JP6733969B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Various effects are performed on the gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2011-177315, A

The production using the decorative pattern had room for further enhancing the interest of the player.

It is an object of the present invention to enhance the interest of a player in the production using a decorative pattern.

The invention of claim 1 for achieving the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100)
In the game, determine whether to play a special game (for example, jackpot game),
Based on the establishment of the predetermined starting condition, at least the first identification information capable of identifying the design (for example, the character of the decorative design 511 in the first display mode of FIG. 36(A-1)) and the design capable of identifying the design 36 (A-1) of the first display mode (for example, the picture of the decorative pattern 511 of the first display mode of FIG. 36(A-1)) having the decorative property of FIG. First display mode) and the first identification information (for example, the characters of the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode of FIG. 36 (B-1)) and the second identification information (for example, FIG. 36 ( A-1) Display means in any one of the display modes including the second display mode (for example, the second display mode in FIG. 36(B-1) ) not having the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode) Display a plurality of symbols on (for example, the image display unit 114),
When it is determined that a special game (for example, a jackpot game) is to be performed, after changing the plurality of symbols on the display unit (for example, the image display unit 114), a specific symbol array (for example, FIG. 36 (B-4 It is possible to display the plurality of symbols by the arrangement of symbols in )).
It is possible to display a part of the plurality of symbols and perform reach production to continue the fluctuation of the remaining symbols,
In the reach effect, at least the first specific aspect (for example, FIG. 36(A-3)) of displaying the symbol at a predetermined position (for example, the position of FIG. 36(A-3)) on the display screen of the display means. Second mode in which the display according to the aspect) and the symbol are displayed at a predetermined position (for example, the positions shown in FIGS. 36(A-4) and (B-3)) different from the first specific mode on the display screen of the display unit. It is possible to perform display according to a specific mode (for example, the mode of FIGS. 36(A-4) and (B-3)),
The display mode of the symbol before the reach effect is the first display mode (for example, the first display mode of FIG. 36(A-1)), and the display mode of the symbol before the reach effect is A second mode which is the second display mode (for example, the second display mode of FIG. 36(B-1)),
The case of performing the reach effect in the first mode is the first specific aspect (for example, the aspect of FIG. 36(A-3)) and the case of performing the reach effect in the second mode. 2 It is easy to execute the reach effect that executes the specific mode (for example, the mode of FIGS. 36(A-4) and (B-3)),
When it is determined that a special game (for example, a jackpot game) is to be performed in the second mode, after the reach effect is displayed, the particular symbols are displayed in an array (for example, an array of symbols in FIG. 36(B-4)). The plurality of symbols thus displayed are displayed in the second display mode (for example, the second display mode of FIG. 36(B-5)).
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform a variety of effects by the decorative pattern and enhance the interest of the player.

In addition, the above-mentioned reference numerals in this column are given as an example in the description of the present invention, and the present invention is not reduced by the reference numerals.

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the variety of effects using the light emitting means.

It is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, and (b) is a partial plan view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a game control unit of the present embodiment. It is the flowchart which shows the operation of basic processing by the game control section. It is the flowchart which shows the operation of processing when power source is cut off by the game control section. It is the flowchart which shows the main control processing of the game control section. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of starting opening switch processing. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of special design processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of fluctuation pattern selection processing. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of processing during a stop. It is the flowchart which shows the contents of game state setting processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot design random number, (c) ) Is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reach random number, and (d) is a diagram showing a configuration example of a hit random number. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a variation pattern used in a variation pattern selection process and a setting example of a table. It is a block diagram explaining the example of a structure of RAM of a game control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a memory area, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory part shown to (a). Is. It is the block diagram which explains the constitution example of RAM of the production control section, (a) is the block diagram which shows the constitution of reservation storage area, (b) the block which shows each constitution of the storage section which is shown in (a). It is a figure. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a prior determination process. It is a figure which shows the structure of a command, (a) is a figure which shows the data structure of a command, (b) is a figure which shows the structure as a bit string of a command. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the command storage area in RAM. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of the output processing by the output control part. It is the flowchart which shows the operation of the production control section, (a) is the figure which shows the main processing, (b) is the figure which shows the interruption processing. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the effect selection process of FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the contents of processing during end of change production of Drawing 23. It is the flowchart which shows the contents of production button processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the decoration lamp used for a special effect at the time of a change. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the decorative pattern used by this Embodiment, FIG. 29(A) is a decorative pattern of a 1st display mode, FIG. 29(B) is a decorative pattern of a 2nd display mode, FIG. FIG. 29C is a diagram showing a decorative pattern in the third display mode, and FIG. 29D is a diagram showing a decorative pattern in the fourth display mode. It is a figure which shows an example of a change special production, FIG.30(A) is a figure which shows reach production and operation promotion production, FIG.30(B) is a figure which shows a 1st state, and FIG.30(C-1)-(C). -3) is a diagram showing the second state, FIG. 30(D) is a diagram showing the third state, and FIG. 30(E) is a diagram showing the fourth state. It is a figure which shows another example of the special effect at the time of change, FIG.31(A) is a figure which shows reach production, FIG.31(B) is a figure which shows operation promotion production, FIG.31(C) is the light emission aspect of a decoration lamp. FIG. 31(D) is a diagram showing a decorative pattern in the first display mode, FIG. 31(E) is a diagram showing a transition effect, and FIG. 31(F) is a diagram showing a decorative pattern in the second display mode. FIG. 31(G) is a diagram showing another light emitting mode of the decoration lamp, FIG. 31(H) is a diagram showing a decorative pattern of the first display mode, and FIG. 31(I) is a stop display in the first display mode. It is a figure which shows a design. 32(A) is a diagram showing another example of the special effect at the time of change, FIG. 32(A) is a diagram showing a light emitting mode of the decoration lamp, FIG. 32(B) is a diagram showing a decorative design of the first display mode, and FIG. 32(C). ) Is a diagram showing a state in which the size and position of the decorative pattern of the first display mode is changed, FIG. 32(D) is a diagram showing a state of being switched to the decorative pattern of the second display mode, and FIG. 32(E) is a third diagram. It is a figure which shows a mode that it switched to the decorative pattern of a display mode. It is a figure which shows another example of the special effect at the time of change, FIG.33(A) is a figure which shows a reach effect, FIG.33(B-1) is a figure which shows a 1st operation promotion effect, FIG.33(B-2). ) Is a diagram showing a second operation promotion effect, FIG. 33(C-1) is a diagram showing a first light emission mode of the decoration lamp, and FIG. 33(C-2) is a second light emission mode of the decoration lamp. 33, (D-1) and (D-2) are diagrams showing a decorative pattern of the first display mode, and FIG. 33(E-1) is a diagram showing a state of being switched to the decorative pattern of the second display mode, FIG. 33(E-2) is a diagram showing a state in which the variation of the decorative pattern continues in the first display mode. It is a figure which shows an example of a symbol production at the time of a change, FIG.34(A) is a figure which shows the reach production in a 2nd display mode, FIG.34(B) is a figure which shows a transition production, FIG.34(C) is a 3rd figure. 34 is a diagram showing a state in which the display mode has been changed, FIG. 34D is a diagram showing a state in which the display mode has been changed to the fourth display mode, and FIG. 34E is a diagram showing a state in which the display is stopped in the fourth display mode. FIG. 34F is a diagram showing a transition effect, and FIG. 34G is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the second display mode. It is a figure which shows the other example of progress of a time symbol design production, FIG.35(A) is a figure which shows the reach production in a 2nd display mode, FIG.35(B) is a figure which shows a transition production, FIG.35(C). Is a diagram showing a transition to the third display mode, FIG. 35(D) is a diagram showing a continuous change in the third display mode, and FIG. 35(E) is a stop display in the third display mode. FIG. 35(F) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the fourth display mode, FIG. 35(G) is a diagram showing a transition effect, and FIG. 35(H) is being stopped and displayed in the second display mode. FIG. 35(I) is a diagram showing a transition effect, and FIG. 35(J) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the first display mode. It is a figure which shows another example of the symbol production at the time of change, FIG.36(A-1) is a figure which shows a mode that a change starts in a 1st display mode, FIG.36(A-2) is a 1st display mode. FIG. 36(A-3) is a diagram showing a reach effect, FIG. 36(A-3) is a diagram showing a state of shifting to a third display mode, and FIG. 36(A-4) is a diagram showing a state of shifting to a fourth display mode. -5) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the fourth display mode, FIG. 36(A-6) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the first display mode, and FIG. 36(B-1) is a second display. FIG. 36(B-2) is a diagram showing the reach effect in the second display mode, and FIG. 36(B-3) is a diagram showing a state of shifting to the fourth display mode. 36(B-4) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the fourth display mode, and FIG. 36(B-5) is a diagram showing a state of being stopped and displayed in the second display mode.

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

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

In the game area 111, a game nail, a windmill, and the like (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game balls fall are arranged. Further, in the game area 111, various kinds of prizes related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. Further, in the game area 111, a discharge opening 117 is provided for discharging, out of the game area 111, any of the game balls that have been hit in the game area 111 and have not won the winning opening.

In the present embodiment, as various characters related to winning and lottery, a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is started when a game ball wins, and a first starting opening 121 and a second starting opening 122 are usually passed when the game ball passes. A starting gate (hereinafter, simply referred to as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (opening/closing lottery) is provided on the game board 110. In addition, in FIG. 1, the gates 124 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the left gate 124 is described as 124L, and the right gate 124 is described as 124R. Moreover, the 1st starting opening 121 and the 2nd starting opening 122 said here refer to the winning opening which becomes the trigger of the operation of the predetermined 1 special symbol display device. Specifically, the first starting opening 121 and the second starting opening 122 are provided with switches (first starting opening switch 211 and second starting opening switch 212, which will be described later) that detect passage of a game ball when winning. Has been. Then, when the game ball wins the first start opening 121 or the second start opening 122, the switch detects the passage of the game ball, which is a trigger for activating the special symbol display device.

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

The pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as gaming states, a low-probability state having a low winning probability and a high-probability state having a higher winning probability than the low-probability state, based on the winning probability of the jackpot lottery. Then, the state is controlled to be either the low-probability state or the high-probability state based on a predetermined condition. In addition to the above low probability state and high probability state, it is also possible to set a medium probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is higher than the low probability state and lower than the high probability state. In this case, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is controlled to any one of the low-probability state, the medium-probability state, and the high-probability state based on a predetermined condition.
In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a time saving state in which there are few winning opportunities in the second starting port 122 and a saving period in which there are more winning opportunities in the second starting port 122 than in the no saving time state. Then, under a predetermined condition, it is controlled to be in either a time saving state or a time saving state. The time saving state means, for example, shortening the special symbol fluctuation time and the normal symbol fluctuation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, or increasing the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery to a high probability. A game state controlled by one or a combination of a plurality of them.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as other winning prizes and other prize-related lottery items, a lottery is performed even if a game ball wins, as well as a large winning opening 125 as a special electric prized item that is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. A normal winning opening 126, which is not provided, is provided on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display unit 130 for displaying the lottery result and the number of holdings is arranged at the lower left position of the game board 110.

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

When the player touches the handle 151 to rotate the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 has a predetermined hitting time (eg, 100 game balls per minute) with the hitting force according to the operation angle. It is equipped with a launching device (not shown) that electrically launches. The frame member 150 also supplies a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one at a time in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. And a plate 153 for temporarily storing. For example, payout balls by a payout unit are paid out to the plate 153.
In addition, in the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured integrally with the upper plate and the lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. Further, a configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device is caused to emit light under predetermined conditions is also conceivable.

Further, the frame member 150 has a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the firing of the game balls and the game balls accumulated in the plate 153 even when the player is in contact with the handle 151 of the launching device. And a take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out into a box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and status of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. The frame lamp 157 is composed of a light-emitting body such as an LED, and performs various effects by light, such as a pattern of lighting and blinking and a difference in light emission color. Note that, regarding the frame lamp 157, a configuration example capable of performing an effect of changing the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of the display device 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. 2B is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100.
The display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100, as shown in FIG. 2(a), is a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to a winning of the first starting opening 121, and a winning of the second starting opening 122. The second special symbol display 222 which operates correspondingly, and the normal symbol display 223 which operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. Based on the winning of the first starting opening 121, the first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol and then stops and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222, based on the winning of the second starting opening 122, displays the special symbol in a variable display after the variable display, and displays the lottery result. The normal symbol display device 223 displays the lottery result by stopping and displaying the ordinary symbols after the gaming balls have passed through the gate 124, after displaying the ordinary symbols in a variable manner. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display device 221 and the second special symbol display device 222 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed depending on the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display device 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed depending on the lighting mode.

In addition, the display unit 130 is a first special symbol display indicator 218 that operates in response to the reservation in the first special symbol display device 221, and a second operation that corresponds to the reservation in the second special symbol display device 222. It is provided with a 2 special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates corresponding to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219 and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holdings depends on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

Here, the hold will be described. During the variable display operation of the special symbol (while the variation display for one prize is being performed), if the game ball is won in the first starting opening 121 or the second starting opening 122, the special symbol is changing. In addition, the variable display operation of the special symbol based on the subsequent winning cannot be started. Therefore, the subsequent winnings are stored in a limited number (for example, 4) as a limit, and the right to start the special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball is completed. Pending
In addition, the same process as the special symbol is performed for the normal symbol. The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold display 218, the second special symbol hold display 219 and the normal symbol hold display 220.

Further, the display device 130 includes a status display device 224 that displays the status of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is composed of a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs is to notify by lighting whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high-probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. Further, the other one is to notify by lighting whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a time saving state in which it is easy to win a prize in the second starting opening 122. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in an advantageous state by hitting the ball right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

The state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 displayed by the state indicator 224 is not limited to the above example, and other states can be displayed. For example, when the medium probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low-probability state and the winning probability is lower than the high-probability state is set as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100, the state indicator 224 indicates whether or not it is in the medium-probability state. May be notified by lighting.

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

The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided with an input device for the player to make an input for the effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of the input device, an effect button 161, an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape, Are arranged on the frame member 150. In the illustrated example, consider a case where an effect of accepting an operation of selecting one image from a plurality of images is performed. In this case, for example, the player operates any one of the plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the effect key 162 including four keys arranged in a cross shape, and the effect button 161 is pressed. By operating, it is possible to perform an effect of selecting the instructed image. Further, as the form of the input device, various input forms such as the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 shown in FIG.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a control unit of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes, as main control means, a game control unit 200 that determines whether or not a special symbol is won. Further, as sub-control means, there are provided an effect control unit 300 that controls the effect in a centralized manner, and a payout control unit 330 that controls the payout of payout balls. Further, an image/sound control unit 310 and a lamp control unit 320 are provided as sub-control units controlled by the effect control unit 300.

[Structure and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining whether a special symbol is won, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 201, and the like. And a RAM 203 that can be used.

The game control unit 200 controls the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 in either a high-probability state or a low-probability state, a time-saving no state or a time-saving state. As a result, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a high-probability state and a high-probability time saving game state that is a time-saving state, a low-probability time-saving game state that is a low-probability state and a time-saving state, a high-probability state and a time-saving state. It is either a probabilistic short-time non-gaming state, a low probabilistic state or a low probabilistic short-time non-gaming state. Then, the game control unit 200 switches between the high-probability state and the low-probability state based on a predetermined condition, and switches between the no time-saving state and the time-saving state. Further, the game control unit 200, in the time saving state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than that in the no time saving state, the control is such that the normal symbol variation time is shortened, the opening time of the electric tulip 123 is extended, and the like. I do.

The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when the game ball wins the first starting opening 121 or the second starting opening 122. Then, a special game such as a jackpot game is performed according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. In the special game, the game control unit 200 keeps the open state a predetermined number of times until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have won). Control to repeat only. Then, the game control unit 200 controls the opening/closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened.

In addition, the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Then, the operation of the electric tulip is controlled according to the determination result of the ordinary symbol lottery.
In addition, the game control unit 200 holds the game ball during the special symbol variation due to winning in the first starting opening 121 or the second starting opening 122, or the gaming ball passes through the gate 124 during the normal symbol variation. The pending setting that occurs due to this is set.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 accompanies the game control such as the determination result of the special symbol lottery and the ordinary symbol lottery, the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state, the change information of the no time saving state and the time saving state, and the setting information of the hold. The information is sent to the effect control unit 300 by a command described later.

Furthermore, when the game ball wins the first starting opening 121, the second starting opening 122, the special winning opening 125 and the normal winning opening 126, the game control unit 200 is a single game ball according to the place where the gaming ball wins. The payout controller 330 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, if the game ball wins the first starting opening 121, three prize balls, if the game ball winning the second starting hole 122 wins four prize balls, if the game ball wins the large winning opening 125 wins 13 prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning hole 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 330 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout controller 330 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction with it.
When the payout control unit 330 pays out prize balls according to the instruction of the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information about the number of paid prize balls from the payout control unit 330. Thereby, the number of paid prize balls is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control section 200 has a first starting opening detecting section (first starting opening switch (SW)) 211 for detecting a winning of a game ball into the first starting opening 121, as detecting means. , To the gate 124, a second starting opening detection unit (second starting opening switch (SW)) 212 for detecting the winning of a game ball into the second starting opening 122, an electric tulip opening/closing unit 213 for opening/closing the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. The gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, in the game control unit 200, a special winning opening detection unit (big winning opening switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball into the special winning opening 125, and the special winning opening 125 are in a closed state and are inclined to project. A big winning opening opening/closing unit 216 that is set to an open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 that detects winning of a game ball into the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

Further, in the game control unit 200, a first special symbol hold display 218 that displays the number of unchanged holdings that have won the first starting opening 121 during the change of the special symbol, and a second during the change of the special symbol. A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays the number of pending unvaried prizes entered into the starting opening 122, and a regular symbol hold indicator that displays the number of pending unvaried symbols that have passed through the gate 124 during fluctuation of the ordinary symbol. 220 and 220 are connected.
Furthermore, in the game control unit 200, a first special symbol display device 221 for displaying the variation display of the special symbol and the result of the special symbol lottery performed by the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 121, and the second starting port. The second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol variation display and the special symbol lottery performed by the winning of the game ball to 122, and the normal symbol display that displays the variation display of the normal symbol and the result of the normal symbol lottery The device 223 and the status display device 224 that displays the status of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

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

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

[Structure and function of payout controller]
The payout controller 330 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of payout balls, a ROM 332 in which programs executed by the CPU 331, various data, and the like are stored, and a RAM 333 used as a work memory of the CPU 331. And are equipped with.
Then, the payout control unit 330 controls the payout of payout balls based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 330 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to a place where the game ball has won (the first starting opening 121 or the like). Then, the payout driving unit 334 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls designated by the command. The payout drive unit 334 here is configured by a drive motor that sends out the game balls from the storage unit of the game balls.

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

[Structure and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the date and time. And a real time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring
The effect control unit 300, for example, sets the effect content based on the determination result of whether or not the special symbol lottery is won and the variation pattern sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162 may be received and the effect content according to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by this operation signal is reflected in the effect setting.
Moreover, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 gives an instruction to set a screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Further, the effect control unit 300 sets effect contents based on the change information of the high-probability state and the low-probability state and the change information of the no time saving state and the time saving state received from the game control unit 200.
Further, the effect control unit 300 sends a command instructing execution of the set effect content to the image/sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

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

[Configuration/function of image/sound control unit]
The image/sound control unit 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling an image and sound that represent the effect content, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like, and a work of the CPU 311. A RAM 313 used as a memory or the like, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 314, a CGROM 315, and an SNDROM 316 are provided.

