JP6995396B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

In a gaming machine, for example, a machine is known in which a variation image related to a variation display is displayed on an image display unit during a variation display of a symbol by a symbol control means.
For example, in Patent Document 1, the display device is made to variablely display the remaining decorative symbols in a group of decorative symbols in a manner in which the combination of decorative symbols used in the expected effect is difficult for the player to recognize, and the special symbol is displayed. If the lottery is not won, the special purpose symbol is stopped and displayed in a more prominent manner than the remaining decorative symbols, and the special use symbol is a lost symbol that means that the special use symbol has not been won in the lottery. A gaming machine that teaches that there is is described.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-41334

By the way, in a gaming machine, an effect may be executed while displaying a decorative pattern on a predetermined display means. The effect using such a decorative symbol is limited to the time when the game control means is executing the variable display of the symbol, and the interest is poor when the variable display of the symbol is not executed.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the interest of the effect using the effect symbol when the game control means does not execute the variable display of the symbol.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. The game machine (for example, the pachinko game machine 100) has a game control means (for example, a game control unit 200) that controls the progress of the game, and an effect control that controls the effect based on a command transmitted from the game control means. The game control means includes means (for example, an effect control unit 300), and the game control means has an acquisition means (for example, a random number acquisition unit 231) for acquiring determination information when an acquisition condition is satisfied, and a determination acquired by the acquisition means. Based on the information, the determination means for determining whether or not to perform the special game (for example, the special symbol determination unit 234) and the determination result by the determination means are used to display the symbols in a variable manner and then notify the determination result. It has a symbol control means (for example, a special symbol variation control unit 233) for displaying a stop display in an embodiment, and a variation start command is transmitted to the effect control means according to the variation display of the symbol, and the symbol is stopped. A fluctuation stop command is transmitted to the effect control means according to the display, and the effect control means changes and displays the effect symbol in response to receiving the variation start command transmitted from the game control means, and the variation. A variable effect means (for example, an effect control unit 300) that executes a variable effect that stops and displays an effect symbol in a manner of notifying a determination result in response to receiving a stop command, and a first image (for example) showing a numerical value in the effect symbol. For example, an image display means (for example, an image display unit 114) capable of displaying a plurality of images including a number unit 411) and a second image (for example, a character unit 413) displayed behind the first image. The image display means displays the first image in a stationary mode and displays the second image in a non-static mode when the fluctuation start command is not newly received after receiving the fluctuation stop command. It is possible to execute the first effect to be displayed in, and after receiving the change start command and before receiving the change stop command, the second image is different from the display mode of the first effect. It is possible to execute the effect, and when the change start command is newly received while the first effect is being executed, the change of the effect symbol is started while the second image is in a non-stationary mode. It is a feature.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned reference numerals in this column are exemplified in the description of the present invention, and the above-mentioned reference numerals do not reduce the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the effect using the effect symbol when the game control means does not execute the variable display of the symbol.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display arranged at the lower left of the gaming 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 gaming machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image / acoustic control unit and the lamp control unit of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game control part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the basic processing by a game control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the process at the time of power-off by a game control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the main control process of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the start port switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a gate switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a special symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the variation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the stopped processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of ordinary symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the electric tulip processing. It is a figure which shows the composition example of the random number used in this embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the composition example of a jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the composition example of a jackpot symbol 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. It is a figure which shows the setting example of the variation pattern and the table used in the variation pattern selection process. It is a block diagram explaining the configuration example of the RAM of the game control unit, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a storage area, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the storage part shown in (a). Is. It is a block diagram explaining the structure example of the RAM of the effect control part, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a hold storage area, (b) is a block which shows each structure of the storage part shown in (a). It is a figure. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the pre-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 configuration example of the command storage area in RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the content of output processing by an output control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows the main process, (b) is a figure which shows interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a command reception process. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the pre-determination effect selection process and the effect selection process of FIG. 27. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot effect selection process of FIG. 27. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. 27. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the effect button processing. It is a figure which shows the setting example of the variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection in the effect selection process of FIG. 28 (b). It is a figure which shows the setting example of the variation effect pattern table used in the variation effect pattern selection in the effect selection process of FIG. 28 (b). It is a flowchart which shows the customer waiting setting process. It is a figure which shows the effect flow performed by the effect control unit using an image display unit. It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (1). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (1). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (2). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (2). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (3). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (3). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (3). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (4). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (4). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (5). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (5). It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (5). It is a figure which shows the composition of a decorative pattern. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the type of a decorative pattern and the effect of waiting for a customer. It is a figure which shows one aspect of the same color chance eye effect performed by an effect control unit using an image display unit. It is a figure which shows one aspect of the same color chance eye effect performed by an effect control unit using an image display unit. It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in a high-probability time-saving game state. It is a figure which shows one mode of the effect performed by the effect control unit using the image display unit in a special stage. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the decorative pattern which performs the customer waiting figure effect, and the demo image. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the decorative pattern which performs the customer waiting figure effect, and the setting image. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the decorative pattern which performs a customer waiting figure effect, and a character image. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the variation effect example including the image change effect executed in the other effect modes. It is a figure which shows the example of the customer waiting figure effect which is executed after the power supply restoration. It is a figure which shows the modification of the customer waiting figure production.

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 the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
The pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is configured to pay out a prize ball when a gaming ball launched by a player's instruction operation wins a prize. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a gaming board 110 on which a gaming ball is 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, a rail member 112 on the front surface, and a rail member 112 forming a passage through which the game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111. A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 for displaying various images for effect is arranged at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 is provided with a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and as the game progresses by the player, for example, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol change result) can be displayed. It displays an effect image due to the appearance of a character or an item, or an effect image using the hold display described later.
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 operates on the game board 110 to perform various effects, and the board 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 ball falls are arranged. Further, in the game area 111, various accessories related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. Further, the game area 111 is provided with an discharge port 117 that discharges a game ball launched into the game area 111 that has not won a prize in the winning port to the outside of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as various accessories related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 121 and the second starting opening 122 where the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) starts when the game ball wins, and the second starting port 122 when the game ball passes are normal. A starting gate (hereinafter, simply referred to as a gate) 124 at which a symbol lottery (opening / closing lottery) is started is arranged on the game board 110. In FIG. 1, gates 124 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the gate 124 on the left side is described as 124L, and the gate 124 on the right side is described as 124R. Further, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 referred to here refer to winning openings that trigger the operation of the predetermined special symbol display. Specifically, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 are provided with switches (first starting port switch 211 and second starting port switch 212, which will be described later) for detecting the passage of a game ball at the time of winning a prize. Has been done. Then, when the game ball wins a prize in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the switch detects the passage of the game ball, which triggers the operation of the special symbol display.

The second starting port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that a pair of tulip flower-shaped blades opens and closes by an electric solenoid and lights up. In the electric tulip 123, when the wings are closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port 122, while when the wings are opened, the entrance of the second starting port 122 expands and the game ball moves to the second starting port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. Then, when the electric tulip 123 wins the ordinary symbol lottery, the blades open 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) while lighting or blinking.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as a gaming state, a low-probability state in which the winning probability is low and a high-probability state in which the winning probability is higher than the low-probability state, based on the winning probability of the jackpot lottery. Then, it is controlled to either a low probability state or a high probability state based on a predetermined condition such as a big hit or a lottery number of special symbol lottery.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as a gaming state, a state in which there is little chance of winning a prize in the second starting port 122 and a state in which there is more chance of winning a prize in the second starting port 122 than in a state without electric support. have. Then, under predetermined conditions such as, for example, triggered by the number of lottery of a big hit or a special symbol lottery, the state is controlled to either the electric support state or the electric support state. The electric support state is, for example, one or more of shortening the normal symbol fluctuation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, and increasing the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery. It is a gaming state controlled by the combination.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as a gaming state, a time-saving state in which the special symbol variation time is long and a time-saving state in which the special symbol variation time is shorter than the time-saving non-state.
In this embodiment, the electric support state and the time saving state are controlled at the same time. Further, in the following description, the electric support state and the time saving state are simply referred to as the time saving state, and the electric support non-state and the time saving non-state are simply referred to as the time saving non-state.

Further, in the present embodiment, as other characters related to winning or lottery, a large winning opening 125 as a special electric character that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery and a lottery even if the game ball wins are performed. A normal winning opening 126 and a non-normal winning opening 126 are arranged on the game board 110. The large winning opening 125 is provided with a large winning opening door 125D that opens and closes the large winning opening 125. In the following description, the opening / closing state and opening / closing operation of the large winning opening door 125D may be described as the opening / closing state and opening / closing operation of the large winning opening 125 for convenience.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying the lottery result and the number of holdings is arranged at the lower left position of the game board 110.

Further, on the back surface of the game board 110, a game control board for determining the winning of a special symbol, an effect control board for comprehensively controlling the effect, an image control board for controlling the effect by images and sounds, various lamps, and the like. Various boards (not shown) such as a lamp control board that controls the effect of 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 it to various boards or the like is arranged.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 causes the game balls to be hit at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 pieces per minute) with a striking force according to the operation angle. It is equipped with a launcher (not shown) that launches electrically at. Further, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launcher one by one at a timing linked to an operation by the player's lever 152, and a game ball supplied by the supply device to the launcher. It is equipped with a plate 153 for temporary storage. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured by integrating the upper and lower plates, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated can also be considered. Further, a configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launcher emits light under predetermined conditions is also conceivable.

Further, the frame member 150 has a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is in contact with the handle 151 of the launcher, and the game ball accumulated in the plate 153. It is equipped with a take-out button 155 for dropping it into a box (not shown) and taking it out.
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects by 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 due to lighting / blinking and a difference in light emission color. As for the frame lamp 157, a configuration example that enables an effect of changing the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
Further, the frame member 150 includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower left of the gaming board 110. FIG. 2B is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is used for winning the first special symbol display 221 and the second starting port 122, which operate in response to the winning of the first starting port 121. It includes a second special symbol display 222 that operates correspondingly, and a normal symbol display 223 that operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124. The first special symbol display 221 displays the lottery result by displaying the special symbol in a variable manner and then stopping the display based on the winning of the first starting port 121. The second special symbol display 222 displays the lottery result by displaying the special symbol in a variable manner and then stopping the display based on the winning of the second starting port 122. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display 223 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner and then stops and displays the lottery result. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed depending on the lighting mode thereof. Similarly, the ordinary symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the ordinary symbol lottery is displayed depending on the lighting mode thereof.

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

Here, the hold will be described. If the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 during the variable display operation of the special symbol (while the variable display for one winning is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, it is not possible to start the variable display operation of the special symbol based on the later winning. Therefore, the later winnings are stored up to the specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start the special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the first winning game ball is completed. It is put on hold.
It should be noted that the same processing as for the special symbol is performed for the normal symbol. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of holds (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the ordinary symbol hold indicator 220.

Further, the display 130 includes a state display 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status display 224 is composed of a display device in which three LEDs are arranged. One of the three LEDs lights up to indicate 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. 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 the special symbol fluctuation time is short. Still another one is to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in an advantageous state by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

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

The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for the player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of the input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 adjacent to the effect button 161 and composed of a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape are used. Is 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, by operating the effect key 162 composed of four keys arranged in a cross, the player instructs one of the plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114, and presses the effect button 161. By operating it, it is possible to perform an effect such as selecting an instructed image. Further, as the form of the input device, in addition to the illustrated effect button 161 and effect key 162, various input forms such as a lever and a handle can be adopted depending on the content of the effect and the like.

[Control unit configuration]
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.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an image / acoustic control unit and a lamp control unit according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 as a main control means, which determines whether or not a special symbol has been won. Further, as the sub control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls the effect and a payout control unit 330 that controls the payout of the payout ball are provided.

[Configuration / function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining the winning of a special symbol, a ROM 202 that stores programs and various data executed by the CPU 201, and a working memory of the CPU 201. RAM 203 and

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 states of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are a high-probability time-saving gaming state, which is a high-probability state and a time-saving state, a low-probability time-saving gaming state, which is a low-probability state and a time-saving state, and a high-probability state and a time-saving non-state. It is one of a low-probability time-saving no-game state, a low-probability state, and a low-probability time-saving no-game state. Then, the game control unit 200 switches between the high-probability state and the low-probability state based on predetermined conditions such as the jackpot and the number of lottery of the special symbol lottery as described above, and switches between the time-saving state and the time-saving state. Switch. Further, the game control unit 200 controls such as making the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery higher in the time saving state, shortening the normal symbol fluctuation time, extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123, and the like. I do.

The game control unit 200 acquires a random number value used for the special symbol lottery when the game ball wins a prize in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Then, the game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery using the acquired random number value, and performs a special game such as a big hit game according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery. In a special game, the game control unit 200 wins a round in which the special electric accessory, the large winning opening 125, is maintained in an open state until the closing condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won). It is controlled to repeat a predetermined number of times according to the symbol (type). Then, the game control unit 200 controls the opening / closing operation interval when the big winning opening 125 opens.

Further, the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value used for a normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Then, the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol lottery using the acquired random number value, and controls the operation of the electric tulip 123 according to the determination result of the normal symbol lottery.
Further, the game control unit 200 holds the game ball when the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change, or the game ball passes through the gate 124 during the normal symbol change. Set the hold that occurs as a result.
Further, the game control unit 200 accompanies game control such as determination results of a special symbol lottery and a normal symbol lottery, change information between a high probability state and a low probability state, change information between a time saving state and a time saving state, and hold setting information. The information is sent to the effect control unit 300 by a command described later.

Further, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 121, the second starting port 122, the large winning opening 125, and the normal winning opening 126, the game control unit 200 hits one game ball according to the place where the game ball wins. An instruction is given to the payout control unit 330 to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, if a game ball wins in the first starting port 121, three prize balls, if a game ball wins in the second starting port 122, four prize balls, and if a game ball wins in the large winning opening 125, 13 prizes. When a game ball wins a ball or a normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 330 so that 10 prize balls are paid out respectively. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 330 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball linked to the game ball.
When the payout control unit 330 pays out the prize balls according to the instruction of the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information regarding the number of paid out prize balls from the payout control unit 330. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As a detection means, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW) 211) that detects the winning of the game ball to the first start port 121. , To the second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the second start port 122, the electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 for opening / closing the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW) 214) for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected to the gate detection unit (SW) 214.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a large winning opening detection unit (large winning opening switch (SW)) 215 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the large winning opening 125, and a large winning opening door 125D of the large winning opening 125. The large winning opening door opening / closing unit 216 that sets the closed state and the protruding inclined open state, and the ordinary winning opening detection unit (ordinary winning opening switch (SW) 217) that detects the winning of the game ball to the ordinary winning opening 126. , Are connected.

Further, the game control unit 200 has a first special symbol hold indicator 218 that displays the number of unchanged holdings that have won a prize in the first starting port 121 during the change of the special symbol, and a second special symbol hold indicator 218 during the change of the special symbol. The second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays the number of unchanged items that have won a prize at the start port 122, and the normal symbol hold indicator that displays the number of unchanged items that have passed through the gate 124 while the normal symbol is changing. 220 and are connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a first special symbol display 221 that displays the result of the special symbol variation display and the special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to the first starting port 121, and the second starting port. The second special symbol display 222 that displays the variation display of the special symbol and the result of the special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to 122, and the variation display of the normal symbol and the normal symbol display that displays the result of the ordinary symbol lottery. The device 223 and the state display 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

Then, the detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the large winning port switch 215, and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. Further, the control signals from the game control unit 200 are the electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, the grand prize opening door opening / closing unit 216, the first special symbol holding indicator 218, the second special symbol holding indicator 219, and the normal symbol holding indicator 220. , 1st special symbol display 221 and 2nd special symbol display 222, normal symbol display 223 and status display 224. As a result, 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 an external information terminal board 350 for a board that transmits various information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information regarding the number of prize balls paid out, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, etc. acquired from the payout control unit 330 to the host computer via the external information terminal board 350 for the board. do.

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

Further, the payout control unit 330 includes a payout ball detection unit 335 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 334, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). It detects whether or not the ball presence detection unit 336 that detects the presence or absence of storage of the ball and the plate 153 that holds the game ball used when the player plays the game and the prize ball paid out are in a full tank state. The full tank detection unit 337 is connected to the full tank detection unit 337. 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 predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 330 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 340 for transmitting various information to the host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 330 may, for example, provide information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout drive unit 334, information on the number of actually paid out prize balls detected by the payout ball detection unit 335, and the like. Is transmitted to the host computer via the external information terminal board 340 for the frame. Further, the same information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Structure / 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 and various data executed by the CPU 301, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and a date and time. It is equipped with a real-time clock (RTC) 304, which measures the data.
The effect control unit 300 sets the effect content based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the special symbol lottery is won or not and the fluctuation pattern sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, the effect content may be set according to the operation input by receiving the operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to the operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161 and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the effect setting.
Further, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the initial screen when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on. The details will be described later, but the initial screen is an initial screen displayed when the power is turned on, for example, an image 89 during power restoration (FIG. 68 (1) described later), a default symbol (FIG. 68 (2)), and the like. Is included.
Further, the effect control unit 300 sets the effect content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state, and the change information of the time reduction non-state and the time reduction state received from the game control unit 200.
Further, the effect control unit 300 sends a command instructing the 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 an effect using images and sound, and a lamp control unit 320 that controls an effect using various lamps and movable accessories 115. Has been done.

[Configuration / function of image / acoustic control unit]
As shown in FIG. 4, the image / sound control unit 310 stores a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling an image expressing the effect content and sound, a program executed by the CPU 311 and various data. It includes a ROM 312, a RAM 313 used as a working memory of the CPU 311 and the like, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 314, a CGROM 315, and a SNDROM 316.

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 background image to be displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative pattern for notifying the player of the lottery result, a character or an item for displaying the notice effect to the player, and the like. Image data is stored. Further, the SNDROM 316 stores various acoustic data such as music and sound that are synchronized with the image data or output from the speaker 156 independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles.
The CPU 311 analyzes animation patterns, creates a display list summarizing commands related to drawing, and sends the display list to VDP314 based on the hold number command or the variable effect start command sent from the effect control unit 300. conduct.

The VDP 314 reads out the image data and the 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 performs drawing processing for background image display, decorative symbol display, decorative symbol variation, character / item display, etc. using the read image data, and voice processing using the read acoustic data. .. Then, the VDP 314 controls the screen display on the image display unit 114 by the image data that has been drawn. Further, the VDP 314 controls the sound output from the speaker 156 by the sound processed sound data.
In the present embodiment, the VDP 314 is configured to perform voice processing in addition to the drawing processing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a processor dedicated to voice processing may be separately provided.

[Configuration / function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and a program and various data executed by the CPU 321. It includes a ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory of the CPU 321 and the like.
Then, the lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / blinking, emission color, and the like of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. It also controls the operation of the movable accessory 115.

Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 contains lighting / blinking pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the effect content set by the effect control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 that corresponds 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 the operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 according to the effect content set by the effect control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 by 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 a sub-board, the effect control board as a sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.
Further, in the configuration example described with reference to FIG. 4, the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 are connected to the effect control unit 300 and controlled by the effect control unit 300, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The effect button 161 and the effect key 162 may be connected to the lamp control unit 320 and controlled by the lamp control unit 320.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Subsequently, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol fluctuation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units for executing various lottery processes. , Ordinary symbol variation control unit 236, and.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes processing associated with a special symbol variation.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning opening motion control unit 237, an electric tulip motion control unit 238, and a prize ball processing unit 239 as functional units for executing data processing related to motion control of various accessories and prize balls. And an output control unit 240 and a random number control unit 241.

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value used for the special symbol lottery and a random number value used for 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 wins in the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122, the numerical value in a predetermined range is set for each type of random number. One numerical value (random number value) is selected (acquired) from among them. The acquired random number value is used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234. As will be described in detail later, the random numbers used in the special symbol lottery include a jackpot random number indicating whether or not it is a jackpot, a symbol random number indicating the type of symbol, a variable pattern random number, a reach random number, and the like.
Further, in the case of the random value used for the ordinary symbol lottery, specifically, one numerical value (random value) is selected (acquired) from the numerical values in a predetermined range on condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. ). The acquired random number value is usually used for determination by the symbol determination unit 232. As the random numbers used in the ordinary symbol lottery, in addition to the hit random numbers indicating whether or not they are hits, symbol random numbers indicating the types of hits, variable pattern random numbers, and the like may be set.
When the special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 according to the lottery result.

At the start of the change of the special symbol, the special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. "Type" and "whether it is a small hit or a miss when the big hit is not won" are determined. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to the special symbol when the passage of the game ball is detected by the first start port switch 211 or the second start port switch 212, which is the detection means, and determines the special symbol. Based on the acquired random number value, the unit 234 determines whether or not to perform a special game (big hit game, etc.) that is advantageous to the player. The above-mentioned special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) refers to processing by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

Here, the "big hit" is divided into a plurality of types according to the game state generated after the end of the big hit game. Specifically, the type of the symbol is determined by the combination of the time-saving no state or the time-saving state, and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. That is, as the types of symbols based on the game state generated after the end of the jackpot game, the jackpot that becomes the high-probability time-saving game state after the end of the jackpot game (hereinafter, the jackpot in the high-probability time-saving game state) and the low-probability time-saving game state. Big hit (hereinafter, big hit in low probability time saving game state), big hit in high probability time saving no game state (hereinafter, big hit in high probability time saving no game state), big hit in low probability time saving no game state (hereinafter, low) There is a possibility of a jackpot in a non-game state with a short probability. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol.

Further, the "big hit" may be divided into a big hit in which the time of the big hit game is long and a large amount of game balls can be expected to be paid out, and a big hit in which the time of the big hit game is short and the payout of the game balls can hardly be expected. The former is called "long hit" and the latter is called "short hit". For example, in "long hit", a round in which the open state of the large winning opening 125 is maintained until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have elapsed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). Is done. Further, in the "short hit", a round in which the large winning opening 125 is opened for a certain period of time (for example, 0.9 seconds) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, twice).

In addition, when the big hit is not won, the "small hit" is a small hit game in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for a certain period of time (for example, 0.9 seconds) a predetermined number of times (for example, twice). Will be done. When the small hit is won, the game state before the small hit is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is the high-probability time-saving gaming state, the high-probability time-saving gaming state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, when the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is the low-probability time-saving non-game state, the low-probability time-saving non-game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the gaming state does not shift.
Further, the "small hit" is a kind of "missing", and none of the above-mentioned gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol to be displayed on the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. Specifically, the variation pattern selection unit 235 can perform a reach effect in the determination result of whether or not to perform the jackpot game and the decorative symbol variation effect accompanying the special symbol variation (for example, 13.5 seconds or more). ), The fluctuation pattern is determined based on the judgment result and the like. Then, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235. Details of the operations 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 making the player expect a big hit in the decorative design described later.

The ordinary symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not the lottery result of the ordinary symbol is "win or not" by using a random number table as shown in FIG. 20 (d) described later at the start of the fluctuation of the ordinary symbol. That is, the ordinary symbol determination unit 232 determines whether or not to perform an auxiliary game for opening and closing the electric tulip 123 based on the random number value for the ordinary symbol lottery acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231. Further, 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 ordinary symbol lottery is a process performed by the random number acquisition unit 231 and the ordinary symbol determination unit 232.
The normal symbol variation control unit 236 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 223 according to the lottery result when the normal symbol lottery is performed.
The electric tulip motion control unit 238 opens the electric tulip 123 for a specified time and a specified number of times when the normal symbol lottery determines "hit" by the normal symbol determination unit 232, and the game ball is placed in the second starting port 122. Generate a state that makes it easy to win a prize. Further, when it is determined to be "off", such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated. The operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 will be described later. For example, there are an operation pattern that opens once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds and an operation pattern that opens twice with an opening time of 0.90 seconds.

