JP6630949B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines that perform a predetermined game using a game medium have been known. For example, a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols, decorative symbols, etc.) capable of identifying each of them and deriving a display result is provided, and a specific display predetermined as a display result of the identification information is provided. A game machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that controls to a specific game state (for example, a big hit game state) that is advantageous to the player when a result (for example, a big hit symbol, a big hit combination decoration symbol, etc.) is derived. ).

  Such a pachinko gaming machine has a plurality of variable prize devices such as a first and a second variable prize device based on establishment of a predetermined opening condition (for example, start of a predetermined round in a jackpot game state) (for example, a large prize). (For example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1 determines which variable winning device is to be closed when the first variable winning device or the second variable winning device is changed to an open state and then closed. Then, control for closing only the determined variable winning device is executed.

JP 2009-305 A

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, when one of the first variable winning device and the second variable winning device is closed, it is determined which one is to be closed, and one is closed based on the determination result. Therefore, the required processing amount was large.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine including a first variable winning device and a second variable winning device, which requires a small amount of processing.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or 1a) capable of playing a game using a game medium (for example, a game ball). A first variable prize means (for example, a lower special variable prize ball device 7B or the like) which can be changed to an open state in which the game medium is easy to win and a closed state in which it is impossible or difficult to win the game medium; A second variable prize means different from the first variable prize means (for example, an upper special variable prize ball device) which can be changed to an open state where the game medium is easy to win and a closed state where it is impossible or difficult to win the game medium. 7A) and the first opening condition (for example, the start of the large winning opening operation period of the lower winning opening, etc.) and the first advantageous control (for example, the opening of the first variable winning means) based on the satisfaction of the first winning condition (for example, , Solenoid output data of FIG. And the second variable winning means is opened based on the establishment of a second opening condition (for example, the start of the big winning opening operation time of the upper winning award). Open control means (for example, control for setting D1 of the solenoid output data table in FIG. 15) for setting the state to the state (for example, by executing step S301A in FIG. 12, the solenoid 82A or 82B is controlled). The first variable based on the satisfaction of the first closing condition (for example, the end of the big winning opening operation time of the lower winning prize opening, etc.) and the CPU 103 for executing the control for opening the used big winning opening door. The first disadvantage control (for example, control for clearing D2 of the solenoid output data table in FIG. 15) for closing the winning means is executed, and the second disadvantage control is performed. A second disadvantageous control (for example, the solenoid output data shown in FIG. 15) that closes the second variable winning means based on the establishment of a chain condition (for example, the end of the big winning opening operation time of the big winning opening). The closing control means (for example, the control for clearing D1 of the table) (for example, the special winning opening using the solenoid 82A or 82B by executing the processing of steps S327 and S328 of FIG. 17A or FIG. 29A). And the like, when the first variable winning means is in an open state, the second opening condition is not satisfied, and the second variable winning means is in an open state. The first opening condition is not satisfied when the first closing condition is satisfied, and the closing control means determines whether the first disadvantage is satisfied regardless of whether the first closing condition is satisfied or the second closing condition is satisfied. Run both control and a second disadvantage control (e.g., CPU 103 are both clear and D1 and D2 of the solenoid output data table by the processing in step S327 and S328 shown in FIG. 17 (A) or FIG. 29 (A) The drive control by the solenoids 82A and 82B is terminated to close the upper winning opening and the lower winning opening, etc.) , and the first closing condition is satisfied and the first disadvantage control and the second disadvantage control are performed. In the predetermined period after the execution of the first variable winning means, even if the winning of the game medium to the first variable winning means is detected, no abnormal winning is made, the second closing condition is satisfied, and the first disadvantage control and the second In the predetermined period after the execution of the disadvantage control, abnormal winning is not determined even if the winning of the game medium to the second variable winning means is detected.

  According to such a configuration, when performing the first disadvantageous control or the second disadvantageous control, it is not necessary to determine which one of the disadvantageous controls is to be performed, so that the required processing amount can be reduced.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1), first opening / closing information (for example, the value of D2 in FIG. 15) for specifying the opening / closing state of the first variable winning means, and the opening / closing state of the second variable winning means. And common storage means (for example, a portion of the RAM 102 for storing the solenoid output data table of FIG. 15) that stores common opening / closing information including second opening / closing information (for example, the value of D1 in FIG. 15) for specifying Wherein the closing control means further includes: the common opening / closing information stored in the common storage means, as the first opening / closing information and the second opening / closing information, closing specifying information (for example, a solenoid output table update mask). The first disadvantage control and the second disadvantage control are executed together by updating using (for example, the CPU 103 performs steps S327 and S328 in FIG. 29A). Etc. Both portions to clear the D1 and D2 in FIG. 15 by executing) may be.

  According to such a configuration, only by changing the content of the closing designation information, disadvantageous control can be suitably achieved in a gaming machine having a different number of variable prize devices, so that the number of variable prize devices can be easily changed. I can do it.

(3) In the gaming machine according to (1), first storage means (for example, RAM 102) for storing first opening / closing information (for example, the value of D2 in FIG. 15) for specifying the opening / closing state of the first variable winning means. Of the solenoid output data table in FIG. 15) and second opening / closing information (for example, the value of D1 in FIG. 15) for specifying the opening / closing state of the second variable winning means. 2 storage means (for example, a part of the RAM 102 for storing D1 of the solenoid output data table in FIG. 15), and the closing control means performs any of the first disadvantage control and the second disadvantage control. Even in the case of executing the processing, the first opening / closing information stored in the first storage means is updated to the closing designation information designating the closed state (for example, the processing of step S327 in FIG. 17A); 2 for updating the second opening / closing information stored in the storage means to the closed designation information for designating the closed state (for example, the process of step S328 in FIG. 17A), thereby executing the first disadvantage. The CPU 103 executes both the control and the second disadvantage control (for example, even when the upper winning hole is closed or when the lower winning opening is closed), the CPU 103 executes step S327 in FIG. The step of clearing both D1 and D2 in FIG. 15 by executing S328) may be performed.

  According to such a configuration, the disadvantage control can be suitably achieved in a gaming machine having a different number of variable prize devices simply by changing the number of processes for storing the closing designation information in the storage means. Can be changed. In addition, in order to easily change the number of variable winning devices, it is not necessary to secure the capacity of the storage unit by the number of assumed variable winning devices. Therefore, even if the number of variable winning devices can be easily changed, the required capacity of the storage means can be reduced.

(4) In the gaming machine of the above (2), a third variable prize means (for example, a second start prize) which can be changed between a closed state and an open state and which is different from the first variable prize means and the second variable prize means. Device 6B) and the third variable winning means are changed to the open state based on the establishment of a third opening condition (for example, the start of the ordinary power operation time), and both the first closing condition and the third closing condition are changed. Third variable prize opening / closing control means for changing the third variable prize means to the closed state on the basis of establishment of a third closing condition (for example, end of the normal power operation time) different from the second closing condition ( For example, the CPU 103 that executes step S632 in FIG. 32 and step S163A in FIG. 34), and the common storage unit stores an open state and a closed state as the state of the third variable winning unit. (For example, the value of D3 in the solenoid output data table in FIG. 15), and the third variable winning opening / closing control means updates the third opening / closing information, The third variable winning means is changed to an open state or a closed state (for example, when the CPU 103 sets the value of D3 in the solenoid output data table, the ordinary electric accessory by the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is opened. And the like, and the closing control means does not change the third opening / closing information when executing both the first disadvantageous control and the second disadvantageous control. (See FIG. 17B and FIG. 29B).

  According to such a configuration, opening / closing control can be realized for the third variable winning means that changes to the closed state based on different closing conditions without the need for complicated processing.

(5) In the gaming machines of the above (1) to (4), abnormal winning determination means (for determining whether or not winning of the game medium to the first variable winning means and the second variable winning means is an abnormal winning) For example, the CPU further includes a CPU 103 that executes the determination processing of step S56A based on the value of the abnormal winning confirmation table in the winning notification processing of FIG. 23). During a predetermined period after both the control and the second disadvantage control are executed, of the two variable prize means of the first variable prize means and the second variable prize means, The winning of the game medium to the winning means is not determined as the abnormal winning (for example, the CPU 103 sets the value corresponding to the open big winning opening in the abnormal winning confirmation table until the next round waiting time elapses in FIG. 19). Part, etc.), it may be not.

  Even if a game medium has been won as a result of a normal game, such as a game medium that has been won immediately before the closed state, the game medium may be detected after performing the disadvantageous control. It can be determined whether there is an abnormality.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the random number for games counted by the side of the main board. It is a figure which illustrates a fluctuation pattern. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure of the game control data holding area. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process for game control. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start winning determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of a special figure display result etc. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design stop processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big hit opening pre-processing. It is a figure showing an example of a big hit opening pattern table. It is a figure showing an example of a special winning opening opening pattern table. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a solenoid output data table. It is a figure showing the example of composition of an abnormal winning check table. It is a flowchart etc. which show an example of a process during opening of a big hit. It is a flowchart which shows an example of post-big hit opening processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of post-big hit opening processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of big hit end processing. It is a flowchart etc. which show an example of small hit opening pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during opening of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a winning notification process. It is a figure showing an example of a logical product calculation result in a winning notification process. It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in Embodiment 2. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted on a pachinko gaming machine in Embodiment 2. It is a flow chart etc. which show an example of the timer interrupt processing for game control in Embodiment 2. It is a figure in Example 2 which shows the example of determination of the big hit type. It is a flowchart etc. which show an example of the process during opening of a big hit in Embodiment 2. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal symbol process process. It is a figure showing the example of composition of a general figure display result decision table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal symbol stop process. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of a normal power release pattern table determination table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal electric auditors product operation process.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board. The game board has a substantially circular game area 2 surrounded by guide rails. In this game area 2, a game ball as a game medium is fired from a predetermined hitting ball firing device.

  A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at predetermined positions of the game board (to the right of the game area 2 in the example shown in FIG. 1). Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, a 7-segment or dot matrix LED (light emitting diode), and identifies each of them in a special figure game which is an example of a variable display game. Special symbols (also referred to as "special figures"), which are a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information), are displayed (variably displayed) in a variable manner. For example, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols including numbers indicating “0” to “9”, symbols indicating “−”, and the like. I do.

  Note that the special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are limited to those composed of numerals indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. Instead, for example, it is only necessary that a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combinations of the ones to be turned on and the ones to be turned off in the seven-segment LEDs are set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as “first special symbol”, and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as “second special symbol”. .

  An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area 2 on the game board. The image display device 5 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. The display area of the image display device 5 corresponds to the variable display of the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A and the variable display of the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special figure game. For example, in a decorative design display area serving as a plurality of variable display units, for example, three, a decorative design which is a plurality of types of identification information (decoration identification information) each of which can be identified is variably displayed. The variable display of the decorative pattern is also included in the variable display game.

  As an example, in the display area of the image display device 5, "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas are arranged. Then, in response to the start of any one of the change of the first special figure in the first special symbol display device 4A and the change of the second special figure in the second special symbol display device 4B in the special figure game, In each of the decorative pattern display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”, the change of the decorative pattern (for example, scroll display in the vertical direction) is started. Thereafter, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special figure game, the decorative symbol is changed in each of the decorative symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right” on the image display device 5. The fixed decoration symbol (final stop symbol) as a display result is stopped and displayed.

  In this manner, in the display area of the image display device 5, a special figure game using the first special figure in the first special symbol display apparatus 4A or a special figure game using the second special figure in the second special symbol display apparatus 4B is used. In synchronization with the figure game, a variable display of a plurality of types of decorative symbols, each of which is identifiable, is performed, and a fixed decorative pattern as a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derived”). Deriving and displaying various display symbols, such as a special symbol and a decoration symbol, means stopping the identification information of the decoration symbol or the like (also referred to as complete stop display or final stop display) and terminating the variable display. . On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative symbol to the derivation and display of the fixed decorative symbol as the variable display result, the decorative symbol fluctuates at “0”, The design may be stopped and displayed, for example, in a display state that causes slight shaking, expansion and contraction, and the like. Such a display state is also referred to as a temporary stop display, and although the display result in the variable display is not steadily displayed, the player can recognize that the fluctuation of the decorative symbol due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. It becomes. The temporary stop display may include, for example, completely displaying the decorative symbol for a shorter time than a predetermined time (for example, one second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.

  In the display area of the image display device 5, a start winning prize storage display area may be arranged. In the starting prize storage display area, a hold storage display is performed in which a variable display hold number (special figure hold storage number) is identifiably displayed. Here, the suspension of the variable display is based on that the game ball enters (starts winning) the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning prize ball device 6A or the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable prize ball device 6B. A start condition (also referred to as an “execution condition”) for executing a variable display game such as a special figure game or a variable display of a decorative symbol is satisfied, but the variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. Occurs when the start condition for starting the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit game state or the small hit game state.

  For example, when the first start winning prize in which the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening, the start condition (the first start condition) of the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is used. ) Is satisfied, if the first start condition for starting the special figure game using the first special figure based on the establishment of the first start condition is not satisfied, the first special figure reserved storage number is 1 The addition (increment) is performed, and execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended. In addition, the occurrence of the second start winning where the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning opening, the start condition of the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B (the second start condition) ) Is satisfied, if the second start condition for starting the special figure game using the second special figure based on the establishment of the second start condition is not satisfied, the second special figure reserved storage number is 1 The addition (increment) is performed, and the execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended. On the other hand, when the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is started, the first special figure reserved storage number is decremented by 1 (decrement), and the execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is performed. Is started, the second special figure reserved storage number is decremented by one.

  The variable display reserved storage number obtained by adding the first special figure reserved storage number and the second special figure reserved storage number is particularly called the total reserved storage number. The term “number of special figure reserved storages” generally refers to a concept including all of the first special figure reserved storage number, the second special figure reserved storage number, and the total reserved storage number. (The concept includes the first special figure reserved storage number and the second special figure reserved storage number, but excludes the total reserved storage number).

  A display may be provided for displaying the number of special figure reservation storages together with or instead of the start prize storage display area. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a first hold display for displaying the number of special figure hold storages in an upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B together with the start winning prize storage display area. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first reservation display 25A displays the first special figure reservation storage number in a identifiable manner. The second reservation display 25B displays the second special figure reservation storage number in a identifiable manner. The first reservation display 25A and the second reservation display 25B each have a number (for example, four) corresponding to the upper limit (for example, “4”) in each of the first special figure reservation storage number and the second special figure reservation storage number, respectively. ) LEDs.

  In the game area 2 formed on the board of the game board, a left game area 2A (first game area) on the left side of the top of the image display device 5, a right game area 2B (second game area) on the right side, There is. The left game area 2A, which is the first game area, and the right game area 2B, which is the second game area, may be separated by, for example, the end face of the image display device 5 or the nail arrangement PL inside the game area 2. . When the game ball fired from the hitting ball firing device and driven into the game area 2 is guided to the left game area 2A as the first game area, for example, the game ball is guided along the nail array PL, It becomes impossible or difficult to guide to the right game area 2B which is the second game area.

  In the left game area 2A, a normal winning ball device 6A is provided. For example, the normal winning ball device 6A is provided below the center of the image display device 5. The normal winning prize ball device 6A forms a first starting winning port that is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. As described above, in the left game area 2A, the normal winning prize ball device 6A that forms the first starting prize hole through which the game ball can always enter (pass) is provided.

  In the right game area 2B, an ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B is provided. The ordinary variable winning ball device 6B is an electric tulip-type accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed between a closed state at a vertical position and an open state at a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for an ordinary electric accessory shown in FIG. (Ordinary electric accessory) to form a second starting winning opening. As an example, in the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B, the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening by the movable wing piece being in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state. Do not close. On the other hand, in the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B, when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the ON state, the movable wing piece is in the tilting position, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening. ). The normally variable winning prize ball device 6B is normally opened when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, and the game ball can enter (pass) the second starting winning opening, while the solenoid 81 is in the on state. You may comprise so that a game ball may be harder to approach (pass) than an open state. Thus, in the right game area 2B, the first variable state in which the game ball can pass (enter) the second start winning opening, and the second variable state in which the game ball cannot pass (enter) or is difficult to pass (enter). An ordinary variable winning ball device 6B that can be changed to a variable state is provided.

  The game balls guided to the left game area 2A, which is the first game area, by the arrangement of the normal prize ball apparatus 6A and the normal variable prize ball apparatus 6B in the left game area 2A and the right game area 2B, are placed in the second game area. It is impossible or difficult to pass (enter) the second starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B provided in the right game area 2B. In addition, the game ball guided to the right game area 2B, which is the second game area, has a first start winning opening formed by the normal winning prize ball device 6A provided in the left game area 2A, which is the first game area. It is impossible or difficult to pass (enter).

  A game ball that has entered the first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A is detected by, for example, the first starting switch 22A shown in FIG. A game ball that has entered the second starting winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball device 6B is detected by, for example, the second starting opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game balls by the first starting port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of the game balls are paid out as prize balls (prize game media), and the first reserved storage number is a predetermined upper limit value. If it is (eg, “4”) or less, the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and if the second reserved storage number is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit value, The second start condition is satisfied. The number of prize balls paid out based on the detection of a game ball by the first starting port switch 22A and the number of prize balls paid out based on the detection of a game ball by the second starting port switch 22B May be the same number or different numbers.

  Below the normal variable prize ball device 6B, two special variable prize ball devices (an upper special variable prize device 7A and a lower special variable prize device 7B) are provided. The upper special variable prize ball device 7A includes an upper prize winning door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82A for the upper prize winning door shown in FIG. 2, and is changed to an open state and a closed state by the upper prize winning door. To form a winning opening. As an example, in the upper special variable winning ball device 7A, the upper winning hole door closes the upper winning hole when the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door is off. On the other hand, in the upper special variable winning ball device 7A, the upper winning hole door opens the upper winning hole when the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door is on. A game ball that has entered the upper winning prize port formed in the upper special variable winning prize ball device 7A is detected by, for example, the upper prize winning switch 23A shown in FIG.

  The lower special variable prize ball device 7B includes a lower prize winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a lower prize winning opening door solenoid 82B shown in FIG. 2, and changes to an open state and a closed state by the lower large prize opening door. To form a lower winning award. As an example, in the lower special variable prize ball device 7B, the lower prize opening door closes the lower prize opening when the solenoid 82B for the lower prize opening door is in the off state. On the other hand, in the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, the lower winning hole door opens the lower winning hole when the solenoid 82B for the lower winning opening door is on. A game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening formed on the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is detected by, for example, the lower special winning switch 23B shown in FIG.

  A large number of game balls are paid out as prize balls by passing (entering) the game balls through the upper special winning opening formed by the upper special variable winning ball device 7A and the lower special winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B. It is. That is, the special variable winning prize ball device 7A enters a first state that is advantageous to the player by opening the upper winning prize opening by the upper winning prize opening door. The lower special variable prize ball device 7B is in a first state that is advantageous to the player by opening the lower prize winning opening with the lower prize winning opening door. On the other hand, the upper special variable prize ball device 7A is in a second state that is disadvantageous for the player by closing the upper prize winning port with the upper prize winning port door. The lower special variable prize ball device 7B is brought into a second state that is disadvantageous for the player by closing the lower large prize opening by the lower large prize entrance door 71. In addition, in place of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) the upper winning award or the lower winning award, or in addition to the closed state, the game ball passes (enters) the upper winning award or the lower winning award. A partially open state that is difficult to perform may be provided.

  Inside the lower special variable prize ball device 7B, a game ball that has entered the lower prize winning opening that has been opened by the lower prize winning opening door passes through a predetermined probability change area or does not pass through. A guide route is provided for guiding to the discharge route from the special variable winning ball device 7B. The game ball that has entered the lower special variable prize ball device 7B first passes through a path provided with a lower large prize port switch 23B for detecting a prize game ball, and then a guide path to a probability change area and a probability change area. And a guidance route that leads to the discharge route without passing through the route. When the game ball guided to the branch road flows down the guide path to the probability change area, the game ball is detected by the probability change area switch 24A, and the probability change control condition for entering the probability change state after the end of the big hit game state is determined. To establish. In other words, the location of the probable area switch 24A is defined as the probable area, and a predetermined probable change control condition can be established based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the probable area. Since the certainty variable region is inside the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, only the game balls that have won the lower special variable winning ball device 7B can pass through.

  The probable area is changed by the probable area lid driven by the probable area lid solenoid 82C into an open state in which the game ball can pass and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass. As an example, when the solenoid 82 </ b> C for the probable area lid is in the off state, the probable area lid 72 moves to a position (restriction position) that closes (closes) the probable area and sets the probable area to the closed state. On the other hand, when the solenoid 82C for the probable area lid is in the ON state, the probable area lid 72 moves to a position (allowable position) where the probable area is not closed (not closed), and the probable area is opened. The game ball that has reached the branch point when the certainty-change area is in the closed state does not pass through the certainty-change area and is discharged from the lower special variable winning device 7B as it is. In this case, the game ball is detected by the discharge switch 24B provided on the guide path to the common discharge path 74. On the other hand, a game ball that has reached the branch point when the probability variable area is in the open state passes through the probability variation area and is detected by the probability variation area switch 23B provided in the probability variation area. Then, the game balls that have passed through the probability change area are discharged from the lower special variable winning device 7B. When the game ball that has won the lower special variable prize device 7B passes through the probable area, the probable area state is controlled based on the fact that the probable area switch B detects the game ball that has passed through the probable area. For this reason, the rate at which the game ball wins the lower special variable winning device 7B and the rate at which the probable variable area cover 73 is controlled to the probable change state by adjusting the length of time and the timing of the probable area lid 73 being in the permissible position are suitably set. You can do it.

