a probability variation flag that are “ON”, the flag is set to “OFF” (S154). That is, during the jackpot game, the gaming state shifts from the probability variation state or the short time state to the normal state.

  Next, a jackpot game start command indicating that the jackpot game starts is stored in the RAM 52 (S155). The jackpot game start command is transmitted to the sub control board 58 in the command output process (S10, see FIG. 9) of the main process to be executed next time. Further, the jackpot gaming state flag is set to “ON” (S156).

  Next, the scenario pattern is determined by referring to the first failure scenario table (see FIG. 8) and the second failure scenario table (S158). In S158, the execution order of the 30-day miss notification effect in the first-round prediction mode is determined by selecting any one of the patterns A to C that are scenario patterns stored in the first miss scenario table. Is done. In addition, the execution order of the 30 miss notification effects in the prediction mode of the second round is determined by selecting any one of the plurality of scenario patterns stored in the second miss scenario table. The CPU 51 selects one scenario pattern from each of the first missed scenario table and the second missed scenario table. This selection may be performed randomly. Further, the selection of the scenario pattern from the first failure scenario table and the second failure scenario table may be performed according to a random value such as a special symbol determination random number. Thereafter, the process returns to the special symbol process (see FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the jackpot determination is out of place (S151: NO), “1” is added to the value of H (S161). Next, it is determined whether or not the value of H is “100” (S162). When the value of H is not “100” (S162: NO), the process returns to the special symbol process (see FIG. 11).

  When the value of H is “100” (S162: YES), it is determined whether or not the probability variation state is being established (S163). This determination is made according to the state of the probability variation flag. When the probability variation flag is “OFF” (S163: NO), the process proceeds to S165. When the probability variation flag is “ON” (S163: YES), the probability variation flag is “OFF” (S164). Next, the time flag is set to “OFF” (S165), and the process returns to the special symbol process (see FIG. 11).

  With reference to FIG. 16, the details of the special electric accessory processing (S13, see FIG. 9) will be described. First, the flag used in the special electric accessory treatment will be described. The RAM 52 stores an open flag, a processing standby flag, and the like. The open flag is a flag indicating whether or not the special winning opening 16 is in an open state. When the opening / closing member 161 of the special winning opening 16 is opened, “1” is stored and becomes “ON”. When the opening / closing member 161 is not opened, “0” is stored and “OFF” is set. The process waiting flag is a flag indicating whether or not the process is waiting before a predetermined processing time elapses from when the entrance of the special prize opening 16 is closed until the next process is performed. During standby, “1” is stored and becomes “ON”, and becomes “OFF” when the processing time elapses. The processing time is set in consideration of the time required for the game ball to pass through the specific area 162 or the non-specific area after winning the winning prize opening 16.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the special electric accessory processing is started, it is determined whether or not the jackpot gaming state is set (S171). This determination is made according to the state of the jackpot gaming state flag. When the big hit game state flag is “OFF” (S171: NO), the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 9). When the jackpot gaming state flag is “ON” (S171: YES), it is determined whether or not the process is waiting (S172). This determination is made according to the state of the processing standby flag. When the processing waiting flag is “OFF” (S172: NO), it is determined whether or not the final round has ended in the jackpot game (S173). This determination is made based on whether or not the value of the R number counter is “0”.

  If the value of the R number counter is not “0” (S173: NO), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 16 is open (S174). This determination is made according to the state of the open flag. When the opening flag is “OFF” (S174: NO), an opening command for opening the opening / closing member 161 is stored in the RAM 52 (S175). The release command is transmitted to the relay board 47 in the command output process (S10, see FIG. 9) of the main process to be executed next time. The big prize opening opening / closing solenoid 70 that has received the opening command via the relay board 47 opens the opening / closing member 161. Next, a predetermined opening time (29 seconds in this embodiment) is stored in the opening time counter (S176). Next, the open flag is set to “ON” (S177).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot round to be executed is the final round (S178). This determination is made based on whether or not the value of the R number counter is “1”. When the value of the R number counter is not “1” (S178: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S179. When the value of the R number counter is “1” (S178: YES), a specific area release command for opening the opening / closing member of the specific area 162 is stored in the RAM 52 (S178). The specific area release command is transmitted to the relay board 47 in the command output process (S10, see FIG. 9) of the main process to be executed next time. The specific area opening / closing solenoid 71 that has received the specific area opening command via the relay board 47 opens the opening / closing member of the specific area 162 for a predetermined time during the final round. The process proceeds to determination of S179.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the big winning opening 16 (S179). If the flag corresponding to the big prize opening switch 75 is “OFF”, it is judged that the game ball has not won the big prize opening 16 (S179: NO), and the process proceeds to the judgment of S182. If the flag corresponding to the big prize opening switch 75 is “ON”, it is judged that the game ball has won the big prize opening 16 (S179: YES), and the number of game balls won to the big prize opening 16 is counted. Then, “1” is added to the winning ball counter of the RAM 52 (S181). The process proceeds to determination of S182.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of winning balls to the special winning opening 16 is “9” or more (S182). When the value of the winning ball counter is less than “9” (S182: NO), it is determined whether or not the opening time has elapsed (S183). If the opening time has not elapsed (S183: NO), the process returns to the main process. In the special electric equipment processing to be performed thereafter, the game is in a jackpot gaming state (S171: YES), the processing is not waiting (S172: NO), the final round is not finished (S173: NO), and the big prize opening When 16 is open (S174: YES), these determinations are repeatedly executed until nine or more game balls are won in the big winning opening 16 or until the opening time elapses (S182: NO, S183: NO).

  In order to close the open / close member 161 of the open large winning opening 16 when nine or more game balls are won in the large winning opening 16 (S182: YES) or when the opening time has elapsed (S183: YES). The close command is stored in the RAM 52 (S184). The close command is transmitted to the relay board 47 in the command output process (S10, see FIG. 9) of the main process to be executed next time. The special prize opening / closing solenoid 70 that has received the closing command via the relay board 47 closes the opening / closing member 161. Next, the predetermined processing time is stored in the processing time counter (S185). The process waiting flag is set to “ON” (S186). The open flag is set to “OFF” (S188), and the process returns to the main process.

  On the other hand, when the processing standby flag is “OFF” (S172: YES), it is determined whether or not the processing time has elapsed based on the value of the processing time counter (S201). If the value of the processing time counter is not “0”, it is determined that the processing time has not elapsed (S201: NO), and the processing returns to the main processing. If the main processing is repeatedly performed and the value of the processing time counter is “0”, it is determined that the processing time has elapsed (S201: YES), and the processing standby flag is set to “OFF” (S202). Next, “1” is subtracted from the value of the R number counter (S203).

  Next, based on the value of the R number counter, it is determined whether or not the final round has ended in the jackpot game (S204). If the value of the R number counter is not “0”, it is determined that the final round has not ended (S204: NO), the process returns to the main process, and in the next special electric accessory process, the big prize opening is again made. The opening / closing operation of the 16 opening / closing members 161 is performed.

  When the value of the R number counter is “0” and it is determined that the last round has ended (S204: YES), a predetermined ending time is stored in the ending time counter that measures the jackpot ending time (S205). In the present embodiment, a prediction area display effect, which will be described later, is executed during the jackpot ending time, which is the time between the end of the final round of the jackpot game and the execution of the next jackpot determination. Next, an ending start command for notifying the sub control board 58 of the start of the jackpot ending time is stored in the RAM 52 (S206), and the process returns to the main process.