When the special symbol lottery determines "big hit" by the special symbol determination unit 234, the big prize opening operation control unit 237 has a big winning opening with an operation pattern specified based on the type of the winning symbol as a big hit game. Controls the opening operation of 125. Further, when the special symbol lottery determines "small hit" by the special symbol determination unit 234, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 opens the large winning opening 125 as a small hit game for a specified time and a specified number of times. .. For example, there is an operation pattern in which the large winning opening 125 opens twice with an opening time of 0.90 seconds.
The prize ball processing unit 239 sets a command for managing the number of prizes for various prizes related to prizes and lottery, and for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 240 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 330.
The random number control unit 241 updates various random number values 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 executes basic processing (restoration processing) at startup. Then, after performing the basic processing, the game control unit 200 repeatedly executes the main control processing, which is a series of processing related to the progress of the game. Further, when the power is cut off, the game control unit 200 executes a series of power cut-off processes.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the 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), the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the backup flag related to the operation when the power is cut off is ON (S603).
When the backup flag is ON (Yes in S603), the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the checksum created when the power is cut off is normal (S604).
When the checksum is normal (Yes in S604), the game control unit 200 then executes the return process (S605). In this return process, the game control unit 200 sets sub-control means such as the effect control unit 300 when returning from the state in which the power supply is cut off. Specifically, the game control unit 200 is in a gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is cut off (whether or not a jackpot game is in progress, either a high-probability state or a low-probability state, a time-saving state and a time-saving non-state). A command for setting a sub-control means is output to the effect control unit 300 so as to reflect any one of the above. Further, in this return process, the game control unit 200 turns off the backup flag.

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

After the return process (see S605) is completed or the sub-board setting (see S608) is completed, the game control unit 200 sets various counters and timers used for the game control (S609). Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the interrupt enable (S610), interrupt disable (S611), symbol random number control process (S612), initial value random number update process (S613), and power cutoff flag are ON. (S614) is repeatedly executed as a loop process.
Here, the interrupt enable (S610) and the interrupt disable (S611) are provided to enable the execution of the interrupt process during the execution of the loop process (S610 to S614). In the present embodiment, this interrupt process executes the main control process in the game control. The 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 update process (S613), the game control unit 200 updates the initial values of various random numbers 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 supply of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not cut off, and the game control unit 200 performs main control by interruption together with loop processing (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 shutting off the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (process at the time of power cutoff).

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

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

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main control process of the game control unit 200.
The main control process consists of a series of processes in game control, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined fixed time (for example, 4 milliseconds). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 200 generates an interrupt at predetermined fixed time intervals, and when the interrupt is enabled in the loop process shown in FIG. 6 (see S610), the main control is performed as the interrupt process. Execute the process. As shown in FIG. 8, in the main control process, random number update process, switch process, symbol process, electric accessory process, prize ball process, and 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 to update 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 number value will be described later.

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

As the symbol processing (S803), a special symbol processing and a normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, 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 processing associated with the symbol variation. do.
In the normal symbol processing, the game control unit 200 calls the functions (subroutines) of the normal symbol determination unit 232 and the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236, and executes the normal symbol change and the processing associated with the normal symbol change.
The detailed contents of these pattern processing will be described later.

As the electric accessory processing (S804), a large winning opening processing and an electric tulip processing are performed.
In the big prize opening process, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the big 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 processing, the game control unit 200 calls the function (subroutine) of the electric tulip motion 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, and sets a command for managing 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 a command for effect control to the effect control unit 300, and outputs a command for payout control to the payout control unit 330. Output. The effect control command is generated in each process from S802 to S804, and is 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 is stored (set) in the storage area of the control command 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 examines the storage area of each control command of the RAM 203 in order, and if the control command is stored in each storage area (that is, the control command is generated by the processing of S802 to S805). B), the control command is read and output to the output destination (effect control unit 300 or payout control unit 330).

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

[Modification example of basic operation of gaming machine]
In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, interrupts are permitted in the loop processing portion of the basic processing, and the main control processing consisting of a series of processing is executed as the interrupt processing. However, the main control process may be configured to be repeatedly executed at regular time intervals, and the specific realization means (execution procedure) is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. For example, the main control process may be incorporated into a 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 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). Further, while incorporating the main control process into a series of operations of the basic process, an interrupt is generated at regular time intervals and an interrupt is generated, as in the operation described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. It may be configured to return to the main control process incorporated in the basic process.

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 performed only when the power is turned on, unlike the main control process related to the progress of the game. In addition, since the processing procedure of the basic processing may change due to branching based on conditions such as the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 when the power is turned on, the generated command is promptly output so that there is no omission in the output processing. It is a process. In addition, in response to a specific processing request, such as when commands are continuously generated by multiple related processes, a processing procedure is adopted in which multiple commands are stored in the command storage area of RAM 203 and output collectively. May be.

[Random number update processing by the game control unit]
The random number value as the determination information used for various lottery in the game control such as the special symbol lottery is counted by the counter, and the random number update process (S801) of the main control process shown in FIG. 8 starts from a predetermined initial value. One is added each time it is done. Then, the value at the time when each lottery is performed is acquired in the start port switch process (FIG. 9) and the gate switch process (FIG. 10), and is used in the special symbol process (FIG. 11) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 16). To. The counter of this random number value is an infinite loop counter, and after the counted random number value reaches the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 20A described later). , Returns 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 to the basic process shown in FIG. 6 from the main control process, the initial value of each random number is randomly changed in the initial value random number update process of S613.

[Starting port switch processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process among the switch processes shown in S802 of FIG.
In this start port switch process, a process for winning a prize at the first start port 121 and a process for winning a prize at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 9, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 has been turned on (S901). When the first start port switch 211 is turned on, the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the number of unchanged hold numbers U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (S902). .. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the upper limit is set to four. When the holding number U1 has reached the upper limit value (No in S902), the winning of the unvariable portion cannot be held any more, so that the processing for winning at the first starting port 121 is terminated.

On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S902), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value for the determination by the winning this time and stores it in the RAM 203 (S903). .. Here, since the prize is won in the first starting port 121, a random number value for a special symbol lottery is acquired. The random number value acquired at this time is a value updated by the random number update process of S801. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random value. The random value here includes a big hit random value that determines a big hit, a small hit, or a miss, and a type of symbol (time saving state or time saving no state after the end of the big hit game, high probability state and low probability state, long hit, short). The symbol random value (big hit symbol random value) that determines the hit), the fluctuation pattern random value for specifying the fluctuation pattern in the symbol fluctuation, and the fluctuation pattern (variation time) that can execute the reach effect described later when the value is lost. Includes reach random values, etc. that determine whether or not.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a preliminary determination process (S904). The pre-determination process is a process of determining a random number acquired as a result of winning a prize at the starting port (pre-determination) before the special symbol process in the symbol process (S803).

Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on the determination result (preliminary determination result) of the random number determined by the preliminary determination process, before the determination result by the special symbol process in the symbol process (S803) is notified. It is possible to perform a notice effect that suggests the determination result. This advance notice effect is performed, for example, by using a hold display effect (described later) displayed on the image display unit 114 in response to the generation of a random number acquired as a result of winning a prize at the start port.

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

Next, processing for winning a prize at the second starting port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 9, the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 has been turned on (S908). When the second start port switch 212 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged number of reservations U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (S909). ). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the upper limit is set to four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in S909), the winning of the unvariable portion cannot be held any more, so that the processing for winning at the second starting port 122 is terminated.

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

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

Although not shown, in the low-probability time-saving game state, the pre-determination process (S911) accompanying the winning of the second starting port 122 is controlled to be non-executed (prohibited), and in the high-probability time-saving game state. May perform control not to execute the pre-determination process (S904) accompanying the winning of the first starting port 121.

[Gate switch processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (S1001). When the gate switch 214 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 then determines whether or not the unchanged hold number G is less than the upper limit value (S1002). In the example shown in FIG. 10, the upper limit is set to four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in S1002), the winning of the unvariable portion cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the hold number G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in S1002), the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value for the lottery due to the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (S1003). .. Here, since the prize is won at the gate 124, a random value (such as a winning random value) for a normal symbol lottery is acquired.

Next, the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the hold number G (S1004).
After the value of the hold number G is added in S1004, the game control unit 200 sets the hold number G increase command in the RAM 203 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G by S1004 (S1005). The process for winning a prize at the gate 124 is terminated.

[Special symbol processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing among the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG.
In this special symbol processing, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON in the setting of the flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) (hereinafter, the flag setting). S1101). Here, the jackpot game flag is a flag set to identify whether or not the jackpot game performed according to the result of the special symbol lottery is being executed.

When the jackpot game flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already executing the jackpot game, so that the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in S1101). It should be noted that the execution of the jackpot game can be regarded as the execution of the jackpot game, which is a game related to the determination and fluctuation of the previous special symbol lottery. When the jackpot game flag is OFF (No in S1101), the special symbol variation control unit 233 then determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is undergoing special symbol variation (S1102). When the special symbol is not changing (No in S1102), the special symbol change control unit 233 then performs processing related to the reserved numbers U1 and U2 (see FIG. 9) of the unchanged portion of the special symbol (S1103 to S1106). In the present embodiment, since the number of holds U1 related to the winning of the first starting port 121 and the number of holdings U2 related to the winning of the second starting port 122 are distinguished, this process is also a switch provided at the corresponding starting port. Do it individually for each.

Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether the number of reservations U2 related to the winning of the second starting port 122 is 1 or more (S1103). When the hold number U2 is 1 or more (Yes in S1103), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the hold number U2 (S1104). On the other hand, when the holding number U2 = 0 (No in S1103), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 then determines whether the holding number U1 related to the winning of the first starting port 121 is 1 or more (S1105). When the hold number U1 is 1 or more (Yes in S1105), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the hold number U1 (S1106). On the other hand, when the number of reservations U1 = 0 (No in S1105), it means that there is no prize for starting the lottery of the special symbol, so that the special symbol change is not started and the customer waiting setting process of another routine is performed. Is executed to end the process (S1116).
In this embodiment, the process related to the number of pending U2s related to the winning of the second starting port 122 is prioritized. That is, when the hold number U2 is 1 or more, the process related to the hold number U2 is performed, and when the hold number U2 = 0, the process related to the hold number U1 is performed (see S803 to S806). On the other hand, regardless of which of the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 is won, the control may be such that the reserved numbers U1 and U2 are subtracted in the order of winning.

After subtracting the hold number U1 or the hold number U2 in S1104 or S1106, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1107). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (S1116, see FIG. 15 to be described later).

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

After that, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The change of the special symbol is started (S1110). Then, a variation start command including setting information (big hit symbol, game state, variation 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 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

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

On the other hand, when the fluctuation time has elapsed (Yes in S1112), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 first determines the fluctuation of the special symbol in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 in the jackpot determination process of S1108. It stops at the symbol determined in (S1113). A variable stop command for stopping the decorative symbol described later is set in the RAM 203 (S1114). Then, the stopped processing of another routine is executed (S1115). The details of the stopped processing will be described later. The fluctuation stop command set in S1114 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (S1108 in FIG. 11).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines the jackpot random number value in the special symbol lottery this time (S1201), and determines whether or not it is a jackpot or a small hit (S1202). , S1205). Whether or not a jackpot or a small hit is determined is whether or not the value of the jackpot random number acquired in S903 or S910 in FIG. 9 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the small hit. It is determined by determining whether or not (see FIG. 20 (a)).

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 the jackpot symbol random number value (S1203). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of symbol (big hit in the high-probability time-saving game state, big hit in the low-probability time-saving non-game state, etc.) is determined. Which jackpot will be won is determined by which of the values preset for each symbol type matches the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 9 (FIG. 20 (Fig. 20). b) See).

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

When the result of the random number determination in S1201 is a small hit (No in S1202, Yes in S1205), then the special symbol determination unit 234 uses a symbol indicating that it is a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol) as setting information. It is set in RAM 203 (S1206).

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

[Variation pattern selection processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (S1109 in FIG. 11).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first refers to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a time saving state or a time saving state, and a high probability state or a low probability state). (S1301). Then, using the determination result of S1202 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 12), it is determined whether or not a jackpot has been achieved in this special symbol lottery (S1302). Then, in the case of a big hit (Yes in S1302), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the fluctuation pattern table for the big hit from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1303).

On the other hand, when there is no big hit (No in S1302), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number value for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for the player to expect a big hit. (S1304). Whether or not the reach effect is an executable variation pattern is determined by determining whether or not the value of the reach random number acquired in S903 or S910 in FIG. 9 matches the preset value (FIG. 9). 20 (c)).
As a result of the determination using the random value, when the reach effect is set to the executable variation pattern (variation time) (Yes in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and puts it in the RAM 203. Set (S1306). Further, when the reach effect is not set as an executable variation pattern (variation time) (No in S1305), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for removal from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1307).
Here, the fluctuation pattern table is a plurality of fluctuation patterns (variation time 3 seconds, 7 seconds, 13 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number. It is a table associated with.

Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in S903 or S910 of FIG. 9 and the variation pattern table set in S1303, S1306, and S1307 (S1308). ). That is, the variation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the variation pattern table set in the RAM 203, and selects the variation pattern according to the random number value of the variation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a time-saving state or a time-saving state, and a high-probability state or a low-probability state), and the result of a special symbol lottery (whether or not a big hit is made). , If there is no big hit, whether or not to perform reach effect), etc., the reference variation pattern table is different, so the determined variation pattern is different.

After that, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in S1308 in the RAM 203 as setting information (S1309). The fluctuation pattern setting information set in S1309 is included in the fluctuation start command set in S1111 of FIG. 11, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG. The details of the fluctuation pattern selected in this embodiment and its setting will be described later.

[Processing during stop by the game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stopped processing (S1115 in FIG. 11).
In this stopped processing, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the flag indicating the time saving state (hereinafter referred to as the time saving flag) is turned on in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (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. (S1403). Then, if the number of lottery times J = 0 (Yes in S1403), the time saving flag is turned off (S1404). The operation of turning on the time reduction flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in the game state setting process (FIG. 18) in the large winning opening process (FIG. 17) described later.

When the time saving flag is OFF (No in S1401), after turning off the time saving flag in S1404, or when 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 the flag indicating the high probability state (hereinafter referred to as the high probability flag) is turned on in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (S1405). If both the high-probability flag and the previous time-saving flag are ON, it is in the high-probability time-saving game state, and if the high-probability flag is ON and the time-saving flag is OFF, it is in the high-probability time-saving non-game state. be.

When the high probability 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 has the lottery number X become 0? Check whether or not (S1407). Then, if the number of lottery times X = 0 (Yes in S1407), the high accuracy flag is turned off (S1408). The operation of turning on the high accuracy flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in the game state setting process (FIG. 18) in the large winning opening process (FIG. 17) described later.

When the high accuracy flag is OFF (No in S1405), after the high accuracy flag is turned OFF in S1408, or when the value of the lottery count X after subtraction in S1406 is not 0 (No in S1407), then The game control unit 200 determines whether or not a big hit has been achieved in this special symbol lottery (S1409). Then, in the case of a big hit (Yes in S1409), the game control unit 200 then determines the type of the symbol (S1410). Here, as an example of determining the type of symbol, it is determined whether or not it is a long hit.

Here, the determination of whether or not it is a big hit can be made based on the determination result of the big hit determination process (FIG. 12). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the chart of FIG. 20 (b) described later is set, it is Yes in S1409. If the missing symbol or the small hit symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the jackpot determination process, the result is No in S1409.

For example, when the type of the symbol such as the low probability symbol A is a long hit (Yes in S1410), the game control unit 200 turns on the long hit game flag (S1411). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the big hit game state (long hit game state) in which the type of the symbol is a long hit. It should be noted that here, there is no distinction between a high-probability state and a low-probability state in the long hit. Whether the state becomes a high probability state or a low probability state is specified by turning on the corresponding flag in the game state setting process (FIG. 18) in the large winning opening process (FIG. 17) described later.

For example, when the type of the symbol such as the high probability symbol E is not a long hit (No in S1410), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (S1412). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the big hit game state (short hit game state) in which the type of the symbol is a short hit. As in the case of long hits, short hits do not distinguish between high-probability states and low-probability states.

After turning on the jackpot game flag in S1411 or S1412, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery counts 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 high accuracy flag is ON in S1405 and the lottery number X is not 0 in S1407, the high accuracy flag is turned OFF (S1414).

After initializing the values of the lottery counts 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 and S1412 the winning game flag is turned ON. In other words, the opening operation is set according to the determination result of the special symbol lottery.
After that, the game control unit 200 sets the opening command in the RAM 203 (S1418) for performing the effect in the opening operation according to the jackpot game flag in the effect control unit 300, and ends the stopped processing. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in S1409), then the game control unit 200 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 stopped processing is terminated.
On the other hand, in the case of a small hit (Yes in S1415), the game control unit 200 starts the small hit game (S1416). As a result, the setting of the gaming state of the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state. In the small hit game, as described above, the large winning opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and the game ends after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[Customer waiting setting processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (S1116 in FIG. 11).
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 (S1501). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state.

When the customer waiting flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, so the process ends as it is (Yes in S1501). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF (No in S1501), the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (S1502), and turns on the customer waiting flag (S1503). The customer waiting command set in S1502 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in S806 of FIG. Here, the customer waiting flag is not executing the jackpot game (No in S1101) or changing the special symbol (No in S1102) as described in the customer waiting setting process (S1116) in FIG. Further, it is a flag to be set when there is no hold (No in S1103 and S1105).

[Normal symbol processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing among the symbol processing shown in S803 of FIG.
In this normal symbol processing, the normal symbol fluctuation 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 (S1601). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when a normal symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 19) described later, and it is easy to win a prize in the second starting port 122 (auxiliary game state).

When the auxiliary game flag is ON, the auxiliary game is already in the auxiliary game state and the normal symbol is stopped. Therefore, the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol change (Yes in S1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in S1601), the normal symbol variation control unit 236 then determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal symbol variation (S1602). When the normal symbol is not changing (No in S1602), the normal symbol change control unit 236 then determines whether the reserved number G (see FIG. 10) of the unchanged portion of the normal symbol is 1 or more (S1603). When the number of holds G = 0 (No in S1603), it means that there is no prize for starting the lottery of the normal symbol, so the process ends without starting the change of the normal symbol.

On the other hand, when the hold number G is 1 or more (Yes in S1603), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the hold number G (S1604). Then, the ordinary symbol determination unit 232 determines the winning random number in the ordinary symbol lottery this time, and determines whether or not the ordinary symbol lottery has been won (S1605). Whether or not a winner is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in S1003 of FIG. 10 matches the value set as the winning value in the table or the like shown in FIG. 20 (d) described later. It is determined.

Next, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 sets the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery (S1606). That is, when the normal symbol lottery is won, the symbol representing the winning (hereinafter, the winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as the setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a missed 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 (S1607). This fluctuation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processes of S1404 and S1414 in FIG. 14, and S1804 and S1807 in FIG. 18 described later. That is, when the time saving flag is ON at the time of setting by S1607, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time saving flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Will be done. After this setting, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 starts the normal symbol fluctuation in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIGS. 2A and 3 based on the setting content of S1607 (S1608). It should be noted that the fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol can also 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 the fluctuation pattern random number value of the normal symbol, and in S1607, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 obtains the fluctuation pattern random number value of the normal symbol. By making a determination, the fluctuation time is set.

After starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol in S1608, or when it is determined in S1602 that the normal symbol is changing (Yes in S1602), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed (S1609). ). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the fluctuation of the normal symbol in S1608 has reached the fluctuation time set in S1607. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in S1609), the normal symbol fluctuation is continued, so that the normal symbol processing ends as it is.

On the other hand, when the fluctuation time has elapsed (Yes in S1609), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 236 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 (S1610). Then, the normal symbol variation control unit 236 determines whether or not the determination result of S1605 is a winning (S1611). If it is a win (Yes in S1611), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (S1612). On the other hand, if the lottery is missed (No in S1611), the normal symbol processing is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning opening processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the large winning opening processing in the electric accessory processing shown in S804 of FIG.
In this big prize opening process, the big 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 (S1701). When the jackpot game flag is OFF, there is no prize in the jackpot 125, so the jackpot processing is terminated (No in S1701). On the other hand, when the jackpot game flag is ON (Yes in S1701), the jackpot motion control unit 237 then opens the pachinko gaming machine 100 in the motion control at the time of the jackpot started in the stopped processing (FIG. 14). It is determined whether or not the operation is in progress (S1702).

When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in S1702), the large winning opening operation control unit 237 then determines whether or not the time (opening time) for which the preset opening operation should be performed has elapsed. (S1703). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the large winning opening 125 is continued, so the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1703). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1703), then the large winning opening operation control unit 237 sets the operation of the large winning opening 125 (S1704) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0). (S1705), the value of the number of rounds R of the operation of the large winning opening 125 is added by 1 from the current value (S1706), and the operation of the large winning opening 125 is started (opened) (S1707).

In the operation setting of S1704, the operation pattern of the large winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (the number of operation rounds) to be operated by the operation pattern are set. As an example of the case where the big winning opening 125 operates, there are a case where it is a big hit of a long hit or a short hit and a case where it is a small hit in a special symbol lottery. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are set variously according to the types of these hits. In the jackpot game, it is stipulated that the jackpot 125 is continuously operated a plurality of times (multiple rounds). As an example, in the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and in one round, 29.5 seconds of opening is performed once. In the case of a short hit, for example, it is operated for 2 rounds (2R), and in 1 round, it is opened once for 0.9 seconds. To further explain, it is opened for 0.9 seconds, closed for 1.0 second, and then opened for 0.9 seconds. On the other hand, in the case of a small hit, for example, it is opened for 0.9 seconds, closed for 1.0 second, and then opened for 0.9 seconds. Here, comparing the operation with a short hit and the operation with a small hit in the above example, both of them are opened twice for 0.9 seconds. That is, the operation of the large winning opening 125 seen by the player is the same in the case of the short hit and the case of the small hit, and the short hit and the small hit are distinguished only from the operation of the large winning opening 125 on the game board 110. You can't.

In the case of a small hit, it is stipulated by law that the cumulative opening time of the large 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 big winning opening 125 must be opened a plurality of times in succession by the number of rounds R of the big hit game. Therefore, when it is difficult to visually distinguish between the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, in the case of a small hit, the cumulative opening time in one operation is within 1.8 seconds. An operation mode in which the large winning opening 125 is opened twice or more is set, and in the short hit, the number of rounds equal to the number of times the small hit is opened is set.

Next, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in S1704 has elapsed (S1708). If the open state of the large winning opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in S1708), then in the large winning opening operation control unit 237, the number of winnings C to the large winning opening 125 is a specified number (for example, 9). (S) It is determined whether or not it is more than or equal to (S1709). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number of winnings C is less than the specified number, the operating state (opening state) of the large winning opening 125 is continued, so that the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1709). ). On the other hand, when the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1708) or when the winning number C reaches the specified number (Yes in S1709), the large winning opening operation control unit 237 ends the operation of the large winning opening 125 (closed). (S1710).

Next, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the number of operating rounds R of the large winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in S1704 (S1711). Then, if the maximum value is not reached, the remaining operations are performed, so that the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1711).

When the number of rounds R of the operation of the large winning opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in S1711), the large winning opening operation control unit 237 then starts the ending operation (S1712). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the jackpot game flag among the ending operations set in each of the long-hit game and the short-hit game.
After that, the big winning opening operation control unit 237 sets the ending command in the RAM 203 for performing the production in the ending operation according to the big hit game flag in the effect control unit 300 (S1713). This ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in S806 of FIG.

Next, the large winning opening operation control unit 237 resets the number of rounds R of the operation of the large winning opening 125 to 0 (S1714), and then performs an ending operation in which the elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is preset. It is determined whether or not the power time (ending time) has passed (S1717). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, so the large winning opening process is terminated (No in S1717). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1717), then the big winning opening operation control unit 237 turns off the big hit game flag after passing through the game state setting process by the game control unit 200 (S1718). The large winning opening process is completed (S1719). The content of the game state setting process will be described later.

When it is determined in S1702 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not in the opening (No in S1702), then the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the ending is in progress (S1715). Then, if the ending is in progress (Yes in S1715), the operations after S1717 are executed.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not in the ending (No in S1715), then the large winning opening operation control unit 237 determines whether or not the large winning opening 125 is operating (opening) (S1716). Then, if it is not in operation (No in S1716), the operation after S1705 is executed, and if it is in operation (Yes in S1716), the operation after S1708 is executed.
It should be noted that 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 between the short hit and the small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 18 shows the contents of the game state setting process (S1718) by the game control unit 200, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in S1717).
When the game state setting process is performed, the jackpot game flag is ON in S1701 of FIG. 17 as a premise. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of the symbol (S1801, S1802, S1803, S1806). These determinations can be made, for example, based on the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 12). Since these judgments are substantially the same as those of S1202, S1203, and S1205 in the jackpot judgment processing (FIG. 12), the judgment results of S1202, S1203, and S1205 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in S1801), the game state is not changed, so the game state setting process is terminated.
When the type of the symbol is a big hit in a low-probability time-saving game state (No in S1801, Yes in S1802, Yes in S1803), the game control unit 200 turns on the time-saving flag (S1804). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the low-probability time-saving game state. Further, the game control unit 200 sets the 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 which the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order is performed 100 times in succession in the low-probability time-saving game state, the low-probability time-saving game state ends and the low-probability time-saving non-game state is established.