  In the present embodiment, the inside of the lower special variable winning device 7B is configured such that at least the periphery of the probability change area is invisible or difficult for the player. For this reason, it is difficult or impossible for the player to confirm whether or not the game ball that has entered the lower special variable winning device 7B has passed through the probability change region (whether or not the probability change control condition has been satisfied). According to such a configuration, when the lower special variable winning device 7B changes to the open state, it is concealed whether or not the game ball has passed through the probable change area and whether or not the player is controlled to the probable change state. That can excite expectations.

  On the surface of the game board, in addition to the above configuration, a windmill for changing the flowing direction and speed of the game ball and a number of obstacle nails are provided. Further, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept in a fixed open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. You may be. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as prize balls based on detection of a game ball that has entered one of the general prize ports by a predetermined general prize ball switch. At the lowermost part of the game area 2, there is provided an out port through which a game ball that has not entered any winning port is taken in.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a gaming effect lamp 9 is provided around the gaming area 2. . In the gaming area 2 of the pachinko gaming machine 1, decorations are provided around each structure (for example, the normal winning ball device 6A, the normal variable winning ball device 6B, the upper special variable winning ball device 7A, the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, etc.). LED may be arranged.

  At the lower right of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a hit ball operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to fire a game ball as a game medium toward the game area 2 is provided. . For example, the hit ball operation handle adjusts the resilience of a game ball in accordance with the operation amount (rotation amount) of a player or the like. The hitting operation handle may be provided with a single-shot firing switch for stopping driving of a firing motor provided in the hitting ball firing device, or a touch ring (touch sensor). At a predetermined position below the game area 2, an upper plate for holding (reserving) a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball rented by a predetermined ball lending machine so that it can be supplied to a hit ball launching device. Is provided. For example, an operation button 30 that can be operated by a player by a pressing operation or the like is provided at a predetermined position on the near side on the upper surface of the upper plate.

  Next, the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be schematically described.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the game ball passes (enters) the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A in the left gaming area 2A, the gaming ball is detected by the first starting port switch 22A shown in FIG. As a result, the first start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started based on the fact that the first start condition is satisfied due to, for example, the end of the previous special figure game or the big hit game state. Is done.

  When the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B in the right game area 2B, the game ball is detected by the second start port switch 22B shown in FIG. The second start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is started based on the second start condition being satisfied, for example, by ending the previous special figure game or the big hit game state. Is done. However, when the normal variable winning ball device 6B is in the normal opening state or the closed state as the second variable state, it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the second starting winning opening.

In the present embodiment, in the normal game state different from the certainty change state described later, since the normally variable display device 6B is in the second variable state (closed state), it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the second start winning opening. It is possible. Therefore, the special figure game using the second special figure is not started (or it is difficult to start). Therefore, in the normal game state which is not yet controlled to the probable change state, the player guides the game ball to the left game area 2A, and uses the first special figure based on the winning in the first starting winning opening to use the special figure game. And aiming for the "big hit" of the special map game. In the big hit game state based on the fact that the variable display result of "big hit" is derived as a result of the special map game using the first special map, the lower special variable prize device 7B in the specific round (14 or 16 rounds). A game ball enters, and it is possible to pass through the probability change area. When the game ball passes through the certainty change area, a certainty change determination flag described later is set, and the transition to the special game state controlled to the certainty change state is settled. Thereafter, when the big hit gaming state ends, the state is controlled to be in the variable state, the normal variable display device 6B changes to the first variable state (open state), and the game ball can pass through the second start winning opening. As described later, in the present embodiment, the second special figure game is more advantageous than the first special figure game. Therefore, the player is induced to the right game region 2 B game balls, initiation and special symbol game using the second JP diagram based on the winning of the second start winning hole, the該特Figure Game "jackpot ”. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide the player with various game experiences that change according to the game state.

  When a special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started, or when a special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display apparatus 4B is started, special It is determined (predetermined) whether or not to make the variable display result of a symbol a “big hit” as a predetermined specific display result before deriving and displaying the variable display result. Then, a variation pattern is determined at a predetermined ratio based on the determination of the variable display result, and an effect control command for designating the variable display result and the variation pattern is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the effect control board 12.

  After the special figure game is started based on the variable display result and the determination of the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed, a fixed special symbol that becomes the variable display result is derived. Is displayed. “Left”, “middle”, and “right” decorations arranged in the display area of the image display device 5 corresponding to the variable display of special symbols by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. In the symbol display area, a variable symbol (effect symbol) different from the special symbol is variably displayed.

  In a special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display apparatus 4A or a special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display apparatus 4B, a fixed special which results in a variable display of the special symbol. When a symbol is derived and displayed, a fixed decorative symbol as a variable display result of the decorative symbol is derived and displayed on the image display device 5. When a predetermined big hit symbol is derived and displayed as a variable display result of the special symbol, the variable display result is "big hit" (specific display result), and the big hit game state is controlled as a specific game state advantageous to the player. You. That is, whether or not to control to the big hit gaming state corresponds to whether or not the variable display result is "big hit", and is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed.

  When the variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is “big hit”, a fixed decoration symbol which is a predetermined big hit combination is derived and displayed in the display area of the image display device 5. As an example, when the same decorative symbols are aligned and stopped on predetermined effective lines in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas, a fixed decorative symbol that is a big hit combination is derived and displayed. It should be done.

  In the big hit game state, the upper winning prize port or the lower winning prize port is opened, and the upper special variable prize ball device 7A or the lower special variable prize ball device 7B becomes the first state which is advantageous for the player. Then, until a predetermined period (for example, 20 seconds, about 27 seconds, or 57 milliseconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 6) of game balls enter the upper winning prize opening or the lower winning prize opening to generate a prize ball. During the period, the round game in which the upper winning award or the lower winning award is continuously opened is executed. During periods other than the round game execution period, the upper winning prize port and the lower winning prize port are in the closed state, and it is difficult or impossible to generate a prize ball. When a game ball enters the big winning hole, a winning ball is detected by the big winning switch 23A, and a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as a winning ball every time the ball is detected. When a game ball enters the lower big prize opening, a lower prize opening switch 23B detects the winning sphere, and a predetermined number of game balls are similarly paid out. The round game in the big hit game state is repeatedly executed until reaching a predetermined upper limit number (for example, “16”). Therefore, in the big hit gaming state, the player can very easily acquire a large number of prize balls, and the gaming state is advantageous for the player. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may directly pay out game balls to be prize balls, or may give points corresponding to the number of game balls to be prize balls.

  After the jackpot gaming state is completed, the probability that the variable display result becomes a "big hit" (big hit probability) is controlled to be a probability change state in which the variable display result becomes higher than the normal state based on the establishment of the predetermined probability change control condition. There is. In the present embodiment, the certainty variable control condition is that the certainty variable area switch 24A detects that a game ball that has entered the special special variable winning ball device 7B from the lower big winning opening to the certainty variable area. This probable change state is controlled to continue until a predetermined number of variable displays (for example, 50 times) are executed. That is, the end of the variable display of the predetermined number of times is the certain change end condition.

  In the probable change state, the normal variable prize ball device 6B which is in the second variable state (closed state) in the normal state is changed to the first variable state (open state or enlarged open state) in which the game ball can pass (enter) the second start winning opening. State) and an impossible (or difficult) second variable state (closed state or normally open state). The control for changing the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B between the first variable state and the second variable state in this manner is referred to as electric-chu opening control. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the second special figure game started based on the game ball passing through the second starting winning opening passes through the first starting winning opening that can pass even in the normal state. This is more advantageous for the player than the first special map game started based on the game. Therefore, the probable change state in which the electric chew opening control is executed is a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

  In addition, even when the probable change control is performed in the probable change state, there may be a case where the power tue opening control is not performed. For example, when the variable display result is "big hit", the upper limit time in which the upper winning prize opening and the lower winning prize opening are open in the big hit gaming state is short, and the game ball is difficult to pass (enter) or pass (enter). In some cases, an impossible round game is executed, and after the big hitting game state is ended, the state is controlled to be in a certain state. In such a case, the jackpot type is also referred to as “sudden probability” (also referred to as “sudden probability change”). Then, when the variable display result is "big hit" and the big hit type is "probable" when the power chute opening control is not performed, although the probability change state is established after the big hit game state ends, the probability change control is performed, The control of opening the power chute may not be performed.

  The game ball used as a game medium in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the record information of the score given in accordance with the number of the game ball are, for example, those having a valuable value that can be exchanged for a special premium or a general premium according to the quantity. Just fine. Alternatively, the recorded information of these game balls and points may not be exchangeable for special prizes or general prizes, but may have valuable value that can be used in the pachinko gaming machine 1 for a second game.

  In addition, the game value that can be provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to the payout of game balls that become prize balls and the provision of points, but may be controlled to a big hit game state or to a special game state such as a probable change state. The first ratio (for example, 1/1) in which the ratio of selecting a more advantageous big-hit gaming state (for example, the second big-hit gaming state) when the big-hit is controlled is higher than the second ratio (for example, 1/2). ), The maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the big hit game state is the first round number (for example, “16”) larger than the second round number (for example, “7”), and the big hit probability in the probable change state Becomes the first probability (for example, 1/20) higher than the second probability (for example, 1/50), which may be a more advantageous game situation for the player.

  In this embodiment, 16 round games (16 rounds) are executed in the specific game state regardless of the jackpot type described later. When the number of round game executions reaches “14” or “16” as the specific number of times, a round game in which the lower winning opening is opened is executed and the lower special variable prize ball device 7B is executed. Is in a first state that is advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the number of round game executions is other than “14” and “16” as the specific number of times, a round game in which the upper winning hole is opened is executed, and the upper special variable prize ball device 7A is provided to the player. This is an advantageous first state. In the 14th and 16th round games, the lower special variable prize ball device 7B is in the first state (open state), and the game ball that has entered the lower special variable prize ball device 7B can pass through the probability change area. These round games are also called probable open round games. On the other hand, the round game in which the first special variable prize ball device 7A is in the first state (open state) in the first to thirteenth and fifteenth times is also referred to as a normal open round game (or upper open round). In addition, a period in which one round game is executed is defined as one round, and a jackpot game state executed based on one “big hit” includes a plurality of rounds. Of these, the 14th and 16th rounds in which the lower special variable prize device 7B is in the open state are lower open rounds, and the lower special variable prize devices 7B executed in the first to 13th and 16th rounds are open. The round that becomes a state is expressed as an upper open round, respectively. That is, when the variable display result is "big hit", in the big hit game state controlled based on the "big hit", the round game (the round of the lower opening round) in which the operating time of the lower big winning opening door is provided. A plurality of round games including a round game in which the operation time of the upper winning award opening door is provided (a round game in an upper open round) are executed.

  In the present embodiment, as the big hit type when the variable display result is “big hit”, in the big hit game state controlled based on the “big hit”, the number of times the round game is executed is “14” as the specific number and When the number is "16" (the 14th and 16th rounds), there are a plurality of types of jackpot types having different upper limit times for opening the lower big winning opening (see FIG. 10B). As an example, when the big hit type is "first big hit", the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is controlled to "first big hit gaming state" in which 52 milliseconds is set. On the other hand, when the jackpot type is “second jackpot” or “third jackpot”, the upper limit time for opening the lower jackpot is longer than the first jackpot (about 27 seconds in the “second jackpot”). , Is controlled to a jackpot gaming state set to about 2 seconds for the third jackpot ("second jackpot gaming state" for the second jackpot, "third jackpot gaming state" for the third jackpot). . In the first big hit gaming state, since the control time for the opening state is as short as 52 milliseconds, the rate at which the game balls can actually enter the lower big winning opening and enter the lower special variable winning device 7B is low. Therefore, when the big hit type is “first big hit”, the probability that the game ball passes (enters) the lower big winning opening is low, and the certain change control condition for achieving the certain change state after the big hit game state is completed is satisfied. Hard to do. On the other hand, since it is opened for about 27 seconds in the second big hit game state and for about 2 seconds in the third big hit game state, if the game ball is guided to the right game area 2B in which the lower special variable winning device 7B is installed, a high rate is obtained. Allows the game ball to enter the lower special variable winning device 7B. Therefore, the probability change control condition for attaining the probability change state after the end of the big hit game state is likely to be satisfied.

  In this embodiment, as the big hit type when the variable display result is “big hit”, in the big hit game state controlled based on the “big hit”, the number of times the round game is executed is “1” as the specific number. There are a plurality of types of big hit types that have different upper limit times for opening the upper winning prize port when "~" and "13". When the variable display result of “third big hit” is derived, the number of prize balls paid out in the big hit gaming state executed based on the big hit is smaller than that of the first or second big hit, The ratio controlled to the probable change state after the end is higher than the “first big hit” as in the “second big hit”. Specifically, in the upper opening round of the third big hit, the time during which the upper winning hole is opened is as short as 52 milliseconds, and the possibility that the game ball passes (enters) the lower winning opening is low. This is because the conditions for paying out prize balls are not satisfied. On the other hand, in the lower opening round, since the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is about 2 seconds, which is longer than the first big hit, the third big hit is likely to satisfy the positive change control condition similarly to the second big hit. As described above, the “third big hit” is a so-called big hit type with a small number of payouts, which corresponds to “probability” in the present embodiment.

  Which of the large hit types is to be selected is determined at a predetermined ratio, for example, in response to the determination that the variable display result is "big hit" at the start of the special figure game. When a game ball enters the lower special variable prize device 7B, not only a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, but also depending on the position of the probable area lid 72, the game ball passes through the probable area and the variable display result is "big hit". Is controlled to be a probable state higher than the non-probable state. Therefore, the second big hit gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the first big hit gaming state. In addition, the second big hitting game state is more advantageous to the player than the third big hitting game state from the viewpoint that the prize balls are paid out in the upper open round more. In the first big hit and the third big hit, the first big hit is advantageous from the viewpoint of paying out prize balls, and the third big hit is advantageous from the viewpoint of establishment of the probable change control condition.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is mounted with various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a sound control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 as shown in FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also provided with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, an interface board, and a touch sensor board are arranged on a back surface of the game board or the like in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a function of setting random numbers used in the special figure game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and a sub-side control board including an effect control board 12 and the like. And a function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, and a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer. In addition, the main board 11 controls the lighting / extinguishing of each LED (for example, a segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to perform the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Also, there is a function of controlling the variable display of a predetermined display symbol, such as controlling the variable display.

  On the main board 11, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like are mounted. The switch circuit 110 takes in detection signals from various switches for detecting game balls and transmits them to the microcomputer 100 for game control. The solenoid circuit 111 transmits a solenoid drive signal from the game control microcomputer 100 to a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory, a solenoid 82A for an upper winning opening door, a solenoid 82B for a lower winning opening door, and a variable area cover. To the solenoid 82C. In the present embodiment, whether or not the solenoid circuit 111 transmits a drive signal to each solenoid is determined according to a value of a solenoid output data table (FIG. 14) stored in a game control flag setting unit 152 described later. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, each bit of the solenoid output data table has a plurality of solenoids (a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory, a solenoid 82A for an upper winning opening door, and a solenoid 82A for a lower winning opening door). Of the solenoid 82B, the solenoid 82C for the probable change area cover, etc.) are used as flags indicating whether or not a control signal is transmitted. When the flag is set (bit value is “1”), the control signal for driving can be transmitted to the corresponding solenoid, while when the flag is cleared (bit value is “0”), Does not transmit the drive control signal. Therefore, by updating the solenoid output data table, it is determined whether or not to drive (open / close) the ordinary electric accessory, the upper winning prize entrance door, the lower prize winning entrance door, the variable probability area cover, etc. according to the progress of the game. Switching can be suitably performed.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and displays the image display device 5 and the speakers 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R. In addition, various circuits for controlling the production operation by the production electric components such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED are mounted. In other words, the effect control board 12 performs all or a part of the display operation on the image display device 5 or all or part of the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and all or one of the lighting / extinguishing operations of the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED. And a function of determining control contents for causing a production electric component to execute a predetermined production operation.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sound from the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. And a processing circuit for executing audio signal processing for the purpose. The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12, the game effect lamp 9 and the power saving notification LED 9L. , 9R, etc., are mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main board 11 includes a gate switch 21, a start-up switch (a first start-up switch 22A and a second start-up switch 22B), and a special winning opening switch (an upper winning opening switch 23A and a lower winning switch). Wirings for transmitting detection signals from various switches, such as a winning opening switch 23B), a variable probability area switch 24A, and a discharge switch 24B, are connected. The various switches may have any configuration, such as a sensor called a sensor, that can detect a game ball as a game medium. The main board 11 is connected to wires for transmitting command signals for performing display control of the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the like.

  The control signal transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control commands include, for example, a display control command used to control an image display operation in the image display device 5, an audio control command used to control audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9. And a lamp control command used to control the lighting operation of the power-saving notification LEDs 9L and 9R.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program and fixed data, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a game control program to perform a control operation, and updates numerical data indicating a random value independently of the CPU 103. It comprises a random number circuit 104 for performing the processing and an input / output port (I / O) 105.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, the CPU 103 executes a program read from the ROM 101 to execute a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. At this time, a fixed data reading operation in which the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, a variable data writing operation in which the CPU 103 writes various variable data in the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the same, and a variable data writing operation in which the CPU 103 temporarily stores various Read operation, CPU 103 receives an input of various signals from the outside of game control microcomputer 100 via I / O 105, reception operation, and CPU 103 moves out of game control microcomputer 100 via I / O 105. And a transmission operation for outputting various signals.

  Note that the one-chip microcomputer that constitutes the game control microcomputer 100 only needs to include at least the RAM 103 in addition to the CPU 103, and the ROM 101, the random number circuit 104, the I / O 105, and the like may be externally attached.

  In the game control microcomputer 100, since the CPU 103 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 101, the execution (or processing) of the game control microcomputer 100 (or the CPU 103) is specifically described below. Specifically, the CPU 103 executes control according to a program. The same applies to the microcomputer mounted on a board other than the main board 11.

  In the game control microcomputer 100, numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the progress of the game is renewably counted by, for example, the random number circuit 104 or the like. The random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers. The game random number may be updated by hardware such as the random number circuit 104, or may be updated by software when the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 executes a predetermined computer program. May be. For example, numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value is stored in a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 or a random counter provided in an internal register separate from the RAM 102, and the CPU 103 The random number value may be updated by updating the stored value regularly or irregularly.

  In this embodiment, on the main substrate 11 side, as shown in FIG. 3, a random number value MR1 for determining a special figure display result, a random number value MR2 for determining a jackpot type, and a random value MR3 for determining a variation pattern are respectively provided. Is controlled to be able to count (update). Note that other random numbers may be used to enhance the gaming effect.

  The random number value MR1 for determining a special figure display result is a random number value used to determine whether or not to control a variable display result such as a special symbol in a special figure game as a "big hit" to the big hit game state. The big hit type determination random number value MR2 is a random value used to determine the big hit type to be one of a plurality of types when the variable display result is “big hit”. The random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is a random value used to determine the variation pattern of the decorative symbol to one of a plurality of types prepared in advance.

  FIG. 4 shows a fluctuation pattern in this embodiment. In this embodiment, among the cases in which the variable display result is “losing”, the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is “non-reach” and “reach”, respectively. A plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance in response to a case where the display result is “big hit”.

  Note that the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is a decorative symbol that is not yet stopped and displayed when the decorative symbol stopped and displayed in the display area of the image display device 5 forms a part of the jackpot combination (“Reach variation (Also referred to as "symbol") in a display state in which the fluctuation continues or a display state in which all or some of the decorative symbols fluctuate synchronously while forming all or part of the big hit combination. , "Reach". As a specific example, a predetermined jackpot combination is configured in a part of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas (for example, the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas). When a decorative pattern to be displayed (for example, a decorative pattern indicating an alphanumeric character of "7") is stopped and displayed, the remaining decorative pattern display area (for example, a "medium" decorative pattern display area, etc.) that has not been stopped yet is displayed. The display state in which the symbols are fluctuating, or the decorative symbols in the whole or part of the "left," "medium," or "right" decorative symbol display area are synchronized while forming all or part of the big hit combination The display state is fluctuating. In response to the reach state, a character image (effect image imitating a person or the like) different from the decorative design is displayed in the display area of the image display device 5, or the display mode of the background image is changed. Or the variation of the decoration design may be changed. Such a change in the display mode of the character image, the display mode of the background image, and the change in the variation mode of the decorative pattern are referred to as reach effect display (or simply, reach effect). Such a variable display mode of the decorative pattern that does not become “reach” is referred to as “non-reach”.

  The ROM 101 included in the game control microcomputer 100 stores control codes and fixed data indicating a user program (game control processing program for game control). In addition to the game control program, the ROM 101 stores various selection data, table data, and the like used for controlling the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables, and the like prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 has table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the main board 11 and a fluctuation pattern table storing a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns. Table data to be stored is stored.

  The RAM 102 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 may be a backup RAM partially or entirely backed up by a backup power supply created on a predetermined power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, a part or all of the content of the RAM 102 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor serving as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply becomes unable to supply power). You. In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (such as a special figure process flag) and the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls may be stored in the backup RAM. The data according to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like. In addition, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating a progress state of the game. The RAM 102 stores various data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the like.