Then, the image/sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, the CGROM 315 has a symbol image and a background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, a character for displaying the notice effect to the player, and the like. Image data such as items is stored. Further, the SNDROM 316 stores various kinds of acoustic data such as music and voice to be output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and further, sound effects such as jingles.
The CPU 311 analyzes the animation pattern, creates a display list in which commands related to drawing are compiled, and sends the display list to the VDP 314 based on the hold number command or the fluctuation start command sent from the effect control unit 300. ..

The VDP 314 reads out image data and acoustic data stored in the CGROM 315 and the SNDROM 316, respectively, based on the display list received from the CPU 311. Further, the VDP 314 uses the read image data to perform drawing processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character/item display, and the like, and voice processing using the read acoustic data. .. Then, the VDP 314 controls the screen display on the image display unit 114 according to the image data subjected to the drawing processing. The VDP 314 also controls the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the sound-processed sound data.
In this embodiment, the VDP 314 is configured to perform voice processing in addition to drawing processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a processor dedicated to voice processing may be separately provided.

[Lamp control unit configuration/functions]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs and various data executed by the CPU 321. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a work memory or the like of the CPU 321 are provided.
Then, the lamp control unit 320 controls the lighting/blinking of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. It also controls the operation of the movable accessory 115.

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

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

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Subsequently, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the game control unit 200 is, as a functional unit that executes various lottery processes, a random number acquisition unit 231, an ordinary symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234. , A normal symbol variation control unit 236, and is provided.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes processing associated with special symbol variation.
Further, the game control unit 200 is a special winning opening operation control unit 237, an electric tulip operation control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 as a functional unit that executes operation control of various types of characters and data processing regarding prize balls and the like. And an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241.

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

The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 14 at the start of fluctuation of the special symbol, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is “whether or not it is a big hit”, “the kind of big hit when a big hit is won”. It is determined whether or not it is a small hit or a big hit when the big hit is not won. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to the special symbol triggered by the detection of the passage of the game ball by the first starting opening switch 211 or the second starting opening switch 212, which is the detection means, and determines the special symbol. The unit 234 determines whether to perform a special game (big hit game or the like) advantageous to the player based on the acquired random number value. The special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) described above means a process in the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

Here, the "big hit" is classified into a plurality of types according to the game state that occurs after the end of the big hit game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined by a combination of no time saving state or time saving state, and a high probability state or a low probability state. That is, as the type of jackpot based on the gaming state that occurs after the jackpot game is finished, after the jackpot game is finished, a jackpot that becomes a high probability short game state (hereinafter, a high probability short game jackpot), a low probability short game state Big jackpot that becomes (henceforth, low probability short time gaming state big jackpot), high probability time short and no gaming state jackpot (hereinafter, high probability time short and no gaming state big jackpot), low probability time short and no gaming state jackpot (below, low Probability time saving jackpot in no gaming state) is possible. These jackpots are associated with respective individual special symbols, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of the special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

In addition, the "big hit" may be divided into a big hit that can be expected to pay out a large amount of game balls for a long time of a big hit game, and a big jackpot that has a short time for a big hit game and can hardly be expected to pay out game balls. The former is called "long hit" and the latter is called "short hit". For example, in "long win", a round that is maintained until the open state of the special winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapse or winning of 10 game balls) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). Be done. In the case of "short win", a round in which the special winning opening 125 is opened for a fixed time (for example, 0.1 seconds) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

Also, in the case of "small hit" when the big hit is not won, a small hit game is performed in which the special winning opening 125 is opened for 0.1 seconds, for example, a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). At the time of winning the small hit, the gaming state before winning the small hit is continued even after the small hitting game is over. That is, when the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is the high probability time short game state, the high probability time short game state is continued even after the small hit game is finished, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is the low probability time short non-gaming state, the low probability time short non-gaming state is continued even after the small hitting game is finished, and the gaming state does not shift.
Further, the "small hit" is a kind of "off", and none of the above-mentioned game states that are advantageous to the player is set.

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

The normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not the lottery result of the normal symbol is “win” by using a random number table as shown in FIG. That is, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether to perform the auxiliary game for opening and closing the electric tulip 123 based on the random number value for the normal symbol lottery acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231. Moreover, when a plurality of types of hits are set in the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines the “type of hit” when the determination result is a hit. The normal symbol lottery is a process performed by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the normal symbol determination unit 232.
The normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display device 223 in accordance with the lottery result when the normal symbol lottery is performed.
The electric tulip operation control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 for a specified time and a specified number of times when the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines that the winning symbol is a “hit”, and the game ball is in the second starting opening 122. Generate a state that makes winning easy. Further, when it is determined that the electric tulip 123 is out of contact, the open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

The special winning opening operation control unit 237, when the special symbol determination unit 234 determines that it is a "big hit" in the special symbol lottery, as a big hit game, a special winning opening with an operation pattern specified based on the type of the winning jackpot. Control the opening action of 125. Further, the special winning opening operation control unit 237, when the special symbol determination unit 234 is determined to be "small hit" in the special symbol lottery, as the small hit game, opens the special winning opening 125 for a specified time and a specified number of times. ..
The prize ball processing unit 239 sets a command for controlling the number of prize balls to be awarded to various kinds of prizes related to winning and lottery and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.
The output control unit 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 330.
The random number control unit 241 updates various random number values acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231 at a predetermined timing.

[Basic operation of gaming machines]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
When the power is turned on, the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs initialization and initialization of various devices as a basic process at the time of startup. Then, after performing the basic process, the game control unit 200 repeatedly executes the main control process, which is a series of processes related to the progress of the game. Further, when turning off the power, the game control unit 200 executes a series of power-off time processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of basic processing by the game control unit 200.
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on, the game control unit 200 first permits access to the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) (step (hereinafter, step is referred to as “S”) 601). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch for clearing the RAM 203 is ON (S602).
When the RAM clear switch is OFF (No in S602), next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the backup flag regarding the operation at the time of power shutdown is ON (S603).
When the backup flag is ON (Yes in S603), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the checksum created when the power is turned off is normal (S604).
If the checksum is normal (Yes in S604), then the game control section 200 executes a return process (S605). In this return processing, the game control unit 200 sets the sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300, etc., which accompanies the return from the power-off state. Specifically, the game control unit 200 is in the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether or not it is a big hit game, one of a high probability state and a low probability state, a time saving state and a time saving no state). A command for setting the sub control unit is output to the effect control unit 300 so as to reflect any of the above). Further, in this return processing, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

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

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

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power-off process by the game control unit 200.
In the power-off process, the game control unit 200 first clears the setting of the output port for performing various outputs (S701). Next, the game control unit 200 creates a checksum and stores it in the RAM 203 (S702). Next, the game control unit 200 turns on the backup flag (S703), prohibits access to the RAM 203 (S704), and shifts to an infinite loop.

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

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main control process of the game control unit 200.
The main control process consists of a series of processes in the game control, and is repeatedly executed at preset constant time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt at preset constant time intervals, and when interrupts are permitted in the loop processing shown in FIG. 5 (see S610), main control is performed as interrupt processing. Execute the process. As shown in FIG. 7, in the main control process, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric auditors product process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (S801 to S806).

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

As the switch process (S802), a start opening switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the starting opening switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number obtaining unit 231, monitors the states of the first starting opening switch 211 and the second starting opening switch 212 in FIG. 3, and turns the switches ON. When it becomes, the process for special symbol lottery is executed. Further, as will be described later in detail, when performing the preliminary determination process in the first starting port switch 211 and the second starting port switch 212, each function (subroutine) of the special symbol determination unit 234 and the variation pattern selection unit 235 is called, Perform the process for pre-determination.
In the gate switch process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the random number acquisition unit 231, monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3, and when the switch is ON, for normal symbol lottery. Execute the process.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the output process is performed at the end of the series of main control processes. That is, the command generated in each processing of S802 to S805 by each function as the first processing means is stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203 in each processing. Then, after these processes, the output control unit 240 as the second processing means collectively outputs the commands generated in each process, which are accumulated in the storage area of the RAM 203. In other words, in this embodiment, when the main control process is executed for one cycle, the command generated in the execution of the one cycle is output after the final command generation in the execution of the one cycle is performed.

[Modification of basic operation of gaming machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the interrupt is permitted in the loop process part of the basic process, and the main control process including a series of processes is executed as the interrupt process. However, the main control process only needs to be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular time intervals, and the specific realizing means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. For example, the main control process may be incorporated in the series of operations of the basic process, the elapsed time may be measured at a predetermined timing, and the process may be returned to the main control process every fixed time (for example, 4 milliseconds). Further, while incorporating the main control processing into the series of operations of the basic processing, an interrupt is generated at regular intervals as in the operation described with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. It may be configured to return to the main control processing incorporated in the basic processing.

In addition, when outputting the command generated in the basic processing, as a general rule, each time the command is generated, it is stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203 and the function of the output control unit 240 which is the second processing means is called. Output. The basic process is a special process such as an initial operation that is performed only when the power is turned on, unlike the main control process related to the progress of the game. Further, in the basic processing, the processing procedure may change due to branching based on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on, so the generated command is output promptly so that there is no omission in the output processing. Processing. Note that, in the case where commands are continuously generated by a plurality of related processes, a plurality of commands are stored in the command storage area of the RAM 203 in response to a specific processing request, and a processing procedure of collectively outputting the commands is adopted. May be.

[Random number update process by game control unit]
Random number value as the determination information used in various lottery in game control such as special symbol lottery is counted by the counter, starting from a predetermined initial value, the random number updating process (S801) of the main control process shown in FIG. Each time it is performed, it is incremented by 1. Then, the value at the time when each lottery is performed is acquired by the starting port switch process (FIG. 8) and the gate switch process, and is used in the special symbol process (FIG. 9) and the ordinary symbol process. This random number counter is an infinite loop counter, and after the counted random number value reaches the maximum value of the set random numbers (for example, 299 in the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 14A described later). , Return to the initial value again. Further, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on the update interval and the information of the initial value. Therefore, after returning from the main control process to the basic process shown in FIG. 5, the initial value of each random number is randomly changed in the initial value random number updating process of S613.

[Starting switch processing by the game controller]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the starting opening switch process of the switch process shown in S802 of FIG.
In the starting opening switch processing, processing for winning in the first starting opening 121 and processing for winning in the second starting opening 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 8, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball has entered the first starting opening 121 and the first starting opening switch 211 has been turned on (S901). If the first starting opening switch 211 is turned on, then the game control section 200 determines whether or not the number U1 of reserved portions of the unvaried amount in the winning of the first starting opening 121 is less than the upper limit value (S902). .. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper limit value is four. When the number U1 of reservations has reached the upper limit value (No in S902), it is not possible to hold the unvaried winnings any more, so the processing for the winnings in the first starting opening 121 ends.

On the other hand, when the number of holdings U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S902), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for determination by the present winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S903). .. Here, since the first starting opening 121 is a prize, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random number value acquired at this time is the value updated in the random number updating process of S801. Then, by this random number value, the result of the special symbol lottery is fixed in the later special symbol processing. As the random number value here, a big hit, a small hit or a big hit random number that determines the deviance, a type of big hit (a short-lived state or a short-lived state after the end of a big game, a high probability state and a low probability state, a long hit, a short hit Winning) random number value to determine (big hit symbol random value), fluctuation pattern random value to specify the fluctuation pattern in the pattern fluctuation, reach random number value to determine whether or not reachable production described later in case of deviation , Etc. are included.
Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the number U1 of reservations (S904).

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a preliminary determination process (S905). Pre-judgment process, the winning number has already been obtained by winning at the starting mouth but the random number has not been judged by the special symbol process to be described later (reserved ball), the random number by the special symbol process This is a process (preliminary determination) of determining the random number before the determination.

Then, the effect control unit 300 of the present embodiment determines the random number by the special symbol process based on the determination result of the random number determined by the preliminary determination process (preliminary determination result), and notifies the determination result. In advance, it is possible to perform a notice effect that suggests the determination result. This notice production, for example, according to the occurrence of the winning ball (reserved ball) whose random number has already been obtained by winning at the starting opening 121, 122 but whose random number has not yet been determined by the special symbol processing, It is performed using a hold display effect (described later) displayed on the image display unit 114. By the notice effect based on this preliminary determination, with respect to the holding ball corresponding to the preliminary determination related to the notice effect, the determination result when the random number is subsequently determined by the special symbol processing is suggested to the player. As a result, the player can play the game while holding an expectation for the reserved ball. Details of the notice effect based on the preliminary determination will be described later.

After that, the game control unit 200 sets, in the RAM 203, a preliminary determination result command including preliminary determination information by the preliminary determination process of S905 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the preliminary determination result (S906).
Further, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase of the hold number U1 in S904 in the RAM 203 (S907), and ends the process for winning at the first starting opening 121. ..

Next, processing for winning in the second starting opening 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 8, next, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second starting port 122 and the second starting port switch 212 has been turned on (S908). If the second starting port switch 212 is turned on, then the game control section 200 determines whether or not the number U2 of unreserved parts in the winning of the second starting port 122 is less than the upper limit value (S909). ). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper limit value is four. When the number U2 of reservations has reached the upper limit value (No in S909), it is not possible to hold the unvaried winnings any more, so the processing for the winnings in the second starting opening 122 is ended.

On the other hand, when the number U2 of reservations is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S909), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery for this winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S910). .. Here, since it is the winning of the second starting port 122, similar to S903 above, the random number value for the special symbol lottery (big hit random number value, big hit symbol random value), reach random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value, etc.) is acquired. To be done. The random number value acquired at this time is the value updated in the random number updating process of S801. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is settled in the special symbol process later by this random value.
Then, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the number U2 of reservations (S911).

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a preliminary determination process (S912). The content of this pre-determination processing is the same as that in S905 described above.
After that, the game control unit 200 sets, in the RAM 203, a preliminary determination result command including preliminary determination information by the preliminary determination process of S912 in order to notify the effect control unit 300 of the preliminary determination result (S913).
Further, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase of the hold number U2 in S911 in the RAM 203 (S914), and ends the process for winning at the second starting opening 122. ..

[Gate switch processing by game control unit]
Next, the gate switch processing when the game ball passes through the gate 124 will be described.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 has been turned ON. If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the game control section 200 determines whether or not the number of unfixed reservations G is less than an upper limit value (for example, four). When the number G of reservations has reached the upper limit, it is not possible to hold the unfixed amount of winnings any more, and thus the gate switch processing is ended.

On the other hand, when the number G of reservations is less than the upper limit value, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value (per random number value or the like) for the normal symbol lottery due to the present winning and stores it in the RAM 203. ..

Next, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the number G of reservations. After the value of the hold number G is added, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase of the hold number G in S1004 in the RAM 203, and the winning in the gate 124 is determined. The process ends.

[Special symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG.
In this special symbol processing, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON in the flag setting (hereinafter, flag setting) set in the RAM 203 (( S1101). Here, the jackpot game flag is a flag that is set to identify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot. Either the long hit game flag or the short hit game flag is set according to the type of the big hit. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a big hit game flag.

If the jackpot gaming flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in the jackpot, so the special symbol processing ends without starting the special symbol fluctuation (Yes in S1101). On the other hand, if the jackpot gaming flag is OFF (No in S1101), then the special symbol variation control unit 233 determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a special symbol variation (S1102). If the special symbol is not changing (No in S1102), the special symbol variation control unit 233 then performs the process regarding the pending numbers U1 and U2 (see FIG. 8) of the unvaried amount of the special symbol (S1103 to S1106). In the present embodiment, since the number U1 of holdings for winning the first starting opening 121 and the number U2 of holdings for winning the second starting opening 122 are distinguished, this processing is also performed individually for each corresponding starting opening. ..

Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holdings U2 related to winning of the second starting opening 122 is 1 or more (S1103). When the number U2 of reservations is 1 or more (Yes in S1103), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number U2 of reservations (S1104). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U2=0 (No in S1103), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the number of holdings U1 related to the winning of the first starting opening 121 is 1 or more (S1105). When the number U1 of reservations is 1 or more (Yes in S1105), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number U1 of reservations (S1106). On the other hand, when the number of holdings U1=0 (No in S1105), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol fluctuation is not started, and the customer waiting setting process of another routine Is executed to end the processing (S1116).
In the present embodiment, the processing relating to the number of holdings U2 related to winning of the second starting opening 122 is prioritized. That is, when the number U2 of reservations is 1 or more, the process regarding the number U2 of reservations is performed, and when the number U2 of reservations is 0, the process regarding the number U1 of reservations is performed (see S803 to S806). On the other hand, it is also possible to perform control such that the holding numbers U1 and U2 are subtracted in the winning order regardless of whether the winning is the first starting opening 121 or the second starting opening 122.

After subtracting the pending number U1 or the pending number U2 in S1104 or S1106, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1107). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (see S1116).

Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes a big hit determination process and a variation pattern selection process by another routine (S1108, S1109). As will be described later in detail, by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process, setting information for variation of the special symbol that is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (big hit symbol, game) State, fluctuation pattern, etc.) are determined. It should be noted that these pieces of information are included in the fluctuation start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

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

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

On the other hand, if the variation time has elapsed (Yes in S1112), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 221 and the second special symbol display device 222 as the big hit determination process in S1108. It stops with the symbol determined in (S1113). A variation stop command for stopping a decorative pattern described later is set in the RAM 203 (S1114). Then, the processing during stop of another routine is executed (S1115). The details of the processing during suspension will be described later. The fluctuation stop command set in S1114 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output processing shown in S806 of FIG.

[Big hit determination process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (S1108 in FIG. 9).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines the jackpot random value in the special symbol lottery this time (S1201), and determines whether or not a jackpot or a jackpot (S1202). , S1205). Whether or not the jackpot or the jackpot is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 8 matches the value set as the jackpot winning value or the jackpot winning value. It is determined by determining whether or not (see FIG. 14A).

When the result of the random number determination in S1201 is a big hit (Yes in S1202), the special symbol determination unit 234 then determines a big hit symbol random value (S1203). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (high-probability state or low-probability state, time saving state or no time saving state, long hit, short hit) is determined. Which of the jackpots is determined by which of the values of the jackpot symbol random numbers acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 8 matches the preset value for each jackpot type (FIG. 14( See b)).

After the above determination, the special symbol determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of the jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (S1204).

If the result of the random number determination of S1201 is a small hit (No in S1202, Yes in S1205), then the special symbol determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the small hit (hereinafter, a small hit symbol) as the setting information. It is set in the RAM 203 (S1206).

When the result of the random number determination of S1201 is neither a big hit nor a small hit (No in S1202 and S1205), the special symbol determination unit 234 then uses the symbol (hereinafter, a symbol) that indicates that the special symbol has been missed in the lottery as the setting information in the RAM 203. (S1207).