On the other hand, when the type of the symbol is a big hit in a low-probability time-saving non-game state (No in S1801, Yes in 1802, No in S1803), the game control unit 200 performs processing without turning on both the time-saving flag and the high-accuracy flag. finish. Therefore, the setting of the gaming state of the RAM 203 for the gaming after this jackpot is a low-probability time-saving non-gaming state.

When the type of the symbol is a big hit 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). In this case, the initial value of the lottery number J is 10,000 times in the illustrated example. Further, the game control unit 200 turns on the high accuracy flag (S1809) and sets the initial value of the lottery number X (S1810). The initial value of the lottery number X is 10,000 times in the illustrated example. As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to the high-probability time-saving game state. Then, if the lottery in which the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order is continuously performed 10,000 times in this high-probability time-saving game state, the high-probability time-saving game state ends and the low-probability time-saving non-game state is established.

On the other hand, when the type of the symbol is a big hit in a high-probability time-saving non-game state (No in S1801, S1802, S1806), the game control unit 200 turns on only the high probability flag (S1809), and the initial value of the number of lottery times X. (10000 times) is set (S1810). As a result, the setting of the gaming state of the RAM 203 becomes a high-probability time-saving non-gaming state. Then, if the lottery in which the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order is performed 10,000 times in succession in this high-probability time-saving no-game state, the high-probability time-saving no-game state ends and the low-probability time-saving no-game state is established. Become.

[Electric tulip processing by the game control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip processing among the electric accessory processing shown in S804 of FIG.
In the electric tulip processing, the electric tulip motion 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 (S1901). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not opened, so the electric tulip processing is terminated (No in S1901). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in S1901), the electric tulip motion control unit 238 then determines whether or not the electric tulip 123 is operating (S1902).

When the electric tulip 123 is not operating (No in S1902), the electric tulip operation control unit 238 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (S1903), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern (S1904). .. Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of S1404, S1414 in FIG. 14, S1804, S1807 in FIG. 18, and the like. For example, if the time saving flag is OFF at the time of setting by S1903, an operation pattern that opens once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds is set, and if the time saving flag is ON, the opening time is 1.80 seconds. An operation pattern that opens three times in time is set. In this way, normally, when the time saving flag is ON (when the time saving state is in the state), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and it becomes easy to win a prize in the second starting port 122 (electric chew support). Is done. It should be noted that a plurality of operation patterns (types of auxiliary games) of the electric tulip 123 when the time reduction flag is ON or OFF are prepared, and the operation is performed according to the type of hit determined by the normal symbol processing (see FIG. 16). It may be configured to set a pattern.

When it is determined in S1902 that the electric tulip 123 is operating (Yes in S1902), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in S1904, the electric tulip operation control unit 238 elapses the opening time in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S1905). 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 is terminated (No in S1905). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in S1905), the electric tulip motion control unit 238 turns off the auxiliary game flag and ends the electric tulip processing (S1906).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a random number determination method, which is performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 12), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 13), the normal symbol process (FIG. 16), and the like, will be described in detail.
FIG. 20 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.
FIG. 20 (a) shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number used in a special symbol lottery, FIG. 20 (b) shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number used in a special symbol lottery, and FIG. 20 (c) shows a special symbol lottery. An example of the structure of the reach random number used and an example of the structure of the winning random number used in the ordinary symbol lottery are shown in FIG. 20 (d).

Referring to FIG. 20A, as the determination value of the jackpot random number, the jackpot when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at the time of jackpot determination is in the low probability state and the jackpot when the gaming state at the time of jackpot determination is in the high probability state. Two types of and a small hit are set. The range of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) in a low probability state, only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. Further, in the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the illustrated example, when the starting ports 121 and 122 are won in a high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times higher than in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, the winning value of the small hit is set to three regardless of whether it is in the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).
Here, to explain by taking a special symbol lottery in a low probability state as an example, the jackpot random number values (see S903 and S910) acquired by winning a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 are shown in FIG. 20. It is determined whether or not the value matches "5", which is the winning value of the big hit lottery in the low probability state in (a). Although detailed description is omitted, the same applies to the special symbol lottery in a high probability state and the special symbol lottery for small hits.

Referring to FIG. 20B, the jackpot symbols include low-probability symbol A, low-probability symbol B, high-probability symbol A, high-probability symbol B, high-probability symbol C, high-probability symbol D, high-probability symbol E, and latent. Eight types of probabilistic patterns are available. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols indicating that they are jackpots in a low-probability state, and among them, the low-probability symbol A is a jackpot in a long hit (8 rounds) and a low-probability short-time gaming state. Show that there is. The low-probability symbol B indicates a long hit (4 rounds) and a big hit in a low-probability short-time gaming state. The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B indicate that they are long hits (15 rounds) and big hits in a high-probability time-saving gaming state. The high-probability symbol C and the high-probability symbol D indicate that they are long hits (8 rounds) and big hits in a high-probability time-saving gaming state. The high-probability symbol E indicates a short hit (2 rounds) and a high-probability short-time non-game state jackpot. The latent probability symbol is a symbol indicating that it is a short hit (2 rounds) and a big hit in a high-probability short-time non-game state. Therefore, the high-probability symbol E 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 effect that does not clearly notify the player that the high-probability symbol is in the high-probability state. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high-probability symbol E. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. Further, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122, which trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the low-probability symbol A, 35 values are assigned as winning values to both the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122. Therefore, if the jackpot is won, the probability of winning the low probability symbol A is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the low-probability symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values to both the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122. Therefore, if the jackpot is won, the probability of winning the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the high-probability symbol A, 20 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol A is 20/250 (= 2/25).
On the other hand, 150 values are assigned as winning values when a prize is won in the second starting port 122. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol A is 150/250 (= 15/25).

In the high-probability symbol B, five values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol B is 5/250 (= 1/50).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when a prize is won in the second starting port 122. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol B is 25/250 (= 1/10).

In the high-probability symbol C, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol C is 25/250 (= 1/10).
On the other hand, 10 values are assigned as winning values when a prize is won in the second starting port 122. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol B is 10/250 (= 1/25).

In the high-probability symbol D, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol D is 25/250 (= 1/10).
On the other hand, 10 values are assigned as winning values when a prize is won in the second starting port 122. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol D is 10/250 (= 1/25).

In the high-probability symbol E, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol E is 25/250 (= 1/10).
On the other hand, five values are assigned as winning values when a prize is won in the second starting port 122. Therefore, if a big hit is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the high probability symbol E is 5/250 (= 1/50).

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

Here, to explain using the low-probability symbol A as an example, the jackpot symbol random value (see S903 and S910) acquired by winning a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 is shown in FIG. 20 (b). ), It is determined whether or not it matches the winning value of the low probability symbol A, "0 to 34". Although detailed description is omitted, the same applies to special symbol lottery such as low-probability symbol B.

As described above, by making the winning probability of the type of the symbol different between the case where the first starting port 121 is won and the case where the second starting opening 122 is won, various playability can be provided. In addition, the arrangement of the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 on the game board 110 is devised so that it becomes easier to aim at either the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 in a specific state (mode). It is also possible to encourage the player to participate in a more active game by configuring the above.

Next, the determination of the reach random number will be described. The distribution of reach random numbers is set according to the number of holdings as described later. Here, as an example, a reach random number when the number of pending numbers is 0 will be described.
With reference to FIG. 20 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and the variation pattern (variation time) in which the reach effect can be executed is set (for example, 13.5 seconds or more). Twenty-two random number values are assigned to (with reach), and 228 random number values are assigned to the lottery result (without reach) in which the reach effect is not a feasible variation pattern (for example, less than 13.5 seconds). That is, in the illustrated example, if a big hit is not made in the special symbol lottery, the reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125). Here, the reach effect is an effect performed on the image display unit 114 when the special symbol changes. Hereinafter, the effect at the time of special symbol change that does not have the reach effect as a feasible variation pattern is referred to as the effect without reach, and the effect at the time of the special symbol change that the reach effect is the feasible variation pattern corresponding to this is referred to as the effect with reach. Called.

Here, to explain with reach as an example, the reach random value (see S903 and S910) acquired by winning a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 is the reach in FIG. 20 (c). It is determined whether or not it matches the winning value of "0 to 21". Although detailed explanation is omitted, the same applies to the special symbol lottery without reach.

In many cases, when the special symbol changes, it is linked to the display control of the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (hereinafter, when these are not distinguished, they are referred to as special symbol indicators 221 and 222). , The image display unit 114 performs an effect using a decorative pattern. The decorative design is composed, for example, by displaying three rows of symbols consisting of a number sequence in which the numbers 1 to 8 are continuously written in the vertical direction. Further, the decorative pattern is displayed in any of a plurality of colors such as blue, green, and red. Details will be described later, but for example, the number part 411 (FIG. 49 described later) in each decorative pattern is displayed in blue, green, or red. Then, at the same time that the variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display units 221 and 222 is started, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 starts scrolling. Further, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the special symbol (the start of scrolling of the decorative symbol), the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and at the same time, the decorative symbol is also fixedly stopped. Generally, when the judgment result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, three identical numbers are lined up in a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally in the stop display of the decorative symbol. The effect using the decorative symbol performed along with the variable display of this special symbol is called a variable effect.

In the effect with reach, for example, the following operations are performed with respect to the decorative pattern as the variable effect. First, one of the two symbols (sequential sequence) is temporarily stopped before the decorative symbol that scrolls in the vertical (horizontal) direction is fixedly stopped. At this time, the same numbers are temporarily stopped on a straight line extending horizontally (vertically) or diagonally. Further explaining, if the decorative pattern is scrolled in the vertical direction, the same numbers are temporarily stopped in one row in the horizontal direction.
Next, the last row gradually slows down the scroll speed, giving the player the expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on a straight line. Then, after the last row is temporarily stopped, the three symbols are fixedly stopped.
Here, in the effect with reach, the SP reach effect or the SP / SP reach effect may be performed before the three symbols are fixedly stopped. The SP reach production is generally called super reach or special reach, and is a production that expects a big hit rather than a reach, and is a production of moving images in which various characters appear and the story unfolds. .. In addition, SP / SP reach is generally called super super reach or special special reach, and it is a production that expects a bigger hit than SP reach, and it is a moving image in which various characters appear and the story unfolds. It is a production of.
Further, as shown in FIG. 21 described later, in the present embodiment, when the fluctuation time is longer (for example, 90 seconds or 60 seconds), the SP reach or the SP / SP reach effect is set to be executed. .. It should be noted that the above-mentioned variable effect performed together with the effect with reach is also referred to as a variable effect during reach.
On the other hand, in the non-reach effect, by the time the decorative pattern scrolling in the vertical (horizontal) direction is fixed and stopped, the effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, such as the effect with reach, is suppressed, and the horizontal (vertical) or diagonal direction is suppressed. The symbol is fixed and stopped when the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.

In this way, when the result of the determination of the jackpot random number is wrong, the reach random number can be the reach effect or the reach effect can be executed by the image display unit 114 as a variable pattern in which the reach effect can be executed. It is a random number for determining whether to perform a non-reach effect that does not have a fluctuation pattern. In addition, by changing the execution ratio of the effect with reach according to the number of reservations, the player can be given an appropriate sense of expectation while enabling efficient game progress.
In addition, if the jackpot is won, the effect with reach will be performed, and finally the decorative pattern will be fixedly stopped with the same numbers aligned on a straight line extending horizontally (vertically) or diagonally. Can be done. On the other hand, in the case of winning a small hit or losing, the decorative symbol is fixedly stopped in the state where the same numbers are not aligned on the above straight line.

Next, the determination of the winning random number used in the ordinary symbol lottery will be described.
With reference to FIG. 20 (d), the range of random number values is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time saving flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time saving flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the state of no time saving, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed in the time saving state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

Here, to explain by taking the time saving flag OFF as an example, the winning random number value (see S1003) acquired when the game ball of the gate 124, the first starting port 121, or the second starting port 122 passes through is shown in FIG. 20 (see S1003). It is determined whether or not it matches with "0" which is the winning value of the time saving flag OFF in d). Although detailed explanation is omitted, the same applies to the ordinary symbol lottery with the reduced working hours flag ON.

Further, although not particularly shown, it is possible to set a plurality of hits having different contents (opening pattern of the electric tulip 123) of the auxiliary game to be performed when it is determined to be a hit in the ordinary symbol lottery. In this case, for example, a winning symbol random number for specifying the winning type in the normal symbol lottery is set as in the jackpot symbol random number (see FIG. 20B) for specifying the symbol type in the special symbol lottery. Then, the game control unit 200 acquires the random number value of the winning symbol random number together with the random number value of the winning random number by the gate switch process (see FIG. 10) by the random number acquisition unit 231 and is acquired by the normal symbol determination unit 232. Identify the type of hit based on the random number value.
The range of random numbers, the ratio of winning values, and the values of winning values shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 20 are merely examples, and are not limited to the values shown in the drawings.

[Example of setting fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting the fluctuation pattern and the table used in the fluctuation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 13 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 13 and a setting example of a table. Note that FIG. 21 shows a setting example of a low-probability time-saving non-game state. Although not shown, a table for setting the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process is individually provided for other gaming states such as the high-probability time-saving gaming state.
Further, FIG. 21 shows a setting example when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting opening 121. When the game ball wins in the second starting port 122, a table for setting the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process may be individually provided, or the game ball wins in the first starting port 121. The table to be referred to in some cases may be shared and referenced.

As shown in FIG. 21, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (Yes in S1302 of FIG. 13), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines the fluctuation pattern based on the jackpot symbol and the fluctuation pattern random number. .. Specifically, in the special symbol variation control unit 233, the variation pattern random number value (see S903) acquired together with the jackpot random number value by the random number acquisition unit 231 matches any of the variation pattern random number values assigned to each jackpot symbol. The fluctuation pattern is determined based on whether or not it is done. For example, when the jackpot symbol is "high probability symbol A" and the variation pattern random number is "51", it matches the variation pattern random number range "50 to 69" assigned to "high probability symbol A" in FIG. 21. Therefore, "PB3" is selected as the fluctuation pattern. The special symbol fluctuation time in this "PB3" is "90.18 seconds".

Further, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is wrong (No in S1302 of FIG. 13), the special symbol variation control unit 233 is based on the hold number U1 of the first special symbol lottery, the reach random number, and the variation pattern random number. To determine the fluctuation pattern. Specifically, when the reserved number U1 of the first special symbol lottery is "0", the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 has a reach random number value (see S903) acquired by the random number acquisition unit 231 together with the jackpot random number value. , It is determined whether it is allocated to the reach random number range "0 to 21" or the reach random number range "22 to 249" allocated to the hold number "0" of "missing" in FIG. 21. When the acquired reach random number is included in the reach random number range "0 to 21", the variation pattern random number value (see S903) acquired together with the jackpot random number value by the random number acquisition unit 231 is the reach random number range "0 to 21". 21 ”Variation pattern The variation pattern is determined based on which of the random number values is matched. For example, when the fluctuation pattern random number is "51", it matches the fluctuation pattern random number range "50 to 89", so "PR4" is selected as the fluctuation pattern.

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

[Structure of RAM of game control unit and RAM of effect control unit for performing advance notice effect based on prior determination]
Subsequently, the configuration of the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 and the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment for executing the advance notice effect based on the prior determination will be described.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. 22 (a) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the storage area 204, and FIG. 22 (b) is a block diagram showing the configuration of each of the storage units shown in FIG. 22 (a).

As shown in FIG. 22A, the RAM 203 includes a storage area 204 as a special symbol hold storage area for storing the jackpot random numbers acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. The storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum number of holdings of the first starting port 121 and the number of holdings of the second starting port 122 (when the upper limit of each holding number is 4). .. Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204b, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage unit. It has a unit 204g and an eighth storage unit 204h.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22B, each of these storage units 204a to 204h is an area in which information indicating the distinction between the winning start ports (first start port 121 or second start port 122) is stored. It has an area where the acquired jackpot random number is stored, an area where the symbol random number is stored, an area where the reach random number is stored, and an area where the fluctuation pattern random number is stored. That is, a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are stored in each of the storage units 204a to 204h.

Here, each random number is stored in order from the first storage unit 204a. More specifically, for example, when no random number is stored in any of the first storage unit 204a to the eighth storage unit 204h, the acquired random number is stored in the first storage unit 204a. Further, for example, when a random number is 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. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23A is a block diagram showing the configurations of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306, and FIG. 23B is a block diagram showing the configurations of the storage units shown in FIG. 23A.
As shown in FIG. 23 (a), the RAM 303 includes a first hold storage area 305 and a second hold storage area 306 as hold status storage areas for storing the situation in which the hold ball is held. The first reserved storage area 305 and the second reserved storage area 306 correspond to a hold for winning a prize in the first starting port 121 and a holding for winning a prize in the second starting port 122, respectively, and each has four storage units. 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. Further, 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. 23B, each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d has a hold flag storage area for turning on / off the hold flag and a notification flag storage for turning on / off the notification flag. Has an area and. The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of the 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 the first starting port 121 is 3, the holding flag is 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 perform the advance notice effect for each reserved ball 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 perform the advance notice effect based on the preliminary determination result according to the game state and the state of the effect. Therefore, the notification flag is turned ON when the advance notice effect is performed, and the notification flag is turned OFF when the advance notice effect is not performed. The details will be described later, but as a result of the pre-determination effect selection process (S2703), for example, when the advance notice effect is performed on the third reserved ball among the above three reserved balls, the third memory that is the target of the pre-determination In the notification flag storage area of unit 305c, the notification flag is turned ON.

Further, although not particularly shown, apart from the configuration shown in FIG. 22 (a), the RAM 203 has an area in which the pre-determination information is stored (hereinafter referred to as a pre-determination information storage area). The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process (see S904 and S911 in FIG. 9) based on each of the above random numbers. The content of the pre-judgment information is the same as the information obtained as various judgment results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 11). Specifically, whether or not a big hit (and whether or not a small hit) and a big hit If this is the case, it is information for indicating that the type of the symbol, the fluctuation pattern (variation time) is the length at which the reach effect can be executed, or the content of the fluctuation pattern. The pre-judgment information stored in the pre-judgment information storage area is unique to the information regarding the hold corresponding to the winning ball (holding ball) for which the pre-judgment processing has been performed (hereinafter referred to as hold information) or separately from this hold information. At the timing, it is included in the pre-determination result command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Next, the preliminary determination process (see S904 and S911 in FIG. 9) will be described in detail.
In the pre-determination process in the present embodiment, by executing the same determination as the special symbol process (see FIG. 11), whether or not the special symbol process determines a jackpot, in other words, the variation determines a jackpot. Judge whether or not. Specifically, the game control unit 200 makes a preliminary determination as follows using a random number table similar to the random number configuration example described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the preliminary determination process (S904, S911 in FIG. 9) according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 24, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game state is a high-probability state (S2401), and if it determines that the game state is a high-probability state (Yes in S2401), the game control unit 200 is for the high-probability state. A table is selected and the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number are pre-determined (S2402). On the other hand, when it is determined as No in S2401, the table for the low probability state is selected, and the jackpot random number and the jackpot symbol random number are pre-determined (S2403).

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

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

Here, the above-mentioned pre-determination includes a random number value (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 9) acquired according to the winning of the game ball to the starting ports 121 and 122, and a determination table used in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 20). This was done using a judgment table having the same configuration as (see). 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. 12). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the subroutine of the jackpot determination process (see S1108 and FIG. 12 in FIG. 11) used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 11) is called to determine the random number in the above-mentioned 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 separately from the jackpot determination process in order to determine the random number in the pre-determination process. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of control instructions and suppress an increase in the size of the program related to the jackpot determination process and the pre-determination process. Further, as described above, when the determination table used for the pre-judgment has the same configuration as the determination table used for the jackpot determination, the determination table used for the jackpot determination may also be used for the pre-determination.

Further, although only the preliminary determination (whether or not it is a big hit) regarding the special symbol lottery has been described here, in the present embodiment, the pre-reading (preliminary determination) is also performed for the fluctuation pattern in the special symbol lottery. For the selection of the variation pattern in the special symbol lottery, the random value for the variation pattern selection (see S903 and S910 in FIG. 9) and the variation pattern table (see FIG. 21) acquired according to the winning of the game ball to the starting ports 121 and 122. (See) and (see S1109 and FIG. 13 in FIG. 11). Therefore, even in the look-ahead of the fluctuation pattern, the random value for selecting the fluctuation pattern acquired at the time of winning and the look-ahead table having the same configuration as the fluctuation pattern table used in the fluctuation pattern selection processing of the special symbol processing are used for selection. Fluctuation patterns can be pre-read.

In this case, in order to pre-read the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process, the subroutine of the variation pattern selection process used in the special symbol process (see FIG. 11) (see S1109 and FIG. 13 in FIG. 11) is called and used. be able to. Further, as for the look-ahead table used for the look-ahead of the variation pattern selection, the variation pattern table used in the variation pattern selection process of the special symbol processing may be used. With this configuration, the number of control instructions related to look-ahead of variation pattern selection can be reduced, and an increase in the size of the program can be suppressed.

If the pre-judgment process and the jackpot judgment process at the time of special symbol change are performed by the same subroutine using the same judgment table group, the execution time of each process is different, so that the pre-judgment result and the special symbol change time. The judgment result by the jackpot judgment processing may be different. That is, after the execution of the pre-determination process, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (whether it is a high-probability state or a low-probability state, a time-saving state or a time-saving non-state) has changed by the start of the special symbol change. In this case, since different types of determination tables are used depending on the game state, the specific determination table used for determination differs between the execution of the pre-determination process and the execution of the jackpot determination process. .. Therefore, even if the same random number value acquired at the time of winning the starting ports 121 and 122 is used, the preliminary determination result and the determination result of the jackpot determination process may differ. In such a case, if the game state changes by the start of the special symbol change after the pre-determination process is executed in the effect control unit 300, the effect based on the pre-determination result is not executed (prohibited) control or the like. You may do.

[Command configuration and transmission method]
Here, the configuration and transmission method of commands (commands for effect control and commands for setting) output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 25-1 is a diagram showing a command structure. FIG. 25-1 (a) shows the data structure of the command, and FIG. 25-1 (b) shows the structure as a bit string of the command.

As shown in FIG. 25-1 (a), one command is composed of two bytes in the command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. This command is composed of a 1-byte "code" as a first data unit and a 1-byte "data" as a second data unit. "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 one serial signal and using the pace synchronization. More generally, the "code" which is the first data part is the size of a bit (a is an integer of 2 or more), and the value of the first 1 bit is specified as either 1 or 0. , The "data" which is the second data part has a size of n × a bit (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the value of the first 1 bit is different from the value of the first 1 bit of the first data part. Specified in value.

In order to use pacing synchronization, a 1-bit start bit (bit marked "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. Bit end bits (bits marked with "E" in the figure) are provided. Further, each of the "code" and the "data" constituting the command is provided with a 1-bit parity bit (a bit described as "P" in the figure).

As shown in FIG. 25-1 (a), both the "code" and the "data" constituting 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 the command, it is not easy to identify whether the received data string is the "code" or the "data" of the command from the outer shape of the data string. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flag for identifying the "code" and the "data" is set. Specifically, the value of the specific part of the 8-bit value constituting the "code" and the value of the part corresponding to the specific part of the "code" among the 8-bit values constituting the "data" are made different. ..

In the example shown in FIG. 25-1 (b), the first bit of each of the "code" and the "data" is used as a flag. That is, in the 8-bit value constituting the "code", the value of the first 1 bit is set to "1", and in the 8-bit value constituting the "data", the value of the first 1 bit is set to "0". .. As a result, the effect control unit 300 can identify whether the data string is "code" or "data" by examining the value of the first bit following the start bit of the received data string. Note that the specific value of the flag is merely an example, and a value different from the value shown above may be used as long as the "code" and the "data" can be distinguished.