  As an example, the RAM 102 is provided with a game control data holding area 150 as shown in FIG. The game control data holding area 150 shown in FIG. 5 includes a first special figure reservation storage unit 151A, a second special figure reservation storage unit 151B, a game control flag setting unit 152, a game control timer setting unit 153, and a game. A control counter setting unit 154 and a game control buffer setting unit 155 are provided.

  The first special figure holding storage unit 151A stores a special figure game (in the first special symbol display device 4A) in which a game ball has passed (entered) the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A but has not yet started. The reservation data of the special figure game using the first special figure) is stored. As an example, the first special figure holding storage unit 151A associates the winning order (the order in which game balls are detected) with the holding number with the first starting winning opening to determine the first starting condition for the passing (entering) of the game ball. The random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, which are extracted from the random number circuit 104 and the like by the CPU 103 based on the establishment, are stored in the pending data. Until the storage number reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, “4”). The hold data thus stored in the first special figure storage unit 151A indicates that the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended, and the variable display result (the special figure display) in this special figure game Based on the (result), it becomes the reserved storage information that enables to determine whether or not a predetermined game value is given.

  The second special figure holding storage unit 151B stores a special figure game (second special symbol display device 4B) in which a game ball has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball device 6B but has not yet started. Of the special figure game using the second special figure in (1). As an example, the second special map holding storage unit 151B associates the winning order (game ball detection order) with the hold number in the second starting winning opening and associates the holding number with the second starting condition for passing (entering) the game ball. The random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, which are extracted from the random number circuit 104 and the like by the CPU 103 based on the establishment, are stored in the pending data. Until the number reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, “4”). The hold data thus stored in the second special figure holding storage unit 151B indicates that execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended, and the variable display result (the special figure display) in this special figure game Based on the (result), it becomes the reserved storage information that enables to determine whether or not a predetermined game value is given.

  The game control flag setting section 152 is provided with a plurality of types of flags that can be updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the like. For example, the game control flag setting unit 152 stores data indicating a flag value and data indicating an ON state or an OFF state for each of a plurality of types of flags. For example, in the present embodiment, the game control flag setting unit 152 stores a solenoid output data table (FIG. 15) in which solenoid control flags are arranged corresponding to a plurality of types of solenoids (solenoids 81, 82A, 82B, etc.). ) Is secured. The game control flag setting section 152 is updated according to the detection result corresponding to each of a plurality of types of switches for detecting a game ball (especially the lower large winning opening switch 23A and the upper large winning opening switch 23B). An area for storing a switch-on buffer and an abnormal winning confirmation table (FIG. 16) used for detecting whether or not the detection result is abnormal is secured. The abnormal winning confirmation table will be described later. The game control timer setting section 153 is provided with various timers used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control timer setting unit 153 stores data indicating a timer value of each of a plurality of types of timers. The game control counter setting section 154 is provided with a plurality of types of counters for counting a count value used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control counter setting unit 154 stores data indicating a count value of each of a plurality of types of counters. Here, the game control counter setting unit 154 may be provided with a random counter for counting a part or all of the game random numbers so that the CPU 103 can be updated by software. The game control buffer setting unit 155 is provided with various buffers for temporarily storing data used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control buffer setting unit 155 stores data indicating a buffer value in each of a plurality of types of buffers.

  The I / O 105 included in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. And an output port for transmission.

  The effect control board 12 includes an effect control CPU 120 for performing a control operation according to a program, a ROM 121 for storing an effect control program and fixed data, a RAM 122 for providing a work area for the effect control CPU 120, and an image display device. 5, a display control unit 123 that executes processing for determining the control content of the display operation, a random number circuit 124 that updates numerical data indicating a random number value independently of the effect control CPU 120, and an I / O 125 And are installed.

  As an example, in the effect control board 12, when the effect control CPU 120 executes the effect control program read from the ROM 121, a process for controlling the effect operation by the electric components for effect is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads the fixed data from the ROM 121, the fixed data reading operation, the effect control CPU 120 writes various variable data in the RAM 122 and temporarily stores the data, and the effect control CPU 120 The variation data reading operation for reading out various variation data temporarily stored, the effect control CPU 120 receives an input of various signals from outside the effect control board 12 via the I / O 125, and the effect control CPU 120 A transmission operation of outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 via the O125 is also performed.

  The effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122 may be included in a one-chip effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 12. The effect control board 12 has a wiring for transmitting a video signal to the image display device 5, a wiring for transmitting a sound effect signal as an information signal indicating sound number data to the audio control board 13, Wiring or the like for transmitting an illumination signal as an information signal indicating lamp data is connected to the lamp control board 14. Further, the effect control board 12 also has wiring for transmitting an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that a player's instruction operation (for example, pressing operation) on the operation button 30 has been detected from the operation detection unit 31. It is connected.

  In the effect control board 12, for example, the random number circuit 124 and the like count numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the effect operation in an updatable manner. The random number used for controlling such a production operation is also referred to as a production random number.

  The ROM 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 stores various data tables used for controlling the effect operation in addition to the effect control program. For example, the ROM 121 stores a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data forming a determination table, and pattern data configuring various effect control patterns. It is remembered. The RAM 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores various data used for controlling the effect operation.

The display control unit 123 mounted on the effect control board 12 determines the control content of the display operation in the image display device 5 based on a display control command or the like from the effect control CPU 120. For example, the display control unit 123 performs control for executing variable display of decorative symbols and various effect displays by determining the timing of switching effect images to be displayed in the display area of the image display device 5. As an example, the display control unit 121 may include a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), an LCD drive circuit, and the like. The VDP may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GCL (Graphics Controller LSI), or a microprocessor for image processing more generally called a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). CGROM
May be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or may be configured using any one of non-volatile recording media such as a magnetic memory and an optical memory. Whatever is done is good.

  The I / O 125 mounted on the effect control board 12 includes, for example, an input port for receiving various signals such as an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 or the like and an operation detection signal transmitted from the operation detection unit 31, and an effect. An output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the control board 12 is configured. For example, from the output port of the I / O 125, a video signal transmitted to the image display device 5, a command transmitted to the audio control board 13 (sound effect signal), and a command transmitted to the lamp control board 14 (Illumination signal) is output.

  The audio control board 13 includes, for example, an input / output driver, an IC for audio synthesis, an audio data ROM, an amplifier circuit, and a volume. As an example, in the voice control board 13, the sound number data indicated by the sound effect signal transmitted from the effect control board 12 is input to the voice synthesis IC via the input / output driver. The voice synthesizing IC generates a voice or a sound effect according to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit outputs to the speakers 8L and 8R audio signals obtained by amplifying the output level of the audio synthesis IC to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume. The voice data ROM stores control data corresponding to the sound number data, and the voice synthesizing IC reads out the control data corresponding to the sound number data to generate voice and sound effects. The data stored in the audio data ROM may be constituted by data indicating the output mode of audio and sound effects in a predetermined period in a time-series manner.

  On the lamp control board 14, for example, an input / output driver and a lamp driver are mounted. As an example, in the lamp control board 14, the illumination signal transmitted from the effect control board 12 is input to the lamp driver via the input / output driver. The lamp driver amplifies the illumination signal and supplies the amplified signal to the game effect lamp 9, the decoration LED, and the power saving notification LEDs 9L and 9R.

  Next, an operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

  In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is started, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 sets necessary interrupt settings after setting interrupts to be prohibited. In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 101 is cleared. Further, a register of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set. As a result, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, every 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process. When the initial setting is completed, an interrupt is permitted, and a loop process is started. In the game control main process, a process for returning the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be performed, and then the loop process may be started.

  Upon receiving the interrupt request signal from the CTC and receiving the interrupt request, the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 6 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to determine the state of a detection signal input from various switches via the switch circuit 110 (step S11). In S11, the corresponding bit (B1) is set to "1" when the upper special winning opening switch is on in the switch-on buffer, and when the lower special winning opening switch is on. The corresponding bit (B0) is set to "1". Subsequently, by executing predetermined main-side error processing, abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S12). The processing executed in step S12 includes a winning notification processing (FIG. 23). In the winning notification process, when one of the lower large winning opening switch 23A and the upper large winning opening switch 23B is turned on to detect the entry of a game ball into the lower or upper winning opening, the detection is made to indicate the current game progress. It is determined whether the state is normal or not, and if an abnormal state is detected, an error processing of the abnormal state is executed. Thereafter, by executing a predetermined information output process, data such as big hit information, start information, probability variation information and the like supplied to, for example, a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 are output (step S13).

  Subsequent to the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random number used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (step S14). After that, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process (step S15). In the special symbol process, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device are updated. The control of the display operation in 4B and the setting of opening / closing operation of the large winning opening (upper winning opening and lower winning opening) in the upper special variable winning ball device 7A and the lower special variable winning ball device 7B are performed in a predetermined procedure. Therefore, various processes are selected and executed.

  Subsequent to the special symbol process process, the CPU 103 executes a probable variable region solenoid control process for controlling the position of the probable region lid 72 and validity / invalidity of the probable region (S16A). In the probable variable area solenoid control process, the CPU 103 determines that the value of the probable variable area solenoid control code set in a predetermined area (for example, the game control buffer setting unit 155 or the like) of the RAM 102 in the big hit game state is set to “1”. Based on this, the opening / closing control of the probable variable area lid and the control of switching the validity / invalidity of the probable variable area are executed. For example, the opening / closing of the probable-variable area lid and the switching of validity / invalidity of the probable-variation area are executed based on the probable-variation solenoid pattern table. The probable-variable solenoid pattern table stores the timing of switching the open / close state of the probable-variable area lid and the timing of switching valid / invalid of the probable-variable area in association with the elapsed time from the start of the round game (the value of the round timer). Any table is acceptable. Alternatively, in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lower special winning opening described below, when the lower special winning opening is open, the probability changing area is also opened, and the positive changing area is enabled, while the lower special winning opening is closed. In the case of, the probable area may be closed, and the probable area may be invalidated. In the certain-variable-area solenoid control process, a use pattern is selected from a plurality of certain-variable solenoid pattern tables stored in the ROM 101 according to the type of big hit and the number of rounds of the round game to be executed. Then, based on the selected usage pattern, the variable probability area detection valid flag set in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 is updated. In addition, by updating a certain-variable-area solenoid buffer set in a predetermined area (for example, the game control buffer setting unit 155) of the RAM 102 in accordance with the value of the read solenoid-output specifying data, the probability of changing the certainty in accordance with the solenoid-output specifying data is increased. The on / off control of the solenoid 82C for the area cover is controlled. That is, the position of the probable area cover 72 is controlled. The probable variable area solenoid buffer is an output buffer for outputting a control signal for designating ON / OFF to the probable variable area lid solenoid 82C. The command control shown in FIG. 6 is performed in accordance with the value stored in this buffer. In the process, a control signal is output to the solenoid 82C for the probable change area cover.

  After executing the certain-variable-area solenoid control process, the CPU 103 executes the command control process to transmit a control command from the main board 11 to the sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 (step S17). As an example, in the command control process, the output control included in the I / O 105 corresponds to the setting in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 155. After setting control data in an output port for transmitting an effect control command to the board 12, predetermined control data is set in an output port of the effect control INT signal, and the effect control INT signal is turned on for a predetermined time. For example, by setting the state to OFF, transmission of an effect control command based on the setting in the command transmission table is enabled. After the command control process is executed, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated after the interrupt control is set.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed in step S15 in FIG. 6 as a special symbol process process. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101). FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the start winning determination processing executed in step S101.

  When the start winning determination process is started, the CPU 103 first determines the first starting port based on the detection signal from the first starting port switch 22A provided corresponding to the first starting winning port formed by the normal winning ball device 6A. It is determined whether the switch 22A is on (step S201). At this time, if the first starting port switch 22A is on (step S201; Yes), the first special figure reserved storage number, which is the reserved figure number of the special figure game using the first special figure, is equal to the predetermined upper limit value. (For example, “4”) is determined (step S202). At this time, for example, if the CPU 103 can specify the first special figure reserved storage number by reading the first reserved storage number count value which is the stored value of the first reserved storage number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 154, for example. Good. When the first special figure reserved storage number is not the upper limit value in step S202 (step S202; No), for example, the storage value of the starting port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 155 is set to “1” ( Step S203).

  When the first starting port switch 22A is turned off in step S201 (step S201; No), or when the first special figure reserved storage number has reached the upper limit in step S202 (step S202; Yes), it is normal. It is determined whether or not the second starting port switch 22B is ON based on a detection signal from the second starting port switch 22B provided corresponding to the second starting winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B ( Step S204). At this time, if the second starting port switch 22B is on (step S204; Yes), the second special figure reserved storage number, which is the reserved figure number of the special figure game using the second special figure, is equal to the predetermined upper limit value. (For example, “4”) is determined (step S205). At this time, if the CPU 103 can specify the second special figure reserved storage number, for example, by reading the second reserved storage number count value that is the stored value of the second reserved storage number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 154, Good. When the second special figure reserved storage number is not the upper limit value in step S205 (step S205; No), for example, the stored value of the starting port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 155 is set to “2” ( Step S206).

  After executing any of the processes of steps S203 and S206, the count value of the number of pending storages is updated so as to be incremented by 1 in accordance with the starting buffer value which is the stored value of the starting buffer (step S207). For example, when the starting port buffer value is “1”, the first reserved storage number count value is incremented by one, while when the starting port buffer value is “2”, the second reserved storage number count value is incremented by one. In this manner, the first reserved stored number count value is set to 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning port and the first start condition corresponding to the special figure game using the first special figure is satisfied. Updated to increase. Further, the second reserved stored number count value is set to 1 when the game ball passes (enters) the second start winning opening and the second start condition corresponding to the special figure game using the second special figure is satisfied. Updated to increase. At this time, for example, the total reserved storage number count value, which is the storage value of the total reserved storage number counter provided in the game control counter setting unit 154, is updated so as to be incremented by 1 (step S208).

  After executing the processing of step S208, the CPU 103 selects the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result and the jackpot type determination from the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 104 or the random counter of the game control counter setting unit 154. Data representing the random number value MR2 for use in determining the variation pattern and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern are extracted (step S209). Numerical data indicating each of the random numbers extracted in this way is stored as the pending data by being set at the head of an empty entry in the special figure pending storage unit corresponding to the starting port buffer value (step S210). For example, when the starting port buffer value is “1”, the hold data is set in the first special figure hold storage unit 151A, while when the start port buffer value is “2”, the hold data is stored in the second special figure hold. It is set in the storage unit 151B. It should be noted that the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern is not limited to the data extracted when the game ball passes through the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening, but may be the first special drawing or the first special drawing. It may be extracted when a special figure game using two special figures is started.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S210, a command transmission setting at the time of starting winning is performed (step S211). For example, when the starting port buffer value is “1”, the setting for transmitting the first starting port winning designation command to the effect control board 12 is performed. On the other hand, when the starting port buffer value is “2”, the setting for transmitting the second starting port winning designation command to the effect control board 12 is performed. The first starting port winning designation command is an effect control command for specifying that the first starting condition is satisfied by a game ball passing (entering) the first starting winning port. The second starting port winning designation command is an effect control command for specifying that the second starting condition is satisfied by a game ball passing (entering) the second starting winning port. Further, transmission setting of a pending storage number notification command for notifying the effect control board 12 of the total pending storage number may be performed. The starting port winning designation command and the retained storage number notification command set in this manner are produced from the main board 11, for example, by executing the command control process of step S17 shown in FIG. 6 after the special symbol process process is completed. It is transmitted to the control board 12.

  After executing the processing in step S211, it is determined whether the starting port buffer value is "1" or "2" (step S212). At this time, if the starting port buffer value is "1" (step S212; "1"), the starting port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to "0" (step S213), and then step S204. Proceed to processing. On the other hand, when the starting port buffer value is “2” (Step S212; “2”), the starting port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to “0” (Step S214). The start winning determination process ends.

  After executing the start winning determination processing in step S101 shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 103 executes any one of the processing in steps S110 to S117 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 152. Select and execute.

  The special symbol normal process in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”. In this special symbol normal processing, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol are displayed based on the presence / absence of the hold data stored in the first special figure hold storage unit 151A and the second special figure hold storage unit 151B. It is determined whether or not to start the special figure game on the display device 4B. In the special symbol normal processing, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, it is determined whether or not the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is "big hit" or "small hit". It is determined (predetermined) before or after the variable display result is derived and displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal processing, in response to the variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game, the fixed special symbol (the big hit symbol or the big hit symbol) in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. Loss symbol is set). In the special symbol normal process, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “1” when the variable display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is determined in advance.

  The variation pattern setting process of step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. The variation pattern setting process includes a process of determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns based on a result of a prior determination as to whether or not the variable display result is a "big hit". As shown in FIG. 4, the variable display time of a special symbol or a decorative symbol is set in advance corresponding to the variation pattern. Therefore, by determining the variation pattern in the variation pattern setting process, the variable display time from the start of the variable display of the special symbol to the derivation of the fixed special symbol as the variable display result is determined. Further, the variation pattern setting process may include a process of determining whether the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is “reach” when the variable display result is “losing”. Alternatively, by determining a variation pattern at a predetermined ratio when the variable display result is “losing” in the variation pattern setting process, whether or not the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is “reach” is determined. Good. In addition, the variation pattern setting process further includes a process of setting a small hit flag based on a result of a predetermined determination as to whether or not the variable display result is a "big hit". Further, the variation pattern setting process may include a process of performing a setting for starting the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. When the variation pattern setting process is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2”.

  The special symbol change process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “2”. The special symbol change processing includes a process of setting a special symbol to be changed in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and an elapsed time from the start of the change of the special symbol. And the like. Then, when the elapsed time from the start of the change of the special symbol reaches the special figure change time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “3”.

  The special symbol stop processing in step S113 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “3”. In this special symbol stop processing, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are used to stop the change of the special symbol and to stop and display the fixed special symbol which is the variable display result of the special symbol. The processing for setting is included. Then, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 152 is turned on. If the big hit flag is turned on, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4”. Is done. On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  The big hit opening pre-processing of step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. In the big hit opening pre-processing, the execution of the round game according to the big hit type is started in the big hit game state based on the fact that the variable display result is "big hit" and the upper big winning opening or the lower big winning opening is set. The processing includes a setting for setting the state to the open state. In the present embodiment, in the big hit opening pre-processing, it is determined whether or not the round game to be started is a probable change opening round in which the lower big winning opening is opened. As common control data for instructing the start of position control of the probable area lid 72 and the start of valid / invalid control of the probable area, a process of setting the probable area solenoid control code to 1 is further included. Further, a process of updating the solenoid output data table in accordance with the open special winning opening is further included. When the big hit opening pre-process is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”.

  The big hit opening processing in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. The processing during the opening of the big hit includes a process of measuring the elapsed time from the opening of the upper winning award or the lower winning award, the measured elapsed time, the upper winning award switch 23A or the lower award winning switch 23B. For example, the process includes determining whether or not it is time to return the upper winning prize port or the lower prize winning port from the open state to the closed state based on the number of game balls detected by the game. In the jackpot opening process, a lower winning opening detection process is further executed in the probability change opening round. The lower special winning opening detection process is performed based on the number of game balls that have won the lower special variable winning ball device 7B and the number of game balls that have been discharged from the lower special variable winning ball device 7B. Process of counting the number of game balls in the game, processing of determining whether or not a game ball has passed through the probability change region, and setting of the probability change determination flag when the passage of the probability change region is detected when the probability change region is valid. Processing. When the upper winning award or the lower winning award is returned to the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “6”. In this embodiment, when the round game is ended, whether the upper winning prize port or the lower prize winning port is closed, a process of closing the upper prize winning port, And the process of closing the closed state. Therefore, there is no need to perform a process of determining whether the target of the closing process is the upper winning prize port or the lower winning prize port. In addition, even when the number of the winning prize holes to be used is reduced or increased, it is only necessary to delete or add the process of closing the state, so that the design can be easily changed.

  The post-big hit release processing in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "6". The post-big hit opening process includes a process of determining whether or not the number of executions of the round game for opening the upper winning prize opening or the lower winning prize opening has reached a predetermined upper limit number, or has not reached the upper limit number. In this case, a process for waiting until the next round game is started is included. In the present embodiment, in the post-big hit opening processing, the lower big winning opening detection processing described above is further executed in the probability change opening round. In addition, in the post-hit jackpot opening process, the control after the running round is executed based on the number of game balls in the lower special variable winning ball device 7B counted by the special winning opening detection process (the executing round is the last one). , The process of allowing the big hit game state to end, and the next round if not the last round) is further included. Then, when the next round game is started, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4”, and when the number of executions of the round game reaches the upper limit number, the value of the special figure process flag is set to “7”. Is updated to ".

  The big hit end processing in step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. In the big hit end processing, a waiting time corresponding to a period during which an ending effect as a staging operation for notifying the end of the big hit game state is performed by an effect device such as the image display device 5, the speakers 8L and 8R, the game effect lamp 9, and the like. The process includes a process of waiting until time elapses, and a process of performing various settings for controlling to the probable change state or the time saving state according to whether the probable change control condition is satisfied. Then, when the setting for controlling to the probable change state or the time saving state is performed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S110 of FIG. 7 as the special symbol normal process. In the special symbol normal processing shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the second special figure reserved storage number is “0” (step S231). The second special figure reserved storage number is the reserved storage number of the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B. For example, in the process of step S231, the second reserved storage count value stored in the game control counter setting unit 154 may be read, and it may be determined whether the read value is “0”.