  If it is determined in S173 that the value of the R number counter is “0” and the final round has ended (S173: YES), whether or not the jackpot ending time has elapsed based on the value of the ending time counter. Is determined (S191). If the value of the ending time counter is not “0”, it is determined that the jackpot ending time has not elapsed (S191: NO), and the process returns to the main process. If the main processing is repeatedly performed and the value of the processing time counter is “0”, it is determined that the processing time has elapsed (S191: YES), and the sub control board 58 is notified that the jackpot game has ended. A jackpot game end command is stored in the RAM 52 (S192). The jackpot game end command is transmitted to the sub control board 58 in the command output process of the main process to be executed next time. Next, the jackpot gaming state flag is set to “OFF” (S193).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area 162 in the final round of the jackpot game (S194). If the flag corresponding to the specific area switch 76 is “OFF”, it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the specific area 162 (S194: NO), and the process proceeds to S196. If the flag corresponding to the specific area switch 76 is “ON”, it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 162 (S194: YES), and the probability variation flag is set to “ON”. Next, the time reduction flag is set to “ON” (S196), and the process returns to the main process.

  With reference to FIGS. 17 to 19, various effects performed using the variation meter 30 in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, each effect of the prediction area display effect, the prediction mode effect, and the color change effect is performed using the fluctuation meter 30.

  First, the prediction area display effect will be described. The prediction area display effect is performed before the start of the first-round prediction mode and before the start of the second-round prediction mode. As shown in FIG. 17, in the prediction area display effect, some meter areas are designated before starting the prediction mode in the 50 meter areas. And the designated meter area is displayed in a mode different from other meter areas. FIG. 17 shows a state in which seven meter areas (7), (12), (20), (27), (35), (45), and (49) are designated before the start of the prediction mode. . In this case, before the start of the first-round prediction mode, the non-designated meter area is lit in blue and the designated meter area is blinked in yellow. Further, before the start of the second-round prediction mode, the non-designated meter area is lit in pink and the designated meter area is blinked in yellow. By displaying the specified meter area in a specific display mode using a different color and a different lighting pattern from the non-specified meter area, the pachinko machine 1 has the specified meter area as a specific meter area. It is possible to make the player visually recognize that there is something. In this way, the meter area displayed in a specific display mode in accordance with the designation before the start of the prediction mode is hereinafter referred to as “prediction area”. That is, the prediction area display effect is an effect that indicates the prediction area to the player before the start of the prediction mode.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a plurality of prediction area designation patterns including different positions and different numbers of prediction areas in the 50 meter areas, and selects one of the plurality of designation patterns to produce a prediction area display effect. Do. This specified pattern of the prediction area is hereinafter referred to as a “prediction pattern”.

  Next, the prediction mode effect will be described. In the pachinko machine 1, when the prediction mode is started, the display mode of the corresponding meter area changes every time the symbol variation is displayed once. In the prediction mode, a maximum of 50 symbol variations are performed. Every time symbol variation is repeatedly performed in the prediction mode, the display mode of the meter area (1) to the meter area (50) changes in order. In addition, during the prediction mode, the specific display of the prediction area indicated in the prediction area display effect is continuously performed until the symbol variation corresponding to the prediction area ends.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the predictive mode is started and the first symbol variation is performed, the display mode of the meter area (1) changes. Specifically, when the prediction mode is started and the symbol variation has not been performed once, the variation meter 30 shows the same display mode as the prediction region display effect shown in FIG. When the prediction mode is started and the first symbol variation is started, the meter area (1) starts blinking display as shown in FIG. 18A. Note that FIG. 18A schematically shows that the effect symbol 80 is fluctuating by indicating the effect symbol 80 with a plurality of arrows. In this case, in the prediction mode of the first round, the display mode of the meter area (1) that is lit and displayed in blue changes to blue flashing display. Further, in this case, in the second-round prediction mode, the display mode of the meter area (1) that is lit and displayed in pink changes to pink and blinking display. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can make the player visually recognize which is the meter area corresponding to the currently displayed symbol display.

  The effect symbol 80 that has started symbol variation is stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing. FIG. 18B shows a case where the three effect symbols 80 variably displayed in FIG. 18A are stopped at the combination of “772”. In this case, the blinking display of the meter area (1) is completed in synchronization with the end of the first symbol variation after the prediction mode is started, and the display mode of the meter region (1) is the same as that before the first symbol variation. And it changes to something different during the first symbol variation. In this case, in the prediction mode of the first round, the display mode of the meter area (1) that is lit or blinking in blue is changed to a pink lighting display. Further, in this case, in the second-round prediction mode, the display mode of the meter area (1) that is lit or blinking in pink changes to the off mode. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can make a player visually recognize that the display mode of a corresponding meter area changes according to the end of symbol variation.

  Thus, each time the symbol variation is performed, the meter region corresponding to the symbol variation becomes the prediction region as the display mode of each meter region sequentially changes from the meter region (1) to the meter region (50). It approaches gradually. When the change in the meter area approaches the prediction area, the effect that the specific determination result among the determination results of the jackpot determination is easily notified is the prediction mode effect that the pachinko machine 1 executes. In the present embodiment, the specific determination result is “big hit”.

  Details of the prediction mode effect will be described. When pattern A is determined from the first off scenario table (see FIG. 8) in S158 (see FIG. 15), symbol variation is performed once or twice in one notification effect according to pattern A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, in the notification effect executed at the seventh time after the prediction mode is started, the symbol variation is performed twice according to the variation pattern of “twice variation”. The display mode of the meter area (11) and the meter area (12) changes in order as the symbol variation is performed twice in the seventh notification effect. Here, it is assumed that the game ball wins the second start port 15 during the execution of the seventh notification effect, so that the second reserved ball number reaches “4” which is the maximum second reserved ball number. A jackpot determination is subsequently executed for the second reserved random number that triggered the second reserved ball number to reach the maximum second reserved ball number. The notification effect for notifying the determination result of the jackpot determination executed for the second reserved random number is a notification effect executed for the fourth time after the end of the seventh notification effect, and is 11 after the prediction mode is started. This is a notification effect executed for the second time (see the upper part of FIG. 19).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the variation pattern of “big hit variation” is determined, a maximum of four symbol variations are performed in the big hit notification effect. Moreover, the symbol change is performed once or twice in the offending notification effect. When the second reserved ball number reaches the maximum second reserved ball number, four notification effects corresponding to the maximum second reserved ball number are subsequently executed. The maximum number of symbol variations performed in four consecutive notification effects is when the jackpot notification effect is performed once after the deviation notification effect is executed three times by the variation pattern of “twice variation”. is there. In this case, the maximum number of symbol variations performed in four consecutive notification effects is a jackpot notification after the failure notification effect in which two symbol variations are performed according to the variation pattern of “twice variation” is performed three times. This is “10” times when the symbol variation is performed four times in the production (“2” × 3 + “4” × 1 = “10”). In this case, the maximum number of symbol variations performed in four continuous notification effects is referred to as “maximum variation number S”. In other words, when the second reserved ball number is “4”, the value of the maximum variation number S is “10”.

  When the number of second reserved balls is “3”, the maximum number of symbol fluctuations performed in three consecutive notification effects is after the deviation notification effect is executed twice by the variation pattern of “twice variation”. This is “8” times when the symbol variation is performed four times in the jackpot notification effect (“2” × 2 + “4” × 1 = “8”). That is, when the number of second reserved balls is “3”, the value of the maximum variation number S is “8”. When the number of second reserved balls is “2”, the maximum number of symbol fluctuations performed in two consecutive notification effects is a big hit after the deviation notification effect is performed once by the variation pattern of “twice variation”. This is “6” times when the symbol variation is performed four times in the notification effect (“2” × 1 + “4” × 1 = “6”). That is, when the number of second reserved balls is “2”, the value of the maximum variation number S is “6”. When the number of second reserved balls is “1”, the value of the maximum variation number S is “4” when the jackpot notification effect is performed (“4” × 1 = “4”).