[Variation pattern selection processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (S1109 in FIG. 9).
In this variation pattern selection processing, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first refers to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether the time saving state is the time saving state, the high probability state or the low probability state). (S1301). Then, it is determined whether or not the jackpot has been hit in the special symbol lottery this time, using the determination result of S1202 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10) (S1302). Then, if it is a big hit (Yes in S1302), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for the big hit from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1303).

On the other hand, if no big hit (No in S1302), then the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines a random number value for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for expecting a big hit to the player. (S1304). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the value of the reach random number acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 8 matches a preset value (see FIG. 14C). ..
When the reach effect is performed as a result of the determination using the random number value (Yes in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1306). Further, when the reach effect is not performed (No in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads out the variation pattern table for the outlier from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1307).
Here, the fluctuation pattern table includes a plurality of fluctuation patterns prepared in advance (variation time of 3 seconds, 7 seconds, 13 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) and the values of fluctuation pattern random numbers. It is the table which matched.

Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 8 and the variation pattern table set in S1303, S1306, and S1307 (S1308). ). That is, the variation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the variation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a variation pattern according to the random number value of the variation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number is obtained, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a time saving state or no time saving state, and whether it is a high probability state or a low probability state), the result of the special symbol lottery (whether a big hit or not) The variation pattern table to be referred to differs according to the difference in whether or not the reach effect is performed when a big hit has not occurred), so the determined variation pattern is different.

After that, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in S1308 as setting information in the RAM 203 (S1309). The setting information of the variation pattern set in S1309 is included in the variation start command set in S1111 of FIG. 9, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output processing shown in S806 of FIG. Details of the variation patterns selected in this embodiment and their settings will be described later.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the content of the processing during stop (S1115 of FIG. 9).
In the process during stop, the game control unit 200 first checks in the flag setting of the RAM 203 whether or not a flag indicating a time saving state (hereinafter referred to as a time saving flag) is ON (S1401). When the time saving flag is ON (Yes in S1401), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the lottery number (variation number) J in the time saving state (S1402), and whether or not the lottery number J becomes 0. Is checked (S1403). Then, if the number of times of lottery J=0 (Yes in S1403), the time saving flag is turned off (S1404). The operation of turning on the time saving flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in the game state setting process (FIG. 13) in the special winning opening process described later.

When the time saving flag is OFF (No in S1401), or after the time saving flag is turned OFF in S1404, or the value of the lottery number J after subtraction in S1402 is not 0 (No in S1403), then the game control The unit 200 checks whether or not a flag indicating a high-probability state in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (hereinafter, a probability variation flag) is ON (S1405). In addition, when both the probability variation flag and the previous time saving flag are ON, it is a high probability time saving game state, and when the probability variation flag is ON and the time saving flag is OFF, there is a high probability time saving no game state.

When the probability variation flag is ON (Yes in S1405), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the lottery number (variation number) X in the high probability state (S1406), and whether or not the lottery number X becomes 0. It is checked (S1407). If the number of times of lottery X=0 (Yes in S1407), the probability variation flag is turned off (S1408). The operation of turning on the probability variation flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in the game state setting process (FIG. 13) in the special winning opening process described later.

If the probability variation flag is OFF (No in S1405), or if the probability variation flag is OFF in S1408, or if the value of the lottery number X after subtraction in S1406 is not 0 (No in S1407), next game control The unit 200 determines whether or not it has been a big hit in the special symbol lottery this time (S1409). When it is a big hit (Yes in S1409), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the kind of the big hit is a long hit (S1410).

Here, it can be judged whether or not it is a big hit based on the judgment result of the big hit judgment process (FIG. 10). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the chart of FIG. 14B described later is set, the result of S1409 is Yes. If the outlying pattern or the small winning symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determining process, the result is No in S1409.

When the type of big hit is long hit (Yes in S1410), the game control unit 200 turns on the long hit game flag (S1411). As a result, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 becomes a big hit game state (long hit game state) in which the type of big hit is long hit. It should be noted that here, in long hit, no distinction is made between a high-probability state and a low-probability state. Whether it is a high-probability state or a low-probability state is specified by turning on a corresponding flag in a game state setting process (FIG. 13) in a special winning opening process described later.

When the type of big hit is not long hit (No in S1410), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (S1412). Thereby, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 becomes a big hit game state (short hit game state) in which the kind of big hit is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish between high probability state and low probability state.

After turning on the jackpot game flag in S1411 or S1412, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery numbers J and X (S1413). Further, the game control unit 200 turns off the time saving flag when the time saving flag is ON in S1401 and the lottery number J is not 0 in S1403 (S1414). Similarly, when the probability variation flag is ON in S1405 and the lottery number X is not 0 in S1407, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1414).

After initializing the values of the lottery numbers J and X in S1413, the game control unit 200 starts the opening operation (S1417). Here, the content of the opening operation differs depending on which of S1411, S1412 the hit game flag is turned on. That is, depending on the state of the big hit game flag, one of the opening operation set in each of the long hit game and short hit game states will be performed.
After that, the game control unit 200 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation according to the big hit game flag in the RAM 203 in the effect control unit 300 (S1418), and ends the stopped process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output processing shown in S806 of FIG.

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in S1409), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a small hit (S1415). ). If it is not a small hit (No in S1415), the in-stop processing is ended.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in S1415), the game control unit 200 starts the small hit game (S1416). Thereby, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 becomes the small hit game state. In the small hitting game, as described above, the special winning opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and ends after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
Next, the customer waiting setting process (S1116 in FIG. 9) will be described.
In this customer waiting setting process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state.

If the customer waiting flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and thus the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command, sets it in the RAM 203, and turns on the customer waiting flag. The customer waiting command thus set is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG. The customer waiting flag is a flag that is set in a state where the special symbol stops changing and is not held.

[Normal symbol processing by the game control unit]
Next, the normal symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG. 7 will be described.
In this normal symbol processing, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when the regular symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip processing described later, and it is easy to win the second starting opening 122.

When the auxiliary game flag is ON, it is already in the auxiliary game state, and the normal symbol is in a stopped state, so the normal symbol process ends without starting the normal symbol fluctuation. On the other hand, if the auxiliary game flag is OFF, then the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a normal symbol variation. If the normal symbol fluctuation is not in progress, then the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 determines whether or not the number G of unfixed portions of the normal symbol is 1 or more. When the number of holdings G=0, it means that there is no winning for starting the lottery of the normal symbol, and thus the process is ended without starting the normal symbol fluctuation.

On the other hand, when the number G of reservations is 1 or more, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number G of reservations. Then, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines the winning random number in the current regular symbol lottery, and determines whether or not the regular symbol lottery has been won. Whether or not the winning is determined whether or not the value of the winning random number obtained based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. It is decided by judging.

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

Next, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 sets the fluctuation time of the normal symbol. This variation time is set based on the time saving flag set in the processes of S1404 and S1414 in FIG. 12 and S1804 and S1807 in FIG. 13 described later. That is, when the time saving flag is ON when setting the fluctuation time, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time saving flag is OFF, it is set for a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 starts the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 3. In addition, the variation pattern of the ordinary symbol can be determined by lottery. In this case, for example, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a variation pattern random value of the normal symbol, and in S1307, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 normally changes the variation pattern random value of the symbol. The variable time is set by the determination.

After starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol, or when the normal symbol is changing during the execution of this process, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 determines whether the fluctuation time has elapsed. That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the variation of the normal symbol reaches the variation time set by the above operation. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed, the normal symbol fluctuation continues, so the normal symbol processing ends.

On the other hand, when the fluctuation time ends, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 223. Then, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether or not the determination result of the normal symbol lottery is a win. If it is a win, the auxiliary game flag is turned on. On the other hand, if the game is missed in the lottery, the normal symbol process ends without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Big prize hole processing by game control unit]
Next, the special winning opening process of the electric accessory processes shown in S804 of FIG. 7 will be described.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the big hit game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. When the big hit game flag is OFF, there is no winning in the special winning opening 125, and the special winning opening processing is ended. On the other hand, if the jackpot gaming flag is ON, then the jackpot operation control unit 237 is in the middle of the opening operation in the jackpot gaming operation control started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 stop process (FIG. 12). Determine whether or not.

When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is being opened, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 next determines whether or not a preset time (opening time) at which the opening operation should be performed has elapsed. If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening processing is ended. On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed, then the special winning opening operation control unit 237 sets the operation of the special winning opening 125, initializes the winning number C (C=0), and operates the special winning opening 125. The value of the number R of rounds is incremented by 1 from the current value to start (open) the special winning opening 125.

In the operation setting of the special winning opening 125, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (the number of operating rounds) to be operated in the operation pattern are set. As a case where the special winning opening 125 operates, there is a case where the special symbol lottery is a big hit of a long hit or a short hit, and a small hit. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the type of these hits. In the jackpot game, it is stipulated that the special winning opening 125 is continuously operated a plurality of times (a plurality of rounds). As an example, in the case of long hits, for example, 15 rounds (15R) of operation are performed, and 29.5 seconds of opening are performed once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, it is operated for 15 rounds (15R), and in one round, it is opened once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, it is operated for one round (1R), and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this one round. Here, when the operation in the short hit and the operation in the small hit are compared with each other in the above example, the opening for 0.1 seconds is performed 15 times. That is, the operation of the special winning opening 125 visible to the player is the same in the case of short hit and the case of small hit, and the short hit and the small hit are distinguished only from the operation of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. You cannot do it.

Further, as another example, for a long hit, 15 rounds (15R) are activated, and for one round, 29.5 seconds of opening is performed once, and for a short hit, 2 rounds (2R) are activated, and 0 for one round. Opening for 9 seconds is performed twice, and for small hits, it is operated for one round (1R), and in this one round, opening for 0.9 seconds is performed twice. Also in this case, when the operation in the short hit and the operation in the small hit are compared, both are opened for 0.9 seconds, and the operation of the big winning opening 125 seen from the player is the case of the short hit. It is the same in case of small hit.

In addition, in the case of a small hit, it is stipulated by law that the cumulative open time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short hit), the special winning opening 125 has to be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to distinguish between the operation with the small hit and the operation with the short hit as described above, in the case of the small hit, in a range where the cumulative open time in one operation is within 1.8 seconds, The operation mode in which the special winning opening 125 is opened twice or more is set, and in the case of a short hit, the same number of rounds as the number of small wins is set.

Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the opening time in the set operation pattern has elapsed. When the open state at the special winning opening 125 has not passed the opening time, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 next determines whether or not the winning number C into the special winning opening 125 is equal to or more than a prescribed number (for example, 9). To judge. When the opening time has not elapsed and the winning prize number C is less than the specified number, the special winning opening 125 remains in the operating state (opening state), and the special winning opening process is ended. On the other hand, when the open time has elapsed or the winning prize number C reaches the specified number, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 (closing).

Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the number of rounds R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in S1704. If the maximum value is not reached, the remaining operation is performed, and the special winning opening process is ended.

When the number R of rounds of operation of the special winning opening 125 reaches the maximum value, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 then starts the ending operation. Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the big hit game flag among the ending operations set in the long hit game and the short hit game.
After that, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 sets in the RAM 203 an ending command for performing an effect in the ending operation according to the big hit game flag in the effect control unit 300. This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output processing shown in S806 of FIG.

Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 resets the number of rounds R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 to 0, and then, the elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is the preset time at which the ending operation should be performed ( It is determined whether the ending time) has elapsed. If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and the special winning opening process is ended. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed, then the special winning opening operation control unit 237 turns off the jackpot gaming flag after the game state setting processing by the game control unit 200, and ends the special winning opening processing. The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

When it is determined that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not in the opening in the above-described determination as to whether it is during the opening or not, the special winning opening operation control unit 237 next determines whether or not it is during the ending. Then, if the ending is in progress, it is determined whether or not the ending time has elapsed, a game state setting process, and an operation of turning off the jackpot game flag.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending, then the special winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the special winning opening 125 is in operation (open). Then, if it is not in operation, among the above operations, each operation after initialization of the winning number C is executed. Further, if it is in operation, among the above-mentioned operations, each operation after the judgment of whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 125 has elapsed is executed.
The effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish the short hit and the small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 13 shows the contents of the game state setting process by the game control unit 200, which is executed when the ending time has passed in the above-described special winning opening process.
When the game state setting process is performed, as a premise, the jackpot game flag is ON. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of the jackpot (S1801, S1802, S1803, S1806). These determinations can be made, for example, based on the types of symbols set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10). Note that these determinations are substantially the same as S1202, S1203, and S1205 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10), and thus the determination results of S1202, S1203, and S1205 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in S1801), the game state is not changed, and the game state setting process is ended.
When the type of jackpot is the jackpot in the low probability time saving game state (No in S1801, S1802, Yes in S1803), the game control unit 200 turns the time saving flag ON (S1804). As a result, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 becomes the short game state when the probability is low. Further, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery number J (S1805), and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 times in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the low-probability-time short game state is performed 100 times, the low-probability-time short game state ends, and the low-probability-time short game state is entered.

On the other hand, when the type of jackpot is the jackpot in the low probability time saving no gaming state (No in S1801, No in 1802, No in S1803), the game control unit 200 ends the processing without turning on both the time saving flag and the probability variation flag. To do. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after this jackpot becomes a low probability time saving no game state.

When the type of jackpot is a jackpot in the high-probability time saving game state (No in S1801, S1802, Yes in S1806), the game control unit 200 turns on the time saving flag (S1807) and sets the initial value of the lottery number J. (S1808). The initial value of the lottery number J in this case is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Further, the game control unit 200 turns on the probability variation flag (S1809) and sets the initial value of the lottery number X (S1810). The initial value of the lottery number X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. As a result, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 becomes a high probability short game state. Then, if the lottery in this high-probability time-short game state is performed 10,000 times, the high-probability time-short game state ends, and the low-probability time-short game state is entered.

On the other hand, when the type of jackpot is a jackpot in the high probability time saving non-gaming state (No in S1801, S1802, S1806), the game control unit 200 turns on only the probability variation flag (S1809), and the initial value of the lottery number X ( 10000 times) is set (S1810). As a result, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 becomes a high probability time saving mode. Then, if the lottery in this high-probability time-short non-gaming state is performed 10,000 times, the high-probability time-short non-gaming state ends, and the low-probability time-short non-gaming state is entered.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
Next, the electric tulip processing of the electric auditors article processing shown in S804 of FIG. 7 will be described.
In the electric tulip processing, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not opened, and the electric tulip processing is ended. On the other hand, if the auxiliary game flag is ON, then the electric tulip operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the electric tulip 123 is in operation.

When the electric tulip 123 is not operating, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 and operates the electric tulip 123 according to the set operation pattern. Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time saving flag set in the processes of S1404 and S1414 in FIG. 12, S1804 and S1807 in FIG. For example, when the time saving flag is OFF at the time of setting the operation pattern, the operation pattern is set to open once with the opening time of 0.15 seconds, and when the time saving flag is ON, it is opened for 1.80 seconds. An operation pattern is set to open three times in time. As described above, normally, when the time saving flag is ON (in the time saving state), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the second starting opening 122 facilitates winning. Is done. In addition, when the time saving flag is ON or OFF, a plurality of operation patterns (types of auxiliary games) of the electric tulip 123 are prepared, and the operation pattern is set according to the type determined by the normal symbol processing. It may be configured to.

When it is determined that the electric tulip 123 is in operation in the operation state determination, or after the electric tulip 123 is activated by the above control, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 causes the opening time in the set operation pattern to elapse. Judge whether or not. If the opening time has not elapsed, the operating state (opening state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, so that the electric tulip processing ends. On the other hand, if the open time has elapsed, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 turns off the auxiliary game flag and ends the electric tulip processing.

[Method of judgment using random numbers]
Here, a method of determination by random numbers, which is performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 10), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 11), the ordinary symbol process, or the like, will be described in detail.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a random number (determination table) used in the special symbol lottery and the ordinary symbol lottery in the present embodiment.
14(a) is a configuration example of jackpot random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, FIG. 14(b) is a configuration example of jackpot symbol random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, and FIG. 14(c) is a special symbol lottery. A configuration example of the reach random number used, FIG. 14 (d), respectively, a configuration example of the hit random number used in the normal symbol lottery is shown.

Referring to FIG. 14A, as a determination value of a jackpot random number, a jackpot when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the time of jackpot determination is a low probability state and a jackpot when the gaming state at the time of jackpot determination is a high probability state. 2 types and small hits are set. The range of the value of the random number (big hit random number) is 0 to 299 in all 300. In the case of the special symbol lottery in the low probability state (big hit lottery), only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. Further, in the case of the special symbol lottery in the high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (=1/30). That is, in the illustrated example, when the special symbols lottery is performed by winning the starting openings 121 and 122 in the high probability state, the winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. In addition, three small winning numbers are set regardless of whether the winning probability is in the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (=1/100).

Referring to FIG. 14(b), the jackpot symbols are prepared in five types: a low-probability symbol A, a low-probability symbol B, a high-probability symbol A, a high-probability symbol B, and a latent probability symbol. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols that represent a jackpot in a low-probability state, of which the low-probability symbol A is a long hit (low-probability time short game state), the low-probability symbol B is Short wins (low probability, short time, no gaming state) are shown. The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B are symbols showing that they are jackpots in a high-probability state. Among them, the high-probability symbol A is long hit (high-probability time short game state), and the high-probability symbol B is short hit ( High probability time saving non-gaming state). The latent probability symbol is a symbol representing that it is a big hit in the high probability short time non-gaming state. Therefore, the high-probability symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the big hit game, but the latent probability symbol is a condition for performing a latent production in which the player is not clearly notified of the high-probability symbol. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high probability pattern B. The range of the value of the random number is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, the winning value is set for each of the first starting opening 121 and the second starting opening 122, which is a trigger for the special symbol lottery.

In the low-probability pattern A, 35 values are assigned as the winning value for both the first starting opening 121 and the second starting opening 122. Therefore, when the big hit is won, the probability of winning the low probability symbol A is 35/250 (=7/50).
In the low-probability pattern B, 15 values are assigned as the winning value for both the first starting opening 121 and the second starting opening 122. Therefore, when the big hit is won, the probability of winning the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (=3/50).

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

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

In the latent probability pattern, 100 values are assigned as the winning value when the first starting opening 121 is won. Therefore, the probability of winning with a latent probability symbol is 100/250 (=2/5) when the jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting opening 121.
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent probability symbol is not assigned to the second starting opening 122, and when winning in the second starting opening 122, the winning in the latent probability symbol does not occur.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 14(b), the probability that the jackpot when winning in the first starting opening 121 is a jackpot (high probability symbol B, latent probability symbol) in the high probability time saving non-gaming state High, the jackpot when winning in the second starting opening 122, there is a high probability that the jackpot in the high-probability time saving game state (high-probability symbol A). In this way, by differentiating the winning probability of the jackpot type when the first start opening 121 is won and when the second start opening 122 is won, it is possible to provide various game characteristics. In addition, the arrangement of the first starting opening 121 and the second starting opening 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either one of the first starting opening 121 and the second starting opening 122 in a specific state (mode). With the configuration, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in the game more actively.

Next, the determination of the reach random number will be described.
Referring to FIG. 14(c), the range of random number values is 0 to 249, and 250 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing reach production, and lottery without reach production is performed. 228 random number values are assigned to the result (without reach). That is, in the illustrated example, the reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (=11/125) when the special symbol lottery does not result in a big hit. Here, the reach effect is an effect performed in the image display unit 114 when the special symbol changes. Hereinafter, the effect at the time of changing the special symbol that does not perform the reach effect is referred to as the no-reach effect, and correspondingly, the reach effect is also referred to as the with-reach effect.