Here, since the value of the first bit of the "code" is specified as "1", the range of values that the "code" can take is 128 from 10000000B (= 80H) to 11111111B (= FFH). Is. The character "B" attached to each value indicates that it is in binary notation, and the character "H" indicates that it is in hexadecimal notation. Further, since the value of the first bit of "data" is specified as "0", the range of values that "data" can take is 128 from 00000000000B (= 00H) to 01111111B (= 7FH). be. That is, according to the configurations shown in FIGS. 25-1 (a) and 25-1 (b), 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 for effect control are prepared. In particular, the above 128 "data", which are values indicating the specific contents of the command, may be insufficient. On the other hand, the number of "codes" indicating the types of commands 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 the case where the last bit of the "code" is used to describe the value of the "data". Hereinafter, each bit in the 8-bit bit string constituting the "code" and "data" is referred to as a first bit to an eighth bit. In addition, the value of "code" that actually indicates the type of command is called "code value" separately from the bit string that constitutes "code", and the value of the command is actually set separately from the bit string that constitutes "data". The value of the indicated "data" is called a "data value". Then, the code value is described by using the 1st bit to the 7th bit of the bit string of the "code", and the data value is the entire bit string of the "data" (from the 1st bit to the 8th bit). , 8th bit of "code".

With this configuration, the possible range of the code value is that the value of the first bit is specified as "1" and the size is 7 bits as a whole, so that the range is from 1000000B (= 40H) to 11111111B (= 7FH). ) Up to 64. In addition, the range of data values that can be taken is 128, in which the value of the first bit is represented by 8 bits of "data" specified as "0", and the values of the 8th bit of "code" are "0" and ". In total, there are 256 pieces. Therefore, it is possible to set a command having 256 kinds of values as data values.

It should be noted that the above configuration in the case of describing the data value using a part of the "code" is merely an example, and the specific number of bits and the value are not limited to the above configuration example. For example, the 7th and 8th bits of the "code" may be used to describe the data value. More generally, a predetermined type of data (data value) is used by using a predetermined bit constituting the "code" which is the first data unit and a bit constituting the "data" which is the second data unit. Is recorded. Then, data (code value) of another type different from the data (data value) of the predetermined type is recorded by using the remaining bits other than the above-mentioned predetermined bit in the "code" which is the first data unit. To. In other words, the a bit that constitutes the "data" that is the second data part and the b bit that constitutes the "code" that is the first data part (b is smaller than a-1 and is an integer of 1 or more). It is used to record data values of the size of the (a + b) bits.

Further, as a means for increasing the number of data values that can be handled, it is conceivable to increase the bit string of "data" that describes the data values. For example, it is conceivable to prepare "first data" and "second data" as bit strings describing data values. In this case, if each bit string is 8 bits, the data value can be described by a 16-bit bit string in total. If the second bit of the 8-bit bit string is used as a flag in order to distinguish between the "first data" and the "second data", for example, the first bit and the second bit of the "first data" 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 of "0" as a flag for identifying the "code". That is, the "data" which is the second data part is every 8 bits (more generally) which is the size of the bit strings ("first data", "second data", ...) Representing individual data values. , For each a bit above), the same value as the value of the first 1 bit is set.

With this configuration, the range of possible values for the "first data" is 64 from 0000000000B (= 00H) to 001111111B (= 3FH), and the range of possible values for the "second data" is. Since there are 64 pieces from 01000000B (= 40H) to 01111111B (= 7FH), the total number is 4096 (= 64 × 64). Here, the first bit is used as a flag for distinguishing the "code" and the "data" ("first data" and "second data"), and the "first data" and "second data" are used. Although it was decided to use the second bit as a flag for identifying the above, a flag for identifying four types of bit strings may be set by using the first and second bits. For example, the "code" may have the values of the first and second bits "11B", and the "data" may have the values of the first and second bits "00B", "01B", and "10B". Conceivable.

[Configuration example for command output in RAM of game control unit]
FIG. 25-2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a command storage area in the RAM 203.
As shown in FIG. 25-2, 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. 8 are assigned. .. In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, 31 command storage areas from the area 01 to the area 031 are set in the RAM 203. Here, the allocation of commands to each command storage area does not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence. For example, multiple commands that are not generated at the same time can be assigned to the same command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, a plurality of commands are assigned to the area 01, the area 09, the area 012, the area 019, the area 020, the area 021, the area 022, the area 023, and the area 030, and other commands. One command is assigned to each storage area.

In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, a command related to power-on is assigned to the area 01. The command related to the power-on includes a command for controlling the power-on when the RAM is cleared and a command for controlling the power-on at the time of recovery. Since these commands are generated in different scenes, they are not generated at the same time, and all of them are assigned to the area 01.

Areas 02 to 04 are assigned three commands (described as "starting port 1 winning" in the figure) relating to winning the first starting port 121. One of the commands relating to the winning of the first starting port 121 is a command indicating the judgment (look-ahead) result in the preliminary judgment (see S904 of FIG. 9) based on the winning of the first starting port 121 (in the figure, "Special Figure 1". It is described as "design look-ahead") and is assigned to the area 02. The other one is a command (described as "Special Figure 1 fluctuation pattern look-ahead" in the figure) indicating the look-ahead (pre-judgment) result of the fluctuation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the area 03. Yet another is a command indicating that the number of holdings of the special symbol lottery has been updated (here, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning of the first starting port 121 ("Special figure 1 holding (+1)" in the figure. It is described as), and it is assigned to the area 04.

Areas 05 to 07 are assigned three commands (described as "starting port 2 winning" in the figure) relating to winning the second starting port 122. One of the commands related to winning the second starting port 122 is a command indicating the judgment result in the preliminary judgment (see S911 in FIG. 9) based on the winning in the second starting port 122 (“Special figure 2 symbol look-ahead” in the figure). It is described as), and it is assigned to the area 05. The other is a command (described as "Special Figure 2 variation pattern look-ahead" in the figure) that indicates the look-ahead result of the variation pattern specified together with the determination result, and is assigned to the area 06. Yet another is a command indicating that the number of holdings of the special symbol lottery has been updated (here, the value is increased by 1) based on the winning of the second starting port 122 ("Special figure 2 holding (+1)" in the figure. It is described as), and it is allocated to the area 07.

In areas 08 to 010, there are five commands related to the normal symbol lottery (in the figure, "Public map hold", "Public map type", "Public map confirmation", "Public map open / close", and "Public map hold", respectively. Described) is assigned. Among the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, one of the "normal symbol hold" commands indicates that the number of hold of the normal symbol lottery has been updated (here, the value is increased by 1) based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124. It is a command (described as "Public map hold (+1)" in the figure) and is assigned to the area 08. The "normal symbol type" command is a command indicating that the normal symbol representing the determination result is specified in the normal symbol lottery and the variable display of the normal symbol display 223 is started (indicated as "normal symbol fluctuation start" in the figure). And is allocated to area 09. The "normal symbol confirmation" command is a command indicating that the normal symbol display 223 is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol lottery and the normal symbol representing the determination result of the normal symbol lottery is confirmed (in the figure, "normal symbol confirmation"). Described), and is allocated to the area 09. The "Open / Closed Principle" command is a command (indicated as "Open / Closed Principle" in the figure) indicating that the electric tulip 123, which is an ordinary electric accessory, is operated (auxiliary game) based on the judgment result of the ordinary symbol lottery. Yes, it is allocated in area 09. The other one of the "Public map hold" commands is a command indicating that the number of holds has been updated (here, the value has been decremented by 1) due to the processing of the normal symbol lottery (in the figure, "Public map hold (-)". 1) ”), and it is allocated to the area 010.

Here, in the process of the normal symbol lottery, the fluctuation 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 variation display of the normal symbol based on the passage of another game ball through the gate 124 is not started (see FIG. 16). Therefore, none of the above-mentioned three types of commands, "Public map type", "Public map confirmation", and "Public map opening / closing", are generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 25-2, these three types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 09).

Nine commands related to the special symbol lottery (indicated as "special figure fluctuation" and "special figure special electric" in the figure) are assigned to the areas 011 to 014. Among the commands related to the special symbol lottery, one of the "special symbol fluctuation" commands is a command indicating the current gaming state (high probability state or low probability state, time saving state or time saving no state) of the pachinko gaming machine 100 (high probability state or low probability state, time saving state or time saving no state). In the figure, it is described as "gaming state") and is assigned to the area 011. The other one of the "special symbol fluctuation" commands is to specify a special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery in the special symbol lottery, and to display the fluctuation of the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. Is a command (described as "special map designation" in the figure) indicating that the above is started, and is assigned to the area 012. Yet another one of the "special symbol variation" commands is a command (described as "variation pattern" in the figure) for specifying the variation pattern of the special symbol variation performed in the special symbol lottery, and is assigned to the area 013. Yet another one of the "special figure fluctuation" commands is a command indicating that the number of holds has been updated (here, the value has been decremented by 1) due to the processing of the special symbol lottery (in the figure, "special figure hold (in the figure)". -1) ”), and it is assigned to the area 014.

On the other hand, one of the "special figure special electric" commands is a command indicating that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state (described as "customer waiting" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 012. The other one of the "special electric special electric" commands is a command (in the figure, "special electric power") indicating that the special electric accessory, the large winning opening 125, is operated (special game, big hit game) based on the judgment result of the special symbol lottery. It is described as "open") and is allocated to the area 012. Yet another one of the "special figure special electric" commands is a command (described as "big hit OP" in the figure) indicating that the opening operation of the jackpot game has started, and is assigned to the area 012. Yet another one of the "special figure special electric" commands is a command (described as "big hit ED" in the figure) indicating that the ending operation of the jackpot game has started, and is assigned to the area 012. Yet another one of the "special symbol special electric" commands is that the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are stopped and displayed, and the special symbol representing the judgment result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed. It is a command (described as "special figure confirmation" in the figure) and is assigned to the area 012.

Here, in the processing of the special symbol lottery, the variable display of the special symbol, the stop display of the special symbol, and the operation of the large 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 another game ball is not started (see FIG. 11). Further, in the big hit game, the opening operation, the operation of the big winning opening 125, and the ending operation are sequentially executed as a series of operations. Therefore, neither the "special map designation" command nor the five types of "special map special electric" commands in the above "special map fluctuation" command are generated at the same time. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 25-2, these six types of commands are assigned to the same command storage area (area 012).

Four commands related to switch detection (denoted as "switch pass" in the figure) are assigned to regions 015 to 018. One of the commands related to 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 “passing through the left gate” in the figure), and is assigned to the area 015. The other command related to 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 "passing through the right gate" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 016. .. Yet another command related to switch detection is a command indicating that a game ball has won a prize in the second starting port 122 (described as "passing through the starting port SW2 (electric chew)" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 017. Has been done. Yet another command related to switch detection is a command indicating that a game ball has won a prize in the large winning opening 125 (described as "large winning opening winning" in the figure), and is assigned to the area 018.

A command related to an error (denoted as "error" in the figure) is assigned to the area 019 to the area 030. The errors detected by the game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 include, for example, a full tank error indicating that the payout ball is full in the plate 153 (see FIGS. 1 and 2B), and the front surface of the frame member 150. Door opening error indicating that the frame is open, payout error indicating that the game ball cannot be paid out by the payout unit, various detection switches such as gate switch 214 and start port switches 211 and 212 have not been released yet. There is a switch unconnected error indicating that the connection is established. In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, these errors are assigned to regions 019 to 023, respectively. For each error, there is 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 according to the control items, commands indicating that an error has occurred, and errors have been resolved 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 assigned to the command storage area. In the example shown in FIG. 25-2, commands related to various errors are individually assigned to areas 024 to 030. Further, a command for detecting and notifying a specific winning prize (described as "winning notification designation" in the figure) is assigned to the area 031.

As described above, in the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200, one type or a plurality of types of commands are associated with one command storage area. Then, in the main control process shown in FIG. 8, the game control unit 200 stores the generated command in the command storage area associated with the command.
Here, in the main control process, not all commands are always generated every time one cycle of the process is executed. For example, when there is no winning in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, the above-mentioned command regarding winning in the starting ports 121 and 122 and the "special figure variation" command are not generated. In addition, among the commands related to the normal symbol lottery, the "open / close" command and the "special electric train" command are not generated unless the timing for operating these electric accessories is required. In addition, the command related to the occurrence of an error is not generated unless an error has occurred in the first place.
Therefore, when the output process of the main control process (see S806 in FIG. 8) is performed, the command is usually stored in some command storage areas among the command storage areas provided in the RAM 203. No command is stored in the other command storage area.

[Command output operation]
FIG. 25-3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the output process by the output control unit 240.
In the present embodiment, the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage area of the RAM 203 shown in FIG. 25-2 in order from the top (in order of the area number), and outputs the commands stored in each command storage area. ..

As shown in FIG. 25-3, the output control unit 240 of the game control unit 200 first has a command storage area at the head of the command storage area provided in the RAM 203 (area 01 in the example shown in FIG. 25-2). (S2501), and check whether or not the command is stored (S2502). Then, if the command is stored (Yes in S2502), the output control unit 240 reads the stored command and outputs it to the effect control unit 300 (S2503).

When the command is not stored in the command storage area (initially the area 01) of interest (No in S2502), or after outputting the command stored in the command storage area in S2503, the output control unit 240 , Check if there is a command storage area with the next area number (S2504). When there is the next command storage area (Yes in S2504), the output control unit 240 pays attention to the command storage area (S2505), returns to S2502, confirms the presence / absence of a command (S2502), and outputs (S2503). repeat. Then, if processing is performed on the last command storage area (area 031 in the example shown in FIG. 25-2), the output processing is terminated because there is no command storage area with the next area number (No in S2504). do.

[Set command output order]
In the main control process, when a command is generated in each process described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 19, the generated command is usually 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. 25-3, in the output processing by the output control unit 240, each command storage area is focused and stored in a certain order (in the above example, in the order of the area number). Output the command. That is, the commands are output in a predetermined specific order regardless of the order in which the commands are generated. This is because it may be desirable that specific commands are transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in a specific order in order to prevent confusion in the effect control of the effect control unit 300 based on commands. That is, since the effect control unit 300 executes the effect control based on the commands in the order of receiving from the game control unit 200, confusion such as a contradiction may occur due to the difference in the order of receiving the commands. , It is necessary to prevent this.

In addition, according to the command output from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 as described above, the effect control unit 300 controls, for example, the image display unit 114, the board lamp 116, the speaker 156, the frame lamp 157, and the like. For example, when the effect control unit 300 receives a command indicating the start of a door opening error, the effect control unit 300 displays a message "Please call a staff member" or an image indicating an abnormal state. It is displayed on 114. Further, the effect control unit 300 limits the output of an alarm or the like indicating an abnormal state from the speaker 156 and the output of music, voice, sound effects, or the like. Further, the effect control unit 300 lights the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 in red, for example, as an embodiment showing an abnormal state.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes the main process shown in FIG. 26 (a) and the interrupt process shown in FIG. 26 (b). Referring to FIG. 26A, the effect control unit 300 first makes initial settings at startup (S2601), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (S2602), and then follows the set cycle. , While updating the random number used in the effect control (S2603), the interrupt process is accepted.

The interrupt processing is periodically performed according to the cycle set in S2602. Referring to FIG. 26B, in this interrupt process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (S2611). In this command reception process, the effect content (effect pattern) is selected. Further, the effect control unit 300 performs an effect button process for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 or the like by the player (S2612). After that, the effect control unit 300 performs a command transmission process of transmitting a command including information of the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (S2613). As a result, the image display and sound output to the image display unit 114, the operation of the movable accessory 115, the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, and the like are performed.

[Command reception processing by the effect control unit]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (S2611 in FIG. 26B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command have been received (S2701). The pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command are set in the game control unit 200 in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 9 (S906, S907, S913, S914), and the output process (S806) shown in FIG. ) Is a command transmitted to the effect control unit 300.
Then, when it is determined that the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command have been received (Yes in S2701), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the hold number held in the RAM 303 (S2702). Further, the effect control unit 300 performs the pre-determination effect selection process based on the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2703). The content of the pre-determination effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not the pre-determination result command or the hold number increase command (No in S2701), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a fluctuation start command (S2704). This fluctuation start command is a command set in the game control unit 200 in the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 11 (S1111) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output processing (S806) shown in FIG.
If the received command is a variable start command (Yes in S2704), the effect control unit 300 executes the effect selection process (S2705). Further, when the fluctuation start command is received, the random 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 S2603 of the main process shown in FIG. 26 (a). The details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a pre-determination result command, a hold number increase command, or a fluctuation start command (No in S2701 and S2704), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a fluctuation stop command (S2706). This fluctuation stop command is a command set in the game control unit 200 in the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 11 (S1114) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output processing (S806) shown in FIG.
If the received command is a variable stop command (Yes in S2706), the effect control unit 300 executes the process during the end of the variable effect (S2707). In the process during the end of the variation effect, the effect control unit 300 analyzes the received variation stop command and sets the variation effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of the symbol variation in the RAM 303.

If the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a hold number increase command, a fluctuation start command, or a fluctuation stop command (No in S2701, S2704, and S2706), the effect control unit 300 starts the opening operation of the jackpot game with the received command. It is determined whether or not the command is an opening command (S2708). This opening command is a command set in the stopped processing shown in FIG. 14 (S1418) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output processing (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in S2708), the effect control unit 300 executes the jackpot effect selection process (S2709). The details of the jackpot effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a hold number increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, or an opening command (No in S2701, S2704, S2706, and S2708), the effect control unit 300 receives a jackpot game. It is determined whether or not it is an ending command for starting the ending operation of (S2710). This ending command is a command set in the large winning opening process shown in FIG. 17 (S1713) and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (S806) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an ending command (Yes in S2710), the effect control unit 300 executes the ending effect selection process (S2711). The details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a pre-judgment result command, a hold count increase command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command, or an ending command (No in S2701, S2704, S2706, S2708, and S2710), then the effect control unit 300 , The customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state is executed (S2712). Specifically, when the effect control unit 300 receives the customer wait command, the effect control unit 300 sets the customer wait effect command for performing the customer wait effect (demo effect) in the RAM 303 and ends the customer wait command reception process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of the pre-determination effect selection process (S2703) and the effect selection process (S2705) of FIG. 27.
In the pre-determination effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the pre-determination result command received from the game control unit 200 (S2801). Further, the effect control unit 300 analyzes the hold number increase command received from the game control unit 200 (S2802). Then, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (pre-determination effect pattern) used in the pre-determination effect based on the pre-determination result command and the hold number increase command (S2803).

Here, as the pre-determination effect pattern, various effect patterns can be provided so as to give notice of the random number determination result by the special symbol processing before the start of the fluctuation based on the random number determination result by the special symbol processing. For example, an effect such as a hold display effect or a continuous advance notice effect can be provided as a pre-determination effect pattern. In the present embodiment, when a reserved ball is generated, a display indicating the number of reserved balls is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218 and the second special symbol hold indicator 219 of the display 130 (see FIG. 2). At the same time, a hold display suggesting the occurrence of hold and the number of holds is performed on the image display unit 114 (hold display effect). Therefore, in this hold display effect, the preliminary determination result is reflected in the display mode of the hold display. As a result, it is possible to execute a pre-determination effect that suggests to the player the determination result when the random number is subsequently determined by the special symbol processing for the reserved ball.

In addition, although the case where the hold display effect is used as the pre-judgment effect is described here, various advance notice effects can be obtained by reflecting it in various effect contents performed before the start of the fluctuation based on the random number determination result by the special symbol processing. Will be able to do. For example, an effect using an effect image displayed on the image display unit 114, an effect by emitting light from a board lamp 116 or a frame lamp 157, an effect by the operation of a movable accessory, an effect by acoustic output such as music or sound effects, etc. are performed in advance. It can be set as a judgment effect pattern.

Further, the pre-determination effect is executed in accordance with the symbol change for other winning balls performed before the symbol change for the winning ball (reserved ball) for which the pre-determination is performed. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of reserved balls is four per one starting port (first starting port 121 or second starting port 122) (see FIG. 9). In addition, priority shall be given to the digestion of the reserved ball at the second starting port 122. Here, when the upper limit of the reserved spheres of the second starting port 122 is set to 4, for example, if a preliminary determination is made for a reserved sphere having the second starting opening 122, the symbol of the reserved sphere is changed. Prior to this, a maximum of four winning balls will be changed in design, including the change that is currently changing (referred to as the change). In the advance notice effect related to the reserved ball for which the preliminary determination has been made, if the symbol change is performed multiple times before the symbol change is performed for the reserved ball, the advance notice effect (continuous notice effect) that spans the multiple symbol changes. ) May be performed.

For example, as a continuous advance notice effect, the same color chance eye effect may be executed. The same color chance eye production is to stop all decorative symbols in the same color when stopping with a decorative symbol indicating that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order without establishing reach (that is, the same color chance eye production). It is a notice production (to be established). By executing this same-color chance eye with a plurality of consecutive symbol fluctuations or one symbol variation, it is expected that the lottery result of the next special symbol lottery will be a big hit. In other words, the same color chance eye effect can be regarded as an effect executed on condition that there is a hold after the symbol change in which the same color chance eye effect is executed.

Here, the same-color chance-eye effect is executed according to the chance-eye scenario. The chance eye scenario is a table that specifically determines the decorative pattern to be stopped in the same color chance eye production. For example, a case where each decorative pattern showing the numbers "1" to "8" is displayed in any of "blue", "green", and "red" will be described. Specifically, decorative symbols indicating "two", "four", "six", and "eight" are displayed in "blue", and decorative symbols indicating "one" and "five" are displayed in "green". , "Three", "Seven" are displayed in "red". Then, using such a decorative pattern, a plurality of same-color chance eyes are set. Here, it is a combination of "422" displayed in "blue", "115" displayed in "green", and "733" displayed in "red". Then, each of these multiple chances of the same color is set so that the degree of expectation (reliability) is high enough to expect a big hit in the order of "blue", "green", and "red". There is. In addition, the combination of "422", "115", and "733" displayed as this same color chance eye is out of the lottery result of the special symbol lottery, and the same color chance eye production is executed. If not, it is a combination that is not used. By the way, a plurality of chance eye scenarios may be set according to the number of holds at the time of winning the look-ahead target hold. Then, which same color chance eye is to be displayed is determined by lottery using, for example, the random number value of the effect random number updated in S2603 of FIG. 26 (a).

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

In the effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received fluctuation start command (S2811). Further, the value of the number of holds held in the RAM 303 is subtracted by 1 (S2812). Then, the effect control unit 300 displays on the image display unit 114 based on various setting information (information such as a symbol type, a game state after a big hit game, a fluctuation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the fluctuation start command. A variation effect pattern of symbol variation due to an image is selected (S2813).

Finally, the effect control unit 300 sets the variable effect start command in the RAM 303 to instruct the execution start of the selected effect (S2814). The variation effect start command includes information indicating the pattern in order to notify the CPU 311 of the selected variation effect pattern. By receiving the variation effect start command, the CPU 311 draws an image or sound corresponding to the selected variation effect pattern on the VDP 314 and creates a display list or the like for output processing. The VDP 314 reads out image data and acoustic data for expressing the selected variation effect pattern from the CGROM 315 and SNDROM 316 based on the display list and the like, and expresses the variation effect by using the image display unit 114 and the speaker 156.

Although not described in detail, in the selection process of the variation effect pattern of the symbol variation in S2813, the variation effect pattern is determined based on the variation pattern. Based on the variable effect pattern determined here, the variable display of the decorative pattern, the background effect, the advance notice effect, and the like are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In the variable display of this decorative pattern, a reach effect or the like is executed. In addition, unlike the present embodiment, when a plurality of variation effect patterns are set for the variation pattern, it is one of the effect random numbers (random number updated in S2603 of FIG. 26A). , The effect random number value is acquired when the variation start command is received), and the variation effect pattern may be selected by lottery.

Further, in the effect selection process, the decorative symbol to be displayed as the stop symbol is determined in response to the special symbol designation command for designating the special symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol lottery. For example, when a special symbol designation command indicating that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order is received, the effect control unit 300 uses the effect random number (see S2603 in FIG. 26 (a)) and displays it as a stop symbol. Determine the decorative pattern to be made (eg, "156"). Note that, unlike this description, the image / acoustic control unit 310 may determine the decorative symbol to be displayed as the stop symbol instead of the effect control unit 300 according to the special figure designation command. In addition, for example, the decorative pattern displayed in the combination of "156" is a combination that is not used when the same color chance eye effect is executed.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot effect selection process (S2709) of FIG. 27.
In this jackpot effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (including information about the type of the jackpot symbol) (S3001), and selects an effect pattern (big hit effect pattern) (S3002). .. Then, the effect control unit 300 reads 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 instructing the selected effect together with these data in the RAM 303, and sets the RAM 303. The jackpot effect selection process ends (S3003). As a result, the production during the big hit is determined. In the selection of the jackpot effect pattern (S3002), the determination may be made based on the random number value acquired at the time of receiving the command. The jackpot effect can be regarded as an effect performed when the jackpot game related to the determination and fluctuation of the previous special symbol lottery is executed.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (S2711) of FIG. 27.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (including information about the type of the jackpot symbol) (S3101), and selects the effect pattern (ending effect pattern) (S3102). .. Then, the effect control unit 300 reads the image data and the acoustic data used for the effect by the selected ending effect pattern from the ROM 302, sets the ending effect start command instructing the selected effect together with these data in the RAM 303, and sets the RAM 303. The ending effect selection process ends (S3103). In the selection of the ending effect pattern (S3102), a determination may be made based on the random number value acquired at the time of receiving the command.