  When the second reserved random number is stored in the prediction mode, the jackpot random number look-ahead information is acquired from the stored second reserved random number. When the jackpot random number look-ahead information is information indicating “big hit”, the pachinko machine 1 is based on the value of the maximum number of fluctuations S corresponding to the second number of reserved balls when the jackpot random number look-ahead information indicating “big hit” is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not to execute the prediction mode effect. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 determines whether or not to execute the prediction mode effect depending on whether or not the prediction area is included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the value of the maximum variation number S. Hereinafter, the jackpot random number prefetch information indicating “big jackpot” is referred to as “prefetch jackpot information”, and the jackpot random number prefetch information indicating “loss” is referred to as “prefetch loss information”.

  As shown in the upper part of FIG. 19, the second reserved ball number becomes “4” when the game ball is won at the second start opening 15 during execution of the seventh notification effect, and the second hold corresponding to the winning is made. Suppose that prefetch jackpot information is obtained from random numbers. In this case, the maximum number of fluctuations S is “10”. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the prediction hold is included in the range of the ten meter areas corresponding to the symbol variation executed in the eighth and subsequent notification effects after the prediction mode is started. That is, 10 meter areas from the meter area (13) to the meter area (22) are to be determined. When the meter area (20) is designated as the prediction area in the prediction area display effect, the prediction area is included in the range of the ten meter areas to be determined. Therefore, in this case, execution of the prediction mode effect is determined.

  When execution of the prediction mode effect is determined, the symbol change is executed the number of times corresponding to the change pattern based on the scenario pattern in the offending notification effect. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 18, based on the scenario pattern of pattern A, symbol variation is performed twice according to the variation pattern of “twice variation” in the eighth miss notification effect. The display mode of the meter area (13) and the meter area (14) changes according to the two symbol variations. Further, in the ninth and tenth miss notification effects, one symbol variation corresponding to the variation pattern of “one variation A” is performed. Due to these symbol variations, the display modes of the meter area (15) and the meter area (16) change.

  The eleventh notification effect that is performed next is a jackpot notification effect that notifies the determination result of the jackpot determination for the second reserved random number for which the pre-read jackpot information is acquired. When the eleventh notification effect is started, the number of meter areas up to the prediction area is “4” including the prediction area. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 determines to execute four symbol variations in this jackpot notification effect. Thereby, the display mode of the meter area (17) to the meter area (20) sequentially changes in accordance with the four symbol variations in this jackpot notification effect. Then, when the fourth symbol variation in the jackpot variation corresponding to the meter area (20) is finished, the effect symbol 80 indicating that the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is fixedly displayed. In this way, the pachinko machine 1 adjusts the number of symbol fluctuations executed in the jackpot notification effect according to the arrangement of the prediction area, so that the change in the meter area reaches the prediction area and the jackpot notification Can be synchronized. The pachinko machine 1 can give the player the impression that a big hit has been obtained by the change in the meter area reaching the prediction area.

  Moreover, when execution of the prediction mode effect is determined, the pachinko machine 1 executes a color change effect. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 19, in the color change effect, the display color of the meter area whose display mode changes according to the symbol variation in the prediction mode effect is changed to a specific color within the range up to the prediction area. By executing the color change effect, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's expectation while the symbol variation corresponding to the prediction area is about to be performed. In the present embodiment, even when the jackpot random number prefetch information is prefetch misinformation, a color change effect is performed by satisfying a predetermined condition. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the chance of raising the player's expectation when the change of the meter area approaches the prediction area, and can greatly enjoy the player.

  With reference to FIG. 20, the prediction pattern determination table stored in the ROM 583 of the sub-control board 58 will be described. The prediction pattern determination table is a table used in sub-control processing (see FIG. 24) described later. As shown in FIG. 20, the prediction pattern determination table stores a plurality of the above-mentioned prediction patterns, that is, the prediction area designation patterns. For example, the prediction pattern 1 is a prediction pattern that designates each meter area of (7), (12), (20), (27), (35), (45), and (49) as a prediction area. Prophecy pattern 2. (8) (15) (20) (27) (33) (40) (45) (50) This is a prediction pattern designating each meter region as a prediction region. In the prediction pattern determination table, a plurality of types of prediction patterns having different numbers of meter areas as prediction areas and combinations of meter areas as prediction areas can be stored. The pachinko machine 1 selects one prediction mode for each prediction mode to be executed from among these multiple types of prediction patterns, and displays a prediction area corresponding to the selected prediction pattern in a specific display manner in the prediction area display effect. Display. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can specify the prediction area with various patterns and show it to the player before the prediction mode is started, as compared with the case where only one prediction pattern is provided. That is, the pachinko machine 1 can diversify the prediction mode.

  With reference to FIG. 21, the variation count determination table will be described. The variation count determination table is a table used in a notification effect control process (see FIG. 26) described later. As shown in FIG. 21, in the variation count determination table, the number of meter areas up to the prediction area at the start of execution of the jackpot notification effect is set to a value of K indicating the number of areas that is the number counted including the prediction area. A corresponding variation frequency pattern is defined. The variation frequency pattern defines the number of symbol variations executed in the jackpot notification effect. The four-time pattern is a variation frequency pattern that defines that four symbol variations are performed in one jackpot notification effect. Similarly, the three-time pattern, the two-time pattern, and the one-time pattern are variation frequency patterns that define that symbol variation is performed three times, two times, and one time in one jackpot notification effect. The pachinko machine 1 determines a variation count pattern corresponding to the value of the number of areas K with reference to the variation count determination table.

  The effect mode in the jackpot notification effect is predetermined for each variation number pattern. When the four-time pattern is determined, four symbol variations are continuously executed in one jackpot notification effect. In the first to third symbol variations, after the start of symbol variation, the effect symbol 80 is varied for a predetermined time, and then the effect symbol 80 is stopped in a combination that indicates a deviation. In this embodiment, the predetermined time from the start of the symbol variation to the stop of the effect symbol 80 is about 2 seconds. In the fourth symbol variation, after the symbol variation starts, after the effect symbol 80 is varied for a predetermined time, the effect symbol 80 is confirmed and displayed in a combination indicating a jackpot. In the present embodiment, in the case where a plurality of symbol variations are performed in one notification effect, the stop of the effect symbol 80 other than the fixed display is hereinafter referred to as a temporary stop, and is distinguished from the stop due to the fixed display. To do. For example, in the four-time pattern, the stop of the effect symbol 80 after the first to third symbol variation is a temporary stop.

  When the three-time pattern, the two-time pattern, and the one-time pattern are determined, the specific effect is performed in the remaining effect time in the jackpot notification effect after the number of symbol changes determined as the effect mode. The specific effect is, for example, an effect that suggests that the determination result of the jackpot determination that is notified in the notification effect being executed is a jackpot by setting each display mode of the display screen 28 and the fluctuation meter 30 to a specific mode. is there. Thereafter, the effect symbol 80 is fixedly displayed in a combination indicating a jackpot.

  A specific description will be given taking the lower part of FIG. 19 as an example. The notification effect executed for the eleventh time after the prediction mode is started is a jackpot notification effect. In this case, since the meter area (20) is the prediction area, the number K of areas counted at the start of the eleventh notification effect that is the jackpot notification effect is the meter area (20) that is the prediction area from the meter area (17). ), And the number up to “4” is counted. In this case, the corresponding variation frequency pattern is a four-time pattern. Accordingly, four symbol variations are continuously performed in the jackpot notification effect. The first to third symbol variations are ended when the effect symbols 80 are temporarily stopped in a combination that indicates a loss. In accordance with the execution of the first to third symbol variations, the display mode of the meter areas (17) to (19) changes to a display mode different from that before the symbol variation is performed. Next, the display mode of the meter area (20), which is the prediction area, is changed according to the fourth symbol variation. In the fourth symbol variation, after the symbol variation starts, after the effect symbol 80 is varied for a predetermined time, the effect symbol 80 is confirmed and displayed in a combination indicating a jackpot. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can give the player the impression that the jackpot determination result has been obtained by performing the symbol variation corresponding to the prediction area. In other words, the number of symbol variations executed in each of the miss notification effects executed after the jackpot prefetch information is acquired can be specified based on the variation pattern defined in the scenario pattern. Then, the number of symbol fluctuations executed in the jackpot notification effect corresponding to the jackpot prefetching information executed thereafter is one to four times depending on the fluctuation number pattern defined in the fluctuation number determination table. It can be set to change. By configuring the number of symbol variations to be executed in the notification effect in the prediction mode in this way, the pachinko machine 1 predicts the number of symbol variations to be executed after the jackpot prefetch information is acquired in advance. It can be determined to be equal to the number of symbol variations determined according to the area.