  When the number of second special figure reservation storages is other than “0” in step S231 (step S231; No), the reservation stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 151B corresponding to the reservation number “1”. Numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern are read as data (step S232). The numerical data read out at this time may be stored in, for example, a random number buffer for fluctuation and temporarily stored.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S232, the second special figure reserved storage number is updated by subtracting one from the second reserved figure count value and updated, for example, so that the second special figure reserved storage number is subtracted by one. The hold data indicating the random numbers MR1 to MR3 stored in the entries lower than the hold number “1” (for example, the entries corresponding to the hold numbers “2” to “4”) are shifted upward by one entry by the unit 151B. (Step S233). In addition, in the process of step S233, the game control counter setting unit 154 may update the total reserved storage number count value stored in the total reserved storage number counter by one. At this time, the variable special figure designating buffer value, which is the value stored in the variable special figure designating buffer, is updated to "2" (step S234).

  When the second special figure reserved storage number is “0” in step S231 (step S231; Yes), it is determined whether the first special figure reserved storage number is “0” (step S235). The first special figure reserved storage number is the reserved storage number of the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A. For example, in the process of step S235, the game control counter setting unit 154 reads the first reserved storage number count value stored in the first reserved storage number counter, and determines whether the read value is “0”. Just fine. As described above, the process in step S235 is executed when it is determined in step S231 that the second special figure reserved storage number is “0”, and the first special figure reserved storage number is “0”. It is determined whether or not. As a result, the execution of the special figure game using the second special figure starts in preference to the special figure game using the first special figure.

  When the first special figure reservation storage number is other than “0” in step S235 (step S235; No), the reservation stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 151A corresponding to the reservation number “1”. Numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern are read as data (step S236). The numerical data read out at this time may be stored in, for example, a random number buffer for fluctuation and temporarily stored.

  Subsequent to the process of step S236, the first special figure reserved storage number is updated by subtracting 1 from the first reserved figure storage count, and the like, and the first special figure reserved storage number is updated by subtracting one. The hold data indicating the random numbers MR1 to MR3 stored in the entries lower than the hold number “1” (for example, the entries corresponding to the hold numbers “2” to “4”) are shifted upward by one entry by the unit 151A. (Step S237). In the process of step S237, the game control counter setting unit 154 may update the total reserved storage count value stored in the total reserved storage number counter by one. At this time, the variable special figure designation buffer value is updated to "1" (step S238).

  After executing one of the processes of steps S234 and S238, it is determined whether the special figure display result, which is the variable display result of the special symbol, is "big hit", "small hit", or "losing" (step). S239). As an example, in the process of step S239, a special figure display result determination table prepared by being stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance is selected and set as a use table for determining the special figure display result. In the special figure display result determination table, a numerical value (decision value) to be compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is determined according to whether or not the probability change state in which the probability change control is performed is performed. May be assigned to the result of determining which of “big hit”, “small hit” and “loss”. The CPU 103 may determine the special figure display result by referring to the special figure display result determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result read from the random number buffer for fluctuation.

  FIG. 10A shows an example of determination in the process of step S239. In this determination example, the ratio of determining whether or not to display the special figure display result as "big hit" is changed depending on whether or not the probability change control is performed in the probability change state. More specifically, when the probability change control is performed in the probability change state, the special map display result is determined to be "big hit" at a higher rate than when the probability change control is not performed in the normal state. Therefore, when the probable change state is performed in which the probable change control is performed, the special figure display result is more likely to be a "big hit" than in the case where the probable change control is not performed in the normal state, and the big hit game state is more likely to occur. That is, when in the probable change state in which the probable change control is performed, the player is more advantageous than the normal state. In this embodiment, when the current game state is the normal state in which the probability change control is not performed, the variable display result is "small hit" at a predetermined ratio (2/400 in the example of FIG. 10A). Is predetermined. On the other hand, if the current game state is the probable change state in which the probable change control is performed, “small hit” is not determined as the variable display result.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the special figure display result determined in step S239 is "big hit" (step S240). When the special map display result is determined to be "big hit" (step S240; Yes), a big hit flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, such as the game control flag setting unit 152, is set to an on state (step S241). . The big hit type is determined to be one of a plurality of types (step S242). As an example, in the process of step S242, a big hit type determination table prepared by storing in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance or the like is selected and set as a use table for determining a big hit type. In the jackpot type determination table, a numerical value (decision value) to be compared with the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type according to the fluctuation special figure designation buffer value or the like is a result of determining whether the jackpot type is one of a plurality of types. , As long as it is assigned. The CPU 103 may determine the jackpot type by referring to the jackpot type determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type read from the random number buffer for fluctuation.

  FIG. 10B illustrates an example of determination in the process of step S242. In this determination example, the big hit type is determined according to whether the special symbol (variable special figure) variably displayed in the special figure game in which the start condition is satisfied is the first special figure or the second special figure. The ratio is different. Here, when the fluctuation special figure designation buffer value is “1”, the start condition of the special figure game by the first special symbol display device 4A is satisfied, and the fluctuation special figure becomes the first special figure. On the other hand, when the fluctuation special figure designation buffer value is “2”, the start condition of the special figure game by the second special symbol display device 4B is satisfied, and the fluctuation special figure becomes the second special figure. In the determination example shown in FIG. 10B, when the change special map is the first special map, the big hit type is determined to be one of “first big hit”, “second big hit”, and “third big hit”. Is done. On the other hand, when the fluctuation special map is the second special map, the big hit type is determined only as “second big hit”. That is, the jackpot types are determined to be “first jackpot” and “third jackpot” only when the change special map is the first special map. In this way, different big hit types may be determined according to the special symbols variably displayed in the special figure game. In addition, the rate at which the big hit type is determined to be “second big hit” is higher when the change special map is the second special map than when the change special map is the first special map. In this way, the predetermined big hit type may be determined at a different rate depending on the special symbol variably displayed in the special figure game.

  In this embodiment, 16 round games are executed regardless of the jackpot type, and a predetermined probability change opening round in the jackpot game state (the 14th round and the “16” where the number of round games executed is “14”) In a certain 16th round), the lower winning a prize port is opened. In the normally open land (1st to 13th and 15th rounds), the upper winning award is opened. Here, when the big hit type is “second big hit”, the big hit type is “first big hit” and “first big hit” in the predetermined probable change opening round in the big hit gaming state rather than the case where the big hit type is “first big hit”. The upper limit time in which the lower big winning opening is opened is longer than in the case of "3 big hits", and the certainty change control condition for achieving the certainty change state after the end of the big hit game state is easily established. By determining the big hit type at the determined ratio as shown in FIG. 10B, when the variation special map is the second special map, the big hit game state is increased at a higher rate than when the first special map is used. A probable change control condition for achieving the probable change state after the end is established. In other words, if the special map display result is "big hit" in the special map game using the second special map based on the game ball passing (entering) the second start winning port, the first start winning port is set. In the special figure game using the first special figure based on the passing (entering) of the game ball, the probability change control condition is more easily satisfied than when the special figure display result is “big hit”.

  In the present embodiment, when the big hit type is “first big hit”, the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is as short as 52 milliseconds, so that the ratio of game balls entering the lower big winning opening is very low. . Therefore, the rate at which the probability change control condition is satisfied is very low. On the other hand, in the case of the "second big hit" (and the "third big hit"), the upper limit time is about 27 seconds (27 seconds + 52 milliseconds), so that the probability that the game ball enters the lower big winning opening is high. Therefore, the rate at which the probable change control condition is satisfied is also high. In the present embodiment, when the "big hit" is in the probability change state, the rate at which the big hit type is determined to be "second big hit" is high, and thus the rate at which the special game state is controlled from the normal game state to the probability change state While it is possible to lower the threshold (the threshold that changes stably at the first hit), it is possible to set such that once controlled to the positive change state, the “big hit” continues at a high rate (so-called continuous change state). In addition, as for the "third big hit", the rate at which the probability change control condition is satisfied is higher than the "first big hit" as in the "second big hit", but the first to thirteenth and sixteenth round games win the top big prize. Since the upper limit time during which the mouth is open is short (52 milliseconds), the number of prize balls paid out based on the "big hit" is reduced.

More specifically, in the special figure game using the first special figure, when the variable display result is “big hit”, the first big hit is made at a predetermined ratio (１ ／), In the big hit game state controlled based on the "big hit", the probable change control condition (also referred to as a special condition) is not satisfied, and after the big hit game state ends, the game mode shifts to the normal game state which is not controlled to the probable change state. On the other hand, if the "second big hit" or "third big hit" is reached in the special figure game using the first special figure, the probability change control condition (special condition) is increased at a high rate in the big hit game state controlled based on the "big hit". Is established, and after the big hitting game state ends, the game is controlled to the special game state controlled to the positive change state. In the special game state, the upper winning prize port is controlled to be in an open state, and the special figure game using the second special figure can be started. In the special figure game using the second special figure, when the variable display result is "big hit", the big hit always occurs, so that the state is controlled to the probability change state again after the big hit game state ends with a high probability. Therefore, the "big hit" and the probability change state continue continuously until all the special figure games of the predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times) in the probability change state become "losing" and the probability change end condition is satisfied. According to such a configuration, in the first special figure game that is performed in the normal gaming state, the ratio of the variable display result of the big hit type of “second big hit” (so-called expectation that changes reliably at the first hit) is reduced, Once the variable display result of "second big hit" is derived, the rate of the continuous change state and "big hit" continuously increases. Therefore, a sharp and exciting gaming experience can be provided. Also, in the example of FIG. 10B, once the state is controlled to the probability change state, the “third big hit” in which the number of prize balls refunded as the big hit type is small is not determined. Various game experiences can be provided as to whether or not the state is controlled.

  After executing the process of step S242, the big hit type is stored (step S243). In the process of step S243, the big hit type may be stored by storing data indicating the result of the big hit type determination in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 such as the big hit type buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 155, for example.

  If it is determined in step S241 that it is not "big hit" (step S241; No), it is determined whether or not the special figure display result is "small hit" (step S246). Then, when it is determined that the small hit has occurred (step S246; Yes), the small hit flag provided in the RAM 102 is set to the ON state (step S247).

  If it is determined in step S246 that it is not "small hit" (step S246; No), or after executing one of the processes of steps S243 and S247, whether to control to the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state. A determined special symbol is set in accordance with the result of the pre-determination of whether or not, and further, the result of the determination of the jackpot type in the case of the jackpot gaming state (step S248). As an example, if it is determined that the special figure display result is not “small hit” in step S246, the special figure display result becomes a loss pattern corresponding to a predetermined result indicating “losing”. The special symbol indicating the symbol "-" is set as the fixed special symbol. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S246 that the special figure display result is “small hit”, the special figure display result is determined to be “small hit”. The special symbol indicating the number “2” as the symbol is set as the fixed special symbol. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S240 that the special figure display result is "big hit", one of the special symbols predetermined as a plurality of types of big hit symbols is determined according to the result of the determination of the big hit type in step S242. What is necessary is just to determine a fixed special symbol. In this embodiment, the symbol “5” or “9” is used when the jackpot type is “first jackpot”, the symbol “7” is used when the jackpot type is “second jackpot”, In the case of "big hit", the special symbol indicated by the symbol "3" is set as the fixed symbol.

  After executing the processing of step S244, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "1" (step S245), and the special special pattern normal processing ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "1" in step S245, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the variation pattern setting process in step S111 shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  If the reserved storage number of the special figure game using the first special figure is “0” in step S235 (step S235; Yes), a predetermined demonstration display setting is performed (step S246), and then the special symbol is set. The normal processing ends. In this demonstration display setting, for example, an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a demonstration display (demo screen display) by displaying a predetermined effect image on the image display device 5 is sent from the main board 11 to effect control. It is determined whether the data has been transmitted to the substrate 12. At this time, if the transmission has been completed, the demo display setting ends. On the other hand, if it has not been transmitted, the setting for transmitting the customer waiting demonstration designation command is performed, and then the demonstration display setting ends.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S113 in FIG. 7 as a special symbol stop process. In the special symbol stop processing shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not a special figure fixed display flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 such as the game control flag setting unit 152 is on (step S261). ). The special figure confirmed display flag is set to an on state by the process of step S265 described later, in response to the derived special symbol being a variable display result (special figure display result) in the special figure game being derived and displayed. .

  When the special figure fixed display flag is off in step S261 (step S261; No), the setting for deriving and displaying the fixed special symbol is performed (step S262). In addition, a command transmission setting when the symbol is determined is performed (step S263). For example, setting for transmitting an effect control command prepared in advance as a symbol confirmation command to the effect control board 12 is performed. Further, a predetermined fixed time (for example, 1000 milliseconds) is set as the special figure fixed display time (step S264). Then, the special-symbol-determining-display flag is set to the on state (step S265), and then the special symbol stop processing ends. At this time, since the special figure process flag is not updated, the special symbol stop processing is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  When the special figure fixed display flag is ON in step S261 (step S261; Yes), it is determined whether or not the special figure fixed display time has elapsed (step S266). At this time, if the special figure confirmation display time has not elapsed (step S266; No), the special symbol stop processing ends. Here, since the special figure process flag is not updated, the special symbol stop processing is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs, and the apparatus waits until the special figure fixed display time elapses.

  If the special figure fixed display time has elapsed in step S266 (step S266; Yes), the special figure fixed display in progress flag is cleared and turned off (step S267), and then the big hit flag is turned on. Is determined (step S268). If the big hit flag is ON (step S268; Yes), a predetermined time is set as the big hit start effect waiting time (step S269). At this time, a command transmission setting at the start of the big hit is performed (step S270). In addition, for example, a big hit start flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, such as the game control flag setting unit 152, is set to an ON state (step S271). Subsequently, a setting for terminating the probability change control is performed (step S272). For example, as the process of step S272, a process of clearing the probable change flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 152 or the like to turn it off, or a probable change count for counting the remaining number of special figure games in which the probable change control is performed A process of clearing the counter may be executed.

  The probability change counter is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, for example, the game control counter setting unit 154. An initial value (for example, “50”) may be set.

  After executing the processing of step S272, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4" (step S273), and then the special symbol stop processing ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4" and the next timer interrupt occurs, the big hit opening pre-processing of step S114 shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  If the big hit flag is off at step S268 (step S268; No), it is determined whether the small hit flag is on (step S274). When the small hit flag is on (step S274; Yes), the small hit start effect waiting time is set (step S275). For example, in the process of step S275, a timer initial value that is predetermined in accordance with the small hit start effect waiting time may be set in the game control process timer. Subsequently, a setting for transmitting an effect control command which becomes a small hit start specifying command by setting the EXT data among the hit start specifying commands from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is performed (step S276). Further, the small hit flag is cleared and turned off (step S277). Thereafter, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “8” which is a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S278).

  When the small hit flag is off in step S291 (step S274; No), the value of the special figure process flag is initialized to “0” (step S279). After executing one of the processes in steps S278 and S279, it is determined whether or not to end the probable change control (step S280). As an example, in the process of step S280, when the probability variation count value stored in the probability variation counter is other than “0”, the count value is updated by subtracting 1 from the count value. Then, it is determined whether or not the updated probability change count value matches a predetermined probability change end determination value (for example, “0”). At this time, if the probability variation end determination value is met, the probability variation control may be ended by clearing a predetermined probability variation flag or the like. On the other hand, if the value does not match the probability change end determination value, the process of step S280 may be terminated, for example, by maintaining the status of the probability change flag.

  After executing the processing of step S280, the setting for transmitting the game state designation command from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is performed (step S281), and the special symbol stop processing is ended. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0” and the next timer interrupt occurs, the special symbol normal processing of step S110 shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S114 of FIG. 7 as the big hit opening pre-process. In the big hit opening pre-processing shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the big hit start flag is on (step S291). The big hit start flag is set to an on state by the process of step S271 shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to the start of the big hit gaming state.

  When the big hit start flag is on in step S291 (step S291; Yes), it is determined whether or not the big hit start effect waiting time has elapsed (step S292). At this time, if the big hit start effect waiting time has not elapsed (step S292; No), the big hit opening pre-processing is ended. Here, since the special figure process flag is not updated, the big hit opening pre-processing is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs, and it waits until the big hit start effect waiting time has elapsed.

  When the jackpot start effect waiting time has elapsed in step S292 (step S292; Yes), the jackpot start flag is cleared and turned off as a process for starting the first round game in the jackpot game state. Later (step S293), “1” is set as a count initial value corresponding to the number of round games executed in a round counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, such as the game control counter setting unit 154 (step S294).

  When the big hit start flag is off in step S291 (step S291; No), or after executing the processing in step S294, the special symbols that have changed in the variable display that has become the big hit are the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Then, a big hit symbol derived as a variable display result is read out (step S295). As an example, referring to the game control flag setting section 152 or the game control buffer setting section 155 of the RAM 102, the value of the variable special figure designation buffer set in step S234 or S238 of FIG. What is necessary is just to read the buffer value indicating the symbol.

  Next, based on the data read in step S295, the CPU 103 sets the big hit opening pattern table according to whether the big hit type is "first big hit", "second big hit", or "third big hit" (step S295). Step S297). As an example, the jackpot type may be determined. First, when the value of the variable special designating buffer is “1”, it is determined that the first special symbol is “2” and the second special symbol is “variable special symbol”. Then, referring to the big hit type determination table selected in step S243 in FIG. 9, the big hit type corresponding to the variable special symbol and the fixed special symbol is determined, and the big hit type is determined. In the example of FIG. 11B, when the variable special symbol is the first special symbol and the big hit symbol is “7”, it is “second big hit”, and when it is “5” or “9”, it is “ If it is "first big hit" or "3", it is "third big hit". On the other hand, when the variable special symbol is the first special symbol, it is “second big hit” regardless of the big hit symbol.

  In step S297, if the big hit type is determined to be “first big hit”, the CPU 103 stores the first big hit opening pattern table of FIG. 13 (A) in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 such as the game control buffer setting unit 155. Set as an open pattern table. On the other hand, when it is determined to be the "second big hit", the second big hit open pattern table of FIG. 13B is set as the use open pattern table. If it is determined to be the "third big hit", the second big hit open pattern table of FIG. 13C is set as the use open pattern table. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the opening pattern table designates the number of rounds and a special winning opening to be opened in the round as information of each round game executed in the big hit gaming state. And opening patterns for controlling the solenoids (solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door and solenoid 82B for the lower winning opening door) to open and close the winning opening at a suitable timing (a winning opening opening pattern). Table), information indicating the maximum winning opening opening time in the round, and the special winning opening operating time in the round (from the start of the round game to the last closing of the special winning opening door in the round). Any information may be used as long as it is a table that stores information indicating time) in association with each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, in this embodiment, the round count value is one of “1” to “13” / “15” (normal open round), and the round count value is “14”. "Or" 16 "(probable change opening round), the big winning opening to be opened and the big winning opening opening upper limit time are made different. In the normal opening round (upper opening round), when the big hit type is “first big hit” or “second big hit”, the upper big winning opening is opened with an upper limit of 20 seconds. Therefore, in both cases of the first and second big hits, the same amount of prize balls are paid out in the normal opening round. On the other hand, when the big hit type is “third big hit”, the upper winning award opening is opened with a short time of 52 milliseconds as an upper limit. Therefore, in the case of the third big hit, the payout of the prize ball in the normal opening round is small (or substantially not). For the probability change opening round, when the jackpot type is “first jackpot”, the maximum opening time of the special winning opening is set to an extremely short time (52 milliseconds), and the game ball passes through (enters) the lower winning opening. Very unlikely to do so. On the other hand, when the jackpot type is “second jackpot” or “third jackpot”, the round count value is set to about 27 seconds (27 seconds + 52 milliseconds) as the maximum winning opening opening time. Therefore, when the jackpot type is “second jackpot” or “third jackpot”, the payout of the prize balls in the probability change opening round is larger than that of the first jackpot, and the game ball passes through the lower big winning opening (enters). ) Is likely to occur, and the probability change control condition for achieving the probability change state after the end of the big hit game state is easily established.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D, the special winning opening opening pattern table is set as one or a plurality of rows (records) in which the time for controlling the opening and the time for controlling the closing of the special winning opening are alternately set. It is a table. Record numbers correspond to the order in which each record is used. When a record whose record name includes "open time" is used, the special winning opening is opened. On the other hand, during the use of the record including the “closed time”, the special winning opening is closed. The usage time indicates an upper limit time for using the record.

  Next, the CPU 103 reads a round counter value indicating the number of rounds of the round game to be started from a round counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 such as the game control counter setting unit 154 (step S299). Then, based on the use open pattern table set in step S297 and the read round counter value, a large winning opening to be opened in the round game in the round game to be started is sent to the upper special variable winning ball device 7A. It is determined to be one of the formed upper special winning opening or the lower special winning opening formed in the lower special variable winning ball device 7B (step S300). As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, when the round count value is one of “1” to “13” or “15” (when the round is a normal opening round), the upper winning prize mouth is opened. It is determined to execute a round game in an open state (a round game in an upper open round). On the other hand, when the round count value is “14” or “16” (when the round is a probable change opening round), it is determined to execute a round game in which the lower winning opening is opened. Accordingly, when the number of round game executions reaches “14” or “16” as the specific number of times, a round game in which the lower winning opening is opened (a round game of a lower opening round) is executed, and a lower special is executed. The variable winning ball device 7B enters a first state that is advantageous for the player.