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

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button processing (S2612 in FIG. 26B).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated during the predetermined reception period (valid period) (S3301). Here, the operation of the operating means includes pressing the effect button 161 to turn it on, and pressing the center key and surrounding keys of the effect key 162 to turn it ON. Further, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is provided with an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel, the operation of the device is detected. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that the operation has been performed.

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

After that, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (S2613) of FIG. 26B, and issues the command set in the RAM 303 by the above command reception process and effect button process to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp. It is transmitted to the control unit 320. Then, the image / acoustic control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320, based on the received command, display the image by the image display unit 114, the acoustic output by the speaker 156, the operation of the movable accessory 115, and the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157. The set effect is executed by controlling the light emission and the like.

[Variable production pattern table]
32 and 33 are diagrams showing a setting example of the variable effect pattern table used in the variable effect pattern selection (S2813) in the effect selection process of FIG. 28 (b). Note that FIG. 32 shows a variable effect pattern table for big hits in the low-probability time-saving no-game state, and FIG. 33 shows a variable effect pattern table for small hits and misses in the low-probability time-saving no-game state.

In the variation effect pattern table for big hits shown in FIG. 32, a plurality of variation effect patterns are set. For the variation patterns "PA1" to "PA6", "PB1" to "PB14", and "PC1 to PC2" set using FIG. 21 above, the variation effect patterns "EA1" to "EA6", ""EB1" to "EB14" and "EC1 to EC2" are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis.
Further, in the variation effect pattern table for small hits and misses shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of variation effect patterns are set. The variation effect patterns "ES1 to ES2" and "ER1" to "ER10" are one-to-one with respect to the variation patterns "PD1 to PD2" and "PR1" to "PR10" set using FIG. 21 above. It is associated.

Here, the variable effect is an effect for notifying the determination result of the special symbol lottery (that is, whether or not a big hit) in a dramatic manner by displaying the decorative symbol in a variable manner and then stopping the display.
Further, in the illustrated variation effect pattern, "pseudo continuous number of times", "normal", "SP reach", and "SPSP reach" are set. In addition, "-" in each column of the illustrated table indicates that the corresponding effect is not executed.

Here, the "pseudo-continuous number of times" is the number of times of pseudo-continuous production (pseudo-ream). This pseudo-continuous effect is an effect that makes it appear as if a plurality of times of variable display of the decorative symbol is performed in the variable display of one variation of the special symbol. In the pseudo-continuous effect, the effect control unit 300 changes the decorative symbol, temporarily stops the decorative symbol, and then starts the variable display of the decorative symbol again before the reach state is reached. In other words, in the pseudo-continuous production, after the start of the change of the decorative symbol, the temporary stop and re-variation of the decorative symbol are repeated for the set pseudo-continuous number of times, and then the fixed stop is performed to make one change of the special symbol. Finish the variable display. Here, the temporary stop is a pseudo stop state in which the decorative symbol seems to be stopped at first glance, but the symbol is actually slightly swaying. In other words, the temporary stop of the decorative symbol is treated as if the fluctuation is continuing in terms of game control. Further, the fixed stop of the decorative symbol means a state in which the fixed symbol is fixed as a stop symbol in the variable display for one variation of the special symbol.
In the illustrated example, the "pseudo-continuous number" is set to "-", "1", "2", "3", that is, between 0 and 3 times. Further, the number of pseudo-consecutive times is set in association with the degree of expectation. That is, the higher the number of pseudo-consecutives, the higher the expectation.

"Normal" indicates the type of reach effect. In the illustrated example, any one of "N1", "N2", and "N3" is executed as the type of reach effect.
"SP reach" indicates the type of SP reach effect. In the illustrated example, any one of "SP1", "SP2", "SP3", and "SP4" is executed as the type of SP reach effect. Further, in the order of "SP1", "SP2", and "SP3", the larger the number, the higher the expectation.

“SPSP reach” indicates the type of SPSP reach effect. In the illustrated example, any one of "SPSP1", "SPSP2", and "SPSP3" is executed as the type of SPSP reach effect. Further, in the order of "SPSP1", "SPSP2", and "SPSP3", the larger the number, the higher the expectation.

Now, the effect control unit 300 determines the variable effect pattern based on the table shown in FIG. 32. Specifically, the effect control unit 300 selects a variation effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 13) based on the table shown in FIG. 32.
For example, in FIG. 32, when the "big hit symbol" is "high probability symbol A" and the variation pattern is "PB1", "EB1" is selected as the variation effect pattern. Then, in this variable effect pattern "EB1", the "pseudo-continuous number of times" is "1", that is, the pseudo-continuous effect is executed once. Further, "N1" is executed as "normal", "SP1" is executed as "SP reach", and "SPSP1" is executed as "SPSP reach".

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a customer waiting setting process.
The image / acoustic control unit 310 executes a customer waiting effect of displaying an image for customer waiting on the image display unit 114 as a result of receiving the customer waiting effect command from the effect control unit 300. Hereinafter, the customer waiting effect setting process executed by the image / acoustic control unit 310 will be described with reference to FIG. 34.

First, the image / acoustic control unit 310 determines whether or not the customer waiting effect command has been received (S3401). When the customer waiting effect command is received (Yes in S3401), the image / acoustic control unit 310 displays the customer waiting screen on the image display unit 114 (S3402). Here, on the customer waiting screen, a symbol designation command (variation start command) is displayed from the game control unit 200 when a predetermined confirmation time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the decoration symbol that has been variablely displayed is confirmed. Is not received (that is, when there is no holding ball), this is a stop screen displayed on the image display unit 114. In other words, the customer waiting screen is a screen indicating that the decorative symbol variation effect is not executed. As this customer waiting screen, the image of the decorative symbol that has been confirmed and stopped due to the end of the immediately preceding special symbol change is taken over and displayed.

Next, the image / acoustic control unit 310 starts measuring the elapsed time from receiving the customer waiting effect command (S3403). Then, the image / acoustic control unit 310 determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (S3404).

When the measurement time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) (Yes in S3404), the image / acoustic control unit 310 determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the specific mode (yes). S3405). Here, the specific mode is a state specified by any one or a combination of a game state, a stage, a mode, and the like. As an example, the high-probability time-saving gaming state as shown in FIG. 52, which will be described later, is the specific mode. Further, as another example, the specific mode is a stage in which a plurality of sets of decorative symbols 41, which are a set of three as shown in FIG. 53, which will be described later, are displayed.

The stage effect is an effect executed according to a plurality of set scenes (stages) on the effect. In this stage production, when the stage transition condition is satisfied, the stage shifts to one of a plurality of stages, and the production unique to that stage is executed. Here, the case where the stage transition condition is satisfied is executed, for example, when it is determined that the stage transition is performed based on the random number value of the effect random number updated in S2603 of FIG. 26 (a).

Further, the zone effect is an example of the advance notice effect (look-ahead effect) executed based on the pre-determination result by the pre-determination process. This zone effect is an effect in which the background image changes to a special background from the start of the change display of the next special symbol to the change of the special symbol related to the hold of the read-ahead target, and the change during the change of this background image. It is a production that suggests that there is a high possibility that it will be a big hit on the display. Here, for example, after the fluctuation of the special symbol related to the pre-reading target hold fluctuates, the zone effect may be continuously executed. Such a zone effect may be regarded as a specific mode. That is, in the zone effect that is continuously executed after the change of the special symbol related to the pre-reading target hold fluctuates, it is not necessary to execute the customer waiting figure effect described later. Alternatively, such a zone effect may be regarded as not a specific mode, and a customer waiting drawing effect may be executed in the zone effect. Further, when there are a plurality of types of zone effects, some types may be set to the specific mode and other types may not be the specific mode. That is, it may be possible to control whether or not to execute the customer waiting drawing effect according to the type of zone effect.

Then, when the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not the specific mode (No in S3405), the image / acoustic control unit 310 executes the customer waiting drawing effect (S3406). The details of the customer waiting map production will be described later. Further, when the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the specific mode (Yes in S3405), the image / acoustic control unit 310 does not execute the customer waiting drawing effect.

Here, the customer waiting drawing effect is an effect executed during the customer waiting effect. Therefore, the customer waiting drawing effect is an effect executed on condition that the customer waiting command is received.

In the present embodiment, the customer waiting effect (customer waiting drawing effect) is executed by receiving the customer waiting command (S2712), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the customer waiting effect (customer waiting drawing effect) may be performed instead of receiving the customer waiting command on the condition that the fluctuation start command is not received after the fluctuation stop command is received. Further explaining, for example, even in the pachinko gaming machine 100 in which the game control unit 200 does not send the customer waiting command to the effect control unit 300, it is a condition that the fluctuation start command is not received even after the fluctuation stop command is received. In addition, it is possible to perform a customer waiting drawing effect.

Further, in the present embodiment, the decorative symbol variation effect can be regarded as an effect executed based on the variation start command, and the decorative symbol variation continues until the variation stop command is received. On the other hand, the customer waiting drawing effect can be regarded as an effect executed based on the fact that the change start command is not received.

By the way, as described above, the jackpot game is a game executed in a state where the symbol control means does not execute the variable display of the symbol. In addition, the jackpot game can be regarded as a game related to the previous change in the special symbol. Here, the customer waiting figure effect is common to the jackpot game in that it is executed in a state where the symbol control means is not executing the variable display of the symbol. On the other hand, the customer waiting pattern effect uses the decorative symbol used in the judgment and change of the previous special symbol lottery, but unlike the jackpot game, the effect is executed without being related to the change of the previous special symbol. Can be understood as.

Then, the image / sound control unit 310 determines whether or not the setting screen display operation has been executed (S3407). Further explaining, the image / acoustic control unit 310 determines whether or not the effect button command (S3302) indicating that the effect button 161 has been operated has been received from the effect control unit 300. Here, the setting screen display operation is an operation (for example, pressing) of the effect button 161 for instructing switching to the setting screen (described later), which is a screen on which the volume of the speaker 156 and the brightness of the image display unit 114 can be set. Is. In the present embodiment, when the effect button 161 is operated during the customer waiting effect or the customer waiting drawing effect, the setting screen is displayed (S3408).

Then, the image / acoustic control unit 310 determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) (S3409). When the measurement time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) (Yes in S3409), the image / acoustic control unit 310 executes a demo effect (S3410). Here, the demo production is, for example, a production in which a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). It is suggested that the image is interrupted, and the burn-in (ghost image) of the still image is prevented from occurring on the image display unit 114.

Then, the image / sound control unit 310 determines whether or not the setting screen display operation has been executed during the demonstration (S3411). Further explaining, the image / acoustic control unit 310 determines whether or not the effect button command (S3302) indicating that the effect button 161 has been operated has been received from the effect control unit 300. Here, the setting screen display operation during the demonstration is an operation (for example, pressing) of the effect button 161 for instructing switching to the setting screen, similarly to the setting screen display operation. In the present embodiment, when the effect button 161 is operated during the execution of the demo effect, the screen is switched to the setting screen (S3412).

Here, it has been described that when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) (Yes in S3409), the image / acoustic control unit 310 executes the demo effect (S3410), but the present invention is limited to this. Not done. For example, the demo effect may be executed based on conditions other than the measurement time reaching a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). More specifically, when the measurement time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), or when another predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed since the player last operated the effect button 161. In addition, a demo effect may be executed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the interest by executing the demonstration effect for the player who is willing to play the game.

[Customer waiting drawing production]
In the present embodiment, various effects are executed by being controlled by the effect control unit 300. For example, when a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122, the image display unit 114 executes a variation effect of the decorative symbol with the start of the variation display of the special symbol. In addition, after the change of the special symbol is stopped, if there is no hold, the customer waiting effect is executed. Then, as one aspect of the customer waiting effect, the customer waiting drawing effect may be executed. Hereinafter, the customer waiting drawing production will be described.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an effect flow performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114. More specifically, FIGS. 35 (1) to 35 (4) show the variation effect of the decorative pattern executed based on the variation effect patterns "ER1", "ER2", "ER3", and "ER4" shown in FIG. 33. The effect flow is shown, and FIG. 35 (5) shows the effect flow of the variation effect of the decorative pattern executed based on the variation effect pattern “EA1” shown in FIG. 32. Further, in FIGS. 35 (1) to (4), the customer waiting drawing effect is executed, and in FIG. 35 (5), the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed. Further, the lottery result of the special symbol lottery in FIGS. 35 (1) to (4) is out of the question, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery in FIG. 35 (5) is a big hit.

Hereinafter, the effect executed in each of the plurality of variable effect patterns will be described with reference to FIG. 35.

As shown in FIG. 35 (1), in the variation effect pattern "ER1", after the start of the variation of the decorative symbol, the reach effect is not executed, and the combination for notifying that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. After the decorative design is temporarily stopped at, it is fixedly stopped. Then, after the customer waiting effect is executed, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed. Then, after the customer waiting drawing effect is executed, the demo effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 35 (2), in the variable effect pattern "ER2", the reach effect is executed after the start of the change of the decorative symbol, and the decorative symbol is combined to notify that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. Is temporarily stopped and then fixedly stopped. Then, after the customer waiting effect is executed, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed. Then, after the customer waiting drawing effect is executed, the demo effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 35 (3), in the variation effect pattern "ER3", the reach effect, the SP reach effect, and the SPSP reach effect are executed after the start of the change of the decorative symbol, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. After the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped by the combination that notifies that, it is fixedly stopped. Then, after the customer waiting effect is executed, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed. Then, after the customer waiting drawing effect is executed, the demo effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 35 (4), in the variation effect pattern "ER4", after the start of the variation of the decorative symbol, the pseudo-continuous effect and the reach effect are executed, and it is notified that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. After the decorative design is temporarily stopped by the combination, it is fixedly stopped. Then, after the customer waiting effect is executed, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed. Then, after the customer waiting drawing effect is executed, the demo effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 35 (5), in the variation effect pattern "EA1", after the variation of the decorative symbol starts, the reach effect, the SP reach effect, and the SPSP reach effect are executed, and then the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. After the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped by the combination that notifies that it is, the fixed stop is performed. Then, after the jackpot game is executed, the customer waiting effect is executed. In this variable effect pattern, the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed. Then, after the customer waiting effect is executed, the demo effect is executed.

In each variation effect pattern shown in FIGS. 35 (1) to 35 (5), the effect executed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 or the like will be described in detail below.

[Direction image]
36 and 37 are diagrams showing one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 in the variable effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (1).
As shown in FIG. 36, the effect image is displayed on the image display unit 114 under the control of the effect control unit 300. In the present embodiment, as the effect image displayed on the image display unit 114, the decorative symbol 41, the variable pedestal 43, the hold pedestal 45, the variable image 51, the hold image 52, the hold number display 55, the fourth symbol 56, and A background image 59 is included. Further, the image display unit 114 includes an opening image 75 (see FIG. 46 (11)), a round image 77 (see FIG. 46 (12)), a right-handed image 79 (see FIG. 46 (12)), and an ending image 81 (see FIG. 46 (12)). 47 (14)), demo image 83 (see FIG. 54 (1)), setting image 85 (see FIG. 55 (1)), character image 87 (see FIG. 56 (1)), power recovery image 89 (see FIG. 56 (1)). FIG. 68 (1)) may be displayed. Hereinafter, each effect image will be described.

[Decorative pattern 41]
As shown in FIG. 36 (1), three decorative symbols 41 are displayed on the image display unit 114. In the variable effect of the decorative symbol 41, the effect control unit 300 first temporarily stops the decorative symbol 41 on the left side (for example, the Chinese numeral "1") after displaying the three decorative symbols 41 in a variable manner by, for example, vertical scrolling. Then, temporarily stop the decorative symbol 41 on the right side (for example, the Chinese numeral "6"), then temporarily stop the central decorative symbol 41 (for example, the Chinese numeral "5"), and finally all the decorative symbols. 41 is fixedly stopped. In addition, the combination "156" of the decorative symbol 41 which is stopped and displayed, which is shown in FIG. 36 (1), is an example of the combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order.

Further, the decorative symbol 41 in the present embodiment mainly includes a highly decorative display mode (see FIG. 36 (1)) including a character image in addition to characters such as Chinese numerals (numbers), and Chinese numerals and the like. It is displayed by switching between the display mode having low decorativeness (see FIG. 46 (8) described later).
Although it is described here that the decorative symbol 41 is displayed while maintaining the size of the decorative symbol 41, the decorative symbol 41 may be displayed while switching the size of the decorative symbol 41.

[Variable pedestal 43]
As shown in FIG. 36 (1), the variable pedestal 43 is an area where the variable image 51 is displayed. The variable pedestal 43 in the illustrated example is displayed in the lower central portion of the display area of the image display unit 114.

Further, in the customer waiting drawing effect described later, an effect of changing a part of the image of the variable pedestal 43 may be executed. That is, in the customer waiting drawing effect, the image change effect (described later) may be executed by the variable pedestal 43 together with the decorative symbol 41 or instead of the decorative symbol 41.

[Holding pedestal 45]
As shown in FIG. 36 (1), the holding pedestal 45 is an area where the holding image 52 is displayed. The holding pedestal 45 in the illustrated example is the lower side in the display area of the image display unit 114 and is displayed on the right side of the variable pedestal 43. Here, as described above, the winning at the first starting port 121 causes a maximum of four holds. Therefore, in the illustrated example, four holding pedestals 45 are displayed. Further, in the present embodiment, the reserved images 52 are displayed in order from the position closer to the variable pedestal 43 to the position away from the variable pedestal 43, that is, from the left side to the right side among the plurality of reserved pedestals 45.

Although not shown, a maximum of four holds will occur even if a prize is won at the second starting port 122. Therefore, four holding pedestals 45 for holding based on the winning at the second starting port 122 are also displayed. Further, in the following, the hold based on the winning at the first starting port 121 will be described, and the detailed description of the holding based on the winning at the second starting port 122 may be omitted.

Further, in the customer waiting drawing effect described later, an effect of changing a part of the image of the holding pedestal 45 may be executed. That is, in the customer waiting drawing effect, the image change effect (described later) may be executed by the holding pedestal 45 together with the decorative symbol 41 or instead of the decorative symbol 41. The display mode of the holding pedestal 45 does not change when the number of holdings changes.

[Variable image 51]
As shown in FIG. 36 (1), the image display unit 114 indicates that the special symbol is being changed (during the variation display of the decorative symbol 41) by the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 (see FIG. 5 and the like). The variable image 51 shown is displayed. Then, the variable image 51 is displayed on the variable pedestal 43, and the display disappears when the special symbol stops changing.

Here, the display mode of the variable image 51 is determined based on the pre-determination result by the pre-determination process. Further, in the variable image 51, for example, the display mode of a color, a pattern, a shape, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “color, etc.”) changes, and the expectation of winning a big hit is based on the pre-determination result by the pre-determination process. Is notified or suggested.

[Reserved image 52]
As shown in FIG. 36 (1), the image display unit 114 displays the hold image 52 on the hold pedestal 45 based on the information of the storage area corresponding to the hold ball of this time in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3 and the like). To. That is, the reserved image 52 is an image showing that the right to determine the jackpot is reserved. Further, in the present embodiment, the display mode of the reserved image 52 on the screen is determined based on the pre-determination result by the pre-determination process.

Further, the reserved image 52 notifies or suggests the degree of expectation of winning the jackpot by changing the display mode such as color based on, for example, the pre-determination result by the pre-determination process. Here, the display mode such as the color of the reserved image 52 is set so that when the pre-judgment result by the pre-judgment process is a big hit, the display mode has a higher degree of expectation than when it is out of order. There is. For example, when white, blue, yellow, green, red, and gold are set as the colors of the reserved image 52, the expected degree may be set to be higher in this order.

In the following description, with respect to the four reserved images 52 displayed at the maximum, the "first reserved image 52", the "second reserved image 52", and the "third" are arranged in the order of proximity to the variable pedestal 43, respectively. It may be referred to as "holding image 52" or "fourth holding image 52".

[Holding number display 55]
As shown in FIG. 36 (1), the image display unit 114 displays the hold number display 55 based on the information of the storage area corresponding to the hold ball in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3 and the like). The hold number display 55 is an image showing the hold number. Here, the number of the reserved images 52 displayed on the image display unit 114 changes according to the number of reserved images for winning each of the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122.

Further, even when the image change effect of changing a part of the image of the decorative symbol 41 is executed in the customer waiting figure effect described later, the image of the hold number display 55 does not change and the display mode is maintained. The number (display mode) indicated by the hold number display 55 changes as the hold number changes.

[Fourth symbol 56]
As shown in FIG. 36 (1), the image display unit 114 has a special symbol on the image display unit 114 based on the winning of the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 by the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 (see FIG. 5 and the like). The fourth symbol 56, which indicates that the decorative symbol 41 is being varied (during display of variation of the decorative symbol 41), is displayed. The fourth symbol 56 is controlled by the effect control unit 300 and is displayed in a different manner according to the fluctuation and stop of the special symbol.

In the illustrated example, the fourth symbol 56 is three images corresponding to the decorative symbol 41, respectively, and is displayed on the left side of the image display area in the image display unit 114. The fourth symbol 56 is displayed as an image having a smaller dimension than the decorative symbol 41. Further, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed by switching between a display mode with high decorativeness and a display mode with low decorativeness as described above, while the fourth symbol 56 is displayed in a display mode with low decorativeness. As shown in FIG. 48 (2) described later, the fourth symbol 56 of the illustrated example is composed of an image corresponding to the number portion 411 and the number decoration portion 412, and corresponds to the character portion 413 and the drawing background portion 414. Does not include images. In addition, unlike this description, the fourth symbol 56 may be composed only of the image corresponding to the number part 411. Further, in the present embodiment, the fourth symbol 56 does not perform the symbol change effect described later in the customer waiting figure effect. Here, the fourth symbol 56 can be regarded as constituting the decorative symbol together with the above three decorative symbols 41. Further explaining, if it is considered that the decorative pattern is composed of the three decorative symbols 41 and the fourth symbol 56, the symbol change effect is executed in the three decorative symbols 41 which are a part of the decorative symbols, and the decoration is performed. In the fourth symbol 56, which is a part of the other symbols, the symbol change effect is not executed.

The fourth symbol 56 is displayed (for example, vertically scrolled) in an manner indicating that the special symbol is changing due to the winning of the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122. Then, the fourth symbol 56 stops when the fluctuation of the special symbol stops. In the illustrated example, the number indicated by the fourth symbol 56 stopped and displayed coincides with the number indicated by the decorative symbol 41. Further explaining, in the example of FIG. 36 (1), "156" is displayed as the fourth symbol 56.

[Background image 59]
As shown in FIG. 36 (1), the background image 59 is displayed on the image display unit 114 as a background such as the decorative symbol 41. The background image 59 is, for example, an image (cityscape or landscape) related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Although the details will be described later, the background image 59 is displayed while being switched at the time of transitioning to the stage or at the time of executing the zone effect. In addition, the background image 59 is an image (video) that is loop-played and constantly moving, whether the special symbol is changing or not, or more specifically, the customer waiting effect. be.

[Opening image 75]
As shown in FIG. 46 (11) described later, when the jackpot game is started, the opening image 75 is displayed on the image display unit 114. The opening image 75 is an image for notifying the player of the start of the jackpot game.

[Round image 77]
As shown in FIG. 46 (12) described later, the round image 77 is displayed on the image display unit 114 while the jackpot game is being executed. The round image 77 is an image for notifying the player of the number of rounds of the round currently being executed in the jackpot game.

[Right-handed image 79]
As shown in FIG. 46 (12) described later, the right-handed image 79 is displayed on the image display unit 114. The right-handed image 79 is an image for notifying the player that the player is in an advantageous state by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball).