  The color change pattern determination table will be described with reference to FIG. The color change pattern determination table is a table used in a color change effect control process (see FIG. 25) described later. As shown in FIG. 22, the color change pattern determination table defines a plurality of change patterns that are patterns of color changes in accordance with the number of meter areas that execute the color change effect. The change pattern indicates whether the meter area is lit in the green, red, or rainbow display color from the meter area far from the prediction area to the prediction area, or whether the meter area does not change color. It has established. When the execution of the color change effect is determined, the pachinko machine 1 is the color that is the number of meter regions included from the meter region to the prediction region where the display mode is changed first according to the symbol variation in the next notification effect. The number of change target areas is specified. A color change pattern corresponding to the specified number of color change target areas is determined by referring to the color change pattern determination table.

  A specific description will be given by taking FIG. 19 as an example. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 19, when the jackpot prefetch information indicating “big jackpot” is acquired and the prediction area is included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the value of the maximum variation number S, execution of the prediction mode effect is performed. Is determined. When execution of the prediction mode effect is determined, the pachinko machine 1 specifies the number of color change target areas. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 19, when the jackpot prefetch information indicating “big jackpot” is acquired during the execution of the seventh notification effect, the number of color change target areas including the prediction area of the meter area (20) is the meter area. Eight, which is the number of (13) to (20). Accordingly, one change pattern is selected from a plurality of change patterns including “eight patterns” corresponding to the number of color change target areas among the change patterns determined in the color change pattern determination table. The pachinko machine 1 changes the display color of the meter area up to the prediction area according to the selected change pattern. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can raise a player's expectation toward execution of the symbol fluctuation | variation corresponding to a prediction area | region.

  With reference to FIG. 23 to FIG. 30, details of the sub control board processing executed by the sub control board 58 and the effects of the prediction area display effect, the prediction mode effect, and the color change effect executed in the present embodiment will be described. . In the sub control board process, a process for controlling the notification effect by the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like is performed according to the command transmitted from the main board 41. In particular, in the sub-control board processing, each effect of the prediction area display effect, the prediction mode effect, and the color change effect is controlled. The sub control board process is executed by the CPU 581 according to the program stored in the ROM 583.

  First, flags used in sub control board processing will be described. The RAM 582 of the sub control board 58 stores a prediction mode flag, a color change start flag, and the like. As the prediction mode flag, “1” is stored and “ON” is stored when the prediction mode is started, and “0” is stored and “OFF” when the prediction mode is ended. In this embodiment, the short time state is generated after the end of the jackpot game. The prediction mode is a game mode unique to the short state at this time. Accordingly, the prediction mode is started after the end of the jackpot gaming state. In this embodiment, the short-time state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game continues for a maximum of 100 notification effects, but the prediction mode has 60 notification effects after the short-time state is started. It is a game mode that occurs during execution. The first-round prediction mode is a game mode in which 30 notification effects are executed after the time-short state is started, that is, 50 symbol variations are executed. The second-round prediction mode is a game mode during which 30 notification effects that are started after the first-round prediction mode are executed, that is, while 50 symbol variations are executed. As the color change start flag, “1” is stored and “ON” is stored when it is determined that the color change effect is started, and “0” is stored and “OFF” when the color change effect is determined. It becomes.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the sub-control board processing is started, it is determined whether or not a reserved ball number notification command is received from the main board 41 (S211). When the pending ball number notification command has not been received (S211: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S213. When the reserved ball number notification command is received (S211: YES), the second reserved ball number corresponding to the information notified by the reserved ball number notification command is stored in the RAM 582 (S212). The process proceeds to the determination in S213.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a prefetch command is received from the main board 41 (S213). If the prefetch command has not been received (S213: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S215. When the prefetch command is received (S213: YES), the color change effect control process is executed (S214), and the process proceeds to the determination of S215.

  With reference to FIG. 25, the color change effect control process (S214, see FIG. 23) will be described in detail. In the color change effect control process, it is determined whether or not to execute the prediction mode effect. In the color change effect control process, the color change pattern of the color change effect that is executed when the prediction mode is executed is determined.

  As shown in FIG. 25, when the color change effect control process is started, the jackpot random number prefetch information notified by the prefetch command is stored in the RAM 582 (S240). Next, it is determined whether or not the prediction mode is in effect (S241). This determination is made according to the state of the prediction mode flag. When the prediction mode flag is “OFF” (S241: NO), the process returns to the sub-control process (see FIG. 23). When the prediction mode flag is “ON” (S241: YES), the second reserved ball number stored in the RAM 582 is referred to (S242). Next, the jackpot random number prefetch information stored in the RAM 582 is referred to in the process of S240, and it is determined whether or not the referenced jackpot random number prefetch information is prefetch jackpot information (S243).

  When the jackpot random number prefetch information is prefetch jackpot information (S243: YES), a value obtained by adding “1” to the second reserved ball number is stored in the prediction counter (S244). The prediction counter is a counter that is counted in order to determine whether or not the notification effect in which the symbol variation corresponding to the prediction area is performed is stored in the RAM 582. Hereinafter, the value of the prediction counter is indicated as P. The process proceeds to the determination in S245. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, when the scenario pattern of pattern A is selected, the symbol variation corresponding to the meter area (12) is performed in the seventh notification effect after the prediction mode is started. Assume that prefetch jackpot information is acquired in the meantime.

  Next, whether or not the prediction area is included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the value of the maximum number of fluctuations S in the meter area whose display mode is to be changed in accordance with the symbol fluctuation performed after the next notification effect. Is determined (S245). In this determination, first, the maximum number of fluctuations S corresponding to the number of second reserved balls referred in the processing of S242 is calculated. As described above, when the second reserved ball number is “4”, the value of the maximum variation number S is “10”. When the second reserved ball number is “3”, the value of the maximum number of fluctuations S is “8”. When the second reserved ball number is “2”, the value of the maximum variation number S is “6”. When the second number of reserved balls is “1”, the value of the maximum variation number S is “4”.

  The area number of the meter area whose display mode is changed first in the next notification effect performed after the currently performed notification effect is performed, for example, a special symbol stop command from the main board 41 after the prediction mode is started. It can be calculated based on the number of times received. Specifically, a table similar to the first missed scenario table (see FIG. 18) and the second missed scenario table is stored in the ROM 583. Then, the CPU 581 calculates how many times the notification effect currently being executed is the notification effect in the prediction mode based on the number of times the special symbol stop command has been received from the main board 41 since the prediction mode was started. If the number of notification effects currently being executed is calculated, the CPU 581 can calculate the number of notification effects to be executed next time. By referring to the above-mentioned table according to the number of notification effects to be executed next time, the CPU 581 can grasp the area number of the meter area whose display mode is changed first in the next notification effect.

  This will be described with reference to the example of FIG. When the scenario pattern is pattern A, the display mode of the meter area (13) is changed first in the eighth notification effect that is the next notification effect for the seventh notification effect being executed (also in FIG. 8). reference). When the number of second reserved balls at this time is “4”, the meter areas corresponding to the maximum number of fluctuations S are ten meter areas (13) to (22).