  Along with determining the special winning opening to be opened by the processing of step S300, a detection effective switch for effectively detecting a game ball may be set. For example, when the round count value is any one of “1” to “13” or “15”, the detection of a game ball by the upper-large winning port switch 23A is performed in accordance with the opening of the upper-level winning port. To enable. On the other hand, when the round count value is “14” or “16”, the detection of the game ball by the lower special winning opening switch 23B is enabled in accordance with the opening of the lower special winning opening.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S300, the CPU 103 refers to the round counter value and determines whether or not the round game to be started is the first round game to be executed for the first time in the jackpot game state (step S300). S300A). When the value of the round counter is “1”, it is determined that the game is a round game of the first round (Step S300A; Yes), and a value corresponding to the open winning award in the first round is displayed in the abnormal winning confirmation table. Is set (step S300B). The abnormal winning confirmation table is used to determine whether or not winning in the upper winning opening and the lower winning opening detected in each round game stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 is abnormal. Bits used as flags corresponding to at least the upper winning port switch 23A and the lower winning port switch 23B are set in the abnormal winning confirmation table (FIG. 16). In this embodiment, “B0” is set as a flag for the lower-large winning opening switch 23B and “B1” is set as a flag for the upper-large winning opening switch 23A in the abnormal winning confirmation table. The abnormal winning confirmation table is updated in step S300B and S573 of FIG. 19 described later. When the upper opening round in which the upper winning opening changes to the open state is started, the flag of the lower winning opening switch 23B is set, the value of "B0" becomes "1", and the value of the upper winning opening switch 23A is set. The flag is cleared and the value of "B1" becomes "0". On the other hand, when the lower opening round in which the lower winning opening changes to the open state is started, the flag of the lower winning opening switch 23B is cleared, the value of “B0” becomes “0”, and the upper winning opening switch is set. The flag of 23A is set, and the value of "B1" becomes "1". In this way, the flag corresponding to the special winning opening that is opened in the started round is cleared, and the flag corresponding to the special winning opening that is maintained in the closed state is set (reverse value).

  When it is determined in step S300A that the round is not the first round (S300A; No), or when the process of S300B is completed, the CPU 103 reads the stored data of the big hit type from, for example, the big hit type buffer or the like, and determines the round counter value and the big hit type. The corresponding winning opening operation time is determined (step S301). The special winning opening operation time is a solenoid for changing the upper winning opening or the lower winning opening to an open state and a closed state from the start of the round game in each round game executed in the big hit gaming state. This is the time to execute the control, and matches the maximum duration of the round game that does not include the input / output matching wait state and the input / output error state. The period from the start to the end of the special winning opening operation time is the maximum execution time of the round game in a narrow sense. The running round game ends when the special winning entry device enters the special variable prize device, in addition to the end of the special winning opening operation time. The opening time of the special winning opening in the upper opening round is referred to as the upper winning opening time, and the operating time of the large opening in the lower opening round is referred to as the lower winning opening time. The special winning opening operation time is an upper limit time for driving the special winning opening door by the solenoid to execute a control for opening the special winning opening (and a control for temporarily closing the special winning opening).

After executing the processing in step S301, opening control is performed to change the special winning opening (upper winning opening or lower winning opening) from the closed state to the open state (steps S301A and S302). At this time, setting (opening control) for transmitting a drive signal to one of the solenoids 82A and 82B is performed in accordance with the special winning opening to be opened determined by the process of step S300. In this embodiment, as the release control, the value of the solenoid output data table in FIG. 15 is set to a value according to whether the large winning opening to be opened is the upper winning opening or the lower winning opening (step S301A). Each bit of the solenoid output data table includes a plurality of solenoids (a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory, a solenoid 82A for an upper winning opening door, a solenoid 82B for a lower winning opening door, and a solenoid 82C for a positive change area cover). ) Is used as a flag indicating whether or not a control signal is transmitted. As shown in FIG. 15, the bit of D0 is the solenoid 82C for the probable variable area cover, the bit of D1 is the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door, and the bit of D2 is the solenoid 82B and D3 for the lower winning opening door. Is a flag corresponding to the solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory. When each flag is set (the value is “1”), a drive signal is transmitted to the corresponding solenoid to drive the accessory, the door, the lid, and the like, and the state can be changed to the open state. On the other hand, if the flag is in the clear (value is “0”) state, the drive signal is not transmitted to the corresponding solenoid, and the accessory, the door, the lid, etc. are not driven and are kept in the closed state. That is, the bit value of D0 is information indicating the open / closed state of the probable area lid. Further, the bit value of D1 is information indicating the open / closed state of the upper winning opening. The bit value of D2 is information indicating the open / closed state of the lower big winning opening. The bit value of D3 is information indicating the open / closed state of the ordinary electric accessory (second starting winning opening).
When S301A ends, the CPU 103 sets a winning pattern opening pattern table according to the jackpot type and the number of rounds to be started among the plurality of winning pattern opening pattern tables stored in the ROM 102 as a use pattern (S302). ).

  As an example, when the upper opening rounds (first to thirteenth and fifteenth rounds) are started, an opening for opening the upper winning a prize opening on condition that the upper prize winning opening time is started. As control, D1 is set to a set state (value is "1") (S301A). In the upper open rounds (1st to 13th and 15th rounds), when the jackpot type is “first jackpot” or “second jackpot”, the special winning opening pattern table A (FIG. 14A) In the case of a big hit, a special winning opening pattern table C (FIG. 14C) is set. As a result, it becomes possible to transmit a drive signal to the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door. By setting an address value for referencing an opening pattern corresponding to the round counter value specified by the opening pattern table set in step S297 in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 (for example, the game control buffer setting unit 155 or the like), the round start is set. A control signal for turning the solenoid on or off in accordance with the elapsed time may be transmitted to the solenoid 82A for the big winning port door. On the other hand, when the lower opening round is started, D2 is set as the opening control for setting the upper winning opening to the open state on condition that the lower winning opening operation period is started (the value is set to “ 1 "). Thereby, it becomes possible to transmit a drive signal to the solenoid 82B for the lower big winning opening door. Similarly, an address value for referring to an opening pattern corresponding to the round counter value designated by the opening pattern table set in step S298 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 (for example, the game control buffer setting unit 155). The setting for transmitting the drive signal to the solenoid 82B for the lower winning opening door is performed. In step S302, the update of the round timer for measuring the elapsed time from the start of the round, which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control timer setting unit 153), is started. By switching the used record of the set special winning opening pattern table according to the value of the round timer, the special winning opening door is driven by the solenoid, and the special winning opening is opened at a timing according to the jackpot type and the number of rounds. State and closed state.

  Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the special winning opening to be opened determined in step S300 is a special winning opening (step S303). If the special winning opening is a special winning opening (step S303; Yes), the RAM 102 is determined. The value of the variable probability area solenoid control code set in the predetermined area (for example, the game control buffer setting unit 155) is set to 1 (step S304). The positive-variable-area solenoid control code specifies that the position control of the positive-variable-area lid 72 using the positive-variable-area solenoid and the control of valid / invalid of the positive-variable area in the positive-variable-area solenoid control area to be described later are started. Control code. As described above, since the start of the position control of the probability change area and the control of the validity / invalidity of the probability change area are started using the common control code (probability change area solenoid control code), the probability change in addition to the opening and closing of the probability change area is performed. Even if the area is changed between valid and invalid, the required storage capacity can be reduced. In step S303, it is determined that the round does not open the lower winning a prize port (step S303; No), or when the processing of step S304 is completed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5" (step S306), The pre-release processing ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5" in step S305, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the big hit opening processing in step S115 shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  FIG. 17A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S115 in FIG. 7 as the big hit opening process. In the big hit opening processing shown in FIG. 17A, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the round game being executed is a round for opening the lower big winning opening (step S311). As an example, when the round counter value is “14” or “16” indicating a probable change opening round, it is determined that the round is for opening the lower winning opening (step S311; Yes), and enters the lower winning opening. A lower-winning-winning-winning-winning-prize detecting process for detecting and determining the played game ball is executed (step S316).

  In the lower winning a prize mouth winning detection process, it is determined that a game ball that has entered the lower prize winning opening is detected based on the fact that the lower winning a prize mouth switch 23B has been turned on, and the winning number counter during the role game play is determined. Add one. The winning game in-game winning number counter is a counter that is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control counter setting unit 153) and indicates the number of gaming balls in the lower special variable winning device 7B. The winning game in-game number counter is decremented by one based on the fact that the probability change area switch 24A and the discharge switch 24B detect a game ball discharged from the lower special variable winning device 7B. In addition, when the lower special winning opening switch invalid flag is set to ON, even if the lower special winning opening switch 23B is in the ON state, the detection is invalidated and the winning number counter during the role game is not incremented. . The lower special winning opening switch invalid flag is a flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152 or the like) and set to an ON state in step S549 or the like in FIG. In this state, even when the lower special winning opening switch 23B detects a game ball that has entered the lower special variable winning device 7B, it is used to execute control for invalidating the detection. In other words, the value of the winning game number counter during the bonus game is detected by the probability changing area switch 24A from the number of game balls detected by the lower special winning opening switch 23B when the lower special winning opening switch invalid flag is not turned on. The number of game balls is controlled by subtracting the number of game balls detected by the discharge switch 24B.

  In the lower special winning opening winning detection process, the CPU 103 further sets a value when the number-of-winning-games winning counter is 1 or more (that is, when one or more valid game balls exist in the lower special variable winning device 7B). Based on the fact that the probable area switch 24A has detected a game ball, a probable change confirmation flag set in a predetermined area (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152) of the RAM 102 is set to an on state. Even in this case, if the probability-change area detection valid flag is cleared, the detection is invalidated and the probability-change confirmation flag is not set. The probable variable area detection valid flag is a flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152 or the like) and switched between an on state and an off state in the probable variable area solenoid control process (S16A in FIG. 6). It is used to execute control for switching the validity / invalidity of the probability change area at a predetermined timing in the big hit game state. In this embodiment, the probable variable area is made valid only when the lower big winning opening is in the open state in the lower open round of the jackpot game state (probable variable area detection valid flag is set), and the probable variable area is set in other periods. Invalidate (clears the variable probability area detection valid flag).

  If the lower game winning port switch 23B detects a game ball that has passed through the certainty-change area while the winning-number-of-winning-games counter is 0 or the certainty-change-area detection valid flag is cleared, an illegal operation is performed. Has been executed, step S508 is skipped and the probable change confirmation flag is not turned on. According to such a configuration, security against fraudulent acts can be enhanced.

  If step S316 in FIG. 17 is completed or if it is determined in step S311 that the round is not a round opening the lower winning opening (step S311; No), the CPU 103 opens the special winning opening based on the opening pattern. An opening control process is executed (step S317). As an example, first, in the opening pattern set in S302 of FIG. 12, it is specified whether the special winning opening is set to the open state or the closed state at the timing indicated by the current round timer value. . If it is determined as No in step S311 according to the specific result (when the round is a normal opening round), the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door is determined as Yes (when the round is a probable change opening round). A control signal for turning the solenoid on or off according to the specified result may be transmitted to the solenoid 82B for the lower winning opening door. For example, in step S317, the CPU 103 determines, among the records of the open-use pattern set in S302 of FIG. 12, the use time of the currently used record and the elapsed time since the start of use of the used record. To determine whether or not the use time of the currently used record has elapsed. If it is determined that the use time has elapsed, the next record among the use release patterns is set as a use record, and the drive signal corresponding to the opening / closing operation specified by the use record is transmitted to the corresponding solenoid (lower release round). Then, the transmission is made to the solenoid 82B, and to the solenoid 82A) in the upper open round. If the record name of the set next use record is “large winning opening time k (k is an arbitrary integer)”, the special variable winning device (upper special variable winning device 7A or lower special variable winning device 7B) is set. A control signal for opening is transmitted to the solenoid. On the other hand, if the special winning opening time k (k is an arbitrary integer) "is set, the special variable winning device (upper special variable winning device 7A or lower special variable winning device 7B) is closed (output is turned off). Transmits the signal to the corresponding solenoid. In the case where the special winning opening is closed in step S317 (that is, when the large winning opening is changed to the closed state during the execution of the round game), it is only necessary to clear the bit designated in advance. Among them, only the control for closing the special winning opening to be opened / closed is executed. According to such a configuration, using the set special winning opening pattern table, it is possible to control the opening and closing of the lower winning opening or the upper winning opening at a predetermined timing in accordance with the jackpot type and the number of execution rounds. it can.

  Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the special winning opening upper limit time has elapsed (step S318). At this time, if the special winning opening opening upper limit time has not elapsed (step S318; No), the special winning opening switch in which the detection of the game ball is effective is selected from the upper winning combination switch 23A and the lower special winning switch 23B. It is determined whether or not the detection signal transmitted from is turned on (step S319).

  If the special winning opening switch is ON at step S319 (step S319; Yes), the winning number count value is updated to be incremented by 1 (step S320). The winning number count value is a stored value of a winning number counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 such as the game control counter setting unit 154, for example, and is detected by the special winning opening switch during execution of one round game. What is necessary is just to show the number of game balls. After that, based on the detection of a game ball by the special winning opening switch, a setting for paying out a game ball to be a prize ball is performed (step S321). Instead of paying out the prize balls directly, a score corresponding to the number of prize balls may be given.

  If the special winning opening switch is off in step S319 (step S319; No), or after executing the processing in step S321, the winning number count value is determined to be a predetermined winning upper limit determination value (for example, “6”). Is determined (step S322). At this time, if the winning upper limit determination value has not been reached (Step S322; No), the big hit opening process ends. Here, since the value of the special figure process flag is not updated, the big hit opening processing is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  On the other hand, if the big winning opening operation time has elapsed in step S318 (step S318; Yes), or if it is determined in step S322 that the winning upper limit determination value has been reached, the CPU 103 clears the winning number counter. Thus, the count value is initialized to "0" (step S324). Next, based on the round counter value, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the round to be ended is a probable change opening round for opening the lower big winning opening. (Step S325). If it is determined that the round is a probable change opening round for opening the lower winning a prize opening (Step S325; Yes), a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control timer setting unit 153) is used to measure the elapsed time from the end of the round. Then, a value corresponding to a predetermined input / output match wait time limit is set to the input / output match wait timer set in (1) (for example, 2740 milliseconds), and counting until the time is up is started (step S326).

  If it is determined in step 325 that the round does not open the lower winning opening (step S325; No), or if the process of step S326 is finished, the CPU 103 next ends the opening control of the big winning opening and executes the current round. (S327): The closing control for closing the special variable prize ball device opened in the above (lower special variable prize ball device 7B in the case of the lower open round, upper special variable prize ball device 7A in the case of the upper open round) is executed (S327). , S328). The closing control of the lower special variable prize ball device 7B is performed under the condition that the operating time of the lower special winning prize port ends, or the upper limit number of game balls enter the lower special variable prize ball device 7B. Be executed. On the other hand, the closing control of the upper special variable prize ball device 7A is performed under the condition that the operation time of the upper special winning prize port ends, or that the upper limit variable prize ball device 7A has a maximum number of game balls entered therein. Be executed.

  In this embodiment, regardless of whether the round game being executed is an upper open round or a lower open round, the CPU 103 controls the closing of the lower special variable prize ball device 7B (step S327) and the upper special variable prize ball device 7B. Close control (step S328) is executed together. That is, as the closing control of the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, a process of clearing (setting the value to “0”) D2 of the solenoid output data table is executed (step S327). When "D2" in the solenoid output data table is cleared, the drive control of the special winning opening door using the solenoid 82B for the lower special winning opening door is stopped, and the output of the solenoid is turned off. As a result, the lower special winning opening door is kept closed, and the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is closed. Further, as the closing control of the upper special variable winning ball device 7B, the CPU 103 executes a process of clearing (setting the value to "0") D1 of the solenoid output data table (step S328). When “D1” in the solenoid output data table is cleared, the drive control of the special winning opening door using the solenoid 82A is stopped, and the output of the solenoid is turned off. As a result, the upper winning hole door is kept closed, and the upper special variable winning ball device 7A is closed. By the processing in steps S327 and S328, the values of D1 and D2 in the solenoid output data table are both updated to 0 during the lower opening round and the lower opening round (FIG. 17B). On the other hand, in the solenoid output data table, flags (other than D1 and D2) corresponding to other than the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door and the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door are not updated. It does not affect the opening / closing control of devices having different closing conditions from the upper special variable winning ball device 7A and the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, such as the positive variable region lid.

  Regardless of which of the upper winning hole and the lower winning opening is closed, the processing of closing the upper winning opening and the processing of closing the lower winning opening are both executed. In addition, there is no need to perform a process of determining whether the target of the closing process is the upper winning prize port or the lower winning prize port. Therefore, the required processing amount can be reduced. In addition, even when the number of the winning prize holes to be used is reduced or increased, it is only necessary to delete or add the process of closing the state, so that the design can be easily changed.

  When the processing in step S328 is completed, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special figure process flag to “6” (step S329), and ends the big hit opening processing. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “6” and the next timer interrupt occurs, the post-big hit release processing of step S116 shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S116 in FIG. 7 as the post-big hit release process. In the post-big hit opening processing shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the lower big winning opening has been opened in the executed round game (whether or not it has been a positive change opening round) based on the round counter value (step). S541). When the lower winning a prize opening is opened (step S541; Yes), the CPU 103 sets the next transition permission flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control flag setting unit 153) to ON. It is determined whether or not there is (step S542). The next transition permission flag is set to an on state when a condition for ending the executed round and transitioning to the next state (executing control after the currently executed round) is satisfied in step S547 described later. This flag is used to appropriately permit execution of control after the round being executed. Here, the next state is the next round if the executed round is not the last round of the jackpot game state, or the end of the jackpot game state if the executed round is the last round and the game after the end of the jackpot. A state (a special game state controlled to the probable change state when the probable change confirmation flag is set, and a normal game state not controlled to the probable change state when not set) are shown. If it is determined that the next transition permission flag has not been set to the ON state (step S542; No), the CPU 103 sets the input / output error flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152) to the ON state. Is determined (step S543). The input / output error flag is not set to 0 even when the winning game in-game counter has exceeded the input / output match waiting upper limit time, and an input / output error state (a state in which it is estimated that a ball jam or the like has occurred) to be described later. This flag is set to an ON state in step S552, which will be described later, based on the start, and is used to execute an abnormal operation, which will be described later, to control the state to an error state and wait until the error state is resolved. Can be

  If it is determined that the input / output error flag is not on (step S543; No), then the CPU 103 determines whether or not the input / output match wait timer which has started counting in step S326 in FIG. 17 is up (step S544). . If the predetermined input / output match waiting upper limit time (for example, 2740 milliseconds) has not yet elapsed from the start of the count in step S326 in FIG. 17, the CPU 103 determines that the timer has not expired (step S544; No). Then, the lower large winning opening detection process described above is executed (step S545). In step S545, as in step S316 in FIG. 17, the CPU 103 updates the probability change determination flag and the winning number counter during the role game play in accordance with the states of the lower large winning opening switch 23B, the probability change area switch 24A, and the discharge switch 24B.

  When step S545 is completed, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the counter value of the bonus game in-game winning opening counter updated in step S545 is 0 (step S546). When it is determined that the counter value of the winning game number counter during the role play is 0 (step S546; Yes), the CPU 103 sets a next transition permission flag (step S547). That is, the number of game balls that have entered the lower special variable winning ball device 7B detected by the lower special winning opening switch 23B and the number of game balls detected by the variable probability region switch 24A (the lower special variable winning ball passing through the variable probability region). The number obtained by adding the number of game balls ejected from the device 7B) and the number of game balls detected by the ejection switch 24B (the number of game balls ejected from the lower special variable prize ball device 7B without passing through the variable probability area). If the current round is the last round to be executed in the jackpot game state, the end of the jackpot game state is determined, and if not, the transition to the next round is performed. , An allowable control is executed.

  Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the input / output error flag is on, as in step S543 (step S548). If it is determined that the input / output error flag is not in the ON state (step S548; No), that is, if it is not in the input / output error state, the CPU 103 ends the big hit release processing. In step S546, the bonus game in-game prize counter is not 0, and the control after the currently executed round is executed (if the currently executed round is the last round executed in the big hit game state, the big hit game state ends). Also, when it is determined that the transfer to the next round is not permitted if it is not the last round (step S546; No), the post-big-hit release process is similarly terminated.

  In step S544, in the round game in which the lower special winning opening is opened, a predetermined time period after the period in which the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is changed to the open state while the execution of the control after the round being executed is not allowed is ended. If it is determined that the input / output match waiting upper limit time (for example, 2740 milliseconds) has elapsed (step S544; Yes), the CPU 103 temporarily disables the detection of the game ball by the lower large winning opening switch 24A. Therefore, the lower large winning opening switch invalid flag is set to the ON state (step S549). As a result, in the lower large winning opening winning detection process, even if the lower large winning opening switch detects a game ball, the bonus game in-game winning counter is not updated until the updated state is updated to the off state, and the detection becomes invalid. . At this time, at least the detection by the discharge switch 24B is effective, and when the game ball passes through the installation portion of the discharge switch 24B, the bonus game in-game winning counter is decremented by 1 in the lower large winning opening detection process.

  Next, the CPU 103 executes processing (error display start processing) for starting a screen display indicating an input / output error state on the image display device 5 (step S550). Specifically, by setting a buffer value designating the transmission of an effect control command instructing the start of error display in a transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 155 of the RAM 102, a command to be executed next is set. In the control process (step S17 in FIG. 6), an effect control command designating the start of error display may be transmitted to the effect control board 12.