[Ending image 81]
As shown in FIG. 47 (14) described later, when the jackpot game is finished, the ending image 81 is displayed on the image display unit 114. The ending image 81 is an image for notifying the player of the end of the jackpot game.

[Demo image 83]
As shown in FIG. 54 (1) described later, the demo image 83 is displayed on the image display unit 114 when the demo effect is executed. The demo image 83 is an image (moving image) that can be displayed during the customer waiting effect. As the demo image 83, for example, an image related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is displayed. The demo image 83 is displayed on a layer higher than the decorative symbol 41 that executes the customer waiting image (customer waiting image effect).

[Setting image 85]
As shown in FIG. 55 (1) described later, when the effect control unit 300 executes the switching setting (see S3408 in FIG. 34 above), the set image 85 is displayed on the image display unit 114. The setting image 85 is an image for accepting an operation for the effect button 161 or the like when the player sets the pachinko gaming machine 100 such as volume and brightness (brightness). More specifically, when the player operates the effect button 161 while the set image 85 is displayed, the volume of the speaker 156 or the brightness of the image display unit 114 is changed. Here, when the set image 85 is displayed and the brightness of the image display unit 114 is changed, the brightness of the decorative symbol 41 displayed in the customer waiting drawing effect changes. That is, when the brightness of the image display unit 114 is changed, the effect mode of the customer waiting drawing effect changes. On the other hand, even if the volume of the speaker 156 is changed, the effect mode of the customer waiting drawing effect does not change. Here, the setting image 85 is displayed on a layer higher than the customer waiting image, that is, the decorative symbol 41 that executes the customer waiting drawing effect.

[Character image 87]
As shown in FIG. 56 (1) described later, the character image 87 is displayed on the image display unit 114. The character image 87 is, for example, an image showing a character appearing in the content that is the subject of the pachinko gaming machine 100. The character image 87 is displayed as a part of the background image 59. In addition, the character image 87 can be regarded as an image that is always moving, even if the special symbol is changing, the customer waiting effect is being produced, or more specifically, the customer waiting effect is being produced.

[Image 89 during power restoration]
As shown in FIG. 68 (1) described later, the image 89 during power restoration is displayed on the image display unit 114 when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned on. The image 89 during power restoration is an image showing that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is undergoing restoration processing.

[Other images]
Although not shown, the image display unit 114 also displays other images such as an error notification image for notifying that an error has occurred. Here, as the error notification image, for example, an image including the character string "door is open" is displayed. Further, this error notification image is displayed on a layer higher than the decorative symbol 41 that executes the customer waiting image (customer waiting drawing effect).

[Variable production example 1]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37, in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (1), the effect (variation effect example 1) performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 will be specifically described. do.

First, as shown in FIG. 36 (1), it is assumed that the highly decorative decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped in the image display unit 114 as the variation of the previous special symbol ends. Further, the decorative symbol 41, the variable pedestal 43, the hold pedestal 45, the variable image 51, the hold image 52, the hold number display 55, the fourth symbol 56, and the background image 59 are displayed on the image display unit 114. Further, one reserved image 52 (first reserved image 52) is displayed on the reserved pedestal 45. Further, the fourth symbol 56 is in a stopped state.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (2), the variation of the decorative symbol 41 starts with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol. At this time, the first reserved image 52 moves to the variable pedestal 43. Further, the decorative symbol 41 rises once with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol, and then scrolls downward. Further, the speaker 156 outputs a BGM (musical piece) together with a fluctuation start sound indicating that the fluctuation display of the special symbol has started. Further, the fourth symbol 56 starts to fluctuate with the start of the variation display of the special symbol.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (3), when the decorative symbol 41 is fluctuating, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the fluctuating sound effect that excites the fluctuation.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (4), the fluctuation of the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped. The combination “421” of the decorative symbols 41 shown in FIG. 36 (4) is an example of a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. At this time, the fourth symbol 56 continues to fluctuate. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the fluctuation stop sound indicating that the fluctuation of the decorative symbol 41 has been temporarily stopped.

Here, the decorative symbol 41 temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 36 (4) executes an effect (image change effect) of changing a part of the image of the decorative symbol 41. In the illustrated example, the image representing the number "421" of the decorative symbol 41 (see the number part 411 of FIG. 48 (1) described later) is changed. To explain further, the production is performed as if each number of "four", "two", and "one" reflected light. Specifically, the color of a part of the character part of each number is changed to another color (see the black line shown in each number of "4", "2", and "1" in the figure). Then, the area where the color has changed to another color is moved within the number part. In this way, the image change effect is executed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (5), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped as the special symbol stops changing. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Further, the fourth symbol 56 stops the fluctuation as the fluctuation of the special symbol stops. Further, the speaker 156 does not output a special sound indicating a fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41, but continuously outputs the BGM.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (6), after a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the special symbol has stopped fluctuating, that is, the decorative symbol 41 has been fixed and stopped, the customer waiting effect is produced. Is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 (see FIG. 35 (5)), which has been confirmed and stopped immediately before, is continuously displayed as the customer waiting screen. That is, the customer waiting screen is configured by using the image of the decorative symbol 41 that has been confirmed and stopped immediately before. At this point, the image change effect by the decorative symbol 41 is not executed. Further, the speaker 156 does not output a special sound indicating that the customer waiting effect has started, but continuously outputs the BGM. The speaker 156 may be stopped at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, when the customer waiting production is started, when the customer waiting drawing production is started, or after the customer waiting drawing production is started. Further, the BGM may be stopped in a mode (fade out) in which the volume gradually decreases and becomes zero. Alternatively, the volume of the BGM may suddenly become zero, that is, the BGM may be terminated suddenly.

Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (7), when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed from the execution of the customer waiting effect, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed. Further explaining, the decorative symbol 41 displayed on the customer waiting screen is continuously displayed, and the image change effect is executed. In other words, the image change effect (animation effect) is executed by using the image of the decorative pattern 41 (see FIG. 36 (5)) displayed when the confirmation is stopped and changing a part of the image. .. Explaining this from the viewpoint of the symbol designation command, the customer waiting symbol effect can be regarded as an effect executed in response to the symbol designation command for designating the stop symbol of the decorative symbol 41 that was stopped immediately before. ..
Then, this image change effect is repeatedly executed at regular intervals, for example, during the execution period of the customer waiting drawing effect, for example, for 1 second. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM without outputting a special sound indicating that the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed.

Further, although not shown, the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 switch the lighting mode as the decorative symbol 41 changes in the customer waiting drawing effect. For example, when the image change effect of the decorative symbol 41 is repeated at regular intervals, the lighting mode of the board lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 is switched in synchronization with the timing when the image of the decorative symbol 41 changes, and the image of the decorative symbol 41 is displayed. At the timing that does not change, the lighting mode of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 is maintained.

Then, as shown in FIG. 37 (8), when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed from the execution of the customer waiting effect, the demo effect is executed. Specifically, the demo image 83 is displayed on the image display unit 114. At this time, the demo image 83 has a positional relationship that covers the decorative symbol 41 that executes the customer waiting drawing effect (image change effect). This makes it difficult to visually recognize the decorative symbol 41 that produces an image change effect. In addition, when the demo image 83 is displayed on the image display unit 114, the decorative symbol 41 may or may not execute the image change effect. Further explaining, if the demo image 83 is displayed while the decorative symbol 41 is executing the image change effect, the image change effect in the decorative symbol 41 may be stopped. Then, when the demo image 83 is hidden, the image change effect in the decorative symbol 41 may be restarted (executed).

Here, as described above, in the variation effect example 1, the image change effect (see FIG. 37 (7)) executed in the customer waiting figure effect is the image change effect executed during the temporary stop of the decorative symbol 41. (See FIG. 36 (4)). As a result, the relationship between the variation effect of the decorative symbol 41 and the customer waiting figure effect is enhanced, and the player is less likely to feel uncomfortable with the customer waiting figure effect.

Further, if there is a prize in the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 in the state where the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed, the decorative symbol 41 starts to change. At this time, after the image change effect of the decorative symbol 41 is stopped, the variation of the decorative symbol 41 is started. That is, after the image of the decorative symbol 41 is switched, the variation of the decorative symbol 41 starts. From this, it can be more clearly understood that the change of the decorative symbol 41 has started.

In addition, the customer waiting drawing effect ends based on the variation start command sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. That is, the customer waiting drawing effect does not end based on the command generated by the operation of the effect control unit 300, for example, when the effect button 161 is operated.

Further, as the image data of the decorative symbol 41, the image data for the customer waiting figure effect that executes the image change effect and the change start of the decorative symbol 41 that does not perform the image change effect (see FIG. 36 (2)) or the decorative symbol. It has image data for a fixed stop (see FIG. 36 (5)) of 41. Then, when the image change effect is started or when the image change effect is ended, the image data of the decorative symbol 41 is switched.

The image data of the decorative symbol 41 includes image data for the decorative symbol 41 being changed and scrolling at high speed (see FIG. 36 (3)) and the decorative symbol 41 being being changed and scrolling at low speed (see FIG. 36 (3)). It may have image data for (see FIG. 38 (5)) described later. The image data for high-speed scrolling may be image data for which the image change effect is not executed, and the image data for low-speed scrolling may be image data for executing the image change effect.

Here, although it has been described that the demo effect is executed using FIG. 37 (8), it is not necessary to execute the demo effect. Further, when a predetermined condition such as a specific gaming state (for example, a high-probability time-saving gaming state) is satisfied, the demo effect may be controlled not to be executed. In each variation effect example described below, detailed description of the demo effect will be omitted.

[Variable production example 2]
38 and 39 are diagrams showing one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 in the variable effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (2).
Next, with reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (2), the effect (variation effect example 2) performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 will be specifically described. do. In the following description, the points different from the effects of FIGS. 36 and 37 will be mainly described, and the points that match the effects may be omitted.

First, as shown in FIGS. 38 (1) to 38 (3), the decorative symbol 41 changes with the start of the next variable display of the special symbol from the state in which the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped.

Then, as shown in FIG. 38 (4), the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side are temporarily stopped, and the reach effect in which the decorative symbols 41 on the left side and the right side are aligned is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side execute the image change effect. Further, the decorative symbol 41 in the center, which is changing, does not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the reach sound indicating that the reach effect has been executed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 38 (5), the decorative symbol 41 in the center, which is changing, decelerates and changes at a low speed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 in the center executes an image change effect. That is, all the decorative symbols 41 on the left side, the center, and the right side execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the stop-sounding sound that incites the fluctuation of the decorative symbol 41 to be stopped. Although not shown, the decorative symbol 41 displayed before the decorative symbol 41 of "five" also fluctuates at a low speed as the central decorative symbol 41 (decorative symbol 41 of "five") slows down. For example, the decorative symbols 41 up to "2" fluctuate at high speed, while the decorative symbols 41 of "three", "four", and "five" fluctuate at low speed. As shown in FIG. 38 (5), when the changing central decorative symbol 41 is in a state of fluctuating at a low speed, the image change effect may not be executed for the central decorative symbol 41.

Then, as shown in FIG. 38 (6), the decorative symbol 41 in the center temporarily stops. At this time, all the decorative symbols 41 on the left side, the center, and the right side execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the fluctuation stop sound.

Then, the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed as shown in FIG. 39 (7), and the customer waiting effect is executed as shown in FIG. 39 (8). At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. The speaker 156 does not output a special sound indicating that the customer waiting effect has started, but continuously outputs the BGM.

Then, as shown in FIG. 39 (9), the customer waiting drawing effect is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the customer waiting effect. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 executes an image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM without outputting a special sound indicating that the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed.

[Variable production example 3]
40, 41, and 42 are diagrams showing one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 in the variable effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (3).
Next, with reference to FIGS. 40, 41, and 42, in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (3), an effect (variation effect example 3) performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 is concretely shown. To explain. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 39 will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects may be omitted.

First, as shown in FIGS. 40 (1) to 40 (3), the decorative symbol 41 changes with the start of the next variable display of the special symbol from the state in which the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped.

Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (4), the reach effect is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side execute the image change effect. Further, the decorative symbol 41 in the center, which is changing, does not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the reach sound.

Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (5), the changing central decorative symbol 41 is in a state of fluctuating at a low speed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 in the center executes an image change effect. That is, all the decorative symbols 41 execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the stop noise. Although not shown, the decorative symbols 41 ("three" and "three") displayed before the decorative symbol 41 of "five" as the central decorative symbol 41 (decorative symbol 41 of "five") slows down. The decorative design 41) of "4" also performs an image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (6), the SP reach effect is executed. In the following description, the fact that the SP reach effect is executed is represented by illustrating it as the SP reach image 71. Further, when this SP reach effect is being executed, the left and right decorative symbols 41 move to the corners (upper left corner and upper right corner) of the image display area in the image display unit 114. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a small display mode and a display mode with low decorativeness. Further, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. At this time, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the SP reach sound indicating that the SP reach effect has been executed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (7), the SPSP reach effect is executed. In the following description, the fact that the SPSP reach effect is performed is expressed by illustrating it as the SPSP reach image 73. Further, the decorative pattern 41 is not displayed. Further explaining, the image change effect by the decorative symbol 41 is not executed. The fourth symbol 56 is displayed and is in a fluctuating state. At this time, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the SPSP reach sound indicating that the SPSP reach effect has been executed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (8), a symbol fanning effect is performed to encourage the symbols of the decorative symbols 41 to be aligned. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 is largely displayed in the center of the image display area in the image display unit 114. Further, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a display mode with low decorativeness. Further, the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side are temporarily stopped, and the decorative symbol 41 in the center fluctuates at a low speed. At this time, all the decorative symbols 41 on the left side, the center, and the right side do not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the symbol fanning sound that incites the decorative symbols 41 to be aligned.

Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (9), the decorative symbol 41 in the center temporarily stops. At this time, all the decorative symbols 41 on the left side, the center, and the right side do not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the fluctuation stop sound.

Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (10), the decorative symbol 41 is switched to a highly decorative display mode. The highly decorative decorative symbol 41 continues to be temporarily stopped. Further, at this time, the decorative symbol 41 executes an image change effect. In other words, the image change effect is started as the display mode of the decorative symbol 41 is switched. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the fluctuation stop sound.

Then, the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed as shown in FIG. 41 (11), and the customer waiting effect is executed as shown in FIG. 41 (12). At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. The speaker 156 does not output a special sound indicating that the customer waiting effect has started, but continuously outputs the BGM.

Then, as shown in FIG. 42 (13), the customer waiting drawing effect is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the customer waiting effect. That is, the decorative symbol 41 executes the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM without outputting a special sound indicating that the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed.

[Variable production example 4]
43 and 44 are diagrams showing one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 in the variable effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (4).
Next, with reference to FIGS. 43 and 44, in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (4), the effect (variation effect example 4) performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 will be specifically described. do. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 42 will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects may be omitted.

First, as shown in FIGS. 43 (1) to (3), the decorative symbol 41 changes from the state in which the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped with the start of the next variable display of the special symbol.

Then, as shown in FIG. 43 (4), the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side are temporarily stopped. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side execute the image change effect. Further, the decorative symbol 41 in the center, which is changing, does not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the left and right symbol temporary stop sounds indicating that the left decorative symbol 41 and the right decorative symbol 41 are temporarily stopped.

Then, as shown in FIG. 43 (5), the decorative symbol 41 in the center temporarily stops. The decorative symbol 41 in the center is a "NEXT" symbol (pseudo-continuous symbol). By temporarily stopping the "NEXT" symbol, it is notified that the pseudo-continuous effect is executed. Further, when the "NEXT" symbol is temporarily stopped, the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side execute the image change effect, whereas the "NEXT" symbol, which is the central decorative symbol 41, performs the image change effect. Do not execute. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the pseudo-continuous symbol stop sound indicating that the pseudo-continuous symbol has been temporarily stopped.

Then, as shown in FIG. 43 (6), the decorative symbol 41 changes again. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the re-variable sound indicating that the decorative symbol 41 has re-variated.

Then, as shown in FIG. 44 (7), the reach effect is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side execute the image change effect. Further, the decorative symbol 41 in the center, which is changing, does not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the reach sound.

Then, as shown in FIG. 44 (8), the decorative symbol 41 in the center temporarily stops. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 in the center fluctuates at a low speed, and after arousing that the fluctuation of the decorative symbol 41 is stopped, it temporarily stops. Further, all the decorative symbols 41 on the left side, the center, and the right side execute the image change effect. Although not shown, the decorative symbols 41 ("8" and "8" and "decorative symbols 41" displayed before the decorative symbol 41 of "two" are displayed as the central decorative symbol 41 (decorative symbol 41 of "two") slows down. The decorative pattern 41) of "1" also performs an image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the fluctuation stop sound.

Then, as shown in FIG. 44 (9), the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Then, as shown in FIG. 44 (10), the customer waiting effect is executed. Also at this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

After that, as shown in FIG. 44 (11), the customer waiting drawing effect is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the customer waiting effect. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 executes an image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM without outputting a special sound indicating that the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed.

[Variable production example 5]
45, 46, and 47 are diagrams showing one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 in the variable effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (5).
Next, with reference to FIGS. 45, 46, and 47, in the variation effect pattern shown in FIG. 35 (5), an effect (variation effect example 5) performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 is performed. This will be described in detail. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 44 (particularly FIGS. 40 and 41) will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects will be omitted. There is. Further, in the variation effect example 5, it is premised that the gaming state is a low-probability time-saving non-gaming state. Then, after the jackpot game (see FIGS. 46 (11) to 47 (14)) is executed, the game state shifts to the high-probability time-saving game state.

First, as shown in FIGS. 45 (1) to 45 (3), the decorative symbol 41 changes with the start of the next variable display of the special symbol from the state in which the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped.

Then, after the reach effect is executed as shown in FIG. 45 (4), the changing central decorative symbol 41 is in a state of fluctuating at a low speed as shown in FIG. 45 (5). At this time, all the decorative symbols 41 on the left side, the center, and the right side execute the image change effect.

Then, after the SP reach effect is executed as shown in FIG. 45 (6), the SPSP reach effect is executed as shown in FIG. 46 (7).

Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (8), after the symbol fanning effect is executed by the decorative symbol 41 displayed in the display mode with low decorativeness, the central decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped. The combination “11-11” of the decorative symbols 41 shown in FIG. 46 (8) is an example of a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the fluctuation stop sound.

Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (9), the decorative symbol 41 is switched to a highly decorative display mode. The highly decorative decorative symbol 41 continues to be temporarily stopped. Further, at this time, the decorative symbol 41 executes an image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 continuously outputs the BGM together with the fluctuation stop sound.

Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (10), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped as the special symbol stops changing. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Further, the fourth symbol 56 stops the fluctuation as the fluctuation of the special symbol stops. Further, the speaker 156 does not output a special sound indicating a fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41, but continuously outputs the BGM.

Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (11), the opening image 75 is displayed with the start of the jackpot game. The illustrated opening image 75 includes the character string "Regular Bonus !!" indicating the effect name for identifying the type of jackpot. Further, the speaker 156 outputs an opening sound indicating that the opening is executed, and also outputs a BGM.

Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (12), the round image 77 is displayed as the large winning opening 125 is opened. The illustrated round image 77 includes the characters "Round 1" indicating that it is the first round currently being executed in the jackpot game. Further, the decorative symbol 41 (see FIG. 46 (10)) that has been fixedly stopped as described above, that is, the decorative symbol 41 that has been a big hit (“one” symbol in the illustrated example) is displayed. At this time, unlike FIG. 46 (10), only one decorative symbol 41 is displayed. Further, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 outputs a round sound indicating that the round is in progress, and continuously outputs BGM.

Then, as shown in FIG. 47 (13), as the final round is started, the image is switched to an image including the characters "Final Round" indicating that the round image 77 is the final round. Further, one decorative symbol 41 is continuously displayed. Further, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Further, the speaker 156 outputs a round sound and continuously outputs a BGM.

Then, as shown in FIG. 47 (14), the ending image 81 is displayed after the final round is completed. The illustrated ending image 81 includes the character string "probability change mode entry !!" indicating that the gaming state after the jackpot game is a high-probability time-saving gaming state. Further, the speaker 156 outputs an ending sound indicating that the ending is executed, and continuously outputs the BGM.

Then, as shown in FIG. 47 (15), as the jackpot game ends, the game state shifts from the low-probability time-saving non-game state to the high-probability time-saving game state. At this time, the decorative symbol 41, the variable pedestal 43, the holding pedestal 45, the holding number display 55, the fourth symbol 56, and the background image 59 are displayed on the image display unit 114. Further, the right-handed image 79 is displayed, and it is notified that the right-handed state is a so-called right-handed state, which is advantageous to the player by right-handed. Further, the variable pedestal 43 and the background image 59 are switched from the display mode before the big hit game (for example, see FIG. 45 (1)) as the gaming state shifts to the high-probability time-saving gaming state.

Here, the decorative symbol 41 shown in FIG. 47 (15) is a combination “11-11” of the decorative symbols 41 that have been hit by a big hit. Further, at this time, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed in a large display mode and a display mode with low decorativeness. Further, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 47 (16), there is no hold (the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery) when a predetermined elapsed time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has passed since the jackpot game was completed. And the number of pending second special symbol lottery is zero), the customer waiting effect is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 displayed in FIG. 47 (15) is continuously displayed as the customer waiting screen. That is, the customer waiting screen is configured using the image corresponding to the decorative symbol 41 displayed after the jackpot game. Further, when the customer waiting effect is being executed, the image change effect by the decorative symbol 41 is not executed. Further, the speaker 156 does not output a special sound indicating that the customer waiting effect has started, but continuously outputs the BGM.

In addition, unlike the variation effect example 1 to the variation effect example 4 shown in FIGS. 36 to 44, in the variation effect example 5, a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed from the execution of the customer waiting effect. However, the customer waiting drawing production is not executed.

Further, in the variation effect example 1 to the variation effect example 4 shown in FIGS. 36 to 44, the reservation is suspended when a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 second) has elapsed from the end of the immediately preceding special symbol variation. It was explained that the customer waiting effect is executed when there is no (the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery and the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery are both zero). On the other hand, in FIG. 47 (16), there is no hold (the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery and the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery) when a predetermined elapsed time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has passed after the jackpot game is completed. When the number of pending second special symbol lottery is zero), the customer waiting effect is executed. These predetermined fixed times and predetermined elapsed times are set as times of the same length. In addition, unlike this description, the predetermined fixed time and the predetermined elapsed time may be set as different lengths from each other. For example, a predetermined elapsed time may be set longer (for example, 30 seconds) than the predetermined fixed time.

[Decorative pattern 41]
FIG. 48 is a diagram showing the configuration of the decorative symbol 41.
Next, the configuration of the decorative symbol 41 will be described with reference to FIG. 48.

As shown in FIG. 48 (1), the decorative symbol 41 is composed of a combination of a plurality of images. That is, the decorative symbol 41 has a number portion 411 indicating a number, a number decoration portion 412 for decorating the number portion 411, a character portion 413 indicating a character, and a drawing background portion 414 for decorating the character portion 413. In addition, in FIGS. 36 to 47, the background portion 414 of the drawing is omitted for the sake of clarity. Further, in the drawings described below, the background portion 414 of the drawing may be omitted for clarification.

As shown in FIG. 48 (2), each image constituting the decorative symbol 41 is displayed on the image display unit 114 in different layers. Specifically, the number portion 411 is displayed on the foremost layer, and the number decoration portion 412, the character portion 413, and the drawing background portion 414 are displayed in this order toward the back side. In other words, in the decorative design 41, the number part 411, the number decoration part 412, the character part 413, and the drawing background part 414 are superimposed and displayed.

Although the details will be described later, as shown in FIG. 49, the decorative symbol 41 has a plurality of types of symbols (images) different from each other. Here, the number part 411 in each decorative symbol 41 is different for each symbol. Specifically, the number part 411 of each decorative symbol 41 has an image showing the Chinese numerals "1" to "8", respectively. Similarly, the character portion 413 of the decorative symbol 41 has different character images from each other. On the other hand, the number decorative portion 412 and the design background portion 414 of the decorative symbol 41 are images common to each symbol. The number decorative portion 412 and the design background portion 414 of the decorative symbol 41 may be different for each symbol.

Further, as described above, each decorative symbol 41 is displayed in any of "blue", "green", and "red". Specifically, the number part 411 of the decorative symbol 41 indicating "two", "four", "six", and "eight" is displayed in "blue". Further, the number part 411 of the decorative symbol 41 indicating "1" and "5" is displayed in "green". Further, the number part 411 of the decorative symbol 41 indicating "three" and "seven" is displayed in "red". Although it has been explained here that the color of the number part 411 is one of "blue", "green", and "red", in addition to the number part 411 or in place of the number part 411, the number decoration part 412 The color of the drawing background portion 414 may be any of "blue", "green", and "red".