In many cases, at the time of special symbol variation, in conjunction with the display control of the first special symbol display device 221 and the second special symbol display device 222 (hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, written as special symbol display devices 221 and 222). In the image display unit 114, an effect using a decorative design is performed. The decorative pattern is configured by displaying, for example, three rows of symbols each consisting of a number sequence in which the numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction. Then, at the same time that the variable display of the special symbols on the special symbol displays 221 and 222 is started, the decorative symbols displayed on the image display unit 114 start scrolling. Further, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of variable display of special symbols (start of scrolling of decorative symbols), the special symbols are stopped and displayed, and at the same time, the decorative symbols are stopped. In general, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, three identical numbers are lined up on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally in the stop display of the decorative symbol. The effect using the decorative symbol that is accompanied by the variable display of the special symbol is called variable effect.

In the reachable effect, the following operation is performed on the decorative pattern as the variable effect. First, when the scrolling of the decorative symbol is stopped and each symbol is stopped and displayed, first, any two symbols (series) are stopped first. At this time, the same number is stopped and displayed on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Next, the scroll speed of the last row is gradually reduced to give the player an expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on a straight line. In such reachable production, a so-called SP (super) reach production or SP/SP reach production in which various characters appear or a story develops is performed before the last one-row scroll is stopped. There are cases. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, which will be described later, in the present embodiment, the SP reach or the SP/SP reach effect is set to be executed when the variation time is longer (for example, 90 seconds or 60 seconds). .. Note that the above-described variation effect that is performed together with the reachable effect is also referred to as reach-time variation effect.
On the other hand, in the reach-free effect, the effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, such as the effect with reach, is not performed, and the symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending laterally or diagonally.

In this way, the reach random number is for determining whether to perform the reachable effect or the no-reach effect on the image display unit 114 when the result of the jackpot random number determination is lost, and the reach random number is predetermined. The production with reach is made to appear with a probability so that the player is appropriately expected.
In addition, when the jackpot is won, the production with reach is always performed, and finally, the decorative pattern is stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. On the other hand, in the case of reach effect when a small hit is won or lost, the decorative pattern is stopped and displayed on the above straight line in a state where the same numbers are not aligned.

Next, the determination of the winning random number used in the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 14D, the range of random number values is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as a winning value when the time saving flag is OFF, and as a winning value when the time saving flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the time saving state, the probability of winning is 1/10. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the time saving state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.
Further, although not particularly shown, it is possible to set a plurality of hits having different contents of the auxiliary game (opening pattern of the electric tulip 123) performed when it is determined to be hit in the normal symbol lottery. In this case, for example, similarly to the jackpot symbol random number (see FIG. 14(b)) for identifying the jackpot type in the special symbol lottery, a hit symbol random number for identifying the hit type in the ordinary symbol lottery is set. Then, the game control unit 200, by the random number acquisition unit 231, obtains a random number value of the hit random number in the gate switch process together with the random number value of the hit random number, and based on the obtained random number value by the normal symbol determination unit 232. Specify the type of hit.
It should be noted that the range of random numbers, the percentage of the winning value, and each value of the winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 14 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting a fluctuation pattern and a table used in the fluctuation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 11 will be described.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a setting example of a fluctuation pattern and a table used in the fluctuation pattern selection processing shown in FIG. It should be noted that FIG. 15 shows a setting example selected when a game ball is won in the first starting opening 121 and the gaming state is a low probability short time no gaming state or a high probability short time no gaming state. There is.

In the present embodiment, although illustration is omitted, as the setting of the variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process, the variation selected when the gaming state is the low probability short game state or the high probability short game state There are also patterns. A variation pattern table for the time saving state that is referred to when selecting these variation patterns is provided, and the setting content is different from that of the variation pattern table for the no time saving state. Further, regarding the case where the game ball wins the second starting opening 122, a table for setting the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern selection processing may be provided separately, or the game ball winning the first starting opening 121. In this case, the table to be referred to may be shared and referred to.

As shown in FIG. 15, the variation patterns A to D are variation patterns selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (Yes in S1302 of FIG. 11). Further, the variation patterns E to H are variation patterns selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is off and the reach effect is performed (Yes in S1305 of FIG. 11). Then, the variation patterns I to K are set as the variation patterns selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of alignment and the reach effect is not performed (No in S1305 of FIG. 11). Since the reach effect is always performed when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to when the variation patterns A to D are selected.

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the range of values of random numbers (fluctuation pattern random numbers) is 250 from 0 to 249 in all cases.
When the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, 100 random numbers are assigned to the variation pattern A, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250. Further, 75 random numbers are assigned to the fluctuation pattern B, and a fluctuation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Further, 50 random number values are assigned to the variation pattern C, and a variation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Then, 25 random number values are assigned to the variation pattern D, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250.
That is, of the variation patterns A to D selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate, the variation pattern B is selected at the next highest rate, and the next. It is possible to set such that the variation pattern C is selected at a high rate and the variation pattern D is selected at a lowest rate. When the jackpot is won, the variation effect is easily executed over a relatively long time.

Further, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of alignment and the production with reach is performed, 25 random number values are assigned to the variation pattern E, and a variation time of 90 seconds is set with a probability of 25/250. It Further, 50 random number values are assigned to the fluctuation pattern F, and a fluctuation time of 60 seconds is set with a probability of 50/250. Furthermore, 75 random number values are assigned to the fluctuation pattern G, and a fluctuation time of 30 seconds is set with a probability of 75/250. Then, 100 random number values are assigned to the variation pattern H, and a variation time of 15 seconds is set with a probability of 100/250.
In other words, the variation pattern H is selected at the highest rate among the variation patterns E to H selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of alignment and the production with reach is performed, and the variation pattern at the next highest rate. It can be set that G is selected, the variation pattern F is selected at the next highest rate, and the variation pattern E is selected at the lowest rate. Then, in the case of a reach effect that is out of alignment, it is easy to execute the variable effect over a relatively short time.

Then, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of alignment and the reach-less effect is performed, 250 random number values are assigned to the variation patterns I to K. Then, the variation pattern I is selected when the number of reservations is 0, the variation pattern J is selected when the number of reservations is 1 or 2, and the variation pattern K is selected when the number of reservations is 3 or 4, respectively. It is set as a fluctuation pattern. That is, in the case where the effect is out of reach and the reach-less effect is performed, the average time of symbol variation is set to be shorter as the number of pending determinations in the special symbol lottery increases.

The game control unit 200, the fluctuation pattern random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 8) acquired when the game ball wins the starting openings 121 and 122, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100, the presence or absence of the reach effect, and the hold The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on conditions such as the number. Then, the information of the fluctuation pattern of the determined special symbol is included in the fluctuation start command and is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. In the effect control unit 300, as will be described later, as an effect at the time of special symbol change, an effect corresponding to the change time specified based on the information of the change pattern included in the change start command (executable in the change time) Is selected and executed.

[Configuration of RAM of game control unit and RAM of effect control unit for performing advance notice effect based on prior determination]
Next, the configurations of the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 and the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment for executing the advance notice effect based on the preliminary determination will be described.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to this embodiment. 16A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage area 204, and FIG. 16B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each storage unit shown in FIG. 16A.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the RAM 203 includes a storage area 204 as a special symbol holding storage area for storing the jackpot random numbers acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. This storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum values of the number of holdings of the first starting opening 121 and the number of holdings of the second starting opening 122 (when the upper limit of each holding number is 4). .. Specifically, the storage area 204 includes the first storage unit 204a, the second storage unit 204b, the third storage unit 204c, the fourth storage unit 204d, the fifth storage unit 204e, the sixth storage unit 204f, and the seventh storage unit. It has a section 204g and an eighth storage section 204h.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16B, each of these storage units 204a to 204h is an area in which information indicating whether the winning start opening (first start opening 121 or second start opening 122) is stored. And an area for storing the obtained jackpot random number, an area for storing the pattern random number, an area for storing the reach random number, and an area for storing the variation pattern random number. That is, each of the storage units 204a to 204h stores a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number.

Here, each random number is sequentially stored from the first storage unit 204a. More specifically, for example, when a random number is not stored in any of the first storage unit 204a to the eighth storage unit 204h, the acquired random number is stored in the first storage unit 204a. Further, for example, when random numbers are already stored in the first storage unit 204a to the fourth storage unit 204d, the acquired random number is stored in the fifth storage unit 204e.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. 17A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306, and FIG. 17B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each of the storage units shown in FIG. 17A.
As shown in FIG. 17A, the RAM 303 includes a first pending storage area 305 and a second pending storage area 306 as a pending status storage area that stores a status in which pending balls are held. The first holding storage area 305 and the second holding storage area 306 correspond to holding for winning in the first starting opening 121 and holding for winning in the second starting opening 122, respectively. Have Specifically, the first reserved storage area 305 has a first storage unit 305a, a second storage unit 305b, a third storage unit 305c, and a fourth storage unit 305d. The second reserved storage area 306 has a first storage unit 306a, a second storage unit 306b, a third storage unit 306c, and a fourth storage unit 306d.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d stores a holding flag storage area for turning on/off the holding flag and a notification flag storage for turning on/off the notification flag. And an area. The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of a hold ball for each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d. That is, for example, when the number of holdings due to winning in the first starting opening 121 is 3, the holding flags are turned ON in the three holding flag storage areas of the first to third storage units 305a, 305b, and 305c. The notification flag is a flag for setting whether or not to give a notice effect for each of the pending balls based on the preliminary determination result. In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 can set whether or not to give advance notice effect based on the preliminary determination result in accordance with the game state and the state of the effect. Therefore, the notification flag is turned ON when the notice effect is performed, and the notification flag is turned OFF when the notice effect is not performed. For example, in the case of performing the notice effect on the third reserved ball among the three reserved balls, the notification flag is turned ON in the notification flag storage area of the third storage unit 305c.

That is, the RAM 203 and the RAM 303 function as a storage unit that stores, in the game control unit 200 and the effect control unit 300, hold information that is start information based on the satisfaction of a predetermined start condition within a predetermined number. In addition, the game control unit 200, based on the hold information that is the start information, before the determination of the special symbol determination unit 234 triggered by the satisfaction of the start condition corresponding to this start information, the special game state It is a pre-judgment unit that performs pre-judgment processing regarding whether or not to shift to. The effect control unit 300 is an effect control unit that performs a notice effect for giving a notice (indication) of the preliminary determination result.

Further, although not particularly shown, the RAM 203 has an area (hereinafter, referred to as a preliminary judgment information storage area) in which the preliminary judgment information is stored, separately from the configuration shown in FIG. The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process (see S905 and S912 in FIG. 8) based on each random number described above. The content of the pre-determination information is the same as the information obtained as various determination results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 9), and specifically, whether or not a big hit (and whether or not a small hit), a big hit If it is, the type of jackpot and the content of the effect are information for indicating whether the effect is a reachable effect or a reachless effect, and the content of the variation pattern (variation time). The pre-determination information stored in the pre-determination information storage area is unique to the pre-judgment information together with the information (hereinafter referred to as “retention information”) about the suspension corresponding to the winning ball (retention ball) for which pre-determination processing has been performed. At a timing, it is included in the preliminary determination result command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Next, the pre-determination process (see S905 and S912 in FIG. 8) will be described in detail.
In the pre-determination process in the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 performs the pre-determination as follows using the same random number table as the configuration example of the random numbers described with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the content of the preliminary determination process (S905 and S912 in FIG. 8) according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 18, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game state is the high-probability state (S2401), and when determining that the game state is the high-probability state (Yes in S2401), it is for the high-probability state. A table is selected and a jackpot random number is preliminarily determined (S2402). On the other hand, when No is determined in S2401, the table for the low probability state is selected and the jackpot symbol random number is preliminarily determined (S2403).

After the jackpot symbol random number pre-determination of S2402 or S2403, the game control unit 200 determines whether the game state is a time saving state (S2404), and if it is determined to be a time saving state (Yes in S2404), for the time saving state Table is selected and the reach random number is preliminarily determined (S2405). Further, the table for the time saving state is selected and the fluctuation pattern random number is preliminarily determined (S2406).
On the other hand, when No is determined in S2404, the table for time saving no state is selected and the reach random number is preliminarily determined (S2407). Furthermore, the table for time saving state is selected, and the random determination of the variation pattern is performed in advance (S2408).

Then, the game control unit 200, the result of the pre-determination of the jackpot random numbers obtained as described above, the result of the pre-determination of the jackpot symbol random numbers, the result of the pre-determination of the reach random numbers, and the result of the pre-determination of the variation pattern random numbers. It is stored in the pre-determination information storage area as the pre-determination information (S2409). Furthermore, in order to transmit the preliminary determination information to the effect control unit 300, a preliminary determination result command including the preliminary determination information is set in the RAM 203 (S2410).

Here, the above-described preliminary determination is a random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 8) acquired according to the winning of the game ball into the starting openings 121 and 122, and a determination table used in the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 14). (See the reference) and a determination table having the same configuration as the above. That is, the determination itself after selecting the determination table to be used is the same as the determination in the jackpot determination process (see S1201 in FIG. 10). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the subroutine of the jackpot determination process used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 9) (see S1108 and FIG. 10 in FIG. 9) is called to determine the random number in the above preliminary determination.

With such a configuration, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to prepare a processing function (subroutine) for determining a random number, in addition to the jackpot determination processing, in order to determine a random number in the preliminary determination processing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of control instructions and suppress an increase in the size of the program relating to the jackpot determination process and the preliminary determination process. Further, as described above, when the determination table used for the preliminary determination has the same configuration as the determination table used for the big hit determination, the determination table used for the big hit determination may be used for the preliminary determination.

In addition, here, only the pre-determination (whether or not a big hit) regarding the special symbol lottery is described, but in the present embodiment, the variation pattern when performing the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol is also read ahead (pre-determination). I do. The selection of the variation pattern in the special symbol lottery is performed by the variation pattern selection random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 8) and the variation pattern table (FIG. 15) which are acquired according to the winning of the game ball into the starting openings 121 and 122. (See S1109 of FIG. 9 and FIG. 11). Therefore, even in the pre-reading of the variation pattern, the random number value for selecting the variation pattern obtained at the time of winning and the pre-reading table having the same configuration as the variation pattern table used in the variation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing are used for selection. The change pattern can be read ahead.

In this case, in order to prefetch the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process, the subroutine of the variation pattern selection process (see S1109 and FIG. 11 in FIG. 9) used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 9) is called and used. be able to. Further, as for the look-ahead table used for the look-ahead of the change pattern selection, the change pattern table used in the change pattern selection process of the special symbol process may be used. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of control commands related to prefetching for selecting the variation pattern and suppress an increase in the size of the program.

In addition, when the pre-judgment process and the jackpot judgment process at the time of special symbol change are performed in the same subroutine using the same judgment table group, since the execution time of each process is different, the pre-judgment result and the special symbol change time The determination result of the jackpot determination process may be different. That is, after the execution of the preliminary determination process, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (a high probability state or a low probability state, a time saving state or a time saving non-state) is changed by the time the special symbol variation starts. In this case, since different types of determination tables are used depending on the gaming state, the specific determination table used for determination is different when the pre-determination process is executed and when the jackpot determination process is executed. .. Therefore, even if the same random number value obtained at the time of winning in the starting openings 121 and 122 is used, the preliminary determination result and the determination result of the jackpot determination process may be different. In such a case, in the production control unit 300, after the execution of the preliminary determination process, if the game state changes before the start of the special symbol variation, the production based on the preliminary determination result is not executed (prohibition) control, etc. Do not mind.

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

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

Since start/stop synchronization is used, a 1-bit start bit (a bit described as "S" in the figure) is provided at the beginning of each of the "code" and "data" that make up the command, and 1 at the end. An end bit (a bit described as “E” in the figure) of the bit is provided. Further, each of the "code" and "data" forming the command is provided with a 1-bit parity bit (a bit described as "P" in the figure).

As shown in FIG. 19A, both the “code” and the “data” forming the command have a data size of 1 byte (8 bits). Then, when transmitted, the "code" and the "data" are provided with a start bit, an end bit and a parity bit, respectively. Therefore, in the effect control unit 300 that receives a command, it is not easy to identify whether the received data string is the “code” or “data” of the command from the outer shape of the data string. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flag for distinguishing between "code" and "data" is set. Specifically, the value of the specific portion of the 8-bit value forming the “code” is made different from the value of the portion of the 8-bit value forming the “data” corresponding to the specific portion of the “code”. ..

In the example shown in FIG. 19B, the leading 1 bit of each of “code” and “data” is used as a flag. That is, in the 8-bit value forming the “code”, the leading 1-bit value is set to “1”, and in the 8-bit value forming the “data”, the leading 1-bit value is set to “0”. .. As a result, the effect control unit 300 can identify whether the data string is “code” or “data” by checking the value of the leading 1 bit following the start bit of the received data string. Note that the specific value of the flag is merely an example, and if the “code” and the “data” can be distinguished, a value different from the above values may be used.

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

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

For example, consider a case where the last 1 bit of the “code” is used to describe the value of the “data”. Hereinafter, each bit in the 8-bit bit string forming the “code” and the “data” is referred to as a first bit to an eighth bit. In addition to the bit string that constitutes the “code”, the value of the “code” that actually indicates the type of command is called the “code value”. The value of "data" shown is called "data value". Then, the code value is described using the first bit to the seventh bit of the “code” bit string, and the data value is the entire data string of the “data” (first bit to eighth bit). , And the 8th bit of the “code”.

With this configuration, the range of the code value is specified as the value of the first bit is “1” and the size is 7 bits as a whole. Therefore, from 1000000B (=40H) to 1111111B (=7FH). ) Up to 64. Further, the range of possible data values is 128 pieces represented by 8 bits of "data" with the value of the first bit specified as "0" and the values of "0", "8" of the 8th bit of "code". The total is 256, including "1". Therefore, it is possible to set a command having 256 kinds of values as data values.

Note that the above configuration in the case of describing a data value using a part of the “code” is merely an example, and the specific number of bits and value are not limited to the above configuration example. For example, the data value may be described using the 7th bit and the 8th bit of the “code”. More generally, a predetermined type of data (data value) is formed by using a predetermined bit forming a “code” which is the first data part and a bit forming a “data” which is the second data part. Is recorded. Then, other types of data (code value) different from the predetermined type of data (data value) are recorded by using the remaining bits other than the above predetermined bits in the “code” that is the first data portion. It In other words, the a bits that make up the "data" that is the second data part and the b bits that make up the "code" that is the first data part (b is an integer smaller than a-1 and not less than 1) Using, a data value of size (a+b) bits is recorded.

Further, as a means for increasing the number of data values that can be handled, increasing the number of "data" bit strings that describe the data values can be considered. For example, it is conceivable to prepare “first data” and “second data” as bit strings that describe data values. In this case, if each bit string is 8 bits, it is possible to describe the data value by a bit string of 16 bits in total. If the second bit of the 8-bit bit string is used as a flag to identify the “first data” and the “second data”, for example, the first bit and the second bit of the “first data” are used. Can be set to “00B”, and the first bit and the second bit of the “second data” can be set to “01B”. The first bit has a value "0" as a flag for identifying "code". That is, the “data”, which is the second data part, has a size of a bit string (“first data”, “second data”,...) Representing an individual data value for each 8 bits (more generally, , Every a bits above), the same value as the value of the first 1 bit is set.