  Next, for an external device such as a hall management computer, the number of game balls entering the lower special variable prize ball device 7B detected by the lower large winning opening switch 23B and the number of game balls detected by the probable variable area switch 24A. An error signal is transmitted which indicates that the sum of the number of game balls detected by the discharge switch 24B and the number of game balls do not match, and the input / output match waiting upper limit time has elapsed (input / output error has occurred) ( Step S551). By outputting the error signal, the occurrence of an input / output error can be known even in an external device such as a management computer for the hall that has received the error signal, so that a manager of the hall can quickly deal with the error.

  When step S551 ends, the CPU 103 sets the input / output error flag to the ON state (step S552), and ends the post-big hit opening process. Through the processing in steps S549 to S552, the number of game balls that have entered the lower special variable winning ball device 7B detected by the lower special winning opening switch 23B, the number of game balls detected by the variable probability area switch 24A, and the discharge switch 24B are detected. It is controlled to an input / output error state based on the fact that the number obtained by adding up the number of game balls that have been added does not match and the input / output match waiting upper limit time has elapsed.

  If it is controlled to the input / output error state, it is determined that the input / output error flag is on in step S543 of the post-jackpot opening process (step S543; Yes), and step S544 is skipped. Further, when the state is controlled to the input / output error state, for example, the ball clogging may be resolved by the abnormal operation of the variable probability area lid 72 executed in the input / output error state described later. Further, in order to eliminate the error state, the manager of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may open the lower winning opening door by hand and insert a gaming ball. In such a case, when the discharged switch 24B detects a clogged game ball or a inserted game ball, the lower-number winning award winning detection processing (step S545) updates the winning number counter during the role-playing game. . At this time, it is determined in step S546 that the winning game number counter during the role playing is 0 (step S546; Yes), and not only is the next transition permission flag set in the ON state in step S547, but also in step S548. It is determined that the output error flag is on (step S548; Yes), and processing (steps S553 and S555) for eliminating the input / output error state is executed. More specifically, the CPU 103 sets the input / output error flag to OFF in step S553 (step S553), and then sets the lower winning port switch invalid flag to OFF (step S555). To end.

  It is determined whether the round game executed in step S541 is a normal opening round in which the lower winning opening is not opened (step S541; No), or it is determined in step S542 that the next transition permission flag is in an on state. In this case (Step S542; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the next round waiting flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, such as the game control flag setting unit 152, is on (Step S561). The next round waiting flag is set to an on state by the processing of step S564 described below in response to waiting until the next round game in the big hit gaming state is started.

  When the next round waiting flag is off at step S561 (step S561; No), it is determined whether the round count value has reached a predetermined round upper limit determination value (for example, “16”) (step S562). ). At this time, if the round upper limit determination value has not been reached (step S562; No), a predetermined time (for example, one second) is set as the next round waiting time (step S563). Then, the next round wait flag is set to the ON state (step S564), and then the post-big hit release processing ends. Here, since the value of the special figure process flag is not updated, the process after opening the big hit is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  When it is determined in step S562 that the round upper limit determination value has been reached (step S562; Yes), a predetermined period of time is set as the time before the end of the big hit (step S565). At this time, the round counter is cleared and its count value is initialized to "0" (step S566). In addition, the big hit flag and the next shift permission flag are cleared and turned off (step S567). Further, the value of the positive variable area solenoid code is set to 0 (step S567A), and the control of the position of the positive variable area lid 72 and the control of switching the valid / invalid area in the positive variable area solenoid control processing described later are stopped. Then, after updating the value of the special figure process flag to "7" (step S568), the post-big hit release processing ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "7" and the next timer interrupt occurs, the big hit end processing of step S117 shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  If the next round waiting flag is on in step S561 (step S561; Yes), it is determined whether the next round waiting time has elapsed (step S569). If the waiting time for the next round has not elapsed (step S569; No), the post-big hit release processing ends. At this time, since the special figure process flag is not updated, the processing after the big hit is released is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs, and the processing waits until the next round waiting time elapses.

  If the next round waiting time has elapsed in step S569 (step S569; Yes), the next transition permission flag and the next round waiting flag are cleared and turned off (step S570). Further, the round count value is updated so as to be incremented by 1 (step S571). Further, the value of the positive variable area solenoid code is set to 0 (step S571A), and the control of the position of the positive variable area lid 72 and the control of switching the valid / invalid area in the positive variable area solenoid control processing described later are stopped. Then, the CPU 103 refers to the value of the round counter and the big hit opening pattern table set in step S297 in FIG. 12 to determine whether the big winning opening to be opened in the next round executed is the lower big winning opening. It is determined whether or not it is a winning combination (step S572). Then, based on the result of the determination in step S572, a value corresponding to the open special winning opening of the next round is set in the abnormal winning check table according to the special winning opening to be opened in the next round to be started. (Step S573). The specific processing content is the same as step S300B in FIG.

  When step S573 is finished, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special figure process flag to “4” (step S574), and ends the big hit release processing. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4", when the next timer interrupt occurs, the big hit opening pre-processing of step S114 shown in FIG. 7 is executed, and a new round game can be started. it can.

  As described above, in the post-big hit opening processing of FIGS. 18 and 19, after the big winning opening operation time in the round game ends, after the predetermined input / output coincidence waiting time, the execution of the control after the running round is executed. Is not allowed, the lower special winning opening switch invalid flag is set to the ON state, and the detection of the game ball by the lower special winning opening switch 23B is invalidated. Also, at this time, at least the discharge switch 24B is effective, and when the game ball passes through the installation portion of the discharge switch 24B, the bonus game in-game prize counter is decremented by 1 in the lower large winning opening detection process. Therefore, for example, when the lower large winning opening door 71 is opened by hand and the game ball enters the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, the winning number counter value during the role game is detected by the lower large winning opening switch 23B. , And is subtracted based on the detection by the discharge switch 24B. Therefore, the input / output error state can be canceled by opening the lower big winning opening door 71 by hand and allowing the game ball to enter the lower special variable winning ball device 7B until the number counter during the play of the role game becomes 0. . That is, it is possible to easily return from the error state.

  Also, in step S569, the next round is started after waiting for the elapse of the next round start waiting time. After executing the control for closing the winning opening and ending the round, it is possible to suitably set the waiting time until the next big hit game state is started.

  In the plurality of special winning opening tables used in this embodiment, a table in which the closing time included in the execution time of the round game is set after the last opening of the special winning opening in the round game (for example, FIG. 14) (B) and (D) shown in FIG. 14 (B) and (D), and non-set tables (for example, the winning opening tables A and D shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C). And are included. As shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the closing time included in the round game execution time set after the last opening of the special winning opening is a big hit type having a high probability that the probability change control condition is satisfied. This is set in the large winning opening opening pattern table used in the lower opening round of the jackpot game state (second jackpot). The closing time set after the large winning opening is finally opened is that the gaming ball is placed in the certain change area after the lower winning opening is opened for a longer time (about 27 seconds or 2 seconds) than the "first big hit". It is used as a time for determining whether or not the vehicle has passed. For this reason, it is possible to reliably detect a game ball that has passed through the probable change area, including a game ball that has passed through the probable change area after passing through the special winning opening (a so-called “lag ball”). On the other hand, when the upper special variable prize device 7A which does not include the probability variable region relating to whether or not the probability change control condition is established is in the open state, or when the lower special variable prize device 7B has a low ratio of the game ball entering the short time ( In the case where the game ball is opened only for 52 milliseconds), it is not assumed that the game ball passes through the probable change area. Therefore, in such a case, the round game is ended immediately without setting the closing time after the large winning opening is finally opened, so that the unnecessary round-trip time is not included, and the round game execution schedule is appropriately set. Can be set.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S117 of FIG. 7 as the big hit end process. In the big hit end processing shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the time before the big hit end has elapsed (step S361). At this time, if the time before the end of the big hit has not elapsed (Step S361; No), the big hit end processing ends. Here, since the special figure process flag is not updated, the big hit end process is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs, and the process waits until the time before the big hit end.

  If the time before the end of the big hit has elapsed in step S361 (step S361; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the probable change confirmation flag is on (step S363).

  When the probability change determination flag is ON in step S363 (step S363; Yes), the setting for starting the probability change control and setting the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the probability change state is performed (step S364). As an example, in the process of step S364, in addition to setting the probability change flag to the ON state, the count initial value (for example, “50”) corresponding to the upper limit number of special figure games that can be executed in the probability change state is also determined. Set the number counter. Thereafter, the probable change confirmation flag is cleared and turned off (step S365).

  When the probable change confirmation flag is OFF in step S363 (step S363; No), or after executing the processing in step S365, the CPU 103 sets an initial value in the abnormal winning confirmation table (step S366A). Here, the initial value is a value (00000001) in which only the bit “B0” corresponding to the lower large winning opening switch is “1”. Then, the special figure process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to "0" (step S368), and then the big hit end processing ends. When a special timer process flag is initialized to “0” and the next timer interrupt occurs, the special symbol normal process of step S110 shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

  FIG. 21A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S118 in FIG. 7 as the small hit opening process. In the small hit opening pre-processing shown in FIG. 21A, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the small hit start effect waiting time has elapsed (step S401). At this time, if the effect waiting time at the start of the small hit has not elapsed (Step S401; No), the pre-small-hit release process ends. Here, since the value of the special figure process flag is not updated, the small hit pre-opening process is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs, and the process waits until the small hit start effect waiting time has elapsed.

  When the effect waiting time at the start of the small hit has elapsed in step S401 (step S401; Yes), for example, a small hit big winning opening opening pattern table as shown in FIG. 21B is set (step S402). The value of the solenoid output data D3 is set to "1" as an opening control for starting driving of the lower upper winning opening and opening the lower special variable winning ball device 7B (step S403). In the small hitting game state, the step probability variable area solenoid control code remains cleared at step S571A in FIG. 19 at the end of the big hitting game state. Therefore, the probability change area lid is kept in the closed state throughout the small hitting game state, and the probability change area becomes invalid. As described above, the periphery of the probable area is invisible or difficult for the player, and it is possible to hide whether or not the game ball has passed the probable area. Therefore, in addition to making the opening and closing mode of the lower big winning opening similar in the third big hit game state and the small hit game state, the "big hit game state" in which the probable change control condition controlled to the probable change state can be established is impossible. It is difficult for the player to determine which one is the "small hitting game state", and the sense of expectation as to whether or not the state is controlled to the certainty change state can be favorably increased.

  FIG. 21 (B) is a diagram showing a configuration example of a small hit big winning opening opening pattern table. In the small hit big winning opening opening pattern table in FIG. 21B, as shown in the drawing, an opening time for opening the lower winning winning opening and a closing time for closing the lower winning opening are set alternately. Also, in the case of a small hit, unlike a big hit, there is no concept of a round game, so that it is not controlled to a different opening / closing pattern according to the round game. A series of operations from when the control is performed to when the control is finally controlled to the closed state is set in the small hit big winning opening opening pattern table. In the present embodiment, in order to simulate the opening and closing operation of the lower big winning port in the third big hit gaming state, the opening and closing operation of the lower big winning port in the small hitting gaming state is performed. Records instructing an opening / closing operation corresponding to the opening round (records 1 and 2 corresponding to the 14th round, records 3 to 6 corresponding to the 16th round) are set.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S403, the special winning opening operation time according to the small hitting game state is set in a special winning opening operation time timer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (step S405). Start the special winning opening operation period of the special winning opening. Then, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “9”, which is a value corresponding to the small hit opening processing (step S406), and the small hit opening pre-processing is terminated.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S119 of FIG. 7 as the small hit opening process. In the small hit opening processing shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the special winning opening operation time set in step S405 has elapsed with reference to the special winning opening operation time timer (step S721). . If the special winning opening operation time has not elapsed (step S721; No), a special winning opening opening control process is executed (step S722). In step S722, similarly to step S317 in FIG. 17, according to the elapsed time from the start of the small hitting game state, the record to be used in the small hit big winning opening opening pattern table set in step S402 in FIG. 21 is used. Is determined, and a drive signal according to the new record may be transmitted to the solenoid 82C for the lower winning a prize entrance door when the use time ends. When performing the closing control of the lower big winning opening during the execution of the small hitting game state, the lower big winning opening targeted for opening and closing control is different from the closing control during the round game in the lower opening round of the big hit gaming state. The closing control for the special winning opening is not executed.

  After executing the processing of step S722, it is determined whether or not the detection signal transmitted from the lower special winning opening switch 23B is turned on (step S723). When the lower big winning opening switch 23B is off (step S723; No), the small hit opening processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the lower special winning opening switch 23A is ON in step S723 (step S723; Yes), the winning number count value is updated to be incremented by 1 (step S724). Subsequently, based on the detection of a game ball by the upper winning a prize port switch 23A, a setting for paying out a game ball serving as a prize ball is performed (step S725), and then the small hit opening process ends. . Instead of paying out the prize balls directly, a score corresponding to the number of prize balls may be given.

  For example, in the process of step S725, the CPU 103 performs a predetermined payout control for instructing to pay out a predetermined number (for example, “14”) of game balls in response to the detection of the game balls by the upper winning port switch 23A. The storage address (head address, etc.) of the prepared payout control command table in the ROM 101 may be specified so that the command (for example, the command for specifying the number of winning balls) is transmitted to the payout control board. The payout control command thus set is transmitted from the main board 11 to the payout control board, for example, by executing a command control process included in the game control timer interrupt process after the special symbol process process is completed. Just do it.

  If the special winning opening operation time has elapsed in step S721 (step S721; Yes), the winning number is cleared, and then a winning match waiting process is executed (step S727). The winning match waiting process is performed, as in steps S326 in FIG. 17A and S544 in FIG. 18, after a special winning opening operation time elapses, until a predetermined amount of time is reached until the winning game number counter during the role playing becomes zero. This is the process of waiting. If the number-of-winning-games winning counter does not become 0 after a predetermined time, error processing may be executed in the same manner as in steps S549 to S552 in FIG. As described above, in the small hitting game state, the probable change area lid is kept in the closed state, and the probable change area is invalidated. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the process by omitting the winning match waiting process. However, game balls that have not been properly ejected while entering the lower special variable prize ball device 7B in the small hit game state, or game balls arranged in the lower special variable prize ball device 7B in the small hit game state for improper purposes. However, it is conceivable that the game may pass through the certainty changing area in the lower opening round of the big hit game state executed after the end of the small hit. Even in the small hitting game state, the security can be improved in response to such a case by waiting until the winning number counter during the role playing becomes zero. When step S727 is completed, "D2" in the solenoid output data table is cleared (step S728) as a process of controlling the lower big winning opening to a closed state when the small hitting game state is ended. In the small hitting game state, unlike the big hitting game state, since the special variable prize device to be opened is determined to be the lower special variable prize device 7B, the process of closing the upper special variable prize device 7A is not executed. . Then, after updating the value of the special figure process flag to "10" (step S729), the small hit opening processing is terminated.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the winning notification process performed in the main-side error process in step S12 of FIG. In the winning notification process, an abnormal winning confirmation table (FIG. 16) provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 is compared with the state of each switch such as the lower winning port switch 23B and the upper winning switch 23A to obtain an illegal information. It is determined whether or not a prize has been won. In the winning notification process, the CPU 103 first determines whether the upper winning port switch 23A or the lower winning switch 23B is turned on (step S52). If both the upper winning opening switch 23A and the lower winning opening switch 23B are off (step S52; No), the CPU 103 ends the winning notification process. On the other hand, if either the upper winning a prize port switch 23A or the lower prize winning switch 23B is on (step S52; Yes), then the CPU 103 determines whether or not the value of the special symbol process code is 4 or less. A determination is made (step S53). In the course of the game, at the timing when the game ball enters the special variable winning device and is detected by the special winning opening switch (23A or 23B), steps S115 to S120 in FIG. 7 should have been executed. Therefore, when the upper winning a prize port switch 23A or the lower prize winning switch 23B is in an ON state, the value of the special symbol process code is 4 or less (one of S110 to S114 is executed in the special symbol process process). In some cases (Step S53; Yes), it is determined that an abnormal prize can be won, and error processing (Steps S57 to S59) described later is executed.

  On the other hand, when the value of the special symbol process code is larger than 4 (Step S53; No), the abnormal winning prize confirmation table value stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152) is loaded. (Step S54). Similarly, load the switch-on buffer. In the abnormal winning prize confirmation table, in step S300B in FIG. 12 or step S573 in FIG. The value of the bit corresponding to the special winning opening released in the state round game or small hitting gaming state is “0”, and the value of the bit (reverse) that is not the bit corresponding to the released special winning opening is “1”. (See FIGS. 24A to 24E). That is, a bit corresponding to a switch that should not normally detect a game ball is set to the ON state. In addition, the switch-on buffer has a bit (B1) corresponding to the case where the upper special winning opening switch is on, and a bit corresponding to the case where the lower special winning opening switch is on. (B0) is set to "1".

  After step S55, the CPU 103 calculates a logical product (AND) of the value of the abnormal winning confirmation table loaded in S54 and the value of the switch-on buffer loaded in S55 (step S56). If the large winning opening which has not been opened during the execution or the previous round game or small hit game is not turned on, that is, if no error occurs, as shown in FIGS. The multiplied value is 0. On the other hand, when the switch of the special winning opening which is not opened is on, the logical value is non-zero (1) as shown in FIGS. 24 (B), (D) and (E). Therefore, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 after S56 (step S56A). If the calculation result is 0 (step S56A; Yes), the game ball detected in step S52 is in execution or in the previous time. It is determined that it is the detection of a normal game ball that has entered the large entrance opened in the round game or the small hit game, and a winning command notifying the normal winning is sent to the effect control board 12. And performs a process for transmission (step S56B).

  On the other hand, if Yes is determined in step S53 or No is determined in S56A, the CPU 103 executes error processing (S57 to S59) because the game ball detected in S52 can be determined to be an illegal prize. .

  Here, when the bit corresponding to the special winning opening to be opened is “0” (“reverse”) and “1” in the abnormal winning confirmation table as shown in FIGS. 24 (A) to (E). (FIGS. 24 (F) and (G), “order”). In the case of “reverse”, as shown in FIGS. 24A to 24E, the logical product value becomes non-zero when an error occurs, and becomes “0” when normal. This result indicates that not only the switch that is not released (abnormal side) detects a game ball (FIGS. 24B and 24D), but also that both the normal side switch and the abnormal side switch detect a game ball. Is detected (FIG. 24 (E)). On the other hand, in the case of "order", the logical product value becomes "non-zero" in a normal state (FIG. 24 (F)). When only the switch on the abnormal side detects a game ball, the logical product becomes “0”, so that the distinction is possible. However, when the switch on both the normal side and the switch on the abnormal side detects the game ball (FIG. 24 (G)). ), The logical product value becomes non-zero as in the normal case, and further processing (case-dividing processing, etc.) is indispensable when distinguishing between normal and abnormal. As described above, with the configuration of the present embodiment, the abnormality determination process can be executed with high accuracy with a small required processing amount.

  In the error processing (S57 to S59), the CPU 103 first sets a setting to prohibit the update of the first and second special figure reserved storage numbers by setting a special figure reserved storage number update prohibition flag or the like (step S57). After executing the process of step S57, the CPU 103 performs setting for prohibiting payout of the winning ball (step S58). For example, in the process of step S58, the CPU 103 clears the output port for transmitting the winning ball number signal to the payout control board among the output ports included in the I / O 105, thereby transmitting the winning ball number signal. To stop. Further, the CPU 103 prohibits the writing of control data for the award ball number setting buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 and the output port for transmitting the award ball number signal by the I / O 105 to thereby prevent the award ball from being written. Avoid setting the number.

  After performing the processing of step S58, an abnormality notification processing is performed. The control enters a loop process (step S59) so as not to proceed to the subsequent processes. As a result, the progress of the game can be stopped, and an improper operation performed by generating an abnormal state can be prevented. In the abnormality notification process of step S59, a predetermined notification screen is displayed on the display area of the image display device 5, a predetermined warning sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a predetermined warning lamp included in the game effect lamp 9 is provided. By turning on the lamps and all lamps, or by combining some or all of them, the setting for notifying the abnormality is performed. As an example, the CPU 103 performs settings for transmitting an abnormal winning notification notification designation command having different EXT data according to the type of the detected winning error to the effect control board 12. For example, when it is determined in step S52 that the lower big winning opening switch 23B is ON, and when it is determined in step S54 that the upper winning opening switch 23A is ON, the second start is performed in step S56. When it is determined that the mouth switch 22B is ON, the type of the winning error that has occurred may be specified by transmitting an abnormal winning notification notification designation command having different EXT data.

  When the transmission setting of the abnormal prize information designation command is performed, the storage address (command table address) in the ROM 101 of the command table corresponding to the type of the detected prize error is designated by the transmission command pointer in the transmission command buffer provided in the RAM 102. It may be set in the buffer area to be used. The thus set abnormal prize information designating command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal relay board 13, for example, by executing a command control process in step S17 in FIG. Just fine. Hereinafter, in the process of performing settings for transmitting various control commands to the sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12, the same setting may be performed. In the effect control board 12 which has received the abnormal winning notification designation command, for example, the effect control CPU 120 of the effect control microcomputer executes the notification control process, so that the notification operation according to the type of the winning error is performed. do it.

  Hereinafter, an example of specific control in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, after a game ball hit into the game area passes (enters) the first start winning opening or the second starting winning opening, and a start winning such as a first start winning or a second start winning occurs. The variable display of the special symbol is started in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B based on the establishment of the start condition allowing the start of the variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. You. On the screen of the image display device 5, the variable display of the decorative symbol is performed corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol. Then, a big hit symbol is derived as a fixed special symbol in the special symbol game, and when the special symbol display result, which is a variable display result of the special symbol, becomes “big hit”, the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state and the big winning opening is opened. Is performed, the player enters an advantageous state in which a large number of prize balls (or corresponding scores) can be obtained.