Here, the image data of the decorative symbol 41 is composed of the image data of each of the number part 411, the number decoration part 412, the character part 413, and the drawing background part 414. That is, the number unit 411, the number decoration unit 412, the character unit 413, and the drawing background unit 414 each have independent image data. In addition, unlike the above example, the aspect having as one data including the number part 411, the number decoration part 412, the character part 413, and the drawing background part 414, and the data of the number part 411 and the number decoration part 412. And the data of the character portion 413 and the drawing background portion 414 may be held as two data.

[Image change effect]
By the way, in FIG. 37 (7) and the like, it has been described that the decorative symbol 41 executes the image change effect. The above image change effect is executed by changing the image (color) of the number part 411. That is, in the image change effect, only a part of the images (number part 411) among the images constituting the decorative pattern 41 is changed, and the other images (number decoration part 412, character part 413, and drawing background part 414) are changed. ) Can be regarded as a production that does not change. Further, the above-mentioned image change effect changes the color of the image of the number part 411, and the position (coordinates) and shape of the number part 411 do not change. Further explaining, the display mode (position, shape, and color) of the images (number part 411, number decoration part 412, character part 413, and drawing background part 414) constituting the decorative pattern 41 are not changed. The display mode (color) of the image of the part (number part 411) is changed.

Here, when the image change effect is executed only by the number part 411, only the number part 411 has data for the image change effect (for example, color change), and the number decoration part 412, the character part 413, and the drawing. The background portion 414 does not have the data of the image change effect.

Further, although the details will be described later, if the position of the number part 411 does not change when the decorative symbol 41 executes the image change effect, the image other than the number part 411 (number decoration part 412, character part 413, And the color, shape, position, etc. of the drawing background portion 414) may be changed. By executing the image change effect without changing the position of the number part 411, it is possible to suppress the player from misunderstanding that the decorative symbol 41 is changing in the customer waiting effect, and to attract the player. Can be done. In addition, if the images of both the number part 411 and the number decoration part 412 do not change, the decorative symbol 41 is changing in the customer waiting drawing effect as compared with the mode in which only the image of the number part 411 does not change. It is possible to perform an effect that attracts the player while further suppressing the misunderstanding of the player. Here, the effect executed by the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be regarded as being executed by using the image display unit 114, the speaker 156, or the like in order to give the player a sense of expectation according to the progress of the game. When the effect is executed while the game is in progress, it is not necessary to execute the effect while waiting for customers, that is, when the game is not in progress. However, for example, even when the player is actually launching the game ball, the player may be waiting for a customer. In this case, if the image displayed on the image display unit 114 does not change at all, it may cause a decrease in interest. In order to suppress such a decline in interest, in the present embodiment, by executing another effect different from that during the change of the special symbol, the player may misunderstand that the decorative symbol 41 is changing. It is possible to entertain the player while suppressing it.

[Aspect in which image change effect is not executed]
By the way, there is an embodiment in which the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect, as in the variation effect example 5 described with reference to FIGS. 45 to 47. A mode in which this image change effect is not executed will be described below.

[Relationship between the type of decorative pattern 41 and the image change effect]
FIG. 49 is a diagram showing the relationship between the type of the decorative symbol 41 and the effect of waiting for customers.
Next, with reference to FIG. 49, the relationship between the type of the decorative symbol 41 and the image change effect will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 49, the decorative symbol 41 is composed of a plurality of types of images (numerical numerals) showing the Chinese numerals "1" to "8", respectively. Then, in the image display unit 114, these plurality of types of images are scrolled from top to bottom in order from the one with the smallest number to the one with the largest number, and the one with the largest number (for example, "eight") is displayed. Then, the one with the smallest number (for example, "1") is displayed.

Further, as the decorative symbol 41, an image of a type other than the numerical symbol, that is, a special symbol is also set. In the illustrated example, a symbol including the characters "NEXT" and "ZONE" is set as a special symbol. By stopping and displaying these special symbols, the effect indicated by the special symbols is executed. Specifically, the pseudo continuous effect is executed when the special symbol "NEXT" is temporarily stopped, and the zone effect is executed when the special symbol "ZONE" is temporarily stopped or fixedly stopped. The special symbol is displayed so as to be superimposed on any of the numerical symbols displayed in the scroll, so that the special symbol is scrolled and stopped together with the other numerical symbols. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the decorative symbol 41 uses the symbol sequence data in the order of "1, 2, 3, 4, ...". In this case, for example, in order to display "NEXT" as a special symbol, the "NEXT" symbol is superimposed on the "2" symbol while using the above image string data, and "1 ・ NEXT (2) ・ 3 ・ 4 ... The scroll display and stop display of the "NEXT" symbol are executed as the symbol string data ".".

Here, as shown in FIG. 49, the customer waiting figure effect may be executed for the numerical symbol, and the customer waiting figure effect may not be executed for the special symbol. Further explaining, since the numerical symbol is a symbol used for confirming the stop and showing the determination result of the special symbol lottery, it is possible to execute the customer waiting figure effect after the confirmation stop. On the other hand, the special symbol is, for example, a symbol that suggests that a pseudo-continuous effect is executed if it is a NEXT symbol, and is a symbol that does not stop in order to show the determination result of the special symbol lottery. Do not perform the production. In other words, in the illustrated example, there are cases where the customer waiting drawing effect is executed and cases where the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed, depending on the type of the decorative symbol 41. Further, in other words, the customer waiting figure effect is executed in the decorative symbol 41 which is fixedly stopped and indicates that the determination result of the special symbol lottery is lost.

[Variable production example 6]
50 and 51 are diagrams showing one aspect of the same color chance eye effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114.
With reference to FIGS. 50 and 51, a mode in which the same color chance eye effect is performed will be specifically described as an effect (variation effect example 6) performed using the image display unit 114. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 47 will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects may be omitted.

First, as shown in FIG. 50 (1), it is assumed that the decorative symbol 41 has been fixedly stopped. At this time, the two reserved images 52 are displayed on the reserved pedestal 45. That is, the first reserved image 52 and the second reserved image 52 are displayed. The first reserved image 52 is displayed in a normal display mode (for example, white). Further, the second reserved image 52 is displayed in a color (for example, gold) suggesting that the degree of expectation of winning the jackpot is high based on the preliminary determination result by the preliminary determination process.

Then, as shown in FIG. 50 (2), the decorative symbol 41 starts to fluctuate with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol. At this time, the first reserved image 52 displayed in white moves to the variable pedestal 43. Further, the second reserved image 52 displayed in gold, which has a high degree of expectation, moves to the reserved pedestal 45 closest to the variable pedestal 43.

Then, after the decorative symbol 41 changes as shown in FIG. 50 (3), the change of the decorative symbol 41 temporarily stops as shown in FIG. 50 (4). Here, the combination "422" of the temporarily stopped decorative symbols 41 shown in FIG. 50 (4) is used when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the same color chance eye effect is not executed. This is an example of a combination that does not exist. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 executes the image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 50 (5), the decorative symbol 41 executes the same color chance eye effect. In the illustrated example, the colors of all the decorative symbols 41 on the left, center, and right are changed. Specifically, an effect image that shines around the number part 411 in all the decorative symbols 41 is displayed. The color of this effect image is blue. Then, the display of the effect image informs that the degree of expectation of the fluctuation of the next special symbol is high. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. In addition, unlike the illustrated example, the same color chance eye effect (for example, display of an effect image) may be executed together with the temporary stop of the decorative symbol 41. In this case, the image change effect is not executed during the temporary stop of the decorative symbol 41.

Then, as shown in FIG. 50 (6), the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 51 (7), from the state in which the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped, the decorative symbol 41 starts to change with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol. At this time, the first reserved image 52 displayed in gold moves to the variable pedestal 43. Then, as shown in FIG. 51 (8), the reach effect is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 executes the image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 51 (9), the SP reach effect is executed. At this time, in the corner of the image display area of the image display unit 114, the decorative symbol 41 displayed in a small display mode and a display mode with low decorativeness does not execute the image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 51 (10), the decorative symbol 41 temporarily stops. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 displayed in a display mode with low decorativeness in the center of the image display area in the image display unit 114 does not execute the image change effect. In addition, the combination "11-11" of the decorative symbol 41 which is stopped and displayed, which is shown in FIG. 51 (10), is an example of the combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit.

Then, as shown in FIG. 51 (11), the decorative symbol 41 is switched to a highly decorative display mode. The highly decorative decorative symbol 41 continues to be temporarily stopped. Further, the decorative symbol 41 executes an image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 51 (12), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped as the special symbol stops changing. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

[Relationship between specific mode and image change effect]
In the present embodiment, as described in FIG. 34, when it is determined that the mode is the specific mode (Yes in S3405), the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed.

Here, as the specific mode, a specific gaming state and a specific stage are exemplified. Further explaining, for example, when the gaming state is a low-probability time-saving non-game state, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed, and when the gaming state is a high-probability time-saving gaming state, the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed. Alternatively, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed on the stage other than the special stage, and the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed on the special stage.

[Variable production example 7]
FIG. 52 is a diagram showing one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 in the high-probability time-saving gaming state.
Next, with reference to FIG. 52, an effect (variable effect example 7) in which the customer waiting figure effect is not executed in the high-probability time-saving game state will be described. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 47 will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects may be omitted. Further, in the variation effect example 7, the gaming state is a high-probability time-saving gaming state, and the variable pedestal 43 and the background image 59 are displayed in a display mode different from the low-probability time-saving non-game state (see, for example, FIG. 46 (1)). Has been done.

First, as shown in FIG. 52 (1), it is assumed that the decorative symbol 41 having low decorativeness is fixedly stopped in the image display unit 114. Then, as shown in FIGS. 52 (2) and 52 (3), the decorative symbol 41 starts to vary with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol.

Then, as shown in FIG. 52 (4), the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed. The combination "421" of the decorative symbols 41 shown in the figure is a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. Further, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 52 (5), there is no hold (the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery and the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery) when a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the jackpot game is completed. Since the number of pending second special symbol lottery is zero), the customer waiting effect is executed. At this time, the decorative symbol 41, which has been confirmed and stopped immediately before, is continuously displayed as the customer waiting screen. Further, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Then, in the variation effect example 7, the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed even after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed after the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed.

In the high-probability time-saving game state, the electric tulip 123 opens and closes and there are many chances of winning a prize in the second starting port 122. Few. Therefore, even if it is controlled to execute the customer waiting drawing effect in the high-probability time-saving gaming state, there are few opportunities to execute the customer waiting drawing effect itself. Therefore, it may be controlled so as not to execute the customer waiting drawing effect in the high-probability time-saving game state, and the control of the effect control unit 300 in the high-probability time-saving game state may be simplified.

[Variable production example 8]
FIG. 53 is a diagram showing one aspect of the effect performed by the effect control unit 300 using the image display unit 114 on the special stage.
Next, with reference to FIG. 53, an effect (variable effect example 8) in which the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed on the special stage will be described. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 47 will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects may be omitted.

Here, the special stage will be described. The special stage is executed as one aspect of the stage effect. Further, unlike the zone effect, the special stage is not executed based on the pre-determination result by the pre-determination process. In addition, when it is determined that the special stage of the variation effect example 8 performs the stage transition based on the random number value of the effect random number updated in S2603 of FIG. 26 (a), for example, in the low probability time-saving no-game state. Will be executed.

In the variation effect example 8, a stage in which a plurality of sets of decorative symbols 41, which are one set of three, are displayed as a special stage will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 53 (1), the area for displaying the decorative symbol 41 in the image display unit 114 is divided into four. Then, one set of decorative symbols 41 is displayed in each of the divided areas. That is, four sets of decorative symbols are displayed on the special stage shown in the figure.

The decorative pattern 41 displayed on this special stage is a display mode with low decorativeness. Further, the decorative symbols 41 of each set may be stopped at different numerical symbols (temporary stop or fixed stop), or may be stopped at numerical symbols that match each other. Further, the timing at which the decorative symbols 41 of each set are temporarily stopped may be different from each other or may be coincident with each other.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 53 (1), it is assumed that four sets of decorative symbols 41 are fixedly stopped on the screen of the image display unit 114.

Then, as shown in FIG. 53 (2), the variation of the decorative symbols 41 of each set is started with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol.

Then, as shown in FIG. 53 (3), the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed. In addition, the combinations "454", "212", "125", and "624" of the decorative symbols 41 of each set are combinations when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. .. Further, each decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Further, the fourth symbol 56 displays only "212".

Then, as shown in FIG. 53 (4), there is no hold (the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery and the number of holds for the first special symbol lottery) when a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the jackpot game is completed. Since the number of pending second special symbol lottery is zero), the customer waiting effect is executed. At this time, each fixed and stopped decorative symbol 41 is continuously displayed as a customer waiting screen. Further, each decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. Then, in the variable effect example 8, the customer waiting drawing effect is not executed even after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed from the execution of the customer waiting effect.

[Relationship between other images and image change effect]
By the way, another image may be displayed together with the decorative symbol 41 that is executing the image change effect. In other words, an image other than the customer waiting figure effect may be displayed on the screen of the image display unit 114 that is executing the customer waiting figure effect. For example, a demo image that is an image for demo production, a setting screen that is an image for setting screen display operation, a setting screen during demo that is an image for setting screen display operation during demo production, etc. are waiting for customers. It may be displayed on the screen where the drawing effect is being executed. Hereinafter, the relationship between the demo image and the customer waiting figure effect, and the relationship between the setting screen and the customer waiting figure effect will be described.

[Relationship between customer waiting drawing production and demo image 83]
FIG. 54 is a diagram showing the relationship between the decorative symbol 41 and the demo image 83 for executing the customer waiting drawing effect.
Next, with reference to FIG. 54, the relationship between the decorative symbol 41 that executes the customer waiting drawing effect and the demo image 83 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 54 (1), when the effect control unit 300 executes the demo effect (see S3410 in FIG. 34 above), the demo image 83 is displayed on the image display unit 114. When this demo effect is executed, the image display unit 114 displays a plurality of images on different layers.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 54 (2), the first layer L1, the second layer L2, the third layer L3, the fourth layer L4, and the like, which are arranged from the front side to the back side. Each image is displayed on the fifth layer L5. In the illustrated example, the demo image 83 is displayed on the first layer L1. Similarly, the reserved number display 55 and the fourth symbol 56 are displayed on the second layer L2, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed on the third layer L3, the variable pedestal 43 and the reserved pedestal 45 are displayed on the fourth layer L4, and the background image 59 is displayed on the fifth layer L5. Will be done.

By the way, the demo image 83 is displayed on the first layer L1 so as to be superimposed on the front side of the decorative symbol 41 displayed on the third layer L3. Then, the decorative symbol 41 of the third layer L3 is executing the customer waiting drawing effect (image change effect). That is, the image / acoustic control unit 310 is executing the drawing process of the decorative symbol 41 that produces the image change effect. On the other hand, the demo image 83 is displayed in the entire display area of the image display unit 114. Therefore, the demo image 83 has a positional relationship that covers the decorative pattern 41. This makes it difficult to visually recognize the decorative symbol 41 that produces an image change effect.

Here, the background image 59 will be described with reference to FIG. 54 (3). The background image 59 in the illustrated example is an image to be played back in a loop. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 54 (3), an image in a part of the area (selection area 591) of the background image 590 drawn in a band shape is drawn as the background image 59. Then, the selection area 591 moves along the longitudinal direction of the entire background image 590 with the passage of time (see the arrow in the figure). Further, when the selection area 591 moves in one direction and reaches the end of the entire background image 590, the selection area 591 repeatedly moves in the opposite direction (loops). Therefore, the background image 59 displayed on the image display unit 114 changes with the passage of time, and the same image is repeated at regular time intervals.

Further, the decorative symbol 41 that executes the image change effect performs the image change effect at a position where the coordinates are fixed (regulated position), whereas the display position of the background image 59 moves without the coordinates being fixed. do. Further explaining by taking one image (for example, a building) included in the background image 59 as an example, the position (coordinates) of this one image (building) changes in the display area of the image display unit 114. , The position (coordinates) of the decorative symbol 41 that executes the image change effect does not change.

[Relationship between customer waiting drawing production and demo image 83]
FIG. 55 is a diagram showing the relationship between the decorative symbol 41 that executes the customer waiting drawing effect and the set image 85.
Next, with reference to FIG. 55, the relationship between the decorative symbol 41 that executes the customer waiting drawing effect and the set image 85 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 55 (1), when the effect control unit 300 executes the switching setting (see S3408 in FIG. 34 above), the set image 85 is displayed on the image display unit 114. At this time, similarly to displaying the demo image 83, the image display unit 114 displays a plurality of images on different layers.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 55 (2), the set image 85 is displayed on the first layer L1. Further, the reserved number display 55 and the fourth symbol 56 are displayed on the second layer L2, the decorative symbol 41 is displayed on the third layer L3, the variable pedestal 43 and the reserved pedestal 45 are displayed on the fourth layer L4, and the background image 59 is displayed on the fifth layer L5. To.

By the way, the set image 85 is displayed on the first layer L1 so as to be superimposed on the front side of the decorative symbol 41 displayed on the third layer L3. Further, the decorative symbol 41 of the third layer L3 executes a customer waiting drawing effect (image change effect). That is, the image / acoustic control unit 310 is executing the drawing process of the decorative symbol 41 that produces the image change effect. Further, unlike the demo image 83, the set image 85 is an image displayed in a part of the display area of the image display unit 114. Specifically, the setting image 85 is displayed at a position that covers only a part of the decorative symbol 41. Therefore, even when the set image 85 is displayed, a part of the decorative symbol 41 is visible to the player. That is, the image change effect by the decorative symbol 41 can be visually recognized by the player. Note that, unlike this description, the set image 85 may cover the entire decorative symbol 41 so that the image change effect by the decorative symbol 41 is difficult for the player to see.

[Relationship between customer waiting drawing production and character image 87]
FIG. 56 is a diagram showing the relationship between the decorative symbol 41 and the character image 87, which executes the customer waiting display effect.
Next, with reference to FIG. 56, the relationship between the decorative symbol 41 that executes the customer waiting drawing effect and the character image 87 will be described.

By the way, as described above, the character image 87 may be displayed on the image display unit 114. Then, even when the character image 87 is displayed, the decorative symbol 41 performs a customer waiting drawing effect (image change effect).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56 (1), the character image 87 may pass around the decorative symbol 41 that executes the image change effect. In the illustrated example, the character image 87 moves around the decorative symbol 41, but may pass through the decorative symbol 41. For example, the character image 87 may pass through the back side of the decorative symbol 41.

At this time, the decorative symbol 41 that executes the image change effect performs the animation operation at the position where the coordinates are fixed (the restricted position), whereas the character image 87 performs the animation operation without the coordinates being fixed. conduct.

Here, in the description of FIG. 38 (4) and the like, it has been described that the image change effect is executed even when the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped due to the reach effect or the like. In this way, the character image 87 may be displayed when the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped (see FIG. 56 (2)).

Further, the character image 87 may be formed (displayed) as an image separate from the background image 59 formed while looping as described above. Alternatively, the character image 87 may be displayed as a part of the background image 59 while looping with other images.

[Other embodiments]
By the way, in the above description, it has been described that the decorative symbol 41 changes the color of the number part 411 when the image change effect is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect. In the following, another effect mode of the image change effect executed by the decorative symbol 41 will be described.

[Variable production example 9]
57 and 58 are diagrams showing an example of a variable effect including an image change effect executed in another effect mode.
A variation effect example (variation effect example 9) including an image change effect executed in another effect mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 57 and 58. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 47 will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects may be omitted.

In the variation effect example shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, the image change effect is executed by changing the character portion 413 (see FIG. 48 (2)) of the decorative symbol 41. Further explaining, the image change effect is executed by the operation of the character included in the character unit 413. The behavior of the character in the illustrated example is a wink in which the character closes one eye. It should be noted that this wink can be regarded as an effect executed without moving the position (coordinates) where the character is displayed.

Further, although the details will be described later, in the variation effect example shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, the image change effect is not executed while the decorative symbol 41 is the variation effect, and the image change effect is executed in the customer waiting drawing effect. .. Further explaining, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect at either the start of the fluctuation or the temporary stop. As described above, the aspect in which the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect during the variation effect can be applied to other variation effect examples other than the variation effect example 9.

First, as shown in FIGS. 57 (1) and 57 (2), the variation display of the next special symbol is started from the state in which the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped.
Then, as shown in FIG. 57 (3), the decorative symbol 41 temporarily stops. The combination “421” of the decorative symbols 41 that have been stopped and displayed, which is shown in FIG. 57 (3), is an example of a combination when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 57 (4), after the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed, the customer waiting effect is executed as shown in FIG. 57 (5). When the fixed stop and the customer waiting effect are executed, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 57 (6), since the state of no hold continues at the time when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed from the execution of the customer waiting effect, the customer waiting drawing is shown. Perform the production. At this time, the character included in the character portion 413 of the decorative symbol 41 executes a wink. In the illustrated customer waiting mode, the image of the character part 413 that is not winking (with eyes open) and the image of the character part 413 that is winking (with eyes closed) are, for example, 1 second. It is displayed by switching each time. In other words, the data of the decorative symbol 41 is controlled to be switched at predetermined time intervals. As a result, in the illustrated customer waiting drawing effect, the effect of the character winking is repeatedly executed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 58 (7), when the first start opening 121 is awarded while the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed, the hold image 52 is displayed on the hold pedestal 45. Further, the speaker 156 outputs a winning sound indicating that the prize has been won.

Then, as shown in FIG. 58 (8), the variation of the decorative symbol 41 starts with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol. At this time, the first reserved image 52 moves to the variable pedestal 43. Further, the decorative symbol 41 once rises and then scrolls downward.

At this time, the character of the decorative symbol 41 rises once without winking. Here, when the decorative symbol 41 rises, the image data of the decorative symbol 41 becomes image data including a character whose eyes are opened. That is, a control different from the control of the data of the decorative symbol 41 that is switched at predetermined time intervals is executed. As a result, the decorative symbol 41 is changed with the character's eyes open.

Then, the decorative symbol 41 is variablely displayed as shown in FIG. 58 (9), and after the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 58 (10), the decorative symbol 41 is displayed as shown in FIG. 58 (11). A fixed stop is executed. In FIGS. 58 (9) to 58 (11), the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

Here, in the variation effect example 9, when the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped as shown in FIGS. 57 (3) and 58 (10), the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect. As a result, the customer waiting drawing effect executed in FIG. 57 (6) can be made different from the effect during the variable effect of the decorative symbol 41. In addition, it is possible to clarify the difference between the variation effect of the decorative symbol 41 and the customer waiting figure effect, and to attract the player by the customer waiting figure effect.

Further, in the variation effect example 9, as shown in FIG. 58 (8), the image change effect is stopped when the change of the decorative symbol 41 is started from the state where the customer waiting figure effect is being executed. To. From this, it can be more clearly understood that the change of the decorative symbol 41 has started.

[Variable effect example 10]
59 and 60 are diagrams showing an example of a variable effect including an image change effect executed in another effect mode.
A variation effect example (variation effect example 10) including an image change effect executed in another effect mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 59 and 60. The example of the variation effect shown in FIGS. 59 and 60 is consistent with the effect shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, except for the effect at the start of the change of the decorative symbol 41 shown in FIG. 60 (8). Therefore, in the following description, the points different from the effects shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 will be mainly described, and the points that match the effects shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 may be omitted.

First, as shown in FIGS. 59 (1) to 59 (4), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped, and then the fluctuation is started and then fixedly stopped.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 59 (5) and 59 (6), after the customer waiting effect is executed, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed. In this customer waiting drawing effect, the character included in the character portion 413 of the decorative symbol 41 executes a wink.

Then, when the first starting port 121 is awarded while the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed as shown in FIG. 60 (7), the following special symbol variation display is performed as shown in FIG. 60 (8). With the start, the variation of the decorative symbol 41 is started.

At this time, the character of the decorative symbol 41 rises once while continuing the wink operation. That is, when the decorative symbol 41 rises, the control of the data of the decorative symbol 41 that is switched at predetermined time intervals is continued. As a result, the decorative symbol 41 starts to fluctuate in a state where the character can repeat winks.

Then, the decorative symbol 41 is variablely displayed as shown in FIG. 60 (9), and after the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 60 (10), the decorative symbol 41 is displayed as shown in FIG. 60 (11). A fixed stop is executed. In FIGS. 60 (9) to (11), the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

Here, in the variation effect example 10, as shown in FIG. 60 (8), the image change effect continues when the change of the decorative symbol 41 is started from the state where the customer waiting figure effect is being executed. Will be done. As a result, the start of fluctuation of the decorative symbol 41 is executed more continuously from the customer waiting drawing effect, and the player is less likely to have a sense of discomfort.

[Variable production example 11]
61, 62, and 63 are diagrams showing an example of a variation effect including an image change effect executed in another effect mode.
A variation effect example (variation effect example 11) including an image change effect executed in another effect mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 61, 62, and 63. In the following description, the points different from the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 47 and 59 and 60 will be mainly described, and the points that match the effects may be omitted. ..

In the variation effect example shown in FIGS. 61, 62, and 63, the image change effect is executed by the operation of the character included in the character unit 413. The movement of the character in the illustrated example is not the wink described in the variation effect example 10 of FIGS. 59 and 60, but the movement of the arm or body of the character. It should be noted that this operation is an effect in which a part of the character's body changes its position (coordinates).

First, as shown in FIG. 61 (1), it is assumed that the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped on the screen of the image display unit 114.

Then, as shown in FIG. 61 (2), the variation of the decorative symbol 41 starts with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol. At this time, the character included in the character portion 413 of the decorative symbol 41 executes an operation of moving an arm (waving a hand).

Here, the operation of the character executed in FIG. 61 (2) is different for each decorative symbol 41. For example, "character A" in the decorative symbol 41 of "one" swings "right hand". Further, the "character B" in the decorative symbol 41 of the "five" shakes "both hands". Further, the "character C" in the decorative symbol 41 of the "six" swings the "left hand". In this way, by executing different actions for each decorative symbol 41, it becomes easier for the player to pay attention to the decorative symbol 41.

Then, as shown in FIG. 61 (3), the character of the decorative symbol 41 rises once while continuing the movement of moving the arm, and then scrolls downward. The movement of the character of the decorative symbol 41 to move the arm is visible until the decorative symbol 41 accelerates and fluctuates at high speed. Further, although not shown, the decorative symbol 41 "156" scrolls and the decorative symbol 41 "267" displayed next may execute an action in which the character of the decorative symbol 41 moves his arm. And you don't have to do it.

Then, as shown in FIG. 61 (4), after the decorative symbol 41 changes, the decorative symbol 41 on the left side and the decorative symbol 41 on the right side temporarily stop as shown in FIG. 61 (5). At this time, the character included in the character portion 413 of the decorative symbol 41 executes the action of shaking the body. The movement of the body is a movement common to each decorative symbol 41. Further, this motion of shaking the body is different from the motion of the character moving the arm shown in FIG. 61 (2). In addition, as shown in FIG. 61 (5), the character shakes the body and moves the arm during the period from the deceleration of the scrolling decorative symbol 41 to the temporary stop (while fluctuating at a low speed). No action is taken.

Then, as shown in FIG. 61 (6), the decorative symbol 41 in the center temporarily stops. At this time, all the characters of the decorative symbols 41 on the left side, the center, and the right side perform the effect of shaking the body.

Then, as shown in FIG. 62 (7), the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed. At this time, the character of the decorative symbol 41 stops the effect of shaking the body.

Then, as shown in FIG. 62 (8), the customer waiting effect is executed. At this time, the character of the decorative symbol 41 does not perform the effect of shaking the body.

Then, as shown in FIG. 62 (9), the customer waiting drawing effect is executed. At this time, the character of the decorative symbol 41 executes an effect of shaking the body. The movement of the body is a movement common to each decorative symbol 41. Further, the motion of shaking the body is the same as the motion of the character shown in FIG. 61 (6), and is different from the motion of the character shown in FIG. 61 (2).

Then, when the first starting port 121 is awarded while the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed as shown in FIG. 62 (10), the next decorative symbol 41 changes as shown in FIG. 62 (11). It will be started. At this time, the character included in the character portion 413 of the decorative symbol 41 executes an effect of moving the arm. That is, as shown in FIG. 62 (10), an operation different from the operation of shaking the body when executing the customer waiting effect is executed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 62 (12), the character of the decorative symbol 41 rises once while executing the action of moving the arm, and then scrolls downward.

Then, after the decorative symbol 41 changes as shown in FIG. 63 (13), the decorative symbol 41 temporarily stops as shown in FIG. 63 (14). At this time, the character of the decorative symbol 41 executes an effect of shaking the body.

Then, as shown in FIG. 63 (14), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped. At this time, the character of the decorative symbol 41 stops the effect of shaking the body.

Here, in the variation effect example 11, as shown in FIG. 62 (9) above, when the customer waiting figure effect is executed, that is, when the decorative symbol 41 executes the effect of shaking the character's body, the decorative symbol 41 The position of the image other than the character part 413 in the above is not changed (moved). Further explaining, in the customer waiting drawing effect in the illustrated example, the coordinates of the number part 411 and the number decoration part 412 in the decorative symbol 41 do not change. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying that the decorative symbol 41 is changing when the customer waiting drawing effect is executed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 62 (9), the movement of the character of the decorative symbol 41 in the customer waiting drawing effect and the movement of the character of the decorative symbol 41 during temporary stop as shown in FIG. 61 (6) match. .. In other words, the effect of waiting for customers and the effect of changing decorative symbols 41 are shared. As a result, the relationship between the variation effect of the decorative symbol 41 and the customer waiting figure effect is enhanced, and the player is less likely to feel uncomfortable with the customer waiting figure effect.

In addition, in the variation effect example 11, there are a plurality of movements of the character of the decorative symbol 41 while the decorative symbol 41 is varying. That is, there are an action of moving the arm shown in FIG. 62 (2) and the like, and an action of shaking the body shown in FIG. 62 (5) and the like. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 62 (9), in the customer waiting drawing production, only the motion of shaking the body is performed. In other words, there are multiple types (plural types) of movements of the character of the decorative symbol 41 while the decorative symbol 41 is changing (or at the start), and some types (1 type) of the movements of the character are waiting for customers. Performed in the production. As a result, the difference between the variable effect of the decorative symbol 41 and the customer waiting figure effect is secured while enhancing the relationship between the variable effect of the decorative symbol 41 and the customer waiting figure effect.

Here, as shown in FIG. 62 (7), from the execution of the movement of the arm shown in FIG. 61 (2) to the execution of the movement of shaking the body as shown in FIG. 62 (9). The decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped. Further, there is a start of fluctuation of the decorative symbol 41 between the execution of the motion of shaking the body as shown in FIG. 62 (9) and the execution of the motion of moving the arm shown in FIG. 62 (11). In this way, by switching the movement of the character before and after executing the variable effect of the decorative symbol 41, the player may mistakenly recognize that the decorative symbol 41 executing the customer waiting pattern effect is changing. It is suppressed.

In addition, unlike the illustrated example, the movement of the character of the decorative symbol 41 may not be common between the changing of the decorative symbol 41 and the effect of waiting for the customer. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying that the decorative symbol 41 is changing when the customer waiting drawing effect is executed.
Further, while the decorative symbol 41 is changing, in addition to the illustrated example, an image change effect may be executed in another effect such as a chance-up effect which is an effect of increasing the expectation of a big hit.

Further, in the above description, it has been explained that the operation of the character executed in FIG. 61 (2) is different for each decorative symbol 41. The operation of this character may differ depending on the display mode of the decorative symbol 41. The display mode of the decorative symbol 41 includes the design, color, presence / absence of a character, the type of the character, and the like of the decorative symbol 41. Here, unlike the illustrated example, for example, the character portion 413 of the "one" symbol of the decorative symbol 41 is composed of the character A, and the "two" symbol is composed of the number portion 411 and the number decoration portion 412 without the character portion 413. do. Then, the character A in the "1" symbol may move the arm, and the number decoration portion 412 of the decorative symbol 41 in the "2" symbol may be deformed.

Further, in the above description, it has been described that when the customer waiting drawing effect is executed as shown in FIG. 62 (9), the operation common to each decorative symbol 41 is executed. The common motion of each decorative symbol 41 is a common motion (for example, the character's body is shaken) even when the display mode (design) of the decorative symbol 41 is changed due to a shift of a stage or a mode, for example. Operation) is executed.

Further, as a customer waiting drawing effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 61 (2), a different operation may be executed for each decorative symbol 41. In other words, as a customer waiting drawing effect, different operations may be executed for each display mode of the decorative symbol 41. Here, as described above, the effect control unit 300 or the image / sound control unit 310 determines the decorative symbol 41 to be displayed as the stop symbol in response to the special symbol designation command. Therefore, the operation different for each decorative symbol 41 executed as the customer waiting drawing effect is determined according to the special diagram designation command. Further explaining, if it is the "one" symbol of the decorative symbol 41, the image change effect corresponding to the "one" symbol of the decorative symbol 41 is performed, and if it is the "two" symbol of the decorative symbol 41, the decorative symbol 41 Performs image change production corresponding to the "two" pattern.

[Variable production example 12]
64 and 65 are diagrams showing an example of a variable effect including an image change effect executed in another effect mode.
A variation effect example (variation effect example 12) including an image change effect executed in another effect mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 64 and 65. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 47 will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects may be omitted.

In the variation effect example shown in FIGS. 64 and 65, the image change effect is executed by the operation of the design background portion 414 (see FIG. 48 (1)) of the decorative symbol 41. The operation of the drawing background portion 414 in the illustrated example is the operation of rotating the drawing background portion 414, which is an annular (ring-shaped) image. In this operation, the position (coordinates) of the drawing background part 414 is not changed, but the color of the drawing background part 414 is changed to make the drawing background part 414 appear to be rotating. be.

First, as shown in FIG. 64 (1), it is assumed that the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped on the screen of the image display unit 114. At this time, the design background portion 414 of the decorative design 41 is not rotated.

Then, as shown in FIG. 64 (2), after the variation of the decorative symbol 41 is started with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol, the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 64 (3). .. At this time, the effect of rotating the design background portion 414 of the decorative design 41 is executed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 64 (4), the fixed stop of the decorative symbol 41 is executed. At this time, the design background portion 414 of the decorative design 41 stops the rotating effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 64 (5), the customer waiting effect is executed. At this time, the design background portion 414 of the decorative design 41 does not perform the effect of rotating.

Then, as shown in FIG. 64 (6), the customer waiting drawing effect is executed. At this time, the design background portion 414 of the decorative design 41 executes a rotating effect.

Then, as shown in FIG. 65 (7), when the first start opening 121 is awarded while the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed, the hold image 52 is displayed on the hold pedestal 45.

Then, as shown in FIG. 65 (8), the variation of the decorative symbol 41 starts with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol. At this time, the design background portion 414 of the decorative design 41 rises once without rotating. That is, the variation of the decorative symbol 41 is started with the drawing background portion 414 stopped.

Then, after the decorative symbol 41 changes as shown in FIG. 65 (9), the decorative symbol 41 temporarily stops as shown in FIG. 65 (10). In the decorative symbol 41 that is temporarily stopped, the effect of rotating the design background portion 414 of the decorative symbol 41 is executed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 65 (11), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped. At this time, the design background portion 414 of the decorative design 41 stops rotating.

Here, in the variation effect example 12, as shown in FIG. 64 (6), when the customer waiting image effect is executed, that is, when the effect that the design background portion 414 of the decorative pattern 41 is rotated is executed. , The image other than the background part 414 of the drawing is not changed. Further explaining, the coordinates and colors of the number part 411, the number decoration part 412, and the character part 413 in the decorative pattern 41 are not changed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying that the decorative symbol 41 is changing when the customer waiting drawing effect is executed.

Further, the operation of the drawing background portion 414 of the decorative symbol 41 matches between the customer waiting drawing effect shown in FIG. 64 (6) and the temporary stop shown in FIGS. 64 (3) and 65 (10). .. In other words, the effect of waiting for customers and the effect of changing decorative symbols 41 are shared. As a result, the relationship between the variable effect of the decorative pattern 41 and the customer waiting pattern effect is enhanced, and the player's feeling of discomfort is reduced.

[Variable production example 13]
66 and 67 are diagrams showing an example of a variable effect including an image change effect executed in another effect mode.
A variation effect example (variation effect example 13) including an image change effect executed in another effect mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 66 and 67. In the following description, the points different from each of the effects shown in FIGS. 36 to 47 will be mainly described, and the points that match each of the above effects may be omitted.

In the variation effect example shown in FIGS. 66 and 67, the image change effect is executed by hiding a part of the images constituting the decorative symbol 41. In the image change effect of the illustrated example, the number part 411 (see FIG. 48 (1)) and the number decoration part 412 (see FIG. 48 (1)) in the decorative symbol 41 are hidden. Further, the character unit 413 operates while the display is maintained. The operation of the character unit 413 is an operation in which the character moves his / her arm or body. That is, the effect of changing (moving) the display position of the character is executed.

First, as shown in FIGS. 66 (1) to (4), the decorative symbol 41 is fixedly stopped, and then the fluctuation is started and then fixedly stopped. The decorative symbol 41, which has been fixedly stopped, does not execute the image change effect.

Then, after the customer waiting effect is executed as shown in FIG. 66 (5), the customer waiting drawing effect is executed as shown in FIG. 66 (6). When the customer waiting drawing effect is started, the number part 411 and the number decoration part 412 of the decorative symbol 41 are hidden, and the character part 413 starts to move the arm and the body.

Then, when the first starting port 121 is awarded while the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed as shown in FIG. 67 (7), the following special symbol variation display is performed as shown in FIG. 67 (8). With the start, the variation of the decorative symbol 41 is started.

At this time, the number part 411 and the number decoration part 412 are displayed on the character part 413 of the decoration symbol 41, and after the character part 413 stops moving the arm or the body, the decoration symbol 41 starts to change. .. It should be noted that, unlike the embodiment described in FIG. 36 (2) and the like, the decorative symbol 41 performs scrolling without temporarily ascending.

Then, the decorative symbol 41 is variablely displayed as shown in FIG. 67 (9), and after the decorative symbol 41 is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 67 (10), the decorative symbol 41 is displayed as shown in FIG. 67 (11). A fixed stop is executed. In FIGS. 67 (8) to 67 (11), the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

Here, in the variation effect example 13, the number part 411 and the number decoration part 412 of the decorative symbol 41 are hidden when the customer waiting drawing effect is being executed as shown in FIG. 66 (6). In this way, as the number unit 411 and the number decoration unit 412 are hidden, the image itself of the decorative pattern 41 is changed (switched). As a result, even if the character unit 413 moves the arm or body, it is possible to prevent the player from misidentifying that the decorative symbol 41 is changing.

In addition, unlike the illustrated example, in the customer waiting drawing effect, only the number part 411 and the number decoration part 412 of the decorative symbol 41 are hidden, and the character part 413 does not have to operate. As a result, it is further suppressed that the player misunderstands that the decorative symbol 41 is changing.

Further, unlike the illustrated example, only the number part 411 of the decorative symbol 41 may be hidden in the customer waiting drawing effect. As a result, the relationship between the variable effect of the decorative pattern 41 and the customer waiting pattern effect is enhanced, and the player's feeling of discomfort is reduced.

[Power recovery]
FIG. 68 is a diagram showing an example of a customer waiting diagram effect executed after the power is restored.
By the way, after the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is restored, the customer waiting drawing effect may be executed. In the following, an example of the customer waiting drawing effect executed after the power is restored will be described with reference to FIG. 68.

First, as shown in FIG. 68 (1), when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is restored and a command for turning on the power is transmitted from the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300 displays the image during power restoration to the image display unit 114. Display 89. More specifically, the image / acoustic control unit 310 that has received a command related to power-on from the effect control unit 300 causes the image display unit 114 to display the image 89 during power restoration.

Then, the effect control unit 300 transmits a power restoration end command, which is a command indicating that the power restoration is completed, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed from displaying the power restoration in progress image 89. Upon receiving this power restoration end command, the image / acoustic control unit 310 causes the image / acoustic control unit 310 to display the decorative symbol 41, the fourth symbol 56, and the like on the image display unit 114 (see FIG. 68 (2)). The decorative symbol 41 and the fourth symbol 56 displayed at this time are initial symbols (default symbols) that are predetermined to be displayed when the power is restored. In the illustrated example, the decorative symbol 41 and the fourth symbol 56 are displayed in the combination of "123". At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

The decorative symbol 41 displayed in the combination of "123" as the default symbol is defined regardless of the result of the previous symbol change or the pattern change being executed. In addition, the background image 59 displayed on the background of the decorative symbol 41 displayed in this combination of "123" is also defined regardless of the background image 59 displayed at the time of the previous symbol change. There is.

Then, as shown in FIG. 68 (2), when the decorative symbol 41 or the like is not being changed, that is, when the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 does not remember that the special symbol is being changed. After a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed after displaying the decorative symbol 41 or the like, the image / acoustic control unit 310 executes the customer waiting drawing effect (see FIG. 68 (3)). In the customer waiting drawing effect executed in FIG. 68 (3), an image change effect that changes the color of the number portion 411 (see FIG. 48 (1)) is executed. In addition, unlike this example, in the above default symbol, control may be performed so as not to execute the customer waiting drawing effect. This prevents the player from misidentifying that the decorative symbol 41 is changing after the power is restored.

On the other hand, when the decorative symbol 41 or the like is displayed as shown in FIG. 68 (2) and the special symbol is changing, that is, when the decorative symbol 41 is being displayed in a variable manner, until the special symbol change is completed. The display of the decorative symbol 41 of the default symbol "123" is maintained until the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

If the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order, the display of the decorative symbol 41 of the default symbol "123" is continued to notify that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is out of order. .. Further, the image / acoustic control unit 310 executes the customer waiting effect when the customer waiting command is received from the effect control unit 300 after the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped. Further, the image / acoustic control unit 310 continues to have no hold at a time when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed from the execution of the customer waiting effect, and controls the effect of the power restoration end command. Upon receiving from the section 300, the customer waiting drawing effect is executed.

Although detailed explanation is omitted, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the decoration symbol 41 starts from the default symbol "123" and the lottery result of the big hit special symbol lottery as well as the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped. Is switched to the combination in the case of a big hit (for example, "11-11"). As a result, it is notified that the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. At this time, the decorative symbol 41 does not execute the image change effect.

In addition, if it is stored in the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 that the special symbol is changing when the power is restored, the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 displays the fluctuation ( For example, after executing (blinking, etc.), a stop display (for example, lighting, etc.) is displayed to display the lottery result.

Further, if it is remembered that the special symbol is changing when the power is restored, the fourth symbol 56 may or may not be changed. The same applies to the case where a lamp (not shown) is used instead of the fourth symbol 56 as in the illustrated example to indicate that the special symbol is changing. That is, when it is remembered that the special symbol is changing when the power is restored, this lamp may be turned on in a manner indicating that the special symbol is changing, or that the special symbol is changing. It does not have to be turned on in the manner shown.

[Modification example]
FIG. 69 is a diagram showing a modified example of the customer waiting figure production.
In the above description, it has been described that all three decorative symbols 41 perform the image change effect as the customer waiting figure effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the customer waiting drawing effect may be executed by executing the image change effect only in a part of the decorative symbols 41 among the three decorative symbols 41.

For example, as shown in FIG. 69, the positions of the three decorative symbols 41 in the depth direction may be displayed differently from each other. Specifically, the central decorative symbol 41 may be displayed so as to be located behind the left and right decorative symbols 41. In this case, the color of the number part 411 (see FIG. 48 (1)) in the left and right decorative symbols 41 may be changed, and the color of the number portion 411 in the central decorative symbol 41 may not be changed. By changing the number unit 411 only in a part of the plurality of decorative symbols 41 in this way, it is possible to simplify the control of the customer waiting drawing effect.

In the above description, among the number part 411, the number decoration part 412, the character part 413, and the drawing background part 414 in the decorative pattern 41, the number part 411 does not move (the coordinates do not change) and the customer is waiting. Explained that the figure effect is executed. However, the mode may be such that the number unit 411 is moving to execute the customer waiting drawing effect. For example, the entire decorative pattern 41, that is, the number part 411, the number decoration part 412, the character part 413, and the drawing background part 414 may all move (operate).

Further, in the description of FIG. 47 (16), it has been explained that the image change effect by the decorative symbol 41 is not executed when the game state is switched after the jackpot game is completed, but the image change effect may be executed. ..

Further, in the description of FIG. 36 (2) and the like, it has been described that the decorative symbol 41 rises once with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol and then scrolls downward, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, scrolling may be started after moving in the left-right direction once with the start of the variation display of the next special symbol. Further, when starting the variable display of the next special symbol, scrolling may be started downward without moving in the other direction.

Further, although the type of the decorative symbol 41 has been described in FIG. 49, the type of the decorative symbol 41 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the character of the decorative symbol 41 may have an item such as a weapon. When the character has an item, the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be easily transmitted to the player.

Further, in FIG. 49, it has been explained that the operation of the character is different for each decorative symbol 41. Here, the display mode of the decorative symbol 41 may change depending on the gaming state, the stage, the mode, and the like. For example, even if the decorative symbol 41 shows the same Chinese numeral "4", the image of the character part 413 changes depending on whether the whole body is displayed or only the upper body is shown, or the character part 413 is displayed. The costumes worn by the character may change. In this case, even if the decorative symbol 41 is the same, the image of the character unit 413 (display mode of the decorative symbol 41) is different from each other. Can be regarded as different.

If the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a setting, it is better not to change whether or not to execute the customer waiting drawing effect depending on the setting. Alternatively, it is better not to change the effect content of the customer waiting figure effect, such as the image change executed in the customer waiting figure effect, depending on the setting. In other words, regardless of the setting of the pachinko gaming machine 100, it is better to execute the same customer waiting drawing effect. By executing the same customer waiting drawing effect in this way, it is possible to prevent a player who is not playing the game from guessing the setting of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

The setting of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes, for example, 6 stages (setting 1 to setting 6). Then, as the process proceeds from setting 1 to setting 6, the winning probability of the big hit lottery increases. For example, in setting 1, the jackpot probability is 1/300, and in setting 6, the jackpot probability is 1/250. At this time, the winning probability (high probability) of the jackpot lottery when the gaming state becomes the high probability state should be common to each setting within a range not exceeding 10 times the winning probability of the low probability state. For example, in setting 1, it is preferable to set a low probability of 1/300 and a high probability of 1/30, and in setting 6, it is preferable to set a low probability of 1/250 and a high probability of 1/30. By doing so, the performance of the so-called probabilistic state in which the gaming state becomes a high-probability time-saving gaming state becomes the same regardless of the setting, and the player feels in the gaming state where the most balls can be obtained in the pachinko gaming machine 100. Pleasure can be eliminated.

41 ... Decorative design (an example of production design)
100 ... Pachinko gaming machine (an example of a gaming machine)
114 ... Image display unit (example of display means)
200 ... Game control unit (an example of game control means)
300 ... Production control unit (an example of production control means)

Claims (1)

A game control means that controls the progress of the game,
The effect control means for controlling the effect based on the command transmitted from the game control means is provided.
The game control means is
Acquisition means for acquiring judgment information when the acquisition condition is satisfied, and
A determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the determination information acquired by the acquisition means.
Based on the determination result by the determination means, the symbol control means for displaying the symbol in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the determination result in a manner of notifying the determination result.
And, the fluctuation start command is transmitted to the effect control means according to the variation display of the symbol, and the variation stop command is transmitted to the effect control means according to the stop display of the symbol.
The effect control means is
The effect symbol is varied and displayed in response to the reception of the variation start command transmitted from the game control means, and the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner of notifying the determination result in response to the reception of the variation stop command. Variable production means to execute variable production and
An image display means capable of displaying a plurality of images including a first image showing numbers in the effect pattern and a second image displayed behind the first image.
Equipped with
The image display means is
After receiving the fluctuation stop command, when the fluctuation start command is not newly received, it is possible to execute the first effect of displaying the second image in a non-static mode while displaying the first image in a stationary mode. can be,
After receiving the fluctuation start command and before receiving the fluctuation stop command, it is possible to execute the second effect of making the second image different from the display mode of the first effect.
A gaming machine characterized in that when a new variation start command is received while the first effect is being executed, the variation of the effect symbol is started while the second image is in a non-stationary mode.

Images