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

[Configuration Example for Command Output in RAM of Game Control Unit]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a command storage area in the RAM 203.
As shown in FIG. 20, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 has a command storage area (storage area) to which individual commands generated by various processes such as the main control process shown in FIG. 7 are allocated. In the example shown in FIG. 20, 31 command storage areas from area 1 to area 31 are set in the RAM 203. Here, the command allocation to each command storage area does not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence. For example, a plurality of commands that are not generated at the same time can be assigned to the same command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of commands are assigned to area 1, area 9, area 12, area 19, area 20, area 21, area 23, area 30, and other command storage areas. One command is assigned to each.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, a command regarding power-on is assigned to the area 1. The commands related to power-on include a command for controlling power-on at the time of clearing the RAM and a command for controlling power-on at the time of recovery. These commands are not generated at the same time because the generated scenes are different, and are all assigned to the area 1.

In the areas 2 to 4, three commands related to winning in the first starting opening 121 (in the figure, described as "starting opening 1 winning") are assigned. One of the commands related to winning in the first starting opening 121 is a command indicating the result of judgment (prefetching) in the preliminary determination (see S905 in FIG. 8) based on the winning in the first starting opening 121 (in the figure, "Special Figure 1"). Design pre-reading”) and is assigned to area 2. The other one is a command (described as “special figure 1 variation pattern pre-reading” in the figure) that indicates the pre-reading (pre-determination) result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the area 3. Still another one is a command indicating that the number of holdings of special symbol lottery is updated (here, the value is incremented by 1) based on the winning of the first starting opening 121 (in the figure, “holding special figure 1 (+1)”). And is assigned to area 4.

Areas 5 to 7 are assigned with three commands related to winning in the second starting opening 122 (described as “starting opening 2 winning” in the figure). One of the commands relating to winning in the second starting opening 122 is a command (in the figure, "special figure 2 symbol prefetching") indicating the determination result in advance determination (see S912 in FIG. 8) based on winning in the second starting opening 122. And is assigned to area 5. The other one is a command (indicated as “special figure 2 variation pattern pre-reading” in the figure) indicating the pre-reading result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the area 6. Still another one is a command indicating that the number of holdings of special symbol lottery is updated (here, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning in the second starting opening 122 (in the figure, "holding special figure 2 (+1)"). And is assigned to the area 7.

In the areas 8 to 10, there are five commands related to ordinary symbol lottery (in the figure, "Public Figure Hold", "Public Figure Type", "Public Figure Confirmation", "Public Figure Open/Close", and "Public Figure Hold", respectively. ) Is assigned. Of the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, one of the "universal symbol hold" commands indicates that the number of ordinary symbol lottery held has been updated (increase the value by 1) based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. It is a command (described as “Public figure hold (+1)” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 8. The "universal symbol type" command designates a regular symbol representing the determination result in the ordinary symbol lottery, and a command indicating that the variable display of the ordinary symbol indicator 223 has started (indicated as "normal symbol variation start" in the figure). And is assigned to area 9. The "universal symbol confirmation" command is a command indicating that the ordinary symbol display 223 is stopped and displayed in the ordinary symbol lottery, and the ordinary symbol representing the judgment result of the ordinary symbol lottery is confirmed (in the figure, "ordinary symbol confirmation"). Description) and is assigned to area 9. The "universal figure open/close" command is a command (indicated as "universal open/close" in the figure) that activates the electric tulip 123, which is an ordinary electric accessory, based on the judgment result of the ordinary symbol lottery (auxiliary game). Yes, and is assigned to area 9. The other one of the "universal figure hold" commands is a command indicating that the number of holdings is updated (here, the value is decreased by 1) due to the ordinary symbol lottery processing (in the figure, "general figure hold (- 1)”) and is allocated to the area 10.

Here, in the process of the normal symbol lottery, the variable display of the normal symbol, the stop display of the normal symbol, and the operation of the electric tulip 123 by the auxiliary game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, during the operation of the electric tulip 123, the variable display of the normal symbol based on the fact that another game ball has passed through the gate 124 is not started. Therefore, none of the above-mentioned three types of commands, "general drawing type", "general drawing confirmation", and "genuine electric opening/closing" are generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, these three types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 9).

To the areas 11 to 14, nine commands related to the special symbol lottery (in the figure, described as "special figure change" and "special figure special electric") are assigned. Among the commands related to the special symbol lottery, one of the “special symbol fluctuation” commands is a command indicating the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, time saving state or no time saving state) ( In the figure, it is described as “game state”) and is assigned to the area 11. Other one of the "special symbol fluctuation" command, in the special symbol lottery, the special symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol lottery is specified, and the variation display of the first special symbol display device 221 and the second special symbol display device 222. Is a command (indicated as “special drawing designation” in the figure) indicating that the process has started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another one of the "special symbol fluctuation" commands is a command (described as "variation pattern" in the drawing) for specifying the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol fluctuation performed in the special symbol lottery, and is assigned to the area 13. Still another one of the “special figure fluctuation” commands is a command indicating that the number of holdings is updated (here, the value is decreased by 1) due to the special symbol lottery process (in the figure, “special figure holding ( −1)”) and is assigned to the area 14.

On the other hand, one of the “special map special electric power” commands is a command (indicated as “customer waiting” in the figure) indicating that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is assigned to the area 12. The other one of the "special map special electric train" commands is a command indicating that the special winning combination 125, which is a special electric accessory, is operated (special game, jackpot game) based on the determination result of the special symbol lottery ("Special electric train" in the figure). “Open”) and is allocated to the area 12. Still another one of the "special figure special electric train" commands is a command (indicated as "big hit OP" in the figure) indicating that the opening operation of the big hit game is started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another one of the “special map special electric power” commands is a command (indicated as “big hit ED” in the figure) indicating that the ending operation of the big hit game is started, and is assigned to the area 12. Still another one of the "special figure special electric train" commands, the first special symbol display device 221 and the second special symbol display device 222 are stopped and displayed, and the special symbol showing the determination result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed. The command (shown as “fix special figure” in the figure) is assigned to the area 12.

Here, in the process of the special symbol lottery, the variable display of the special symbol, the stop display of the special symbol, and the operation of the special winning opening 125 by the special game are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Then, during the execution of the special game, the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of the other game balls is not started (see FIG. 9). Further, in the jackpot game, the opening operation, the operation of the special winning opening 125, and the ending operation are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Therefore, none of the “special figure designation” command and the five types of “special figure special electric” commands in the above “special figure change” command are generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, these six types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 12).

Four commands (described as "pass switch" in the figure) for switch detection are assigned to the areas 15 to 18. One of the commands relating to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 124L on the left side of the game area 111 (described as "passage through left gate" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 15. Another one of the commands relating to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 124R on the right side of the game area 111 (described as "right gate passage" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 16. .. Still another one of the commands related to the switch detection is a command indicating that a game ball has won in the second starting opening 122 (in the figure, described as “starting opening SW2 passage (electric Chu)”) and is assigned to area 17. Has been. Still another one of the commands related to the switch detection is a command indicating that the game ball has won the special winning opening 125 (described as “big winning opening winning” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 18.

Commands related to errors (described as "error" in the figure) are assigned to the regions 19 to 30. Examples of the error detected by the game control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100 include, for example, a full tank error indicating that the dispensing ball is full in the plate 153 (see FIGS. 1 and 2B), a front frame of the frame member 150. Door open error indicating that is open, payout error indicating that the payout unit cannot pay out the game balls, various detection switches such as the gate switch 214 and the start opening switches 211 and 212 are not connected. There is a switch non-connection error etc. indicating that In the example shown in FIG. 20, these errors are assigned to the areas 19 to 23, respectively. In addition, for each error, a command indicating that each error has occurred (described as "... error start" in the figure) and a command indicating that each error has been resolved (described as "... error end" in the figure) , Are assigned to the same command storage area.

In addition, various control items and error items are set according to the specifications and functions of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and commands corresponding to the control items, commands indicating that an error has occurred, and errors have been eliminated depending on the type of error. It may be configured to generate a command or the like indicating that. Then, these commands can be appropriately allocated to the command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 20, commands relating to various errors are individually assigned to the areas 24 to 30. Further, a command (described as “designation of winning notification” in the drawing) for detecting and notifying a specific winning is assigned to the area 31.

As described above, in the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200, one command storage area is associated with one or more types of commands. Then, in the main control process shown in FIG. 7, the game control unit 200 stores the generated command in the command storage area associated with the command.
Here, in the main control processing, not all commands are necessarily generated every time one cycle of processing is executed. For example, when there is no winning in the first starting opening 121 or the second starting opening 122, the command relating to winning in the starting opening 121, 122 or the "special figure variation" command is not generated. Further, among the commands related to the ordinary symbol lottery, the "universal figure opening/closing" command and the "special figure special electricity" command are not generated unless it is the timing at which these electric auditors should be operated. Further, the command relating to the occurrence of the error is not generated unless the error occurs in the first place.
Therefore, when the output process of the main control process (see S806 in FIG. 7) is performed, commands are normally stored in some of the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203. No commands are stored in the other command storage areas.

[Command output operation]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the content of the output processing by the output control unit 240.
In the present embodiment, the output control unit 240 focuses on the command storage areas of the RAM 203 shown in FIG. 20 in order from the top (in the order of area numbers) and outputs the commands stored in the respective command storage areas.

As shown in FIG. 21, the output control unit 240 of the game control unit 200 first pays attention to the first command storage area (area 1 in the example shown in FIG. 20) of the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203 ( S2411), it is checked whether the command is stored (S2412). If the command is stored (Yes in S2412), the output control unit 240 reads the stored command and outputs it to the effect control unit 300 (S2413).

If no command is stored in the focused command storage area (initially area 1) (No in S2412), or after outputting the command stored in the command storage area in S2413, the output control unit 240 It is checked whether or not there is a command storage area with the next area number (S2414). When there is a next command storage area (Yes in S2414), the output control unit 240 focuses on the command storage area (S2415), returns to S2412, and confirms the presence or absence of a command (S2412) and outputs (S2413). repeat. If the last command storage area (area 31 in the example shown in FIG. 20) has been processed, there is no command storage area with the next area number (No in S2414), and the output processing ends.

[Setting the command output order]
In the main control process, when a command is generated in each process described with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 13 and the like, normally, the command generated immediately is stored in the corresponding command storage area of the RAM 203. That is, the commands are generally stored in the command storage area in the order in which the commands are generated.
On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 21, in the output processing by the output control unit 240, the command storage areas are focused on in a fixed order (the order of the area numbers in the above example), and the stored commands are stored. Output. That is, the commands are output in a predetermined specific order regardless of the order in which the commands are generated. This is because in order to prevent confusion in the effect control of the effect control unit 300 based on the command, it may be desirable that the specific command be transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in a specific order. That is, since the effect control unit 300 executes the effect control based on the commands in the order received from the game control unit 200, the order in which the commands are received may cause confusion such as inconsistency in the effect control. , It is necessary to prevent this.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 22(a) and an interrupt process shown in FIG. 22(b). Referring to FIG. 22A, the effect control unit 300 first performs initial setting at startup (S2501), performs cycle setting of CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit) (S2502), and then follows the set cycle. While updating the random number used in the effect control (S2503), interrupt processing is accepted.

The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S2502. Referring to FIG. 22B, in this interrupt process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command receiving process (S2511). In this command receiving process, the effect content (effect pattern) is selected. The effect control unit 300 also performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 or the like by the player (S2512). After that, the effect control unit 300 performs a command transmission process of transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image/sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S2513). Thereby, effects such as image display and sound output on the image display unit 114, operation of the movable accessory 115, and light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S2511 of FIG. 22B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not a preliminary determination result command has been received (S2601), and if a preliminary determination result command has been received (Yes in S2601), further holds It is determined whether or not a number increase command has been received (S2602). The pre-judgment result command and the hold number increase command are set by the game control unit 200 in the starting opening switch process shown in FIG. 8 (S906, S907, S913, S914), and the output process shown in FIG. 7 (S806). ) Is a command transmitted to the production control unit 300.
When the effect control unit 300 determines that the hold number increase command has been received (Yes in S2602), the hold number value stored in the RAM 303 is incremented by 1 (S2603). Further, the effect control unit 300 performs effect selection processing based on the preliminary determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2604). The contents of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is neither the pre-judgment result command nor the hold number increase command (No in S2601 and S2602), the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a fluctuation start command (S2605). This variation start command is a command that is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 9 in the game control unit 200 (S1111) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is the variation start command (Yes in S2605), the effect control unit 300 executes effect selection processing (S2606). When the variation start command is received, a random number value for effect control used in the effect selection process is acquired. This random number value is a random number value that is periodically updated in S2503 of the main process shown in FIG. Details of the effect selection process will be described later. Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a hold number increase command, or a fluctuation start command (No in S2601, S2602 and S2605), the effect control unit 300 judges whether the received command is a fluctuation stop command (S2607). ). This variation stop command is a command that is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 9 in the game control unit 200 (S1114) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is the variation stop command (Yes in S2607), the effect control unit 300 executes the variation effect ending process (S2608). The details of the variation effect ending process will be described later.

When the received command is not the pre-judgment result command, the hold number increase command, the fluctuation start command, and the fluctuation stop command (No in S2601, S2602, S2605, S2607), the effect control unit 300, the received command is the opening operation of the jackpot game. It is determined whether or not it is the opening command for starting (S2609). This opening command is a command that was set in the processing during stop shown in FIG. 12 (S1418) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output processing (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is the opening command (Yes in S2609), the effect control unit 300 executes the jackpot effect selecting process (S2610). Details of the jackpot effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not the pre-judgment result command, the hold number increase command, the fluctuation start command, the fluctuation stop command, and the opening command (S2601, S2602, S2605, S2607 and S2609 No), the effect control unit 300 determines that the received command is It is determined whether or not it is an ending command for starting the ending operation of the jackpot game (S2611). This ending command is a command set in the special winning opening process and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (FIG. 7, S806).
When the received command is the ending command (Yes in S2611), the effect control unit 300 executes the ending effect selection process (S2612). Details of the ending effect selection processing will be described later.

If the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a hold number increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command and an ending command (S2601, S2602, S2605, S2607, S2609 and S2611 No), then the performance control unit The 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (S2613). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of setting the mode flag.
When the effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the effect mode that is set. This effect mode is determined by the mode flag set in the RAM 303. Here, the mode flag is set to any one of the values 0 to 4, and five kinds of effect modes from A mode to E mode are respectively assigned. The mode flag is set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery or the number of times of the special symbol lottery.
Mode flag 1 to the high-probability symbol A jackpot, mode flag 2 to the low-probability symbol A jackpot, mode flag 3 to the high-probability symbol B and low-probability symbol B jackpot, the latent probability symbol jackpot and A mode flag 4 is assigned to each small hit. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No mode flag 0 is assigned to any jackpot. In the mode flags 1 to 4, the mode flag 0 is set by executing the special symbol lottery a predetermined number of times.
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 24, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the variation effect is individually set for each mode except the A mode. As will be described later, the value of the parameter M is changed by a special symbol, and is decremented by 1 each time it is stopped.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (S2604, S2606) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the preliminary determination result command received from the game control unit 200 (S2801). Furthermore, the production control unit 300 analyzes the hold number increase command received from the game control unit 200 (S2802). Then, effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (advance determination effect pattern) used in the advance notification effect (advance determination effect) based on the advance determination, based on the advance determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2803).

Here, as the pre-determination effect pattern, before the notification of the determination result of the random number by the special symbol process, various effect patterns that give advance notice of the determination result of the random number by the special symbol process can be provided. For example, an effect such as a hold display effect and a continuous notice effect can be provided as a preliminary determination effect pattern. In the present embodiment, when a hold ball is generated, it is displayed on the first special symbol hold display 218 and the second special symbol hold display 219 of the display 130 (see FIG. 2) and is held on the image display unit 114. Hold display is performed to indicate the occurrence of and the number of hold (hold display effect). Therefore, in this hold display effect, by reflecting the preliminary determination result in the display mode of the hold display and the like, with respect to the hold ball, the determination result when the random number is subsequently determined by the special symbol processing is given to the player. It can be a pre-determination effect to suggest. In addition, although the case where the hold display effect is used as the pre-determination effect has been described here, it is possible to reflect it in various effect contents performed before the notification of the random number determination result (lottery result) by the special symbol processing is notified. , It becomes possible to perform various notice productions. For example, an effect using an effect image displayed on the image display unit 114, an effect caused by the light emission of the panel lamp 116 or the frame lamp 157, an effect caused by the operation of a movable accessory, an effect caused by the acoustic output of a music or a sound effect, and the like in advance. It can be set as a judgment effect pattern.

In addition, the pre-determination effect is executed at the time of a symbol variation for another winning ball that is performed before the symbol variation for the winning ball (holding ball) for which the preliminary determination is performed. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of holding balls is four per one starting opening (first starting opening 121 or second starting opening 122) (see FIG. 8). In addition, the digestion of the reserved ball in the second starting port 122 is prioritized. In this case, for example, if a preliminary determination is made for a holding ball having the second starting opening 122, before the design variation for the holding ball is performed, the variation currently being changed (referred to as the variation) is included, A maximum of four winning balls will be subject to symbol variations. In the notice production related to the reserved ball that has been preliminarily determined, if the design variation is performed a plurality of times before the design variation of the reserve ball is performed, the notice production over the plurality of symbol variations (continuous notice production ) May go.

Then, effect control unit 300 sets, in RAM 303, an on-hold number command including the value of the on-hold number after addition and the information on the pre-determined effect pattern selected in the effect selection process (S2804). The hold number command includes information indicating the pattern in order to notify the CPU 311 of the image/sound control unit 310 of the selected preliminary determination effect pattern. By receiving the hold number command, the CPU 311 creates a display list or the like for causing the VDP 314 to draw and output an image or sound corresponding to the selected preliminary determination effect pattern. The VDP 314 reads out image data and acoustic data for representing the selected preliminary judgment effect pattern from the CGROM 315 or the SNDROM 316 based on the display list or the like, and expresses the preliminary judgment effect using the image display unit 114 or the speaker 156. ..

In the effect selection process, if the received command is neither a preliminary determination result command nor a hold number increase command, the processes of S2801 to S2804 are not performed.

Then, effect control unit 300 analyzes the received fluctuation start command (S2805). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2806), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations held in the RAM 303 (S2807). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on the effect information determined by various setting information (type of jackpot, game state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) and mode flag obtained from the analysis result of the fluctuation start command. The variation effect pattern of the symbol variation by the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (S2808).

Finally, the effect control unit 300 sets a variable effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 (S2809). The variation effect start command includes information indicating the selected variation effect pattern to notify the CPU 311 of the selected variation effect pattern. By receiving the hold number command, the CPU 311 creates a display list or the like for causing the VDP 314 to draw and output an image or sound corresponding to the selected variation effect pattern. The VDP 314 reads out image data and acoustic data for representing the selected variation effect pattern from the CGROM 315 or the SNDROM 316 based on the display list or the like, and expresses the variation effect using the image display unit 114 or the speaker 156.