  The large winning opening that is opened in the round game is provided as an upper winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7A provided in the right gaming area 2B shown in FIG. 1 and below the upper winning opening. There is a lower winning prize port formed by the special variable winning prize ball device 7B. In a plurality of round games executed in the big hit game state, which of the big wins is opened is determined by the processing of step S297 shown in FIG. 12 in FIGS. 13 (A) to 13 (C). It is determined according to the round count value as shown. Further, in the processing of step S301 shown in FIG. 12, the big winning opening opening upper limit time according to the big hit type and the round count value as shown in FIGS. 14 (A) to (C) is determined.

  After the end of the big hit game state, the special figure display result may be controlled to be a "big hit" more easily than the normal state based on the establishment of the predetermined certain change control condition. As an example, when the game ball passes through the installation position of the probable area switch 24A and the game ball is detected by the probable area switch 24A, the probable change control condition is satisfied. Here, the game ball (lower prize entrance prize ball) that has entered the lower prize prize entrance formed by the special variable prize prize ball device 7B in the probability change opening round is detected by the lower higher prize exit switch 23B, and thereafter the game ball is detected. Is guided to a branch point between a guide path that guides the vehicle to the probable area and a guide path that guides a path that does not pass through the probable area. At this time, when the probable area lid is at a position that does not cover the probable area, the game ball passes through the probable area. Based on the fact that this game ball has been detected by the probable change area switch 24A during the execution of the round game in the big hit game state, it is possible to control to the positive change state after the big hit game state ends.

  Note that a game ball (upper prize winning prize ball) entering the upper prize winning opening formed by the upper special variable winning prize ball device 7A in the normal opening round is detected by the upper special prize opening switch 23A, and thereafter, becomes upper special winning prize opening switch 23A. It is discharged from the variable winning ball device 7A.

  The big hit types are determined at different rates according to the fluctuation special map as shown in FIG. The special figure game using the first special figure is executed based on a game ball passing (entering) the first start winning opening. On the other hand, the special figure game using the second special figure is executed based on that the game ball has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening. The second starting winning opening is such that the movable wings of the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B enter an open state or an enlarged open state so that the game ball can easily pass (enter), and the closed or normal open state allows the game ball to play. The ball cannot pass (enter) or is difficult to pass (enter). In the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B, the variable display result in the special figure game using the first special figure is “big hit”, and becomes “second big hit” or “third big hit” at a ratio of 50/100. When the game ball that has entered the has passed through the probable change area, the probable change control condition is satisfied, and when the game ball is controlled to the probable change state, it enters an open state or an expanded open state. In this case, since the big hit type is determined to be “first big hit” at a predetermined ratio (50/100), it is difficult to satisfy the certainty control condition. Therefore, when the special map display result is "big hit" in the normal state, the possibility of the probability change state after the big hit gaming state ends (so-called "consecutive rate") is suppressed. However, in the first to thirteenth and fifteenth rounds, the upper limit time for opening the upper winning prize port (open prize port opening upper limit time) is set to a sufficiently long time (20 seconds). As a result, the player is given an opportunity to obtain many prize balls (or corresponding scores), and the entertainment interest in which the variable display result is "big hit" is enhanced.

  When the special map display result is "big hit" in the normal state, the big hit type is set to "1st big hit" in which the probability change control condition is hard to be satisfied at a predetermined ratio (50/100), so that the consecutive change rate is On the other hand, in the probable change state, when the special figure display result becomes “big hit”, the probable change control condition is easily set to “second big hit” or “third big hit”. It is possible to provide a sharp gaming experience while suppressing the consecutive-chan ratio in the case of "big hit" and increasing the continuous-chan ratio once the state is controlled to be in a probable change state.

  Further, as the jackpot types in which the probability change control condition is easily established, there are a second jackpot in which a prize ball is paid out in an upper opening round and a jackpot in which no prize ball is paid out (or less than the first jackpot or the second jackpot). By setting three big hits, the variation of big hits is increased. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21B, the opening and closing of the lower big prize winning door corresponds to “third big hit” as “small hit” which is different from the big hit when the probability change control condition is not satisfied (or the rate of being satisfied is low). By executing such a small hit, even if the lower special variable prize ball device 7B is opened longer than the first big hit, there is a risk that the probable change control condition is not satisfied. In this way, a plurality of "big hit type" big hit game states and a "small hit" game state different from the big hit game state are implemented to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in the big hit game state, the round game of the lower opening round (the 14th and 16th rounds), which includes the big winning port operation period of the lower big winning port, A plurality of round games including an upper opening round (first to thirteenth and fifteenth rounds) round games including a big winning port opening period of the big winning port are executed. Furthermore, the round game of the lower opening round and the round game of the upper opening round are both executed from the start to the end of the specific game state executed based on one "big hit". And, even when executing the control for ending the operation time of the lower winning opening and keeping the lower winning opening closed at the end of the lower opening round, the upper winning opening is closed at the end of the upper opening round. Even when the control for maintaining the state is executed, both D1 and D2 of the solenoid output data table are cleared by the processing of steps S327 and S328 in FIG. 17, and the opening and closing control of the lower winning opening by the solenoids 82A and 82B is ended. I do. According to such a configuration, when ending the round game, there is no need to determine which upper winning prize opening is controlled to be in the closed state, so that a plurality of round games having different opening prize winning openings are executed. In doing so, the amount of processing required can be reduced.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment stores the solenoid output data table of FIG. 15 in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 such as the game control flag setting section 152. The area for storing the solenoid output data table includes a portion for storing a bit (D2) used as a flag for specifying the open / close state of the lower special variable prize ball device 7B, and a flag for specifying the open / close state of the special variable prize ball device 7A. And a part that stores the bit (D1) used as Here, at the end of the round (or at the end of the big hit game state), regardless of which of the lower special variable winning ball device 7B and the upper special variable winning ball device 7A is closed, the bit (D2) is set lower. A process (step S327 in FIG. 17) of updating the operation of the special variable winning device 7B (holding the closed state) to a value ("0"), and stopping the operation of the upper special variable winning device 7A by setting the bit (D1). The process (step S328) of updating (holding the closed state) to the designated value (“0”) is executed together. According to such a configuration, the disadvantage control can be suitably achieved in a gaming machine having a different number of special variable prize devices simply by changing the number of processes for storing the closing designation information in the storage means. The number of winning devices can be changed. In addition, in order to easily change the number of special variable winning devices, it is not necessary to secure the capacity of the storage unit by the number of variable winning devices assumed. Therefore, even if the number of variable winning devices can be easily changed, the required capacity of the storage means can be reduced.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1a mainly differs from the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the following points (1) to (4).
(1) The normal winning prize ball device 6B forming the second starting winning opening is attached to the lower part of the normal winning prize ball device 6A forming the second starting winning opening,
(2) The variable display of the ordinary symbol is executed, and based on the fact that “the ordinary symbol hit” is derived as the variable display result, the ordinary electric accessory provided in the ordinary winning prize ball device 6B is driven, and the second starting port is opened. Changing to an open state,
(3) As a jackpot type, a jackpot type in which only a round game in which the lower jackpot is opened in the jackpot gaming state controlled based on the jackpot a plurality of times, and a round in which the upper jackpot is opened. A jackpot type that executes only the game a plurality of times is set,
(4) Processing for holding the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door and the solenoid 82B for the lower winning opening door in a closed state when the round game in the jackpot gaming state is completed (the solenoid output data table (A process of updating the values of D1 and D2 to “0”) in one step using updated mask data.

  FIG. 25 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the present embodiment. In the pachinko gaming machine 1a, a normal prize ball device 6A and a normal variable prize ball device 6B are provided below the image display device 5. The normal winning prize ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting area (first starting area) that is always kept in a fixed open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. The ordinary variable winning ball device 6B is an electric tulip-type accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed between a closed state at a vertical position and an open state at a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for an ordinary electric accessory shown in FIG. (Ordinary electric accessory) to form a second starting winning opening. In the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state, so that the game ball does not pass (enter) the second starting winning opening in the closed state. To On the other hand, in the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B, when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the ON state, the movable wing piece is in the tilting position, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening. ). As described above, the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B is configured to be able to change to a variable state such as a closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) or an open state where the game ball can pass (enter), through the second starting winning port. ing. The second starting winning opening is opened when the variable display result of the ordinary symbol is "per normal drawing", and is closed when a predetermined time has elapsed, in addition to the case where the second winning winning opening is controlled to the probable change state.

  At a predetermined position of the game board (in the example shown in FIG. 25, on the left side of the game area 2), a normal symbol display 20 is provided. As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is configured by 7-segment or dot-matrix LEDs or the like like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbol. Is variably displayed (variably displayed). Such a variable display of a normal symbol is called a normal symbol game (also referred to as a “regular symbol game”). Above the normal symbol display 20, there is provided a general symbol holding display 25 </ b> C. The general-purpose reservation display 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of stored general-purpose reserves as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passage gate 41. In the pachinko gaming machine 1a, as shown in FIG. 26, an ordinary symbol display device 20 and an ordinary symbol hold display device 25B are further connected to the main board 11.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1a of the present embodiment, if the big hit display result of “probable change” or “probability” is derived as the variable display result of the special symbol, after the big hit game state ends, the game media It is controlled to a probable change state without requiring special conditions such as passing through an area. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1a, as shown in FIG. 26, the probable area switch 24A, the probable area lid solenoid 82C, and the like are not connected to the main board 11.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1a, when the CPU 103 receives the interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, the CPU 103 executes a game control timer interrupt process of FIG. In the game control timer interrupt processing of FIG. 27A, in addition to the switch processing, the main-side error processing, the information output processing, the game random number update processing, the special symbol processing, and the command control processing, the normal symbol processing ( Step S16) is performed.

  FIG. 27A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game control timer interrupt process. In the game control timer interrupt process, the CPU 103 executes a switch process for determining the state of the detection signal input from the various switches shown in FIG. ). Subsequently, the CPU 103 executes a switch process (step S12) including a winning notification process (FIG. 23), similarly to S12 (FIG. 6) of the first embodiment. Further, the CPU 103 executes the information output process as in S13 (FIG. 6) of the first embodiment (step S13).

  Further, the CPU 103 executes a game random number updating process (step S14). In the present embodiment, as the random number processing for the game, in addition to MR1 to MR3, a general figure display result determination used to determine whether or not a variable display result such as a normal symbol in a general figure game is set to “per universal figure” The use random number MR4 is further updated (FIG. 27B).

  Subsequently, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process (step S15). Subsequent to the special symbol processing, the ordinary symbol processing is executed (step S16). In the ordinary symbol process, the value of the general-purpose process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 152 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1a, and the value of the general-purpose process flag is updated in accordance with the value of the general-purpose process flag. The movable wings provided on the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B are controlled by various settings for performing the variable display of the ordinary symbol in the ordinary figure game by the ordinary symbol display device 20 and by controlling the drive of the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory. Various settings for setting the vertical position (closed state) or the tilt position (opened state) are performed.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103 executes a command control process (step S17), similarly to S17 (FIG. 6) of the first embodiment.

  The special symbol process process (S15) of this embodiment is similar to the process process of the first embodiment (FIG. 7). After the start winning determination process (step S101), any of the special symbol normal process (step S110) to the small hit end process (S120) is executed according to the value of the special figure process flag.

  Among them, in the start winning determination processing (step S101), the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed as in the first embodiment. As for the special symbol normal processing (step S110), the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed similarly to the first embodiment, except that the content of the determination table used in the jackpot type determination in step S242 is different.

  FIG. 28A is a diagram showing an example of determining a jackpot type in the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 28A, unlike the first embodiment, the “probable change” (the first probable change and the first probable change) that is always controlled to the probable change state after the end of the big hit game state controlled based on the “big hit” as the big hit type. 2) and the "big hit" big hit type. Further, a "non-probable change" big hit type that is not controlled to the certainty change state after the big hit game state controlled based on the "big hit" is further included. In the example of FIG. 28 (A), as the big hit type, in the big hit game state controlled based on the “big hit”, the big hit type (the first big hit type) in which only the round game in which the lower big winning opening is opened a plurality of times is executed. 1), and a jackpot type (non-probable, second probable, probabilistic) in which only the round game in which the upper winning a prize port is opened is executed a plurality of times.

  The variation pattern setting process (S111) to the special symbol stop process (S113) of the special symbol process process (S15) are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Also, regarding the big hit opening pre-process (step S114), the big hit opening pattern set in step S297 is different from that of the first embodiment (FIG. 12). Further, even when the round for opening the lower winning a prize opening is started, the process of setting the probable variable area solenoid control code (step S304) is not executed. As for the other processing, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is executed as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 28B is a diagram showing an example of determining a big hit opening pattern table in the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 28 (B), when the jackpot type is “non-probable”, a pattern in which the upper winning prize port is opened up to 20 seconds from the first round to the 14th round is determined. On the other hand, when the jackpot type is “first probability change”, a pattern in which the lower winning prize slot is opened up to 20 seconds as an upper limit in rounds 1 to 14 is determined. Further, when the jackpot type is “second probability change”, a pattern in which the upper winning prize port is opened up to 20 seconds in the 1st to 14th rounds is determined. For this reason, it is difficult to determine whether the jackpot type is “probable change” or “non-probable change” only from the opening mode of the special winning opening. If the jackpot type is “surprise,” a pattern is determined in which two rounds in which the upper winning prize port is opened for 52 milliseconds are performed twice.

  FIG. 28 (C) shows the usage pattern (opening of the special winning opening) in the jackpot opening pattern table in FIG. It is an example of a pattern table D). In each round game in the jackpot game state of "non-probable change", "probable change 1", and "probable change 2", the special winning opening is opened and closed in the order shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to determine whether or not a game ball has passed through the probable area, including a so-called delay ball, the special winning opening during the round game after the last opening of the special winning opening in the record 7. No closing time is set.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the special process processing according to the present embodiment as the processing during opening of the big hit. In the processing of FIG. 29, the processing of steps S317 to S326 is executed in the same manner as the processing during opening of the big hit (FIG. 17) of the first embodiment. Since it is not necessary to determine whether or not the vehicle has passed the probable change area, the processes in steps S311 and S316 in FIG. 17 are not performed in the process in FIG. Thereafter, when the process reaches step S327, the CPU 103 acquires a solenoid output table update mask stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 102 (step S327). Then, the solenoid output data table is updated using the acquired solenoid output table update mask (step S328).

  The solenoid output table update mask includes information (solenoid output table “D1”) that specifies the open / close state of a plurality of special variable winning ball devices (upper special variable winning ball device 7A and lower special variable winning ball device 7B) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1a. And "D2") are mask data for updating at a time to a value ("0") designating closure. Therefore, in the solenoid output table update mask, as shown in FIG. 29B, the values of the bits corresponding to “D1” and “D2” are set to a value of “0” designating closing. In step S328, the logical product of the value of the solenoid output table update mask and the value of the solenoid output table before update is calculated. Then, the solenoid output table is updated with the calculated logical product value.

  In this embodiment, in the solenoid output table update mask, information (solenoid output table “D1”) that specifies the open / close state of the special variable prize ball devices (upper special variable prize ball device 7A and lower special variable prize ball device 7B). Bits other than “D2”) are set to values (“1”) different from the value designating closure. Therefore, opening / closing of a device (normally variable winning prize ball device 6B) that changes to a closed state based on different closing conditions, such as information (“D3” in the solenoid output data table) for specifying opening / closing of the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory. The information for designating the state is not changed to the designated closure value in the process of step S328. According to such a configuration, in a pachinko gaming machine that opens and closes a plurality of special variable prize ball devices in a jackpot game state, the amount of processing required to close the special variable prize device can be reduced, and complicated processing can be performed. Unnecessarily, opening and closing control can be realized for a device that changes to a closed state based on different closing conditions (for example, the normal variable winning ball device 6B).

  When the process in step S328 is completed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6" (step S329), and the big hit opening process ends.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S16 of FIG. 27 as the normal symbol process process. In the ordinary symbol process process shown in FIG. 30, the CPU 103 first executes a gate passage determination process (step S130). For example, in the gate passage determination process of step S130, it is determined whether or not the gate switch 21 is on based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21, and if it is off, the gate passage determination process ends as it is. On the other hand, when the gate switch 21 is ON, the general-purpose reservation storage count value indicating the general-purpose reservation storage number, which is the storage number of the reservation data in the general-purpose reservation storage unit 151C, is previously set as the general-purpose reservation upper limit value. It is determined whether or not the value is a predetermined value (for example, “4”). At this time, if the upper limit value has been reached, the passage of the current game ball at the passage gate is invalidated, and the gate passage determination processing ends. On the other hand, if the average value does not reach the upper limit of the ordinary figure display, the random number circuit 104 or the random counter of the game control counter setting unit 154 updates the random figure display result determination random number from among the numerical data updated. The numerical data indicating the numerical value MR4 is extracted. Numerical data indicating the random number value MR4 extracted at this time is set as free data at the head of an empty entry in the general-purpose reserved storage unit 151C, so that the random number value MR4 is stored. In this case, the count value of the ordinary figure reserved storage number is updated so as to be incremented by 1, and then the gate passage determination processing ends.

  After executing the gate passage determination process in step S130, one of the processes in steps S140 to S143 shown in FIG. 30 is selected and executed according to the value of the general-purpose process flag.

  The normal symbol normal process in step S140 is executed when the value of the general symbol process flag is “0”. In the normal symbol normal processing, a determination is made as to whether or not to start the ordinary symbol game by the ordinary symbol display device 20, and various decisions and settings when the ordinary symbol game is started are performed. When starting the general figure game, the general figure display result is determined by comparing the value of the random number value MR4 with the determination stored in the general figure display result determination table of FIG. The ordinary symbol variation process of step S141 is executed when the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is “1”. In the ordinary symbol variation process, settings for varying the ordinary symbol are made in the ordinary symbol display device 20, and the elapsed time from the start of the variation of the ordinary symbol is measured. Further, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time thus measured has reached a predetermined general-purpose variation time.

  The ordinary symbol variation process of step S141 is executed when the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is “1”. In the ordinary symbol variation process, settings for varying the ordinary symbol are made in the ordinary symbol display device 20, and the elapsed time from the start of the variation of the ordinary symbol is measured. Further, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time thus measured has reached a predetermined general-purpose variation time.

  The ordinary symbol stop process in step S142 is executed when the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is “2”. In the normal symbol stop process, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped by the normal symbol display device 20 based on the elapse of the normal symbol fluctuation time, and the fixed normal symbol which is the variable display result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (derived display). ) Settings. The ordinary electric accessory actuation process in step S143 is executed when the value of the general-purpose process flag is “4”. In the ordinary electric auditors product operation process, the movable wing piece provided in the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B is vertically moved in response to the variable display result (the ordinary figure display result) in the ordinary figure game being “hit the ordinary figure”. The setting for moving the second starting winning opening from the disadvantageous state to the advantageous passage state by moving the second starting winning opening from the position to the inclined position is performed.

  The ordinary electric accessory actuation process of step S143 is executed when the value of the general-purpose process flag is “3”. In the ordinary electric auditors product operation process, the movable wing piece provided in the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B is vertically moved in response to the variable display result (the ordinary figure display result) in the ordinary figure game being “hit the ordinary figure”. The setting for changing the second start winning opening to the open state or the closed state by moving from the position to the tilt position is performed.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the ordinary symbol stop processing executed in step S142 of FIG. In the normal symbol stop processing shown in FIG. 32, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the flag for displaying a fixed figure is on (step S621). In this case, the flag for displaying a fixed figure is set to an on state by the processing of step S624 described later, in response to the derived and displayed fixed fixed symbol which is the result of the fixed figure display in the common figure game.

  When the flag for displaying a fixed figure is OFF in step S621 (step S621; No), for example, among the normal pattern display control data stored in the ROM 101, the reading setting of the control data corresponding to the fixed normal pattern is performed. The setting for deriving and displaying the fixed ordinary symbol, such as performing, is performed (step S622). At this time, a predetermined period of time is set as the normal figure fixed display time (step S623). Then, after setting the normal symbol confirmed display flag to the ON state (step S624), the normal symbol stop processing is terminated.

  If the flag for displaying a general-purpose figure is ON in step S621 (step S621; Yes), it is determined whether or not the time for displaying the general-purpose figure has elapsed (step S625). At this time, if the ordinary figure confirmation display time has not elapsed (step S625; No), the ordinary symbol stop processing is terminated, and the apparatus stands by until the ordinary figure confirmation display time elapses. When the general figure fixed display time has elapsed in step S625 (step S625; Yes), the general figure fixed display flag is cleared and turned off (step S626), and then the general figure fixed flag is turned on. Is determined (step S627). If the per-figure flag is off at step S627 (step S627; No), the value of the per-figure process flag is updated to "0" in response to the "figure-figure loss" result. After that (step S628), the normal symbol stop processing ends.

  If the per-figure flag is on in step S627 (step S627; Yes), the ordinary power operation time which is the upper limit time for executing the opening / closing control of the second start winning port is determined (step S630A), and The figure opening table pattern is set (step S630). As shown in FIG. 33, the general power opening pattern table is set with a general power opening time indicating a time when the second start winning opening is in an open state, a general power closing time indicating a time in which the second start winning opening is in a closed state, and the like. The normal power operation time is the total usage time (2.7 seconds in this case) recorded in the normal power release pattern data table. The second start winning opening is controlled to be opened and closed according to the schedule determined by the normal figure opening pattern based on the fact that the variable display result of the normal symbol is "per day".