  Then, the prediction pattern determined in the process of S226 (see FIG. 24) described later is referred to. Since the area number of the meter area corresponding to the prediction area is specified in the prediction pattern, the CPU 581 can determine whether or not the prediction area is included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the value of the maximum variation number S. . In the example of FIG. 28, since the prediction area is designated by the prediction pattern 1, the meter area (20) that is the prediction area is included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the maximum variation count S. (See also FIG. 20).

  When the prediction area is included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the value of the maximum fluctuation count S (S245: YES), the area number of the prediction area included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the value of the maximum fluctuation count S is Is acquired based on the prediction pattern (S246). The area number of the acquired prediction area is indicated as Y below. The value of Y is stored in the RAM 582. In the example of FIG. 28, the area number (20) of the prediction area included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the maximum number of fluctuations S is stored in the RAM 582 as Y.

  Next, the area number of the meter area whose display mode is changed first in the next notification effect obtained in the determination of S245 is acquired (S247). The area number of the meter area in which the display mode is changed first in the acquired next notification effect is indicated as X hereinafter. In the example of FIG. 28, (13), which is the area number of the meter area whose display mode is changed first in the eighth notification effect next time, is acquired as X.

  Next, “Y−X + 1” is calculated, and the value calculated by the calculation is used as the number of color change target areas. Such a calculation is performed in order to set the number of meter areas including the prediction area as the number of color change target areas. Then, one change pattern corresponding to the number of color change target areas is determined from the color change pattern determination table (see FIG. 22) (S248). In the example of FIG. 28, the calculation result “8” is obtained by adding “1” to the result of subtracting X (13) from Y (20). Accordingly, one of the change patterns is determined from the eight pattern tables of the color change determination table. Here, for example, it is assumed that a change pattern in which five meter areas including the prediction area are green is determined. The determination of the change pattern may be performed by randomly selecting a change pattern corresponding to the number of color change target areas, or a random number for determining the change pattern is provided, and the change pattern corresponding to the random number is provided. May be performed by selecting. The determined change pattern is stored in the RAM 582. Next, the color change start flag is set to “ON” (S249), and the process returns to the sub control board process. On the other hand, when the prediction area is not included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the value of the maximum variation number S (S245: NO), the process returns to the sub control board process.

  Further, when the jackpot random number prefetch information is prefetch misinformation (S243: NO), it is determined whether or not the prediction area is included in the range of the meter area corresponding to a predetermined value smaller than the maximum variation count S ( S251). When the prediction area is not included in the range of the meter area corresponding to a predetermined value smaller than the maximum variation number S (S251: NO), the process returns to the sub control board process. When the prediction area is included in the range of the meter area corresponding to the predetermined value smaller than the maximum fluctuation count S (S251: YES), the range of the meter area corresponding to the predetermined value smaller than the maximum fluctuation count S is targeted As a result, the processing from S246 to S249 is performed. Thereafter, the process returns to the sub-control board process.

  In the present embodiment, as a predetermined value smaller than the maximum number of fluctuations S, when the second reserved ball number is “4”, the prediction area is within the range of “8” meter areas smaller than the maximum number of fluctuations S. It is determined whether or not it is included. When the number of second reserved balls is “3”, it is determined whether or not the prediction area is included in the range of “6” meter areas which is smaller than the maximum number of fluctuations S. When the number of second reserved balls is “2”, it is determined whether or not the prediction area is included in the range of “4” meter areas that are smaller than the maximum variation number S. That is, the number of color change target areas in the case of the pre-read misinformation is set to be smaller than that in the case of the pre-read jackpot information. In this way, by setting the color change target area in the case of the pre-read outlier information to be smaller than that in the case of the pre-read jackpot information, the pachinko machine 1 is a big hit as the display color change starts from the meter area far from the prediction area. Color change effects can be configured to increase the expectation of Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can cause the player to pay attention to the color change effect. Note that the pachinko machine 1 does not determine whether or not the prediction area is included when the second reserved ball number is “1”.

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command is received from the main board 41 (S215). If the variation pattern designation command has not been received (S215: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S217. When the variation pattern designation command is received (S215: YES), the notification effect control process is executed (S216), and the process proceeds to the determination of S217.

  The notification effect control process (S216, see FIG. 23) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the notification effect control process, the control of the notification effect that notifies the determination result of the jackpot determination using the effect symbol 80, in particular, the control of the jackpot notification effect, the control of starting the color change effect, the control of executing the prediction area display effect, etc. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 26, when the notification effect control process is started, the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command received from the main board 41 is stored in the RAM 582 (S261). Next, it is then determined whether or not the prediction mode is in effect (S262). If the prediction mode flag is “OFF”, it is determined that the prediction mode is not in effect (S262: NO), the notification effect is controlled according to the variation pattern (S279), and the process is a sub-control board process (see FIG. 23). Return to.

  If the prediction mode flag is “ON”, it is determined that the prediction mode is in effect (S262: YES), and it is determined whether the color change start flag is “ON” (S263). When the color change start flag is “OFF” (S263: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S266. When the color change start flag is “ON” (S263: YES), the change pattern determined in the process of S248 (see FIG. 25) and stored in the RAM 582 is referred to, and the color change effect corresponding to the change pattern is executed. It is controlled (S264). Specifically, the CPU 581 performs control to change the display color of the meter area of the color change target area with the display color defined in the change pattern. In the example of FIG. 29, the number of color change target areas is calculated as “8” in the process of S248, and a change pattern in which five meter areas including the prediction area are green among the eight patterns is determined. . In this case, as shown in FIG. 29, the display colors of the meter areas (16) to (20) are changed to green according to the change pattern. In this case, for example, for the meter area (20) which is the prediction area, yellow indicating the prediction area and green according to the change pattern are alternately blinked, so that the color change effect is displayed while indicating the prediction area. Can be done. Next, the color change start flag is set to “OFF” (S265), and the process proceeds to the determination of S266.

  Next, it is determined whether or not P indicating the value of the prediction counter is “1” (S266). The value of P of the aforementioned prediction counter is a value obtained by adding “1” to the second reserved ball number in the process of S243. Although details will be described later, “1” is subtracted from P every time the combination of the effect symbols 80 indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination is determined and displayed in response to receiving the special symbol stop command from the main board 41. Is done. That is, when the value of P is “1”, the notification effect to be controlled in the notification effect control process is a jackpot notification effect for the second reserved random number for which the pre-read jackpot information is acquired.

  When P which is the value of the prediction counter is “1” (S266: YES), the number of regions from the meter region to the prediction region corresponding to the symbol variation executed first in the jackpot notification effect controlled this time is calculated ( S268). Hereinafter, the value of the number of areas from the meter area to the prediction area corresponding to the symbol variation executed first in the jackpot notification effect will be denoted as K. The value of K can be calculated based on the value of the meter counter. The meter counter is a counter that counts the number of meter areas whose display mode has already been changed in accordance with symbol variation during the prediction mode, and is stored in the RAM 582. The value of the meter counter at the time when the process of S268 is performed is equal to the number obtained by subtracting “1” from the number of the meter area where the symbol variation is first executed in the jackpot notification effect controlled this time. The value of the meter counter is hereinafter denoted as M. The CPU 581 can calculate the value of K by subtracting the value of M from the value of Y stored in the process of S246 (see FIG. 25). As shown in the examples of FIGS. 29 and 30, the notification effect in which the value P of the prediction counter is “1” is the eleventh notification effect after the start of the prediction mode, and is a jackpot notification effect (see also FIG. 19). . Here, the meter area corresponding to the symbol variation executed first in the eleventh notification effect is the meter area (17). The value of Y is (20) and the value of M is “16”. Therefore, the CPU 851 can calculate the value of K as “K = 20−16 = 4”.

  Next, it is determined whether or not K indicating the value of the number of areas up to the prediction area calculated in S268 is “1” or more and “4” or less (S269). When the value of K is “1” or more and “4” or less (S269: YES), the variation count determination table (see FIG. 21) stored in the ROM 583 is referred to, and the variation count pattern corresponding to the value of K Is selected (S271). As shown in FIG. 30, when the value of K is “4”, the display mode of the four meter areas (17) to (20) changes in accordance with the symbol variation executed in the jackpot notification effect. Is done. When the change in the display mode of the meter area reaches the meter area (20), which is the prediction area, a combination of effect symbols 80 ("777" in FIG. 30) indicating the jackpot determination result in the corresponding symbol variation is obtained. Confirmed display. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 can give the player the impression that a big hit has been obtained by the change in the display mode of the meter area reaching the prediction area. Next, the jackpot notification effect is controlled in accordance with the effect mode defined in the variation frequency pattern selected in S271 (S272). Processing returns to sub-control board processing.

  On the other hand, if K is less than “1” or greater than “4” (S269: NO), it is determined whether or not K is “0” or less (S276). K is “0” or less in a state where the progress of the meter area whose display mode changes according to the symbol variation has already overtaken the prediction area corresponding to the Y value stored in the process of S246. When K is “0” or less (S276: YES), the variation number pattern of the one-time pattern is determined from the variation number determination table, and the jackpot notification effect is controlled according to the effect mode defined in the one-time pattern (S277). ). Processing returns to sub-control board processing.

  In the pachinko machine 1, in a state where the progress of the meter area has overtaken the prediction area, it is notified that the determination result of the big hit determination is a big hit at the timing when the display mode of the meter area located as close as possible to the prediction area is changed. Therefore, such processing is performed. Thereby, even if the progress of the meter area overtakes the prediction area, the pachinko machine 1 can provide an opportunity to notify the jackpot determination result at an early stage after overtaking the prediction area. In this manner, the pachinko machine 1 can maintain the player's expectation for a certain period even when the progress of the meter area exceeds the prediction area.

  On the other hand, K is larger than “4” when the progress of the meter area does not reach the prediction area even if four symbol variations are executed in the jackpot notification effect controlled this time. When K is larger than “4” (S276: NO), the variation number pattern of the four-time pattern is determined from the variation number determination table, and the jackpot notification effect is controlled according to the effect mode defined in the four-time pattern ( S278). Processing returns to sub-control board processing.

  In the pachinko machine 1, even when four symbol variations are performed in the jackpot notification effect, even if the progress of the meter area cannot reach the prediction area, the change in the display mode of the meter area as close as possible to the prediction area Such a process is performed in order to notify that the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot at the timing at which is performed. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can provide a case where the jackpot determination result is notified at a timing at which the meter area several before the prediction area changes according to the symbol variation. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can improve the player's expectation at the stage where the progress of the meter region approaches the prediction region.

  On the other hand, when P indicating the value of the prediction counter is not “1” (S266: NO), it is determined whether or not the variation pattern stored in S261 is “single variation B” (S273). When the variation pattern is not “single variation B” (S273: NO), the notification effect according to the variation pattern is controlled (S279), and the process returns to the sub-control board process.

  When the variation pattern is “one-time variation B” (S273: YES), an off-call notification effect is performed in which the symbol variation is performed once according to “one-time variation B” (S274). Also, in this miss notification effect, a prediction area display effect is displayed for displaying the prediction area designated in the second-round prediction mode before the start of the second-round prediction mode (S275). Specifically, in S226, which will be described later, the prediction area is displayed in a different form from the other meter areas in accordance with the prediction pattern stored as the prediction pattern corresponding to the second-round prediction mode. Thereafter, the process returns to the sub-control board process.

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, it is determined whether or not an effect symbol stop command has been received from the effect control board 43 (S217). In the present embodiment, each command for notifying the effect control board 43 of the start and end of the prediction mode is transmitted from the sub control board 58 to the effect control board 43. Thereby, the effect control board 43 can grasp whether or not it is in the prediction mode. The effect control board 43 controls the display screen 28 to perform a change display of the effect symbol 80 accompanying a symbol change and a stop display of the effect symbol 80. The effect control board 43 transmits a temporary stop command to the sub-control board 58 to temporarily stop the effect design 80 when the effect design 80 is temporarily stopped after performing the symbol variation during the prediction mode. Notify the sub-control board 58. When the temporary stop command has not been received (S217: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S221.

  When the temporary stop command is received (S217: YES), the display mode of the meter area corresponding to the symbol variation where the temporary stop of the effect symbol 80 is performed is changed as described above (S218). Next, “1” is added to the value M of the meter counter (S219), and the process proceeds to the determination of S221.

  Next, it is determined whether a special symbol stop command is received from the main board 41 (S221). If the special symbol stop command has not been received (S221: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S223 (see FIG. 24). When the special symbol stop command is received (S221: YES), a final display control process is performed (S222), and the process proceeds to the determination of S223.

  Referring to FIG. 27, the confirmation display control process (S222, see FIG. 23) will be described in detail. In the confirmation display control process, the effect symbol 80 confirmation display control, the prediction counter control, the prediction mode flag control, etc. Done.

  As shown in FIG. 27, when the fixed display control process is started, the effect symbol 80 is fixedly displayed (S281). Specifically, a command for confirming and displaying the combination of effect symbols 80 indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination is created and stored in the RAM 582. The stored command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 in a command output process (S235, see FIG. 24) described later.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the prediction mode is in effect (S282). If the prediction mode flag is “OFF”, it is determined that the prediction mode is not in effect (S282: NO), and the process returns to the sub-control board process (see FIG. 23). If the prediction mode flag is “ON”, it is determined that the prediction mode is in effect (S282: YES), and it is determined whether P, which is the value of the prediction counter, is greater than “0” (S283). When P is “0” (S283: NO), the process proceeds to S285. When P is larger than “0” (S283: YES), “1” is subtracted from P (S284).

  The change in the display mode of the meter area corresponding to the symbol variation is performed in the case of temporary stop and final display of the effect symbol 80. For this reason, the display mode of the meter area corresponding to the symbol variation for which the final display of the effect symbol 80 has been performed is changed as described above (S285). Next, “1” is added to M which is the value of the meter counter (S285). The process proceeds to determination of S288.

  Next, it is determined whether or not M is “50” (S288). In the present embodiment, 50 symbol variations are performed in each of the first and second round prediction modes. In the determination in S288, it is determined whether or not one of the first and second round prediction modes is completed. If M is not “50” (S288: NO), the process returns to the sub-control board process. When M is “50” (S288: YES), the value of M is cleared to “0” (S289).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current prediction mode that ends when M reaches “50” is the first prediction mode (S291). This determination is made based on C, which is the value of the mode number counter that counts the number of times of the prediction mode. The mode number counter is stored in the RAM 582. If C is “0”, it is determined that the first-round prediction mode has ended (S291: YES), and “1” is added to C (S292). Processing returns to sub-control board processing. On the other hand, when C is “1”, since the first-round prediction mode has already been completed, it is determined that the second-round prediction mode has been completed (S291: NO), and C becomes “0”. It is cleared (S293). Next, the prediction mode flag is set to “OFF” (S294). Thereafter, a prediction mode end command is created and stored in the RAM 582 (S295). The prediction mode end command is a command for notifying the effect control board 43 that the second round of prediction mode has ended. The stored command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 in a command output process (S235, see FIG. 24) described later. Processing returns to sub-control board processing.

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game start command is received from the main board 41 (S223). When the jackpot game start command is not received (S223: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S225. When the jackpot game start command is received (S223: YES), a predetermined jackpot game is started by the jackpot game effect process (S224), and the process proceeds to the determination of S225.

  Next, it is determined whether an ending start command is received from the main board 41 (S225). If the ending start command has not been received (S225: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S231. When the ending start command is received (S225: YES), the prediction pattern determination table (see FIG. 20) stored in the ROM 583 is referred to, and the prediction patterns corresponding to the first and second round prediction modes are determined. Then, it is determined from among a plurality of prediction patterns (S226). The determination of the prediction pattern may be performed by randomly selecting from among a plurality of prediction patterns included in the prediction pattern determination table. In addition, a random number for determining a prediction pattern may be provided, and a prediction pattern corresponding to the random number may be determined for each of the first-round prediction mode and the second-round prediction mode. Predictive patterns corresponding to the determined first-round prediction mode and second-round prediction mode are stored in the RAM 582. Next, in accordance with the prediction pattern corresponding to the determined first-round prediction mode, a prediction area display effect for displaying the prediction area specified in the first-round prediction mode before the start of the first-round prediction mode is executed. (S228). Note that the prediction pattern corresponding to the second-round prediction mode stored here is referred to in S275 (see FIG. 26), and the prediction area designated in the second-round prediction mode is changed to the second-round prediction mode. Used in the prediction area display effect for display before the start of the prediction mode. The process proceeds to determination of S231.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game end command is received from the main board 41 (S231). If the jackpot game end command has not been received (S231: NO), the process proceeds to S235. When the jackpot game end command is received (S231: YES), the prediction area display effect executed before the start of the first-round prediction mode is ended (S232). Next, the prediction mode flag is set to “ON” (S233). Next, a prediction mode start command is created and stored in the RAM 582 (S234). The prediction mode start command is a command for notifying the effect control board 43 that the first-round prediction mode is started. The stored command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 in a command output process (S235, see FIG. 24) described later. The process proceeds to S235.

  Next, command output processing is performed (S235). In the command output process, the control command stored in the RAM 52 is output to the effect control board 43 and the like. Thereafter, the processing returns to the determination in S221 (see FIG. 23).

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1, the symbol variation is performed at least once or twice in one notification effect in the prediction mode. In the pachinko machine 1, the prediction mode of the first round is started in synchronization with the occurrence of the short-time state after the end of the jackpot game. In addition, the second-round prediction mode is started when the first-round prediction mode ends. In each of the first and second round prediction modes, a maximum of 50 symbol variations are executed. The pachinko machine 1 has a variation meter 30 provided with a meter region with region numbers (1) to (50) corresponding to each of the symbol variations, and among the meter regions corresponding to 50 symbol variations, A meter area corresponding to a plurality of symbol variations is designated as a prediction area. The prediction area is designated before the prediction mode is started. When prefetching jackpot information is acquired during the prediction mode, the number of symbol variations to be executed in the jackpot notification effect executed for the second reserved random number for which prefetching jackpot information is acquired is determined. The number of symbol variations executed in the jackpot notification effect is determined by calculating the number of areas K that takes into account the number of meter areas up to the prediction area at the start of execution of the jackpot notification effect. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 can give the player an impression as if the jackpot determination result has been obtained by performing the symbol variation corresponding to the prediction area. The pachinko machine 1 can greatly improve the player's expectation by executing such an unprecedented effect as if a big hit was obtained at a timing specified in advance.

  The pachinko machine 1 has a prediction pattern determination table in the ROM 583 that stores a plurality of prediction patterns, which are specified patterns of the prediction area. The pachinko machine 1 can provide a variation in the designation of the prediction area by selecting one of the prediction patterns having a different number of prediction areas and a combination of the prediction areas from a plurality of prediction patterns. For example, the pachinko machine 1 can select a prediction pattern different from the prediction pattern in the previous prediction mode in the next prediction mode. In such a case, the number of prediction areas and the combination of prediction areas differ for each prediction mode. As a result, since the execution timing of the prediction mode effect differs for each prediction mode, the pachinko machine 1 can give the player an unexpectedness by executing the prediction mode effect. In addition, by providing a plurality of prophetic patterns in this way, how the game characteristics peculiar to the pachinko machine 1, such as being easy to hit big in the design fluctuation of the time specified in advance, is realized, This makes it difficult for players to grasp at first glance. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can improve the player's interest in the prediction mode, and thereby increase the player's willingness to continue the game.

  The pachinko machine 1 has a fluctuation meter 30 having meter areas with area numbers (1) to (50) corresponding to 50 symbol fluctuations in the prediction mode. In the prediction mode, every time the symbol variation is displayed once, the display mode of one meter region corresponding to the symbol variation among the fifty meter regions of the variation meter 30 is before the symbol variation is displayed. Are sequentially changed to different display modes. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 can make the player visually recognize the progress of the prediction mode. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 performs the prediction area display effect before the start of the prediction mode, so that the prediction area corresponding to the prediction mode performed thereafter is set as a display mode different from the other meter areas prior to the prediction mode. Show to the player. Thus, since the prediction mode proceeds after the prediction area is shown, the pachinko machine 1 can make the player easily recognize the progress of the prediction mode with respect to the prediction area. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 can sequentially increase the player's expectation using visual effects toward the execution of the symbol variation corresponding to the prediction area.

  As another example, the gaming machine may display at least a part of the display area corresponding to the variation display of the specified variation number in response to the specific prefetch information being acquired by the information acquisition unit. You may provide the change means which changes the display mode of an area | region into the mode different from the display mode before the said specific prefetch information is acquired by the said information acquisition means. The pachinko machine 1 executes the prediction mode effect in response to the acquisition of specific jackpot random number prefetch information. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can execute the prediction mode effect as an effect that facilitates notification of a specific determination result among the determination results of the jackpot determination. For example, when execution of the prediction mode effect is determined, the pachinko machine 1 executes the color change effect together. In the color change effect, the display color of the meter area in which the display mode changes in accordance with the symbol variation in the prediction mode effect is changed to a specific color within the range up to the prediction area. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's sense of expectation more effectively toward the prediction area using visual effects.

  As another example, the determination unit may determine whether the jackpot is at least a big hit based on the jackpot random number included in the random number stored by the random number storage unit. The specific prefetch information may be the prefetch information indicating that the jackpot random number included in the reserved random number is determined to be the jackpot by the determination unit. The pachinko machine 1 determines whether or not to execute the prediction mode effect in response to the acquisition of the prefetch jackpot information in the prediction mode. For this reason, the number of symbol fluctuations to be executed for the jackpot notification effect executed for the second reserved random number for which the pre-read jackpot information is acquired is considered in consideration of the number of meter areas to the prediction area at the start of execution of the jackpot notification effect. It can be the number of times. Therefore, it is possible to realize a prediction mode effect as if a big hit was obtained in the prediction area, and greatly surprise the player. Further, by executing such a prediction mode effect, the pachinko machine 1 can improve the player's expectation toward the prediction area.

  In the present embodiment, the first start port 14 and the second start port 15 correspond to the “start port” of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the main board 41 that acquires random numbers in S45 and S55 of FIG. 10 functions as the “random number acquisition means” of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the main board 41 that stores random numbers in S45 and S55 of FIG. 10 functions as the “random number storage means” of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the main board 41 that performs jackpot determination in S76 and S96 of FIG. 12 functions as the “determination means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that controls the notification effect in S272, S274, S277, S278 and S279 in FIG. 19 functions as the “notification effect execution means” of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the main board 41 that executes the random number prefetching process shown in FIG. 13 functions as the “information acquisition unit” of the present invention. In S233 of FIG. 24, the CPU 581 of the sub control board 58 that sets the prediction mode flag to “ON” functions as the “setting unit” of the present invention. In S226 of FIG. 24, the CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that determines the prediction pattern corresponding to each of the first-round prediction mode and the second-round prediction mode functions as the “designating means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub control board 58 that determines the variation frequency pattern corresponding to the value of K in S271 of FIG. 26 functions as the “determination means” of the present invention.

  The ROM 583 of the sub-control board 58 that stores the prediction pattern determination table of FIG. 20 corresponds to the “designated pattern storage unit” of the present invention. The fluctuation meter 30 corresponds to the “display unit” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that executes the prediction area display effect in S228 in FIG. 24 and S275 in FIG. 26 functions as the “designated variation display control means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub control board 58 that executes the color change effect in S264 in FIG. 26 functions as the “changing unit” of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, when the second reserved random number is stored in the prediction mode, the jackpot random number prefetch information is acquired from the stored second reserved random number, but the jackpot random number prefetch information is also acquired from the first reserved random number. It may be configured. In this case, the prediction mode effect can be executed only for the first reserved random number, only the second reserved random number, or both the first reserved random number and the second reserved random number.

  In the above embodiment, the prediction area display effect performed before the start of the first-round prediction mode is the jackpot ending time, and the prediction area display effect performed before the start of the second-round prediction mode is the final in the first-round prediction mode. Each is performed during symbol variation. The timing of the prediction area display effect is not limited to this. For example, the prediction area display effect that is performed prior to the first-round prediction mode may be performed, for example, during symbol variation that is first performed in the first-round prediction mode. Moreover, the prediction area display effect performed prior to the second-round prediction mode may be performed, for example, during the symbol variation that is first performed in the second-round prediction mode. The prediction area display effect may be performed prior to the prediction mode, and if the pattern change has not yet been completed since the start of the prediction mode, it is the same as before the start of the prediction mode. Can be interpreted.

  In the above embodiment, the prediction mode for the first round is started in synchronism with the occurrence of the short-time state after the end of the jackpot game. In addition, the second-round prediction mode is started when the first-round prediction mode ends. The trigger for starting the prediction mode is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the second-round prediction mode may not be performed. Moreover, the start of the prediction mode may be after the end of the small hit game. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 may determine a scenario pattern that prescribes a variation pattern of the outage notification effect a predetermined number of times when the small hit game ends, and starts the prediction mode based on the determined scenario pattern. In this way, the pachinko machine 1 can expand the start timing of the prediction mode, set the prediction mode at various opportunities, and improve the interest of the game.

  In the case of the pattern change corresponding to the meter area in which the display color is changed in the color change effect of the above embodiment, a specific sound effect such as “Pui” may be emitted together. In particular, the display mode of the meter area corresponding to the symbol variation in the jackpot notification effect controlled in each process of S277 or S278 (see FIG. 26) is set to a specific mode, or a specific sound effect is generated according to the symbol variation. It is preferable to do. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 can attract the player's interest not only in the symbol variation corresponding to the prediction region but also in the symbol variation corresponding to the meter region near the prediction region in the prediction mode. The pachinko machine 1 can give a player a special feeling.

  In the above embodiment, the prediction pattern corresponding to both the first-round prediction mode and the second-round prediction mode is determined at a time in S226 (see FIG. 24), but the determination timing of the prediction pattern is limited to this. Absent. For example, the pachinko machine 1 may determine a prediction pattern corresponding to the second-round prediction mode before the processing of S275 (see FIG. 26), and may perform a prediction area display effect according to the determined prediction pattern.

  In the said embodiment, the prediction area | region displayed in the prediction area | region display effect is only displayed in the specific display mode in the prediction mode as it is. For example, after the prediction mode is started, another new prediction area may be additionally displayed in addition to the prediction area displayed in the prediction area display effect.

  In the above embodiment, the display color defined in the change pattern in the process of S264 (see FIG. 26) changes the display color of the meter area of the color change target area. It is not limited to this. For example, when the symbol variation corresponding to the meter area whose display color is specified by the change pattern is started, the display colors of all the meter areas included in the meter area to the prediction area are displayed. The color may be changed to the same color. In this case, every time the display color specified for each meter area changes according to the change pattern, the display color from the meter area to the prediction area changes sequentially, so that the player's expectation can be effectively improved. it can. In this case, the timing of changing the display color from the meter area to the prediction area may be at the end of the symbol variation corresponding to the meter area immediately before the meter area.

  All elements described in the claims, specification and drawings (for example, production device, symbol display unit, electric accessory, prize opening, etc.) are physical unless otherwise explicitly limited. These may be single or plural, and the arrangement may be changed as appropriate. Further, the names (element names) given to the elements are merely given for convenience in describing the present case, and there is no particular awareness that a special meaning is caused thereby. Therefore, what is an element is not limitedly interpreted only by the element name. For example, the “display screen” may be hardware alone or may include software. Furthermore, it is easy for a person skilled in the art to determine whether a plurality of elements among all the above elements should be integrally configured as appropriate, or whether one element is divided into a plurality of elements. Since it is clear that all patterns are within the expected range even if not all the patterns are described in the description etc., the statement that they are clearly excluded in the claims etc. Needless to say, all of these are included in the scope of the right according to the present invention. Therefore, merely adopting the difference in configuration within the range to the gaming machine because it is not described in the present embodiment does not mean that the right according to the present invention is avoided. . The same applies to differences in obvious ranges that can be easily considered by those skilled in the art from the present embodiment in the configuration and shape of each element.

1 Pachinko Machine 2 Game Board 14 First Start Port 15 Second Start Port 30 Fluctuation Meter 41 Main Board 51 CPU
52 RAM
53 ROM
58 Sub-control board 581 CPU
582 RAM
583 ROM

Claims (3)

One or more start openings provided on the game board;
Random number obtaining means for obtaining one or a plurality of random numbers including a jackpot random number for deciding whether or not to execute a jackpot game, when a game ball wins the start opening,
Random number storage means for storing the random number acquired by the random number acquisition means;
Determination means for determining whether or not the random number stored by the random number storage means is a predetermined random value;
A notification effect executing means for executing a notification effect for notifying a determination result by the determination means by performing a variable display for changing the design at least once;
Predetermined information, which is information based on the reserved random number that is the random number that has been acquired by the random number acquiring unit and the determination result of the determining unit is not yet notified by the notification effect, is determined with respect to the reserved random number. Information acquisition means for acquiring before the determination by is performed,
Setting means for setting a specific game mode, which is a specific game mode for executing the change display a predetermined number of times by executing the notification effect a plurality of times according to establishment of a predetermined start condition;
When the specific game mode is set by the setting means, designation means for designating at least one of the variable displays of the predetermined display in the specific game mode before the start of the specific game mode;
When the specific prefetch information that is the specific prefetch information is acquired by the information acquisition means during the specific game mode, the reserved random number stored in the random number storage means at the time when the specific prefetch information is acquired. The number of times of variation, which is the number of times of variation display executed in the corresponding notification effect, is set to the specific game mode from the time when the specific prefetch information is acquired to the time of the variation display designated by the designation means. And a determining means for determining the number of times that is equal to a specified number of fluctuations, which is the number of times of the fluctuation display determined accordingly. A designation pattern that defines a designation timing indicating how many times the predetermined number of the variable displays in the specific game mode is designated, and a designated number indicating the number of the variable displays designated in the specific game mode. Provided with a designated pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of data,
The designation means selects any one of a plurality of types of the designated pattern data, and designates the designated timing and the designated number of times in the specific game mode based on the selected designated pattern data. The gaming machine according to claim 1. A display area corresponding to each of the predetermined variation display in the specific game mode, and according to execution of the variable display in the specific game mode, the display mode of the corresponding display area is Display means for changing to a display mode different from the display mode before execution;
2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a specified variation display control unit configured to display the display region corresponding to the variation display of the number of times specified by the specifying unit in a specific mode different from the other display regions. Or the gaming machine of 2.

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