Although not described in detail, in the process of selecting the variation effect pattern of the symbol variation in S2808, the effect mode, the variation pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in S2503 of FIG. 22 and effect random when the variation start command is received. The variable effect pattern is determined based on (the numerical value is acquired). Based on the variation effect pattern determined here, the variable display of the decorative pattern, the background effect, the notice effect, and the like are determined. The variable display of the decorative symbol is an effect display performed on the image display unit 114 along with the variable display of the special symbol performed on the first special symbol indicator 221 or the second special symbol indicator 222. In this variable display of the decorative pattern, reach effect and the like are executed.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation effect ending process (S2608) of FIG.
In the process during the end of fluctuation effect, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received fluctuation stop command (S2901). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (S2902). Then, the effect control unit 300 determines whether the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or a small hit based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol fluctuation obtained from the result of the analysis of the fluctuation stop command is stopped. It is determined (S2903). When it is a big hit or a small hit (Yes in S2903), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 24 according to the kind or the small hit of the big hit (S2904).

On the other hand, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not a big hit or a small hit (No in S2903), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (S2905). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in S2905), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (S2906), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (S2907). That is, the value of the parameter M is decremented by 1 each time the fluctuation stop command is received (that is, every time the special symbol fluctuation is stopped), unless it becomes 0 when the fluctuation stop command is received. If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in S2907), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (S2908).

If the mode flag is 0 in S2905 (Yes in S2905), the value of the parameter M is not 0 in S2907 (No in S2907), or after the mode flag is set to 0 in S2908, or in S2904. After changing the mode flag, the effect control unit 300 sets a variation effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of the symbol variation in the RAM 303, and ends the variation effect end processing (S2909). Here, referring to FIG. 24, when the mode flag is changed in S2904, the effect mode after the end of the variable effect is an effect mode corresponding to the type of jackpot. If the mode flag is 0 in S2905 and the mode flag is set to 0 in S2908, the effect mode after the end of the variable effect is the A mode. If the value of the parameter M does not become 0 in S2907, the effect mode so far is continued.

Next, the jackpot effect selection process (FIG. 23, S2610) will be described.
In this jackpot effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command and selects a pattern of effect (jackpot effect pattern) according to the content of the effect mode based on the mode flag. Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out the image data and the acoustic data used for the effect by the selected jackpot effect pattern from the ROM 302, sets the jackpot effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data, The jackpot effect selection process ends. As a result, the effect during the big hit is determined. In the selection of the jackpot effect pattern, the determination may be performed based on the random number value acquired when the command is received.

Next, the ending effect selection processing (FIG. 23, S2612) will be described.
In the ending effect selection processing, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command and selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the content of the effect mode based on the mode flag. Then, the effect control unit 300 reads the image data and the acoustic data used for the effect according to the selected ending effect pattern from the ROM 302, sets the ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data, The ending effect selection process ends. In selecting the ending effect pattern, determination may be performed based on the random number value acquired when the command is received.

Next, the customer waiting command reception process (FIG. 23, S2613) will be described.
The production control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received. When the customer waiting command is received, the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303. On the other hand, when the received command is not the customer waiting command, the effect control unit 300 determines whether the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON. If the measurement flag is OFF, the customer waiting command reception process ends.

When the measurement flag is ON, the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time. If the time has not expired, the customer waiting command reception process ends. On the other hand, when the time is up, the effect control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM 303, sets the customer waiting effect command for performing the customer waiting effect in the RAM 303, and ends the customer waiting command reception process. ..

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

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (S2512 of FIG. 22B).
In the effect button processing, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the player has operated the operation means such as the effect button 161 (S3301). Here, the operation of the operation means includes pressing the effect button 161 to turn it on, and pressing the center key or the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 to turn it on. Further, when an operation device such as a touch panel or the like other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, it includes that the operation of the device is detected. The effect control unit 300 receives operation signals from the controllers of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

When the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in S3301), the effect control unit 300 sets the effect button command including the information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303 and ends the effect button processing. (S3302).

After that, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (S2513) of FIG. 22B, and the command set in the RAM 303 by the command reception process and the effect button process is executed by the image/sound control unit 310 and the lamp. It is transmitted to the control unit 320. Then, based on the received command, the image/sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, output sound, operate the movable accessory 115, emit light from the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, and the like. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Direction when special symbols change]
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the determination by the special symbol processing (see FIG. 9) is performed with the winning of the first starting opening 121 or the second starting opening 122 as the starting condition as an opportunity. Then, according to the determination result, a big hit game in which the special winning opening 125 is opened is performed, and after the big hit game is over, the state shifts to a high probability state or a time saving state. Therefore, in the present embodiment, along with the special symbol variation (see S1110 to S1113) performed in the special symbol processing, a special effect that fuels the player's expectation is performed. Specifically, the effect control unit 300 controls the lamp control unit 320 to execute an effect by light emission of a decorative lamp, which is a light emitting means, as a special effect associated with a special symbol variation (hereinafter, a special effect at the time of variation). .. Here, the board lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 can be used as the decorative lamp used for the special effect at the time of this change. As a specific presentation mode, only one of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 may be used, or both may be used. In addition, all of the panel lamps 116 and the frame lamps 157 may be used to perform the special effect at the time of change, or only some of the lamps set in advance for the special effect at the time of change may be used for the effect. You can go.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a decorative lamp used for a special effect at the time of change.
Here, among the decoration lamps provided on the pachinko gaming machine 100, seven decoration lamps are assumed as the decoration lamps used for the special effect at the time of change, and the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are assumed. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the decoration lamp C is arranged above the image display unit 114. The decoration lamps L1 to L3 are arranged on the left side of the image display unit 114, and are arranged in the order of L1, L2, and L3 from the bottom. The decoration lamps R1 to R3 are arranged on the right side of the image display unit 114, and are arranged in order of R1, R2, and R3 from the bottom. In the variable special effect of the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 and the lamp control unit 320 have the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 in various modes according to the determination result of the special symbol processing. Make it glow. The specific content of the special effect at the time of change will be described later.

In the special effect at the time of change of the present embodiment, in addition to the effect by the above-mentioned decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3, special control is performed in the image display unit 114 by the control of the effect control unit 300 and the image/sound control unit 310. A variation effect of the decorative symbol is performed along with the variable display of the symbol. In the present embodiment, the decorative pattern is configured by displaying three columns of symbols each consisting of a number sequence in which the numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction. As the decorative pattern used for the variation effect of the present embodiment, there are used various types of display patterns having different designs (designs), display sizes, and the like. Further, in the special effect at the time of change of the present embodiment, the change effect of the decorative pattern is performed in various modes. The specific contents of the variation effect of the decorative pattern in the variation special effect will be described later.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a decorative pattern used in this embodiment. 29(A) shows the decorative pattern of the first display mode, FIG. 29(B) shows the decorative pattern of the second display mode, FIG. 29(C) shows the decorative pattern of the third display mode, and FIG. 29(D). Shows respective decorative designs in the fourth display mode.
In the example shown in FIG. 29, the decorative pattern of the first display mode is the decorative pattern 511, the decorative pattern of the second display mode is the decorative pattern 512, the decorative pattern of the third display mode is the decorative pattern 513, and the decorative pattern of the fourth display mode. Is described as a decorative pattern 514. In the decorative design of each aspect, when distinguishing the three columns of design, suffixes a, b, c are added to the symbols of each decorative design in order from the left, such as the left design 511a, the middle design 511b, and the right design 511c. Attach and describe. When the decorative patterns of the respective aspects are not distinguished, they are described as decorative patterns 510.

In the first display mode shown in FIG. 29(A), the decorative pattern 511 is displayed with a highly decorative design in which numbers and images (character images and the like) are combined. The image combined with the numbers in the decorative pattern 511 of the first display mode is different for each number, and it is possible to determine whether or not the three symbols are aligned in the stop display of the decorative pattern 511 also by this image.

In the second display mode shown in FIG. 29(B), the decorative pattern 512 is displayed with a design composed of only numbers. In the illustrated example, the left symbol 512a, the middle symbol 512b, and the right symbol 512c are all displayed, but the display is suppressed during the variable display, and a part (for example, the medium symbol 512b) is hidden or the visibility is improved. The display may be low. In addition, the display size and the character shape of each decorative pattern 512 may change, or a moving image may be displayed.

In the third display mode shown in FIG. 29(C), the decorative pattern 513 is displayed with a design composed of only numbers of a smaller size than the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode. In this third display mode, the display of the middle symbol 513b is suppressed or hidden, and the left symbol 513a is in the upper left corner of the screen of the image display unit 114, and the right symbol 513c is in the upper right corner of the screen of the image display unit 114. Moved and displayed. Further, depending on the variation effect, the middle symbol 513b may be further displayed from the display state of the third display mode, and the decorative symbol 513 may be stopped and displayed. In the illustrated example, the decorative design 513 is displayed on the upper side of the screen of the image display unit 114, the left design 513a is located in the upper left corner, and the right design 513c is located in the upper right corner. Is not limited to the illustrated example. That is, the decorative pattern 513 may be displayed on the opposite ends (both corners sandwiching the one side) of the screen of the image display unit 114, and may be displayed in the lower left corner and the lower right corner of the screen, or the screen. It may be displayed in the upper left corner and lower left corner, or in the upper right corner and lower right corner.

In the third display mode, the decorative pattern 513 is displayed at two opposite ends on one side of the screen of the image display unit 114, so that the two displayed decorative patterns 513 are among the three decorative patterns 510. It is easy to associate that it is a design on both ends (left design and right design). Therefore, even if the middle symbol 513b is hidden, it is easy to specify that the hidden symbol is the changing middle symbol 513b. By hiding the middle pattern 513b, a large central area on the screen of the image display unit 114 can be used to display a production image such as a moving image. Therefore, by hiding the middle pattern 513b in the third display mode and combining the effect display using a moving image or a flashy effect image, it is possible to inspire the player's mood and perform an effect of enhancing the interest.

In the fourth display mode shown in FIG. 29(D), the decorative pattern 514 is displayed with a design composed of only numbers of a smaller size than the decorative pattern 513 of the third display mode. In the fourth display mode, the decorative pattern 514 is moved and displayed in the corner of the screen of the image display unit 114. Although it is displayed in the upper right corner in the illustrated example, it may be displayed in other positions (lower right corner, upper left corner, lower left corner) or the display position may change during variable display. Further, during the variable display, the display may be suppressed during the variable display, and a part (for example, the middle pattern 512b) may be hidden or the display may have low visibility.

In the fourth display mode, the left symbol 514a and the right symbol 514c that are stopped or temporarily stopped, and the changing medium symbol 514b are displayed in a small size in one corner of the screen of the image display unit 114. Therefore, if the middle symbol 514b is hidden as in the third display mode, it becomes difficult to determine which of the three decorative symbols 514 is being displayed. Therefore, in the fourth design, even when the display of the middle design 514b is suppressed, the display may not be the non-display but the display with low visibility. Further, in the fourth display mode, since the small-sized decorative pattern 514 is displayed in one corner of the screen of the image display unit 114, a wide area on the screen of the image display unit 114 is used to display a production image such as a moving image. be able to. Therefore, by displaying the decorative pattern 514 and combining the effect display using the moving image or the flashy effect image, it is possible to inspire the player's mood and perform an effect that enhances the interest.

[Special effect during the first fluctuation]
Next, a specific example of the special effect at the time of change will be described.
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the special effect at the time of change.
This special effect at the time of change is performed together with the change effect at the time of reach, for example. That is, it is executed as an effect using the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3, and decorative patterns during the reach. Further, in the first special effect at the time of change, the operation of the effect button 161 is accepted. The reception of the special effect at the time of change and the operation of the effect button 161 is executed by the image/sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 based on the control of the effect control unit 300. In addition, here, an example in which the special effect at the time of change is performed together with the change effect at the time of reach is shown, but not limited to the change effect at the time of reach, the special effect at the time of change along with the change effect in a predetermined mode (predetermined effect) performed at the time of special symbol change It may be configured to perform an effect. For example, the changing special effect may be performed in a state where only one of the three decorative symbols 510 is stopped or temporarily stopped. In addition, the special effect at the time of change may be performed in a state where a special symbol that is not displayed in the normal change effect is stopped and displayed.

With reference to FIG. 30, in the decorative symbol variation effect, first, reach effect is performed (FIG. 30(A)). That is, the left symbol and the right symbol of the three decorative symbols 510 are stopped (or temporarily stopped) with the same symbol, and the middle symbol is in a state of continuing to change. It should be noted that the temporary stop is a state in which the symbol seems to have stopped at first glance, but is slightly swinging, and is not actually stopped. In the example shown in FIG. 30(A), the left design 511a and the right design 511c in the decorative design 511 of the first display mode (see FIG. 29(A)) in which numbers and images are combined are displayed. Then, the following effects are executed until the middle symbol (not shown) is stopped (or temporarily stopped).

In this state, an effect (operation promotion effect) that prompts the user to operate the effect button 161 that is the operation means is performed. In the example shown in FIG. 30(A), an image (hereinafter, button image) 114a of the effect button 161 is displayed instead of the middle symbol 511b at the position where the middle symbol 511b is displayed. Although not particularly shown, a text message such as “press the button” that prompts the player to operate the button may be displayed, or an effect that prompts the button operation by using another effect means such as voice may be performed. good. Further, an effective period for accepting the operation of the effect button 161 may be set, and an effective period gauge visually indicating the effective period may be displayed together with the display of the button image. This effective period gauge is displayed as, for example, a band-shaped image or a circular image, the area of the display color different from the initial display color increases with the passage of time, and the entire image is displayed when the effective period ends. The progress of the effective period is visually expressed by controlling the display so that the color changes. In the example shown in FIG. 30A, a strip-shaped effective period gauge 114b is displayed below the button image 114a.

Here, when the player operates the effect button 161 according to the operation promotion effect, the first control of the effect control unit 300 is performed thereafter, and the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are turned off and the first state. (FIG. 30(B)). Then, the second control of the effect control unit 300 is performed, and the decorative lamps L1 to L3 and R1 to R3 emit light in a predetermined order, whereby the light emitting portion becomes the second state in which the light is enlarged (FIG. 30(C). -1) to (C-3)). In the illustrated example, the decoration lamps L1 and R1 emit light first, the decoration lamps L2 and R2 emit light next, and the decoration lamps L3 and R3 emit light next. It should be noted that this second state may be any one that realizes a mode in which the number of light emitting points gradually increases. The example shown in FIG. 30 is merely an example of the number and arrangement of the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3, the order of light emission, and the like, and the second state in the variable special effect of the present embodiment is: It is not limited to the illustrated example.

Next, in the special effect at the time of change of the present embodiment, the third control of the effect control unit 300 is performed to shift to the third state in which the decorative lamp C which is the specific lamp emits light, or the effect control unit. The fourth control of 300 is performed, and the decorative lamp C enters a fourth state in which it does not emit light. In other words, when the third control is performed, the light emitting portions of the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are expanded by the second control, and the decoration lamp C reaches the third state in which the decoration lamp C emits light. On the other hand, when the fourth control is performed, the expansion of the light emitting portions of the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 by the second control ends without reaching the third state in which the decoration lamp C emits light, As it is, the decorative lamp C enters the fourth state in which it does not emit light. As the transition condition for specifying whether to transition to the third state (third control is performed) or to transition to the fourth state (fourth control is performed), for example, whether the determination result of the special symbol processing is a big hit or not. Alternatively, it is possible to determine whether or not the variation time due to the variation pattern of the special symbol variation is a predetermined length or more. As an example, it may be set to shift to the third state when a big symbol is hit in the special symbol process, and to shift to the fourth state when it is not a big hit. Further, it may be set such that when a variation pattern having a predetermined length or more is selected, the state shifts to the third state, and when a variation pattern shorter than that is selected, the state shifts to the fourth state. Further, instead of necessarily shifting to the third state or the fourth state according to these conditions, it may be possible to shift to the third state or the fourth state with a predetermined probability when the transition condition is satisfied.

Here, consider a case where an effective period for accepting the operation of the effect button 161 is provided in the operation promotion effect, and when the effect button 161 is operated during the effective period, the state immediately shifts to the first state. In this case, the timing at which the first state is started varies depending on which timing of the effective period the operation is performed. Therefore, depending on the timing at which the effect button 161 during the effective period is operated, the execution time of the first state, the second state, the third state, or the fourth state is made variable, thereby changing the time during the special symbol change. You may control so that the whole execution time of special production may become the same.

Also, consider a case where the effect button 161 is not operated during the effective period of accepting the operation of the effect button 161 in the operation promotion effect. In this case, for example, control may be performed so as to shift to the fourth state after changing to the first state and the second state, or as an effect to shift to the third state when a specific condition is satisfied. Is also good. Further, when the effect button 161 is not operated, an effect set separately from the above-described changing special effect may be performed. The separately provided effect may be an effect in which the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are controlled to emit light in the same manner as the above-described special effect at the time of change, and the special effect at the time of change is The effect of controlling the light emission of the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 in different modes may be possible. Specifically, using the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3, and other decorative lamps, light emission control different from the above-described series of light emission control to the first state to the third state or the fourth state is performed. It can be carried out. In addition, the same control may be performed until the middle of the first state and the second state, and thereafter, control may be performed so as to change to a different light emission mode.

[Special effect during second fluctuation]
Next, another specific example of the special effect at the time of change will be described.
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing another example of the change-time special effect.
The special effect at the time of change is configured by adding a predetermined effect using the decorative pattern 510 to the first special effect at the time of change. For example, the effect by the decorative design 510 that is stopped (or temporarily stopped) by the reach variation effect is performed. It should be noted that the special effect at the time of change can be performed together with the predetermined effect other than the change effect at the reach as in the above-described first special effect at the time of change.

Referring to FIG. 31, after the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are in the third state (see FIG. 30D), the decorative pattern 511 displayed in the first display mode is a transition effect. After that, the display pattern is switched to the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode (see FIG. 29(B)) composed of only numbers (FIGS. 31(C) to 31(F)). As the transition effect, for example, the screen of the image display unit 114 is temporarily whitened (white out) or blackened (black out) to cause the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode to disappear. It can be performed. In addition, the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode moves so hard that the player cannot keep up with the eyes, and it is possible to perform an effect of switching to the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode while moving.

Here, the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode is switched to the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode, but it may be switched to the decorative pattern 510 in another display mode. Further, after shifting to the second display mode, it may shift to another display mode. In the example shown in FIG. 32, first, the display sizes of the left design 511a and the right design 511c in the first display mode are enlarged (FIG. 32(C)), and are switched to the left design 512a and the right design 512c in the second display mode ( FIG. 32(D)). After that, the left design 512a and the right design 512c further move to opposite ends (both corners sandwiching one side) on one side of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size (FIG. 32(E)). In the illustrated example, the left design 512a moves to the upper left corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size, and the right design 512c moves to the upper right corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size. Then, the appearance of switching to the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is shown.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 31, after the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are in the fourth state (see FIG. 30E), the display mode of the decorative pattern 511 of the first display mode is switched. Without, the middle symbol 511b stops together with the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c (FIGS. 31(G) to (I)). Thereby, the symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol processing (whether or not it is a big hit) is stopped and displayed.

[Special effect during third fluctuation]
Further, another specific example of the special effect at the time of change will be described.
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing another example of the special effect at the time of change.
As the special effect at the time of change, two types of operation promotion effects are prepared. Then, depending on which operation promotion effect the operation of the effect button 161 is performed, different special effects at the time of change are performed.

Referring to FIG. 33, in the variation effect of the decorative symbol, the reach effect is first performed (FIG. 33(A)). In this state, in the example shown in FIG. 33, one of two types of operation promotion effects is performed (FIGS. 33(B-1) and (B-2)). In the first operation promotion effect shown in FIG. 33(B-1), the button image 114a representing the effect button 161 which is the operation means is displayed at the position of the middle symbol. On the other hand, in the second operation promotion effect shown in FIG. 33(B-2), a button image 114c which is an image showing the effect button 161 which is the operation means and which is different from the button image 114a is displayed at the position of the middle symbol. ing. Which operation promotion effect is executed is set based on whether or not a predetermined execution condition is satisfied. The execution conditions may be, for example, whether or not the determination result of the special symbol processing is a big hit, whether or not the variation time due to the variation pattern of the special symbol variation is a predetermined length or more, or the like. As an example, when a variation pattern of a predetermined length is selected, the first operation promotion effect shown in FIG. 33(B-1) is executed, and when a variation pattern of another predetermined length is selected. May be set to execute the second operation promotion effect shown in FIG. 33(B-2). In addition, the first operation promotion effect or the second operation promotion effect is not always executed according to these conditions, but the first operation promotion effect or the second operation is performed with a predetermined probability when the execution condition is satisfied. The promotion effect may be executed.

In the example shown in FIG. 33, when the effect button 161 is operated according to the first operation promotion effect, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light in the first light emission mode (FIG. 33). (C-1)). Here, as an example of the first light emission mode, a state in which all the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light is shown.

On the other hand, when the operation of the effect button 161 is performed according to the second operation promotion effect, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 are in the second light emission mode different from the first light emission mode. Emits light (FIG. 33(C-2)). Here, among the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 arranged on both sides of the image display unit 114, only the decoration lamps L3 and R3 located at the highest position emit light. In other words, in the illustrated example, some of the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 used for the special effect at the time of change (the decorative lamps L3 and R3 in the illustrated example) are the first Light is emitted in both the light emitting mode and the second light emitting mode. Then, the other decoration lamps (decoration lamps C, L1, L2, R1, and R2 in the illustrated example) emit light only in the first light emission mode and do not emit light in the second light emission mode. Note that the examples illustrated in FIGS. 33C-1 and 33C-2 are merely examples of the first light-emission mode and the second light-emission mode, and these light-emission modes are not limited to the illustrated examples. For example, in the illustrated example, in the second light emitting mode, some of the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 that emit light in the first light emitting mode (decorative lamps L3 and R3) emit light. A decorative lamp (a panel lamp 116 or a frame lamp 157) different from the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 that emits light in the first light emitting mode may emit light.

Furthermore, in this special effect at the time of change, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light in either the first light emitting mode or the second light emitting mode (in other words, the first operation promotion). Depending on which of the effect and the second operation promotion effect is performed), in the variable effect of the decorative pattern 510, different modes of effect are performed. In the example shown in FIG. 33, the first variation effect when the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light in the first light emission mode is the first when the first operation promotion effect is performed. From the display of the decorative design 511 (left design 511a and the right design 511c) according to the display mode, the display is switched to the display of the decorative design 512 (left design 512a and the right design 512c) according to the second display mode, and the variation effect is continued. (FIG. 33 (D-1), (E-1)). On the other hand, as the second variation effect when the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3 emit light in the second light emission mode, the decoration pattern according to the second display mode when the second operation promotion effect is performed. 511 (left symbol 511a and right symbol 511c) is displayed as the variation effect continues (FIG. 33 (D-2), (E-2)). Note that the examples shown in FIGS. 33(D-1), (E-1), (D-2), and (E-2) are merely examples of the variation effect in the variation special effect, and these variation effects are Is not limited to the illustrated example.

[Direction when the decorative pattern changes]
In the above example, the special effect at the time of change by the light emission of the decoration lamp and the special effect at the time of change by the combination of the light emission of the decoration lamp and the change effect of the decorative pattern have been described. Here, the display effect of the decorative pattern itself when the decorative pattern changes (hereinafter, variable time symbol effect) will be described. The decorative symbols are changed and stopped along with the variable display and the stop display of the special symbols by the special symbol indicators 221 and 222. Then, in the display of the decorative symbol, various variable-time symbol effects are performed by the control of the effect control unit 300 and the image/sound control unit 310 in order to enhance the interest of the player. This variation-time symbol effect can be executed in combination with the above-described variation-time special effect using the display modes of various decorative symbols shown in FIG. 35, for example.

[1st change time design effect]
A specific example of the variable time symbol effect will be described.
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a variation time symbol effect.
In the example shown in FIG. 34, the case where the variation effect is performed with the decorative design 512 of the second display mode shown in FIG. 29B will be described as an example, but the display of the decorative pattern 510 used for the variation time symbol effect is described. The mode is not limited to the second display mode. For example, when the variation effect is performed with the decorative design 511 in the first display mode shown in FIG. 29A, the variation time symbol effect may be performed.

This variation-time symbol effect is performed together with the reach-time variation effect, for example. That is, the effect is executed by controlling the display of the decorative design 512 (for example, the left design 512a and the right design 512c) that is stopped or temporarily stopped by the reach fluctuation production and the changing decorative design 512 (for example, the middle design 512b). To be done. In addition, here, an example in which the variation time symbol effect is performed together with the reach time variation effect is shown, but the variation time symbol is not limited to the reach time variation effect, and a variation effect (predetermined effect) according to a predetermined mode performed when the special symbol is changed It may be configured to perform an effect. For example, the variable time symbol effect may be performed in a state in which only one of the three decorative symbols 510 is stopped or temporarily stopped. Further, the variable time symbol effect may be performed in a state where a special symbol that is not displayed in the normal variable effect is stopped and displayed.

Referring to FIG. 34, first, reach effect is performed with the decorative design 512 in the second display mode (FIG. 34(A)). Then, after the predetermined transition effect 1 is performed (FIG. 34(B)), the decorative pattern 512 reduces the display size and the opposite end portions of one side of the screen of the image display section 114 (both sides sandwiching one side). It moves to the corner) and switches to the decorative pattern 513 of the third display mode shown in FIG. 29C (FIG. 34C). In the illustrated example, the left design 512a moves to the upper left corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size, and the right design 512c moves to the upper right corner of the screen of the image display unit 114 while reducing the display size. As a result, a state in which the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is switched to is shown. Here, in the decorative design 512 of the second display mode, the left design 512a and the right design 512c stopped or provisionally stopped by the reach effect are easy to visually recognize, but the changing middle design 512b is not easily visible. .. In the decorative design 513 in the third display mode, the display of the middle design 513b is suppressed. Therefore, the left design 512a and the right design 512c of the second display mode are moved to switch to the left design 153a and the right design 513c of the third display mode, and the middle design 512b of the changing second display mode is not displayed as it is. It can give the impression that

As the transition effect 1, for example, when the screen of the image display unit 114 temporarily becomes white (white out) or becomes black (black out), the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode temporarily disappears. It is possible to perform such an effect. Moreover, after the decorative design 512 (left design 512a and right design 512c) of the second display mode moves around on the screen of the image display unit 114, it moves to both corners on the upper side of the screen and switches to the third display mode. You can direct.

Next, the decorative pattern 510 is switched from the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode to the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode shown in FIG. 29(D) (FIG. 34(D)). Then, in the decorative design 514 of the fourth display mode, the stop display of the determination result of the special design lottery is performed along with the stop display of the special design (FIG. 34(E)). In the illustrated example, the left symbol 514a is "7", the middle symbol 514b is "8", the right symbol 514c is "7", and the determination symbol of the special symbol lottery is determined by the decorative symbol 514 of "787" which is a stop display. Is represented.

After that, a predetermined transition effect 2 is performed (FIG. 34(F)), the display mode of the decorative pattern 510 is switched, and the stop display is performed again by the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode (FIG. 34(G). )). Here, the transition effect 2 performed when switching from the fourth display mode to the second display mode is the transition effect 1 (FIG. 34(B)) performed when switching from the second display mode to the third display mode. It may be the same effect or different effects.

In the effect example described with reference to FIG. 34, after the decorative pattern 513 of the third display mode is changed to the decorative pattern 514 of the fourth display mode, the stop display is performed in the decorative pattern 514 of the fourth display mode. Was broken. On the other hand, the stop display may be performed after the display mode is switched so that the decorative pattern 513 of the third display mode and the decorative pattern 514 of the fourth display mode are alternately displayed a plurality of times. Even in this case, the stop display is performed in the decorative pattern 514 of the fourth display mode after switching the display modes a plurality of times.

Further, the display position of the decorative pattern 513 may be dynamically changed in the third display mode, or the display position of the decorative pattern 514 may be dynamically changed in the fourth display mode. In addition, a predetermined transition effect may be performed when switching between the third display mode and the fourth display mode. Furthermore, in the above-described production example, the transition production is performed when the second display mode is switched to the third display mode and when the fourth display mode is switched to the second display mode (FIGS. 34(B) and (F)). ), in these scenes, the display mode may be directly switched without performing the transition effect.

[Stop display in the fourth display mode]
In the effect example described with reference to FIG. 34, the stop display is performed with the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode. Here, among the display modes of the decorative pattern 510 shown in FIG. 29, the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode, the decorative pattern 513 of the third display mode, and the decorative pattern 514 of the fourth display mode are composed only of numbers. It is a design. The sizes of the numbers forming the symbols are the largest in the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode, the next largest in the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode, and the smallest in the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode. Therefore, the decorative design 512 is also called a large design, the decorative design 513 is also called a middle design, and the decorative design 514 is also called a small design. That is, in the effect example described with reference to FIG. 34, the stop display is performed by the small symbol displayed in one corner of the screen of the image display unit 114.

By performing a stop display using the decorative design 514 of the fourth display mode which is a small design, it becomes possible to use a wide area on the screen of the image display unit 114 to display a production image such as a moving image. Therefore, by displaying a stop display of the decorative symbol 514 and an effect image that is associated with the determination result of the special symbol lottery represented by the stop display, the player's interest can be increased. For example, when the effect of performing a predetermined mission during special symbol change is performed, along with the stop display by the decorative symbol 514, if the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the effect image that the mission succeeds is displayed, and the special symbol. If the determination result of the lottery is off, an effect image in which the mission fails is displayed. In addition, when the effect of displaying a movie in which the main character and the enemy character fight at the time of special symbol change is displayed on the image display unit 114, if the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the main character wins and the special symbol lottery If the determination result is off, an effect image in which the main character is defeated is displayed. By performing such an effect, the player can assume the determination result of the special symbol lottery based on the content of the effect image, and the interest in the effect can be increased.

However, the decorative design 514, which is a small design, is inferior in visibility as compared to the decorative design 512 in the second display mode because the size of the design is small. Therefore, after performing the stop display with the decorative design 514, it is possible to switch the display of the decorative design 510 to the decorative design 512 or the like in the second display mode which is a large design and perform the stop display.

Further, in the above-described production example, in the decorative design 514 of the fourth display mode, the stopped design is displayed. However, it is not always necessary to stop the fluctuation of the design when the decorative design 514 is displayed. For example, consider a case in which the decorative design 513 according to the third display mode and the decorative design 514 according to the fourth display mode are displayed while being switched during the variation effect of the decorative design 510. In this case, when the decorative design 513 of the third display mode is displayed, the fluctuation of the design is stopped (that is, the stopped decorative display 513 is displayed), and then the decorative design 514 of the fourth display mode is displayed. By switching, the decoration pattern 514 that is stopped and displayed may be displayed.

FIG. 35: is a figure which shows the other progress example of a symbol production at the time of a change.
In the example shown in FIG. 35, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 34, the reach effect is performed with the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode (FIG. 35(A)), and the predetermined transition effect 1 is passed ((FIG. 35( B)), and the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is switched (FIG. 35(C)). Then, the variation of the symbols is stopped, and after the stop display is performed on the decorative symbol 513 (FIGS. 35D and 35E), the decorative symbol 514 is changed by switching from the third display aspect to the fourth display aspect. Stop display is performed with (FIG. 35(F)). In the illustrated example, after the decorative design 513 of the third display mode is displayed, the fluctuation of the design is stopped as it is, but after the switching between the third display mode and the fourth display mode is performed a plurality of times. The control may be controlled so that the variation of the design is stopped when the decorative design 513 of the third display mode is displayed.

Next, after a predetermined transition effect 2 from the state where the stop display is performed on the decorative pattern 514 (FIG. 35(G)), the display mode of the decorative pattern 510 is switched, and the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode is used again. A stop display is displayed (FIG. 35(H)). Then, after a further predetermined transition effect 3 is performed (FIG. 35(I)), the display mode of the decorative pattern 510 is switched, and the stop display is performed by the decorative pattern 511 of the first display mode (FIG. 35(J)). ). In the illustrated example, a moving image showing how the sliding door is closed is displayed as the transition effect 3 (FIG. 35(I)) when switching from the second display mode to the first display mode. Then, when the sliding door is closed, the decorative pattern 512 in the second display mode is hidden, and when the sliding door is opened again, the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode is displayed (FIGS. 35(H) to (J)). Note that the example shown is merely an example of the transition effect 3, and a transition effect different from the example shown may be performed. Furthermore, the transition effect 1 when switching from the second display mode to the third display mode (FIG. 35(B)), the transition effect 2 when switching from the fourth display mode to the second display mode (FIG. 35(G)), Any of the transition effects 3 (FIG. 35(I)) when switching from the second display mode to the first display mode may be the same transition effect or different transition effects.

[The second variable design effect]
Next, another specific example of the variable time symbol effect will be described.
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing another example of the variable time symbol effect.
In the example shown in FIG. 36, two types of effect modes (A mode and B mode) are provided as variable time symbol effects. In the A mode, the variation starts with the decorative pattern 511 in the first display mode (FIG. 36(A-1)). Then, after the reach effect is performed and the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c are stopped or temporarily stopped (FIG. 36(A-2)), the left symbol 511a and the right symbol 511c that are stopped or temporarily stopped are the image display portions 114. The screen moves to both upper corners of the screen and switches to the decorative design 513 (left design 513a and right design 513c) in the third display mode (FIG. 36(A-3)).

Next, the decorative pattern 510 is switched from the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode to the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode (FIG. 36(A-4)). Then, in the decorative design 514 of the fourth display mode, the variation of the design is stopped, and the stop display is performed (FIG. 36(A-5)). After that, the display mode of the decorative pattern is further switched from the fourth display mode to the first display mode, and the stop display is performed with the decorative pattern 511 (FIG. 36(A-6)). As described above, in the A mode, the variation is started with the decorative pattern 511 of the first display mode, the stop display is performed with the decorative pattern 511 of the same first display mode, and the variable time symbol effect is finished.

On the other hand, in the B mode, the decoration pattern 512 in the second display mode starts to change (FIG. 36(B-1)). Then, after the left effect 512a and the right symbol 512c are stopped or temporarily stopped by the reach effect (FIG. 36(B-2)), the left symbol 512a and the right symbol 512c that are stopped or temporarily stopped are the image display portion 114. The screen moves to the upper right corner of the screen and switches to the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode (FIG. 36(B-3)).

Then, in the decorative design 514 of the fourth display mode, the variation of the design is stopped, and the stop display is performed (FIG. 36(B-4)). Thereafter, the display mode of the decorative pattern is further switched from the fourth display mode to the second display mode, and the stop display is performed with the decorative pattern 512 (FIG. 36(B-5)). In this way, in the B mode, the variation is started with the decorative pattern 512 of the second display mode, the stop display is performed with the decorative pattern 512 of the same second display mode, and the variable time symbol effect is finished.

As described above, in this variation time symbol effect, each mode is stopped and displayed in the decorative pattern 510 of the same display mode as the display mode of the decorative pattern 510 when the variation is started. As a result, the boundary from the start to the stop of the fluctuation (that is, the fluctuation effect) becomes clear. Here, each mode can give different expectations to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the effect control unit 300 acquires the effect random number value at the time of receiving the variation start command, and by the lottery using the effect random number value, which of the A mode and the B mode is to be performed when the variable time symbol effect is performed. Shall be selected. Then, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the probability that the effect of the A mode is selected is set to be higher than the probability that the effect of the B mode is selected, and the determination result of the special symbol lottery When is out of range, the probability that the effect in the A mode is selected is set to be lower than the probability that the effect in the B mode is selected. By setting in this way, when the variation time symbol effect is performed in the A mode, the degree of expectation of a big hit is higher than that in the B mode.

In the example shown in FIG. 36, in the A mode, after the left design 511a and the right design 511c are stopped by the reach effect, the decorative design 513 of the third display mode and the decorative design 514 of the fourth display mode are switched. The production progresses while being displayed (first symbol display mode). On the other hand, in the B mode, after the left design 512a and the right design 512c are stopped by the reach effect, the decorative pattern 514 in the fourth display mode is displayed and the effect proceeds, and the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is displayed. Is not performed (second symbol display mode). As described above, when the expectation for the jackpot of the special symbol lottery in the variation design of the A mode is higher than that of the variation design of the B mode, the variation design production is started in the A mode, so that the player The expectation of is increased. Therefore, by increasing the switching of the display mode of the decorative pattern 510, the power of the effect is increased and the player's expectation is further enhanced. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is always displayed in the A mode (100%), and the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is not displayed in the B mode (0 %), but the ratio regarding whether or not to display the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is not limited to the above example. For example, the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode may not be displayed with a predetermined probability even in the A mode. However, in the A mode, the probability of performing the effect of displaying the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is controlled to be higher than the probability of performing the effect of not displaying the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode. Further, also in the B mode, the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode may be controlled with a predetermined probability. However, in the B mode, the probability of performing the effect of displaying the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode is controlled to be lower than the probability of performing the effect of not displaying the decorative pattern 513 in the third display mode.

[Technical features of the present embodiment]
In the present embodiment, in order to enhance the variety of effects using the decorative lamps (panel lamps 116 and frame lamps 157) that are light emitting means,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling the production according to the game,
An operation means that can be operated by the player (for example, effect button 161),
Light emitting means (for example, decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3) that emits light under the control of the effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
A first operation promotion effect and a second operation promotion effect different from the first operation promotion effect can be executed and controlled as an effect for prompting the player to operate the operation means (for example, the effect button 161),
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) performed according to the first operation promotion effect is received, the light emission means (for example, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3) is in the first light emission mode. , R1 to R3) emit light,
When the operation of the operation unit (for example, the effect button 161) performed in response to the second operation promotion effect is received, the light emitting unit (in the second light emitting mode different from the first light emitting mode) For example, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3) are configured to emit light.
With such a configuration, it is possible to increase the variety of effects by the light emission of the decoration lamp based on the operation of the operation means performed in accordance with the operation promotion effect.
In more detail, the light emitting means (for example, the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3) are
A region that emits light in one of the first and second light emitting modes;
A region that emits light in common in both the first light emitting mode and the second light emitting mode;
It is configured to include.
By doing so, it is possible to increase the variety of effects by the light emission of the decorative lamp due to the difference in the light emitting members.
More preferably, the above-mentioned gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) is
Judgment means (for example, a special symbol judgment unit 234) that makes a judgment regarding the game state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition,
An image display unit (for example, an image display unit 114) that displays an effect image under the control of the effect control unit (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) is controlled to display a symbol,
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) performed according to the first operation promotion effect is accepted, the variable display of the symbol in the first display mode is performed,
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) performed according to the second operation promotion effect is accepted, the variation of the symbol according to the second display mode different from the first display mode. Display.
In this way, the effect produced by the light emission of the light emitting means and the effect produced by the variable display of the symbols are interlocked with each other, so that the player's interest can be further enhanced.

In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to increase the player's expectation by performing an effect of causing the light emitting means to emit light in accordance with the operation of the operation means,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling the production according to the game,
An operation means that can be operated by the player (for example, effect button 161),
Light emitting means (for example, decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3) that emits light under the control of the effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
When a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, an operation promotion effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) is executed, and the operation means is activated during an effective period set corresponding to the operation promotion effect. (For example, the effect button 161) operation can be accepted,
When the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) is accepted during the valid period, the light emission means is used as the light emission control effect of the light emission means (for example, the decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3). (For example, a first control in which at least a part of the light emitting members that configure the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3) is in the first state, and the light emitting member is changed from the first state by the first control to the first state. A second control for shifting to the second state, and further, according to a predetermined condition, a third control for shifting the light emitting member from the second state to the third state by the second control, and the light emission. Executing one of the fourth controls for bringing the member into the fourth state by the second control without reaching the third state from the second state,
Is characterized by.
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform a moving effect by the operation of the player using the light emitting means, and to increase the player's expectation.
More preferably, the effect control means (for example, the effect control unit 300) is configured to perform the first control and the second control according to the timing of accepting the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) during the effective period. The execution time of any one of the control, the third control, and the fourth control is variable.
By doing so, it is possible to respond to the timing of the operation of the operating means by the player, and it is possible to perform different effects depending on the operations performed at different timings.
More preferably, the above-mentioned gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 100) is
Judgment means (for example, a special symbol judgment unit 234) that makes a judgment regarding the game state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition,
An image display unit (for example, an image display unit 114) that displays an effect image under the control of the effect control unit (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, an effect of displaying and controlling a plurality of symbols on the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) is performed,
In the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a predetermined effect of stopping a part of the symbols of the plurality of symbols is performed,
In the predetermined effect, the light emission control effect is executed until the changing symbol becomes a predetermined state corresponding to the part of the stopped symbols.
In this way, the effect produced by the light emission of the decoration lamp and the effect produced by the variable display of the symbols can be interlocked with each other to further enhance the player's interest.
Further, more preferably, the effect control unit (for example, the effect control unit 300) executes an effect provided separately from the light emission control effect when the operation of the operation unit is not accepted during the valid period. To do.
By doing so, it is possible to give added value to the light emission control effect performed according to the operation of the operation means, and to increase the player's motivation.

◆ In addition, in the present embodiment, the effect of the decorative pattern and the effect of causing the light emitting means to emit light in response to the operation of the operating means are performed, so that the expectation of the player in developing the effect with a higher expectation of a jackpot. To increase
Judgment means (for example, a special symbol judgment unit 234) that makes a judgment regarding the game state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling the production according to the game,
An operation means that can be operated by the player (for example, effect button 161),
An image display unit (for example, an image display unit 114) that displays an effect image under the control of the effect control unit (for example, the effect control unit 300);
Light emitting means (for example, decoration lamps C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3) that emits light under the control of the effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) is controlled to display a symbol,
When a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, an operation promotion effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) is performed,
When the operation of the operation unit (for example, the effect button 161) performed according to the operation promotion effect is accepted,
Using at least a part of the light emitting members forming the light emitting means (for example, the decorative lamps C, L1 to L3, and R1 to R3), a light emission control effect of expanding the light emitting region from the first state to the second state is provided. Done,
When the light emitting member reaches the second state in the light emission control effect, the display mode of the symbol is switched from the first symbol display mode to the second symbol display mode through a predetermined transition effect.
Is characterized by.
With such a configuration, it is possible to associate the production with the movement by the light emitting means and the development to the production with high expectation of the jackpot by the decorative pattern, so that the player can compare with the production by the simple decorative pattern. You can fuel your expectations.
More preferably, the effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300) is displayed in the second symbol display mode after switching the symbol from the first symbol display mode to the second symbol display mode. The pattern is moved to one side on the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) and the variable display is continued.
By doing so, since it is possible to display the effect image using a wide area of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) after the decorative pattern is moved, such an image can be displayed. With the effect of displaying, the player's expectation can be further fueled.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to increase the player's expectation for the operation of the operation means,
Judgment means (for example, a special symbol judgment unit 234) that makes a judgment regarding the game state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling the production according to the game,
An operation means that can be operated by the player (for example, effect button 161),
Image display means for displaying an effect image under the control of the effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, an effect of displaying and controlling a plurality of symbols on the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) is performed,
In the variable display for varying the plurality of symbols in the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a part of the symbols of the plurality of symbols is stopped, and a predetermined effect of continuing the variation of the remaining symbols is performed,
In the predetermined effect, when a predetermined execution condition regarding the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect button 161) is satisfied, the display of the symbols that are continuously changing is suppressed, and the display mode of some symbols that are stopped is changed. Switching from the first symbol display mode to the second symbol display mode, and changing the display position of a part of the symbols displayed in the second symbol display mode,
Is characterized by.
With such a configuration, the player's operation of the operation unit and the effect accompanied by the movement of the display position of the decorative pattern can be associated with each other, and the expectation for the operation of the operation unit can be increased.
More preferably, the effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300) is displaying the symbols in the first symbol display mode when switching the display mode of the part of the symbols in the predetermined effect. From the state, after performing a predetermined transition effect, the display shifts to the symbol in the second symbol display mode.
By doing so, the player can be more strongly impressed with the change in the display of the decorative pattern, and the interest can be further enhanced.

◆ In the present embodiment, in order to increase the variety of effects using decorative patterns,
Judgment means (for example, a special symbol judgment unit 234) that makes a judgment regarding the game state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling the production according to the game,
An image display unit (for example, an image display unit 114) that displays an effect image under the control of the effect control unit (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
After the symbols are variably displayed on the image display unit (for example, the image display unit 114) based on the establishment of the start condition, the symbols are stopped according to the determination result of the determination unit (for example, the special symbol determination unit 234). Perform the symbol display effect to be displayed,
In the symbol display effect, at least the large symbol that is a display mode of a predetermined display size, a medium symbol that is a display mode of a display size smaller than the display size of the large symbol, and the display of the middle symbol It is configured to display while switching between a small symbol which is a display mode smaller than the size and to display the stopped symbols by the small symbol.
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform various effects by the decorative pattern, and when the stopped and displayed symbols are displayed by the small symbols, the effect image is displayed using the wide area of the screen of the image display means. Since it can be displayed, the interest of the player can be enhanced.
More preferably, in the above decorative pattern,
The large symbol is displayed in the center of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114),
The middle pattern is displayed in both corners on one side of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114),
The small symbol is displayed in one corner of the display screen of the image display unit (for example, the image display unit 114).
Thereby, when the medium symbol or the small symbol is displayed, a large area in which the symbol is not displayed can be obtained on the screen of the image display means, so that the degree of freedom of the effect image that can be displayed is increased.

◆ In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to enhance the variety of effects using decorative patterns,
Judgment means (for example, a special symbol judgment unit 234) that makes a judgment regarding the game state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling the production according to the game,
An image display unit (for example, an image display unit 114) that displays an effect image under the control of the effect control unit (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, a symbol display effect for controlling display of a plurality of symbols on the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) is performed,
In the variable display for varying the plurality of symbols in the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a part of the symbols of the plurality of symbols is stopped, and a predetermined effect of continuing the variation of the remaining symbols is performed,
In the predetermined effect,
The first special for displaying the part of the stopped symbols on one side of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) and suppressing the display of the remaining symbols which are continuously changing. Variation mode,
A second special variation mode in which the part of the symbols stopped and the remaining symbols which continue to change are displayed in one corner of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114), It is configured to display the symbols while switching.
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform various effects by the decorative pattern in combination with the effect image displayed on the image display means, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the player.
More preferably, in the second special variation mode, the part of the symbols that have been stopped and the remaining symbols that continue to vary are one of the four corners on the display screen of the image display means. Is displayed while switching the display position.
As a result, the variety of display of the decorative pattern is increased, and the interest of the player can be further enhanced.

◆ In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to enhance the variety of effects using decorative patterns,
Judgment means (for example, a special symbol judgment unit 234) that makes a judgment regarding the game state triggered by the establishment of a predetermined start condition,
Production control means (for example, production control unit 300) for controlling the production according to the game,
An image display unit (for example, an image display unit 114) that displays an effect image under the control of the effect control unit (for example, the effect control unit 300),
The effect control means (for example, effect control unit 300),
Based on the establishment of the starting condition, a symbol display effect for controlling display of a plurality of symbols on the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) is performed,
In the variable display for varying the plurality of symbols in the effect of controlling the display of the plurality of symbols, a part of the symbols of the plurality of symbols is stopped, and a predetermined effect of continuing the variation of the remaining symbols is performed,
In the predetermined effect,
The first special for displaying the part of the stopped symbols on one side of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114) and suppressing the display of the remaining symbols which are continuously changing. Variation mode,
A second special variation mode in which the part of the symbols stopped and the remaining symbols which continue to change are displayed in one corner of the display screen of the image display means (for example, the image display unit 114), It is configured to display the symbols while switching.
With such a configuration, it is possible to perform various effects by the decorative pattern in combination with the effect image displayed on the image display means, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the player.

In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to reduce the increase of control commands for controlling the operation of the game control means, in the main control process repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals by the game control unit 200, one cycle of main control At the end of the process, the commands generated by the execution of the one cycle are collectively output to the effect control unit 300. That is, a gaming machine that achieves the above object is a gaming machine (eg, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that produces an effect according to the progress of the game, and a predetermined main control process that is a series of processes relating to the progress of the game. A game control means (for example, a game control unit 200) that repeatedly executes according to the conditions and generates data including information about a game obtained by executing the main control process, and a series of the main control processes is executed for one cycle. Output means (for example, the output control unit 240) that outputs the data generated by the execution of the one cycle after the generation of the last data in the execution of the one cycle, and the output means. (For example, an effect control unit (for example, effect control unit 300)) that receives data output from the output control unit 240 and performs an effect based on the received data.
With this configuration, since it is not necessary to perform the output process for each generated data, it is possible to reduce the control command for performing the output process and suppress the increase in the program size. Moreover, since it is not necessary to perform the output process every time data is generated, the time required for the entire output process can be shortened.
Further, more specifically, in the above gaming machine, a storage unit (for example, RAM 203) for storing the data generated by the main control processing in a storage area (for example, command storage area) set for each data. Furthermore, the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) stores the data generated in the main control processing in the storage area (for example, a command storage area) associated with the generated data, The output unit (for example, the output control unit 240) checks whether or not data is stored in each storage area of the storage unit (for example, the RAM 203), and the data is stored in the storage area where the data is stored. Read and output.
With this configuration, each time the output process is performed, each storage area is checked and the stored data is output, so that it is possible to prevent the data output from being leaked.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present embodiment is a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that produces an effect according to the progress of the game, and performs a predetermined main control process that is a series of processes related to the progress of the game. A game control unit (for example, a game control unit 200) that repeatedly executes according to a condition and performs a special process different from the main control process according to a condition different from the main control process, and the game control unit (for example, a game). And a production control unit (for example, production control unit 300) that receives data output from the control unit 200 and performs processing related to production based on the data, and in the main control processing, the game control unit (for example, The process by the game control unit 200) is a process based on the progress of the game, and at least one first processing unit (for example, a game control unit) that generates data including information obtained by executing the process. 200) and a part to be executed and data generated by the execution of the first processing means (for example, the game control section 200) are output to the effect control means (for example, the effect control section 300). In the special processing, the processing by the game control means (for example, the game control section 200) includes a processing unit (for example, an output control section 240) that is executed, and the processing is performed by a game machine (for example, the pachinko gaming machine 100). ) A portion for executing setting processing for performing setting and data generated in the setting processing are called by the second processing means (for example, the output control unit 240) in the main control processing to generate the effect control means. (For example, a portion to be output to the effect control unit 300) can be included.
By doing so, it is not necessary to prepare a separate control command for performing the output process of the data generated by the special process, so the control command for performing the output process is reduced and the increase in the program size is suppressed. can do.
Further, in more detail, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, a storage unit (for example, RAM 203) for storing the data generated in the main control processing in a storage area set for each data is further provided, and the main control processing The first processing means in (for example, the game control unit 200) sequentially stores the data generated by executing the processing in the storage area (for example, a command storage area) associated with the generated data, The second processing unit (for example, the output control unit 240) in the main control process checks whether or not data is stored in each storage area of the storage unit (for example, the RAM 203) and stores the data. Data is read from the stored storage area and output, and in the setting processing in the special processing, the data generated in the setting processing is stored in the predetermined storage area in the storage means (for example, RAM 203).
With this configuration, each time the output process is performed, each storage area is checked and the stored data is output, so that it is possible to prevent the data output from being leaked.

In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of data transmission from the game control means to the effect control means, a predetermined bit of the “code” that is the first data portion and a “data” that is the second data portion. A predetermined bit of "" is used as a flag for distinguishing between "code" and "data". That is, the gaming machine that achieves the above-mentioned object is a gaming machine that produces an effect according to the progress of the game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 100), executes main control processing relating to the progress of the game, and executes the main control processing. And a data output from the game control means (for example, the game control section 200) and a game control means (for example, the game control section 200) that generates and outputs data including information about the game obtained by executing And a production control unit (for example, production control unit 300) that performs processing related to production based on the received data, and the data generated by the game control unit (for example, game control unit 200) is a A size of bit (a is an integer of 2 or more), a first data part (for example, “code”) in which the value of the leading 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0, and n×a bits ( n is an integer of 1 or more), and the first 1-bit value is specified as a value different from the first 1-bit value of the first data section (eg, "code"). (E.g., "data").
By doing this, the first data portion and the second data portion can be clearly distinguished by recognizing the value of the leading 1 bit, so that the data transmission from the game control means to the effect control means The accuracy can be improved.
Further, more preferably, in the above gaming machine, the second data portion (for example, "data") of the data generated by the game control means (for example, the game control unit 200) is a bits from the beginning. Is set to the same value as the leading 1-bit value.
By doing so, even if the size of the second data part is large, it is easy to distinguish each of the second data parts by the specific size and identify the second data part.

In the present embodiment, the data sent from the game control means to the effect control means is also required when a large size of data needs to be sent, as in the case of sending a command that specifies a variation pattern to be executed. In order to suppress the increase in the overall size, a predetermined bit of the “code” that is the first data part is used to describe the data value, and a part of the “code” and the “data” that is the second data part are used. I proposed the method to describe the data value. That is, the gaming machine that achieves the above-mentioned object is a gaming machine (eg, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that produces an effect according to the progress of the game, and executes the main control processing relating to the progress of the game, and the main control processing And a data output from the game control means (for example, the game control section 200) and a game control means (for example, the game control section 200) that generates and outputs data including information about the game obtained by executing And a production control unit (for example, production control unit 300) that receives and performs processing related to production based on the data, and the data generated by the game control unit (for example, game control unit 200) is a bit (A is an integer of 3 or more), the first 1-bit value (for example, “code”) whose leading 1-bit value is specified to be either 1 or 0, and n×a bits (n Is an integer greater than or equal to 1), and the first 1-bit value is specified as a value different from the first 1-bit value of the first data section (eg, "code") For example, "data") and a predetermined bit forming the first data part (eg, "code") and a bit forming the second data part (eg, "data") are used. Then, a predetermined type of data is recorded, and the remaining bits other than the predetermined bit in the first data portion (for example, “code”) are used to store data of another type different from the predetermined type of data. It can be configured to record data.
Further, another gaming machine according to the present invention that achieves the above object is a gaming machine (eg, a pachinko gaming machine 100) that produces an effect according to the progress of the game, and executes main control processing relating to the progress of the game. From the game control means (for example, the game control section 200) and the game control means (for example, the game control section 200) that generates and outputs data including information about the game obtained by executing the main control processing. And a production control unit (for example, production control unit 300) that receives output data and performs processing related to production based on the data, and is generated by the game control unit (for example, game control unit 200). The data has a size of a bits (a is an integer of 3 or more), and a first data portion (for example, “code”) in which the value of the leading 1 bit is specified to be either 1 or 0, and a A second data portion (for example, "data") whose bit size is specified as a value whose leading 1-bit value is different from the value of the leading 1-bit value of the first data portion (for example, "code") ), and b bits (b is smaller than a-1 and is an integer greater than or equal to 1) forming the first data part (eg, “code”) and the second data part (eg, “data”). It is possible to adopt a configuration in which data having a size of (a+b) bits is recorded by using the a bits that form “”).
With the above configuration, the size of the data to be recorded in the second data section can be increased without changing the total size of the first data section and the second data section. When sending a large size of data from the game control means to the effect control means, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the entire transmitted data.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 (see FIG. 1) is an example of a gaming machine. The game control unit 200 (see FIG. 3) is an example of game control means. The effect control unit 300 (see FIG. 3) is an example of effect control means. The output control unit 240 (see FIG. 4) is an example of an output unit. The RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) is an example of storage means. The command storage area is an example of a storage area.

100... Pachinko machine (an example of a game machine)
114... Image display unit (an example of image display means)
161... Production button (an example of operation means)
234... Special symbol determination unit (an example of determination means)
300... Production control unit (an example of production control means)
C, L1 to L3, R1 to R3... Decorative lamps (an example of light emitting means)

Claims (1)

Determine whether to play a special game in the game,
A first display mode in which at least first identification information capable of identifying a symbol and second identification information having a predetermined decorative property capable of identifying the symbol are combined based on establishment of a predetermined start condition, and the first aspect. Displaying a plurality of symbols on the display means in any one of display modes including a second display mode having the identification information of
When it is determined that a special game is to be performed, it is possible to display the plurality of symbols in a row of specific symbols after changing the plurality of symbols on the display means,
It is possible to display a part of the plurality of symbols and perform reach production to continue the fluctuation of the remaining symbols,
In the reach effect, at least a display according to a first specific mode in which a symbol is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of the display unit, and a predetermined position different from the first specific mode on the display screen of the display unit It is possible to perform the display according to the second specific mode displayed on
There is a first mode in which the display mode of the symbol before the reach effect is the first display mode, and a second mode in which the display mode of the symbol before the reach effect is the second display mode,
In the case of performing the reach effect in the first mode, it is easier to execute the reach effect of executing the first specific aspect and the second specific aspect than in the case of performing the reach effect in the second mode,
When it is determined to perform a special game in the second mode, after performing the reach effect, the plurality of symbols displayed in the arrangement of the specific symbols are displayed in the second display mode. Machine.

Images