  After executing the processing of step S630, the solenoid output data D3 is set to "1" in order to designate the second starting winning opening as the winning opening to be driven (step S632).

  After executing the processing of step S633, the value of the ordinary figure process flag is updated to "3" corresponding to the ordinary electric auditors product actuation processing (step S634), and then the ordinary symbol stop processing is ended.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the ordinary electric auditors product operation process executed in step S143 of FIG. In the ordinary electric auditors product operation process shown in FIG. 34, first, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the ordinary figure fluctuation time determined in step S630A in FIG. 32 has ended (step S161). When the normal time fluctuating time has ended (Step S161; Yes), it is determined that the opening of the second starting winning opening corresponding to “Human per hit” has ended, and the value of “D3” in the solenoid output data table is cleared ( The control is updated to “0” (step S163A), and control is performed to close the second start winning port. As described above, the control of step S163A for closing the second starting winning opening is that the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory based on the fact that the variable display result of the ordinary symbol is "per-figure" has ended. Executed on condition. That is, the condition for executing the control in step S163A for closing the second start winning opening is different from the condition for closing the special variable winning device (upper special variable winning device 7A or lower special variable winning device 7B). . Then, after updating the value of the ordinary drawing process flag to “0” (step S163), the ordinary electric auditors product operation process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S161 that the ordinary figure fluctuation time has not ended (step S161; No), the electric accessory opening pattern processing is executed (step S162), and the ordinary electric auditors operation operation processing ends. The electric accessory opening pattern process is a process of controlling the opening and closing of the second start winning opening in accordance with the opening and closing pattern indicated by the ordinary power opening pattern table selected in the process of step S630 or A631 in FIG. As an example, in step S630A, the CPU 103 determines the use time of the currently used record and the elapsed time from the start of use of the used record among the records of the ordinary power release pattern table set in S630. By comparison, it is determined whether or not the use time of the currently used record has elapsed. When it is determined that the use time has elapsed, the next record set in the normal power release pattern table is set as a use record, and a drive signal corresponding to the opening / closing operation specified by the use record is normally used for the electric accessory. To the solenoid 81. If the record name of the set next use record is “normal electricity opening time k (k is an arbitrary integer)”, a control signal for opening the second starting winning opening is transmitted to the solenoid 81. On the other hand, if it is “the normal electricity closing time k (k is an arbitrary integer)”, a control signal for closing the second winning opening (output is turned off) is transmitted to the corresponding solenoid 81. When the process of step S162 ends, the ordinary electric accessory actuation process ends.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the second embodiment, the bit “D2” for specifying the open / close state of the lower special variable winning ball device 7B and the upper special variable winning ball device 7A A solenoid output data table including a bit “D1” specifying the open / close state is stored. At the end of the round game, the solenoid output data table is updated using the solenoid output table update mask, so that the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is held in the closed state, and the upper special variable winning ball is controlled. And the control for keeping the device 7A in the closed state. According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize a process of suitably closing the special variable winning device in pachinko gaming machines having different numbers of special variable winning devices only by changing the contents of the solenoid output table update mask. That is, the number of special variable winning devices can be easily changed.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the second embodiment includes, as a plurality of specific gaming states, a “big hit” gaming state of “first probability change” including an operating time of a lower large winning opening, and an “operating time of an upper large winning opening”. The non-probable change, the second probable change, and the sudden hit game state are executed. Then, regardless of whether the round game in the big hit game state including the operation time of the lower big winning opening or the round game in the big hit game state including the operating time of the upper big winning hole is ended, S327 and S328 in FIG. In, the control for closing the lower special variable winning ball device 7B and the control for closing the upper special variable winning ball device 7A are both executed. According to such a configuration, when performing the control for closing the lower special variable winning ball device 7B or the control for closing the upper special variable winning ball device 7A, the control for closing either of them is performed. Since there is no need to determine whether or not to execute, the required processing amount can be reduced.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment and the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the second embodiment include a lower special variable winning ball device 7B and an upper special variable winning ball device 7A that can be changed between an open state and a closed state. Is provided. In the big hit game state, based on the start of the big winning opening operation period of the lower big winning opening, control is performed to set D2 of the solenoid output data table to open the lower big winning opening, Based on the start of the special winning opening operation time of the special winning opening, control is performed to set D1 of the solenoid output data table to open the upper special winning opening. Further, based on the end of the big winning opening operation time of the lower big winning opening in the big hit gaming state, control is performed to clear D2 of the solenoid output data table and close the lower big winning opening, and Based on the end of the winning port operation time of the winning port, control is performed to clear D1 of the solenoid output data table and close the upper winning port. In addition, regardless of whether the lower winning opening is closed or the upper winning opening is closed, the CPU 103 performs the processing of steps S327 and S328 in FIG. 17 or FIG. D2 is cleared, drive control by the solenoids 82A and 82B is terminated, and both the upper winning award and the lower winning award are closed. According to such a configuration, when performing the control for closing the lower special variable winning ball device 7B or the control for closing the upper special variable winning ball device 7A, the control for closing either of them is performed. Since there is no need to determine whether or not to execute, the required processing amount can be reduced.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment and the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the second embodiment start a round game including a special winning opening operation time, and a plurality of special winning openings (upper winnings) in the round game. After one of the mouth and the lower winning opening is changed to the open state a plurality of times, control is executed to close the opened winning opening after the operating time of the winning opening ends. At this time, irrespective of the upper opening round or the lower opening round, at the end of the round, both D1 and D2 of the solenoid output data table are cleared by the processing of steps S327 and S328 in FIG. 17 or FIG. The drive control by is ended. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount of processing required for controlling the special variable winning device to be closed at the end of the round after the large winning opening is opened and closed a plurality of times in one round game. On the other hand, in step S317 in FIG. 17 or FIG. 29, when the special variable winning device is closed during the round game, the solenoid for the special winning opening door to be opened among the plurality of special winning opening doors is selected. Only when the drive signal for turning off the output of the solenoid is transmitted. In other words, only one of the process of controlling the upper special winning opening to be closed and the process of controlling the lower special winning opening to be closed is executed. Which large winning opening is to be closed during the round game is determined in step S300, and there is no need for the determination processing. By adopting such a configuration, unnecessary processing is omitted and necessary processing is performed. The amount can be reduced.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment and the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the second embodiment, “small hit” is derived and displayed as a variable display result of a special symbol in addition to one or more big hit gaming states. Sometimes the small hitting game state is controlled. The small hitting game state includes the operation time of the lower big winning opening. Here, in one or a plurality of jackpot gaming states, a round game (lower opening round) in which the lower winning opening is controlled to be open, and a round game (upper opening round) in which the upper winning opening is controlled to open, respectively. ) Is performed. Further, the round game of the lower opening round and the round game of the upper opening round are respectively executed in one of the one or a plurality of jackpot game states. For example, when two types of round games are executed in one big hit game state as in the first embodiment, it is sufficient that at least one such big hit game state is executed. On the other hand, as in the second embodiment, when only a round game in which one big winning opening is opened in one big hit game state is executed, a big hit game state in which a round game of a lower opening round is executed, A plurality of jackpot game states including at least a jackpot game state in which a round game of an upper open round is executed must be executed. In any case, control is performed to clear D2 of the solenoid output data table and close the lower winning opening based on the end of the winning operation of the lower winning opening in the round game of the lower opening round in the round game of the lower opening round. Is executed, and based on the end of the big winning opening operation time of the big winning opening, the control for clearing D1 of the solenoid output data table and closing the big winning opening is executed. On the other hand, in the case of clearing the D2 of the solenoid output data table based on the end of the large winning opening operation time of the lower winning opening in the small hitting game state, the control for closing the upper winning opening is not executed. . According to such a configuration, according to such a configuration, the control for closing the lower special variable prize ball device 7B or the control for closing the upper special variable prize ball device 7A in the big hit game state. In executing the control, it is not necessary to determine which control is to be set to the closed state, so that the necessary processing amount can be reduced. At the same time, in the small hitting game state in which the large winning opening to be closed is determined in advance, unnecessary processing can be omitted to further reduce the required processing amount.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment and the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the second embodiment have a lower special variable prize ball device 7B and a lower special variable prize ball device 7A that can be changed between a closed state and an open state. And a second start winning device 6B which is different from the first embodiment.
The second start winning device 6B changes to the open state based on the start of the normal winning gaming state, and has a closing condition different from both the lower special variable winning ball device 7B and the lower special variable winning ball device 7A in the normal winning gaming state. The state is changed to the closed state based on the end of the ordinary power fluctuation time. Here, the solenoid output data table further includes a bit “D3” for specifying the open / close state of the second starting winning device 6B by the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory. Then, in steps S327 and S328 of the big hit opening process, the bit “D3” is not changed to a value designating the closed state. According to such a configuration, opening / closing control can be realized for the second start winning device 6B that changes to the closed state based on different closing conditions without the need for complicated processing.

  Although the second start winning device 6B has been described as an example of a device that can be opened and closed differently from both the lower special variable winning ball device 7B and the lower special variable winning ball device 7A, the same applies to the opening / closing control of the positive variable region lid by the solenoid 82C. The effect is obtained. That is, the solenoid output data table further includes a bit “D0” that specifies the open / close state of the positive variable area lid by the positive variable area lid solenoid 82C. Then, in steps S327 and S328 of the big hit opening processing, the bit “D0” is not changed to a value designating the closed state.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment and the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to the second embodiment have a winning notification process shown in FIG. 23 when a gaming ball wins in the upper winning award or the lower winning award. It is determined whether or not the winning is an abnormal winning. Here, in FIG. 19, a value corresponding to the special winning opening to be opened in the next round is not set in the abnormal winning confirmation table until the next round waiting time elapses, so that a predetermined period after the closing of the special winning opening is In addition, the detection of the game ball by the special winning opening switch of the closed special winning opening is not determined as the abnormal winning. Even in the case of a game ball that has won as a result of a normal game, such as a game ball that has won just before the closed state, it may be detected after the large winning opening is closed, but according to such a configuration, , It is possible to suitably determine whether or not there is an abnormality.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not need to have all the technical features shown in the above-described embodiment, and can solve at least one problem in the related art by using the one described in the above-described embodiment. It may have a configuration of a unit.

  Among the differences between the above embodiments, the interchangeable configuration may be arbitrarily exchanged to provide another pachinko gaming machine. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment and the pachinko gaming machine 1a of the second embodiment, steps S327 and S328 of the processing during opening of the big hit may be interchanged.

  In the first and second embodiments, in ending the round game in the big hit game state, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening operation time determined in step S301 in FIG. 12 has elapsed at the start of the round (see FIG. 17 ( A) and in step S318 in FIG. 29A, when it is determined that the time has elapsed, control for closing the special winning opening (steps S327 and S328) is executed. As another method, a configuration in which an end code (for example, “00H”) as information for designating the end of the round is stored as a record at the end of the special winning opening opening pattern table is also possible. When this configuration is adopted, for example, when it is determined in step S317 of FIGS. 17A and 29A that the use time of the current use record has elapsed, the record is recorded in the special winning opening opening pattern table. It is sufficient to execute steps S327 and S328 based on the fact that the next record being executed is the end code, and execute control to close the special winning opening.

  In the first and second embodiments, the closing time of the special winning opening is set as the closing time of the special winning opening during the execution time of the round game (for example, the closing time after opening the special winning opening (for example, record number 4 shown in FIG. 14B)). Closing time) is included. Further, the next round waiting time set in step S563 in FIG. 19 is included as a closing time that is not included in the round game execution time after the last winning opening is opened. Here, in the first and second embodiments, a fixed time (for example, 1 second) is set as the closing time between rounds (next round waiting time) regardless of the number of rounds or the type of big hit. However, depending on the number of rounds and the type of jackpot, for example, a longer waiting time than the other rounds is set in the lower opening round of the second jackpot where game balls easily pass through the probability change area and a predetermined effect is executed at that time. Different waiting times may be set. For this purpose, for example, an inter-round closing time determination table for determining the closing time between rounds is previously stored in the ROM 101 or the like, and the inter-round closing time determination table is referred to in step S563 in FIG. The closing time of the special winning opening between rounds may be determined according to the type of big hit and the number of rounds executed (the value of the round counter). The inter-round closing time determination table may be a table in which the jackpot type and the number of rounds executed (the value of the round counter) and the closing time are stored in association with each other. According to such a configuration, the waiting time between rounds can be suitably set according to the number of rounds executed and the type of big hit.

  In the first and second embodiments, whether the positive change control condition is satisfied in the big hit gaming state in the first embodiment or whether the big hit type is “probable” or “probable” in the second embodiment In such a case, after the big hit gaming state ends, the gaming state becomes a probable change state. In addition to this, after the big hitting game state ends, the average variable display time may be controlled to the time reduction state in which the average variable display time becomes shorter than the normal state. The time-saving state is controlled so as to continue until one of the time-saving end conditions is first satisfied, that is, the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times and the next big hit game state is started. . As an example, whether the probability change control condition is not satisfied in the big hit game state in the first embodiment, or the big hit type is “non-probable change” in the second embodiment, or the big hit game state ends in any case. Later, the gaming state becomes the time saving state. After the small hitting game state ends, the gaming state before the small hitting gaming state is continued. However, if the special figure game in which the variable display result is "small hit" is executed and the number of times the special figure game is executed in the certainty change state or the time saving state reaches a predetermined number, after the small hit game state ends. In some cases, the probable change state or the time saving state ends, and the state changes to the normal state.

  In the time saving state of this modification, the normal variable winning prize ball device 6B is set to the first variable state (open state) and the second variable state, as an advantageous state in which the game ball easily passes (enters) the second starting winning opening than the normal state. State (closed state). For example, the control by the normal symbol display 20 to make the fluctuation time (normal fluctuation time) of the normal symbol in the ordinary symbol game shorter than in the normal state, or the variable display result of the ordinary symbol in each ordinary symbol game is " The tilt control time for performing the control for increasing the probability of "hit per figure" as compared to the normal state, and the tilt control of the movable wing piece in the normal variable prize ball device 6B based on the fact that the variable display result is "hit for normal". By changing the normal variable winning prize ball device 6B between the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous manner by controlling the length of the ball to be longer than that in the normal state and increasing the number of times of tilting than in the normal state. Just do it. Further, in the time saving state (high base state), particularly when the variable display result of the special symbol is “losing”, the rate at which the variable display time short (shortened) variation pattern is selected from the variation patterns of FIG. By setting it higher than the normal state, the average variable display time may be set to be shorter than the normal state (low base state). Note that any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be performed in combination. The control for changing the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B between the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous change manner in this manner is referred to as high opening control (also referred to as “high base control”). By controlling to the time saving state, the time required until the next variable display result becomes “big hit” is reduced, and the special game state is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

  In the pachinko gaming machine according to the modified example in which the game is controlled to the time-saving state (high base state), the game state after the end of the big hit game state and the small hit game state in which the number of payouts is small is similar to the pachinko game machine. The feeling of expectation of whether or not it is controlled can be enhanced. For example, when controlling to the probable change state after the end of the big hit game state with few payouts, such as after the end of the "third big hit" of the first embodiment or the "big hit" big hit game state of the second embodiment, While controlling to the base state, control is performed to the low-probability and low-base state after the small hitting game state ends. In addition to this, there is also a configuration in which the game proceeds in the same effect mode, for example, by sharing the background screen displayed on the image display device 5 after the big hit game state with a small number of balls and the small hit game state. It is valid.

  In connection with the above-described modification, in the configuration in which the high-accuracy and high-base state is reliably controlled after the end of the big-hit gaming state with a small number of payouts, such as the "big hit" big-hit gaming state of Embodiment 2, the round gaming in the big-hit gaming state In the same manner as in the small hitting game state, the large winning opening is opened and then temporarily closed in the same opening mode as the small hitting game state (for example, continuously open for 1700 milliseconds), and then opened for a longer time (for example, 18000 milliseconds) You may make it a state. According to such a configuration, the "small hit" in which the winning ball is not obtained and the probable change control is not executed and the "big hit" of the "probable" controlled in the probable change state cannot be distinguished at the first opening, so that the long time A surprising feeling can be given to a player who can understand that the game has become “accurate” when opened. Further, as the big hit game state, a hit in which a prize ball is obtained and a hit in which substantially no prize ball is obtained can be executed to enhance the game. In this case, the game can be kept sharp even if “small hit” is not selected as the variable display result.

  In controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment to the probability change state after the end of the jackpot game state of the big hit type with few payouts, the upper limit number of the special figure game in which the probability change control is performed is set to a certain number (or A certain number of times is added to the current upper limit number). In such an ST machine, in the second special figure game, instead of the configuration of the first embodiment in which the big hit type such as the third big hit, which has few payouts, is not determined as the variable display result, the second special figure game does A configuration in which a few big hit types are determined as the variable display result may be adopted.

In the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control board 120 of a change pattern indicating a change mode such as a change time and a type of reach effect and the presence or absence of a pseudo-run, when the change starts, 1
Although the example in which one variation pattern command is transmitted has been described, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control board 120 by two or more commands. Specifically, when the notification is made by two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 uses the first command to determine whether or not there is a pseudo-run, whether or not there is a slide effect, etc. A command indicating the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and the second command is used to indicate the type of reach and the presence or absence of a re-lottery effect. A command indicating the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode after 2 stops) may be transmitted. In this case, the effect control board 120 may perform the effect control in the variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of the two commands. Note that the game control microcomputer 100 notifies the fluctuating time by each of the two commands, and the effect control board 120 selects the specific fluctuating mode executed at each timing. Is also good. When two commands are sent, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After the first command is sent, a predetermined period elapses (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be appropriately changed. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  The program and data for realizing the present invention are limited to a form distributed and provided by a removable recording medium to a computer device included in the gaming machine, such as the pachinko gaming machine 1 or 1a. Instead, the distribution may be performed by pre-installing the storage device in a computer device or the like in advance. Furthermore, by providing a communication processing unit, programs and data for implementing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like. It does not matter.

  The game can be executed not only by installing a removable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. Alternatively, the program may be directly executed using hardware resources of another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game may be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

The specific game state (big hit game state) is a big win after a predetermined time (symbol fixed stop time + big hit start production time) elapses after a specific symbol combination (solo pattern of the same symbol) is displayed on the variable display device. The example in which the mouth is opened and the specific game state is started is illustrated, but the invention is not limited to this. After the specific symbol combination (the same symbol of the same symbol) is displayed on the variable display device, the variable symbol is provided in the game area. The specific game state may be started by passing the ball through a specific area (specific passing gate sensor or winning sensor). As a result, the player can control the timing of the occurrence of the big hit, and even if the ball has run out before the start of the big hit, the player can have time to lend a ball and refill the ball.
Further, a plurality of specific regions may be provided, and the number of rounds per jackpot may be varied depending on which specific region is passed. Further, a lottery of the number of jackpot rounds may be performed by passing through a specific area. Further, in this case, if there are a plurality of specific areas, the lottery ratio of the number of rounds may be changed depending on which specific area is passed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko gaming machine 1a ... Pachinko gaming machine 2 ... Gaming area 2A ... Left gaming area 2B ... Right gaming area 3 ... Game machine frame 4A, 4B ... Special symbol display device 5 ... Image display device 6A ... Normal winning ball device 6B ... Normal variable winning ball device 7A ... Upper special variable winning ball device 7B ... Lower special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 13 ... Voice control board 14 ... Lamp control Substrate 15 Relay board 21 Gate switches 22A and 22B Starting port switch 23A Upper winning port switch 23B Lower winning port switch 24A Probable change area switch 24B Discharge switch 71 Lower winning port door 72 Probable area Lid 81… Solenoid (normally for electric accessories)
82A… Solenoid (for the top winning opening door)
82B… Solenoid (for the lower winning opening door)
82C… Solenoid
100: game control microcomputers 101, 121: ROM
102, 122 ... RAM
103 ... CPU
104, 124 ... random number circuits 105, 125 ... I / O
120… effect control CPU
123 ... display control unit

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game using a game medium,
First variable prize means that can be changed to an open state where the game medium is easy to win, and a closed state where it is impossible or difficult to win the game medium;
A second variable prize means different from the first variable prize means which can be changed to an open state in which the game medium is easy to win, and a closed state in which it is impossible or difficult to win the game medium;
The first advantageous control is executed to set the first variable winning means to the open state based on the first open condition being satisfied, and the second variable winning means is set to the open state based on the second open condition being satisfied. Opening control means for executing a second advantageous control,
The first disadvantage control is executed to set the first variable winning means to a closed state based on the first closing condition being satisfied, and the second variable winning means is set to a closed state based on the second closing condition being satisfied. Closing control means for executing a second disadvantageous control;
With
When the first variable winning means is in the open state, the second opening condition is not satisfied. When the second variable winning means is in the open state, the first opening condition is not satisfied.
It said closure control means, wherein even when the first closing condition is satisfied, even if the second closure condition is satisfied, executes a second disadvantage control and the first disadvantage both controlled,
In a predetermined period after the first closing condition is satisfied and the first disadvantageous control and the second disadvantageous control are executed, an abnormal prize even if the prize of the game medium to the first variable prize means is detected. Without
In a predetermined period after the second closing condition is satisfied and the first disadvantageous control and the second disadvantageous control are executed, an abnormal prize even if a prize of the game medium to the second variable prize means is detected. And not,
A gaming machine characterized by that: