JP7141134B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine such as a pachinko machine.

Conventionally, in this type of gaming machine, even if a variable display game is played a predetermined number of times after a variable display game played on a variable display device based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole is in a jackpot state the previous time, the next variable display game is performed. A proposal has been made to generate a specific game state when no jackpot state occurs (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the specific game state, the time required for one game of the normal variable display game is shortened (normal figure time saving state), or when a specific result is derived in the normal variable display game, the opening time of the normal variable prize device is extended. I am doing

JP-A-2005-52345

The above-mentioned specific game state (easy ball entry state) occurs when no big hit is achieved even after the success/failure determination is performed a predetermined number of times. It is something to do. For this reason, it is considered that the players are very interested in how long they have to continue playing to reach the ceiling.

The gaming machine of the present invention generates an easy-ball-entering state in which a game ball can be easily entered into a variable starting port when the number of executions of win/fail judgments reaches a specified number of times without a special game being executed. The main purpose is to improve amusement in a game by a notification performance related to the occurrence of the easy-to-ball-enter state.

The gaming machine of the present invention employs the following means in order to achieve the above main object.
That is, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine that advances a game based on the shooting of a game ball,
a starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of a game ball entering;
a success/failure determination means for performing a success/failure determination based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port;
special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the win/loss determination is winning;
a first easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a first easy-to-enter state in which a game ball is easily entered into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game;
counting means for counting the number of executions of the success/failure determination, and resetting the counted value to an initial value when the special game is executed;
a second easy ball entry state generating means for generating a second easy ball entry state in which entry of a game ball into the variable starting port is facilitated based on the fact that the count value has reached a specified value;
information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means;
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed at the time of turning on the power, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased to return from the initial state, the game information is stored in the information storage means, and the power is turned on. state recovery means for recovering from the state before the power shutdown based on the game information stored in the information storage means when the erasing operation is not performed at the time of input;
notification means for notifying the remaining number of executions of the success/failure determination until the second easy-ball-entering state occurs based on the count value;
with
The notification means does not perform the notification until the count value reaches a predetermined value after returning from the initial state and after the special game is executed by the state return means, and outputs the notification when the count value reaches the predetermined value. and performing the notification regardless of the count value after recovery from the state before the power shutdown by the state recovery means;
This is the gist of it.

The first gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine that advances a game based on the shooting of a game ball,
a starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of a game ball entering;
a success/failure determination means for performing a success/failure determination based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port;
special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the win/loss determination is winning;
a first easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a first easy-to-enter state in which a game ball is easily entered into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game;
counting means for counting the number of executions of the success/failure determination, and resetting the counted value to an initial value when the special game is executed;
a second easy ball entry state generating means for generating a second easy ball entry state in which entry of a game ball into the variable starting port is facilitated based on the fact that the count value has reached a specified value;
information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means;
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed at the time of turning on the power, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased to return from the initial state, the game information is stored in the information storage means, and the power is turned on. state recovery means for recovering from the state before the power shutdown based on the game information stored in the information storage means when the erasing operation is not performed at the time of input;
notification means for performing notification based on the count value;
with
The notification means does not perform the notification after returning from the initial state by the state restoring means and after the special game is executed, and after returning from the state before the power shutdown by the state restoring means, the make an announcement,
This is the gist of it.

The first gaming machine of the present invention generates a first ball-entering easy state based on execution of a special game, and the number of executions of winning/failure determination reaches a specified number of times without executing a special game. Based on this, the second easy-ball-entering state is generated. The number of executions of success/failure determination is counted by the counting means, and is reset to an initial value when the special game is executed. In such a game machine, information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and game information stored in the information storage means when a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on. When the game information is erased and returned from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the erasing operation is not performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is used before the power is turned off. state recovery means for recovering from the state of (1) and notification means for performing notification based on the count value. The notification means does not perform notification after recovery from the initial state by the state recovery means and after execution of the special game, but performs notification after recovery from the state before power shutdown by the state recovery means. When the game machine is restored from the initial state or the special game is executed, the counting means starts counting from the initial value, and the second ball-entering easy state is generated when the count value reaches the specified value. On the other hand, when the gaming machine recovers from the state before the power shutdown, the counting means starts counting from the value stored in the information storage means, and when the count value reaches the specified value, the second easy ball entry state is entered. occurs. Therefore, in the latter case, it is difficult for the player to grasp the guideline for reaching the ceiling. Therefore, in the latter case, by notifying the player based on the count value of the counting means, the player can easily recognize how long the game must be continued before the second easy-to-ball-enter state occurs, thereby increasing the interest in the game. can be improved.

The second gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine that advances a game based on the shooting of a game ball,
a starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of a game ball entering;
a success/failure determination means for performing a success/failure determination based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port;
special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the win/loss determination is winning;
a first easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a first easy-to-enter state in which a game ball is easily entered into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game;
counting means for counting the number of executions of the success/failure determination, and resetting the counted value to an initial value when the special game is executed;
a second easy ball entry state generating means for generating a second easy ball entry state in which entry of a game ball into the variable starting port is facilitated based on the fact that the count value has reached a specified value;
information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means;
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed at the time of turning on the power, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased to return from the initial state, the game information is stored in the information storage means, and the power is turned on. state recovery means for recovering from the state before the power shutdown based on the game information stored in the information storage means when the erasing operation is not performed at the time of input;
notification means for performing notification based on the count value;
with
The notification means does not perform the notification after the state restoration means returns from the initial state and after the special game is executed, and the game is played after the state restoration means returns from the state before the power cutoff. Performing the notification based on the start of
This is the gist of it.

In the second gaming machine of the present invention, the first ball-entering easy state is generated based on the execution of the special game, and the number of executions of winning/failure determination reaches the prescribed number of times without executing the special game. Based on this, the second easy-ball-entering state is generated. The number of executions of success/failure determination is counted by the counting means, and is reset to an initial value when the special game is executed. In such a game machine, information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and game information stored in the information storage means when a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on. When the game information is erased and returned from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the erasing operation is not performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is used before the power is turned off. state recovery means for recovering from the state of (1) and notification means for performing notification based on the count value. The notification means does not perform notification after recovery from the initial state by the state recovery means and after execution of the special game, but performs notification after recovery from the state before power shutdown by the state recovery means. When the game machine is restored from the initial state or the special game is executed, the counting means starts counting from the initial value, and the second ball-entering easy state is generated when the count value reaches the specified value. On the other hand, when the gaming machine recovers from the state before the power shutdown, the counting means starts counting from the value stored in the information storage means, and when the count value reaches the specified value, the second easy ball entry state is entered. occurs. Therefore, in the latter case, it is difficult for the player to grasp the guideline for reaching the ceiling. Therefore, in the latter case, by notifying the player based on the count value of the counting means, the player can easily recognize how long the game must be continued before the second easy-to-ball-enter state occurs, thereby increasing the interest in the game. can be improved. In addition, since the notification is made on the condition that the game has started, compared to the case where the notification is made before the game is started, for example, when the hall is opened, the remaining time until the second ball-entering easy state occurs It is possible to avoid the inconvenience of a rush of players to a game machine with a small number of times. Here, "the game has started" means that a game ball has been shot into the game area based on the player's operation, that the game ball has entered a predetermined ball entrance, or that the game ball has entered the start entrance. A game ball enters and the pattern variation is started, etc. are included.

The third game machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine that advances a game based on the shooting of a game ball,
a starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of a game ball entering;
a success/failure determination means for performing a success/failure determination based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port;
special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the win/loss determination is winning;
a first easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a first easy-to-enter state in which a game ball is easily entered into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game;
counting means for counting the number of executions of the success/failure determination, and resetting the counted value to an initial value when the special game is executed;
a second easy ball entry state generating means for generating a second easy ball entry state in which entry of a game ball into the variable starting port is facilitated based on the fact that the count value has reached a specified value;
information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means;
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed at the time of turning on the power, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased to return from the initial state, the game information is stored in the information storage means, and the power is turned on. state recovery means for recovering from the state before the power shutdown based on the game information stored in the information storage means when the erasing operation is not performed at the time of input;
notification means for performing notification based on the count value;
with
The notification means performs the notification in a first notification mode after recovery from the initial state by the state recovery means and after execution of the special game, and recovery from the state before the power shutdown by the state recovery means. After that, the notification is performed in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode,
This is the gist of it.

In the third gaming machine of the present invention, the first ball-entering easy state is generated based on the execution of the special game, and the number of executions of winning/failure determination reaches the prescribed number of times without executing the special game. Based on this, the second easy-ball-entering state is generated. The number of executions of success/failure determination is counted by the counting means, and is reset to an initial value when the special game is executed. In such a game machine, information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and game information stored in the information storage means when a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on. When the game information is erased and returned from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the erasing operation is not performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is used before the power is turned off. state recovery means for recovering from the state of (1) and notification means for performing notification based on the count value. After the game machine returns from the initial state and after the special game is executed, the notification means performs notification in the first notification mode, and after the game machine returns from the state before the power shutdown, the first notification mode. Notification is performed in a second notification mode different from the mode. When the game machine is restored from the initial state or the special game is executed, the counting means starts counting from the initial value, and the second ball-entering easy state is generated when the count value reaches the specified value. On the other hand, when the gaming machine recovers from the state before the power shutdown, the counting means starts counting from the value stored in the information storage means, and when the count value reaches the specified value, the second easy ball entry state is entered. occurs. Therefore, by differentiating the reporting mode depending on whether the count value is reset to the initial value or not, it becomes possible to perform the reporting suitable for each case, thereby improving the amusement of the game.

The fourth gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine that advances a game based on the shooting of a game ball,
a starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of a game ball entering;
a success/failure determination means for performing a success/failure determination based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port;
special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the win/loss determination is winning;
a first easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a first easy-to-enter state in which a game ball is easily entered into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game;
counting means for counting the number of executions of the success/failure determination, and resetting the counted value to an initial value when the special game is executed;
a second easy ball entry state generating means for generating a second easy ball entry state in which entry of a game ball into the variable starting port is facilitated based on the fact that the count value has reached a specified value;
information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means;
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed at the time of turning on the power, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased to return from the initial state, the game information is stored in the information storage means, and the power is turned on. state recovery means for recovering from the state before the power shutdown based on the game information stored in the information storage means when the erasing operation is not performed at the time of input;
notification means for performing notification based on the count value;
with
The notification means performs the notification in a first notification mode on the basis of the start of the game after recovery from the initial state and execution of the special game by the state recovery means, and the state recovery means. After returning from the state before the power shutdown, the notification is performed in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode based on the start of the game,
This is the gist of it.

In the fourth gaming machine of the present invention, the first ball-entering easy state is generated based on the execution of the special game, and the number of executions of winning/failure determination reaches the prescribed number of times without executing the special game. Based on this, the second easy-ball-entering state is generated. The number of executions of success/failure determination is counted by the counting means, and is reset to an initial value when the special game is executed. In such a game machine, information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means, and game information stored in the information storage means when a predetermined erasing operation is performed when the power is turned on. When the game information is erased and returned from the initial state, and the game information is stored in the information storage means and the erasing operation is not performed when the power is turned on, the game information stored in the information storage means is used before the power is turned off. state recovery means for recovering from the state of (1) and notification means for performing notification based on the count value. After the game machine returns from the initial state and after the special game is executed, the notification means performs notification in the first notification mode, and after the game machine returns from the state before the power shutdown, the first notification mode. Notification is performed in a second notification mode different from the mode. When the game machine is restored from the initial state or the special game is executed, the counting means starts counting from the initial value, and the second ball-entering easy state is generated when the count value reaches the specified value. On the other hand, when the gaming machine recovers from the state before the power shutdown, the counting means starts counting from the value stored in the information storage means, and when the count value reaches the specified value, the second easy ball entry state is entered. occurs. Therefore, by differentiating the reporting mode depending on whether the count value is reset to the initial value or not, it becomes possible to perform the reporting suitable for each case, thereby improving the amusement of the game. In addition, since the notification is made on the condition that the game has started, compared to the case where the notification is made before the game is started, for example, when the hall is opened, the remaining time until the second ball-entering easy state occurs It is possible to avoid the inconvenience of a rush of players to a game machine with a small number of times. Here, "the game has started" means that a game ball has been shot into the game area based on the player's operation, that the game ball has entered a predetermined ball entrance, or that the game ball has entered the start entrance. A game ball enters and the pattern variation is started, etc. are included.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the number of executions of success/failure determination reaches a prescribed number of times without executing a special game, a game ball can be easily entered into the variable starter opening. , the entertainment of the game can be improved by the notification effect associated with the occurrence of the easy-to-ball-enter state.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a game board 20 included in the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect display of the effect display device 37; It is an explanatory view explaining the specification of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of main control processing executed by a CPU 60a of a main controller 60; 7 is a flowchart showing an example of power-on processing; It is a flow chart which shows an example of starting prize-winning processing. It is a flow chart showing an example of normal symbol game processing. It is a flow chart showing an example of normal symbol variation display related processing. It is a flow chart showing an example of a game process per normal symbol. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design game processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design game processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design variation display related processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern table. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of ceiling counter update processing; It is a flowchart which shows an example of a time saving flag setting process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of big hit game processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of big hit game processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of a reservation display process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of design variation production processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of design variation production processing. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect display when the RAM clearing process is performed and when the RAM clearing process is not performed when the power is turned on; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect display when the number of consecutive omissions reaches a specified value; It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of each production|presentation display when specific non-specification suspension generate|occur|produces by prefetch determination and when big-hit suspension generate|occur|produces. It is a flow chart showing a symbol variation effect process of a modification. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of performance display when the variable display of special symbols is started after RAM clearing processing is performed at the time of turning on the power and when the variable display of special symbols is started after the end of a big winning game.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a back view of the pachinko machine 1, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a game board 20 of the pachinko machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the starting port, the variable display of the special symbols is started, and when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined big hit pattern, a big hit game is started, so-called seven game. An example in which the present invention is applied to a machine type (first type) gaming machine will be described.

[External Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1]
The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. An upper receiving tray 11 and a lower receiving tray 12 for storing game balls and a shooting handle 13 for shooting the game balls stored in the upper receiving tray 11 to a game board 20 are provided. The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a CR machine compatible with prepaid cards, and on the left side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided a CR unit 50 for reading and writing prepaid cards.

The front frame 3 is fitted in the inner frame 5 and can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 5 with hinges provided at the top and bottom on the left side as fulcrums. In addition, the inner frame 5 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2 with hinges provided on the upper and lower sides of the left side as fulcrums. The front frame 3 and the inner frame 5 are configured as substantially rectangular plastic frames. On the other hand, the outer frame 2 is configured as a substantially rectangular wooden frame, and is fixed to the island frame of the island facility of the game hall.

Speakers 14 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper portion of the front frame 3 for producing various sound effects as the game progresses and warning sounds for calling the player's attention. In addition, the front frame 3 is provided with a plurality of LEDs 15 as frame-side decorative lamps that emit light according to the game state.

Prize balls and rental balls are put out to the upper tray 11. - 特許庁A settlement display device 52 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 50 is arranged on the upper right portion of the upper tray 11. The settlement display device 52 is provided with a ball for instructing the lending of game balls. A credit button 53 and a settlement button 54 for instructing settlement (return) of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 50 are provided. At the center of the upper surface of the upper tray 11, there are arranged effect buttons 16 for performing various effects in accordance with player's operations. The lower receiving tray 12 can receive the balls overflowing from the upper receiving tray 11. - 特許庁

The inner frame 5 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a ball tank 77, a tank rail 78 and a payout device 72, as shown in FIG. When a game ball enters each winning hole provided on the game board 20, the payout device 72 supplies a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls from the ball tank 77 to the upper receiving tray 11 via the tank rail 78. Pay out. Further, the payout device 72 pays out the rented ball to the upper tray 11 when the ball rent button 53 is operated.

The firing handle 13 is provided on the right side of the lower receiving tray 12, and when the player rotates it clockwise, a firing motor 83 (see FIG. 4) of the firing device (not shown) is activated, causing the firing handle to move. The game balls are launched one by one toward the game board 20 with a shooting power according to the amount of rotation operation of 13.

[Configuration of game board 20]
As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 20 has a game area 21 surrounded by an outer rail 21a and an inner rail 21b. This game board 20 includes a performance display device 37 provided substantially in the center of the game area 21, a center accessory 38 including a warp entrance, a warp gutter, a stage, etc., arranged around the performance display device 37, and a center A normal symbol operating gate 22 arranged on the right side of the role 38, a normally open first starting port 23 arranged below the center role 38, and an opening/closing type arranged below the normal symbol operating gate 22. , the big winning opening 25 arranged in the lower right part of the game area 21, the normal winning opening 27 arranged in the lower left part of the game area 21, and any winning opening and an out port 29 for recovering missing game balls. Also, the game board 20 is planted with a large number of nails 21c for guiding and repelling game balls flowing down the game area 21.例文帳に追加

The second starting port 24 is a variable entrance configured as a normal electric accessory, and includes a pair of left and right opening/closing blades (opening/closing members) 24b and a second starting port solenoid 24c (Fig. 4), and The second starting port 24 is normally closed so that the opening/closing blade 24b stands upright to make it difficult for the game ball to enter. ) is executed, the opening and closing blades 24b are opened left and right by the second starting port solenoid 24c, so that a game ball can easily enter the open state. The second starting port 24 is provided with a second starting port switch 24a for detecting the entering of game balls and counting the number of entering balls. The second starting port 24 is closed when the second starting port switch 24a counts the number of game balls entered, or when a predetermined maximum opening time elapses before counting the specified number.

The big prize winning opening 25 is a variable ball entrance configured as a special electric accessory, and includes an opening/closing plate (opening/closing member) 25b, a big winning prize opening solenoid 25c (see FIG. 4) that operates the opening/closing plate 25b, Prepare. The big winning opening 25 is normally blocked by the opening/closing plate 25b and is in a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as the big winning symbol and the big winning game is executed. Secondly, the open/close plate 25b is opened forward by the big winning opening solenoid 25c, so that a game ball can enter an open state. A large winning opening switch 25a is attached to the large winning opening 25 for detecting the entry of game balls and counting the number of the entering balls. The big winning opening 25 is closed when the big winning opening switch 25a counts the number of game balls entered, or when a predetermined maximum opening time elapses before counting the predetermined number (round game). A jackpot game is performed by repeating the above-described round game a predetermined number of times.

The first starting port 23 allows a game ball to enter by rotating the shooting handle 13 (so-called left hitting) so that the game ball flows down to the left side area (first game area) of the game area 21. can be made On the other hand, the second starting port 24 and the big winning port 25 cannot enter the game ball by hitting to the left, and the game ball is made to flow down to the right side area (second game area) of the game area 21. A game ball can be entered by rotating the shooting handle 13 (so-called right hitting). However, since the second starting hole 24 and the big winning hole 25 are variable winning holes, the game ball enters only when the normal symbol is won and the special symbol is won by the big hit, respectively. It becomes possible.

In the lower right part of the game board 20, a first special symbol display device (first special symbol display device) 31, a second special symbol display device (second special symbol display device) 32, and a first special symbol reservation number display Device (first special figure reservation number display device) 33, second special symbol reservation number display device (second special figure reservation number display device) 34, normal design display device (normal design display device) 35, normal design A reserved number display device (ordinary figure reserved number display device) 36 is arranged.

The first special figure display device 31 and the second special figure display device 32 are configured as a 7-segment display device in this embodiment, and a plurality of types of display modes are expressed by a combination of lighting and extinguishing of each segment. . The first special figure display device 31 and the second special figure display device 32 start the variable display of the special symbol by sequentially switching the display mode based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port, and the predetermined variation time When the time elapses, the special symbol is stopped and displayed by stopping and displaying in one of a plurality of predetermined stopping and displaying modes. Then, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined stop display mode (big hit symbol), a big hit game is executed. The first special figure display device 31 is a display device for the first start opening entry ball that variably displays the special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the first start opening 23, and the second special figure display device 32. is a display device for entering a second starting hole that variably displays a special symbol based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 24 . In addition, the special symbol displayed by the first special symbol display device 31 is also called the first special symbol (first special symbol), and the special symbol displayed by the second special symbol display device 32 is the second special symbol (second Also called a special map).

In addition, when the game ball enters the first starting port 23 during the variable display of the special symbol or during the big hit game, the variable display of the first special symbol is suspended up to a predetermined number (4 times in the embodiment), and the current After the variable display ends, the variable display of the reserved first special symbols is sequentially started. The reserved number of the first special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol reserved number display device 33 . Also, when a game ball enters the second starting port 24 during the variable display of the special symbols or during the jackpot game, the variable display of the second special symbols is suspended up to a predetermined number (for example, four times), and the current After the variable display ends, the variable display of the reserved second special symbols is sequentially started. The number of pending special symbols is displayed on the second special symbol pending number display device 34 .

In this embodiment, the normal map display device 35 is configured as an LED display device having a plurality of display units. The normal pattern display device 35 variably displays the normal patterns by repeating lighting and extinguishing of each of the plurality of display units based on the fact that the gate switch 22a provided in the normal pattern operation gate 22 detects the game ball. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbols are stopped and displayed by lighting or extinguishing each of the plurality of display portions. Then, when a specific display part among the plurality of display parts is lit, it becomes a winning pattern, and in other cases, it becomes a losing pattern. When the normal symbol is a winning symbol and is stopped and displayed, the second starting port 24 is opened.

In this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 22 during the variable display of the normal symbols, the variable display of the normal symbols is held up to a predetermined number (for example, 4), and the current variable display is displayed. When finished, the variable display of the reserved normal symbols is sequentially started. The reserved number of normal symbols is displayed on the normal pattern reserved number display device 36 .

The performance display device 37 is an image display device composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and in addition to displaying performance symbols (pseudo symbols) 371L, 371C, and 371R corresponding to the special symbols on the display screen, it notifies the ready-to-win performance and the big hit. Various effects such as an advance notice effect and a suggestive effect suggesting a set value are displayed. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the effect display of the effect display device 37. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, at the center of the display screen of the effect display device 37, there are left, middle and right three effect patterns 371L, which consist of numbers, alphabets, characters, symbols, characters (in the example of the figure, numbers), 371C and 371R are displayed. The three production patterns 371L, 371C, 371R are variably displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom when a game ball enters the start port (first start port 23 or second start port 24), and are displayed for a predetermined variation time. After elapses, the display stops in the order of left, right, and middle. When the right performance symbol 371R is stop-displayed and the right performance symbol 371R does not match the left performance symbol 371L, it is lost (usually lost). On the other hand, when the right performance pattern 371R coincides with the left performance pattern 371L, it becomes ready-to-win, and shifts to ready-to-win performance. Then, when the middle production pattern 371C is stopped and displayed through the ready-to-win production, if the middle production pattern 371C does not match the left and right production patterns 371L and 371R, it is out (reach out), and the middle production. When the pattern 371C coincides with the left and right performance patterns 371L, 371R, a big hit is achieved.

5, the first and second reserved symbols 372a and 372b are also displayed in the corners (lower part) of the display screen of the effect display device 37. As shown in FIG. The first reserved design 372a is a design corresponding to reserved storage of the first special design. The first reserved symbol 372a is additionally displayed one by one from the right side each time a game ball enters the first starting port 23 during the variable display of the special symbol, and each time the variable display of the first special symbol is started. It is erased one by one from the opposite side from the time of starting ball. Also, the second reserved design 372b is a design corresponding to the reserved storage of the second special design. The second reserved symbol 372b is additionally displayed one by one from the right side every time the game ball enters the second start port 24 during the variable display of the special symbol, and each time the variable display of the second special symbol is started. It is erased one by one from the opposite side from the time of starting ball.

Furthermore, within the display screen of the effect display device 37, a character design 373 is also displayed as shown in FIG. The character pattern 373 is used, for example, when suggesting the possibility of a big win (reliability) or suggesting that a big win will occur.

[Configuration of control circuit]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 1 includes, as its control circuits, a main control device 60, a payout control device 70, a launch control device 80, a sub-integrated control device 90, and an effect display control device 91. , and a power supply substrate 95 (see FIG. 2). The main control unit 60 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 60a. In addition to the CPU 60a, the main control unit 60 includes a ROM 60b for storing processing programs and tables, a RAM 60c for temporarily storing data when executing the processing program, an input/output port, and a communication device. Equipped with ports, etc. Although not shown, the payout control device 70 and the launch control device 80 are similarly configured as a microprocessor centering on a CPU, and are provided with a ROM, a RAM, an input/output port, a communication port, etc. in addition to the CPU. Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with an external connection terminal board 65, through which signals indicating the game state and game results are transmitted to the hall computer 100 (see FIG. 4).

The main controller 60 controls the basic progress of the game. As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 60 receives detection signals from the front frame open switch 3a that detects the opening of the front frame 3, the inner frame open switch 5a that detects the opening of the inner frame 5, and the like. It is input via the relay terminal board 64 . In addition, the main control device 60 includes a gate switch 22a for detecting passage of a game ball to the normal symbol operation gate 22, a first start port switch 23a for detecting entry of a game ball to the first start port 23, A second starting port switch 24a for detecting entry of a game ball to the second starting port 24, a large winning port switch 25a for detecting entering of a game ball to the large winning port 25, and a game ball to the normal winning port 27 A detection signal from the normal winning opening switch 27a or the like for detecting the entry of a ball is input through the game board relay terminal plate 61. FIG. Further, the operation signals from the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are directly input to the main controller 60 . On the other hand, the main controller 60 outputs drive signals to the second starting solenoid 24c, the big win solenoid 25c, etc. via the game board relay terminal plate 61. FIG. Also, from the main control device 60, the first special figure display device 31, the second special figure display device 32, the first special figure reservation number display device 33, the second special figure reservation number display device 34, the general figure display device 35 , and a display signal to the number display device 36 for normal symbols and the like is output through the relay terminal board 62 of the symbol display device. Furthermore, signals to the hall computer 100 are output from the main controller 60 via the back wiring relay terminal board 64 and the external connection terminal board 65 .

The probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are provided in the main controller 60 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, as shown in FIG. A probability setting switch 98 is a switch for setting a special symbol jackpot probability, and a RAM clear switch 99 is a switch for executing RAM clear. In addition, the RAM clear switch 99 of this embodiment is also used to select the set value of the special symbol jackpot probability. That is, the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are used to select and set any one of six setting values (settings 1 to 6) to which different jackpot probabilities are assigned as special pattern jackpot probabilities. . The manager of the game hall inserts a predetermined key into the probability setting switch 98 and rotates it, and with the RAM clear switch 99 depressed, the power is turned on. Then, the RAM of the pachinko machine 1 is cleared so that the setting values can be changed. When the pachinko machine 1 is in this state, the administrator can select a desired set value from settings 1 to 6 by pressing the RAM clear switch 99. FIG. In this embodiment, each time the RAM clear switch 99 is pressed, the pachinko machine 1 sequentially displays the numbers "1" to "6" corresponding to the setting values currently selected in the first special figure display device 31. to display. Therefore, the administrator selects the desired setting value by repeatedly pressing the RAM clear switch 99 so that the number displayed on the first special figure display device 31 becomes the number corresponding to the desired setting value. be able to. A set value selected by operating a RAM clear switch 99 is determined by turning the key inserted into the probability setting switch 98 and returning it to the initial position, and set as a special pattern jackpot probability. The administrator can set any one of settings 1 to 6 for each pachinko machine 1 by performing these operations. In this embodiment, the setting value is selected and set using the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99. However, the configuration is not limited to this. As long as it is possible, any other operation means may be used to select or set the setting value, or a configuration in which a dedicated switch for selecting the setting value is provided. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 displays information about the currently selected set value on the first special figure display device 31, but it is not limited to this, and may be displayed on another display device. Alternatively, the notification may be made by voice. For example, a display device capable of displaying the setting values may be provided in the main control device 60 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and the display device may be a device dedicated to displaying the setting values. Also, the setting values are not limited to the six settings 1 to 6, and any number of setting values may be selected as long as they can be selected from a plurality of setting values.

The payout control device 70 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls. A detection signal from a ball-out switch 76 for detecting a ball-out of a ball tank (not shown) for storing game balls to be paid out to the upper receiving tray 11 is input to the payout control device 70 via a rear wiring relay terminal plate 64. A detection signal from a payout switch 74 for detecting game balls put out to the upper tray 11 is input via the payout relay terminal board 71 and the rear wiring relay terminal board 64, and a full switch 75 detects that the lower tray 12 is full. A detection signal from is directly input. On the other hand, the payout control device 70 outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 73 via the back wiring relay terminal board 64 and the payout relay terminal board 71 . The payout control device 70 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the main control device 60, and drives the payout motor 73 in accordance with commands transmitted from the main control device 60 to pay out prize balls. When a detection signal is input from either the ball-out switch 76 or the full switch 75, the payout control device 70 stops driving the payout motor 73 until the detection state is resolved and the detection signal is no longer input. interrupt the payout operation.

Also, the payout control device 70 is configured to be able to communicate with the CR unit 50 via the CR unit terminal plate 51 . The CR unit terminal plate 51 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the settlement display device 52, and the payout control device 70 receives detection signals from the ball lending switch 53a and the settlement switch 54a provided in the settlement display device 52. It is input through the CR unit terminal board 51 . The ball lending switch 53a detects the operation of the ball lending button 53 and outputs a detection signal, and the settlement switch 54a detects the operation of the settlement button 54 and outputs a detection signal. When the ball lending command is input, the payout control device 70 drives the payout motor 73 to pay out the rented balls. In addition, the dispensing control device 70 is also configured to be capable of two-way communication with the firing control device 80, and when a predetermined firing stop condition such as inputting a detection signal from the full switch 75 is satisfied, the firing control device 80 to send a fire stop command.

The shooting control device 80 controls the shooting of game balls to the game area 21 . The firing control device 80 includes a rotation amount signal output according to the rotation operation of the firing handle 13, a firing stop signal from a firing stop switch 81 that detects the operation of the firing stop button, and a firing stop signal from a firing stop switch 81 that detects the operation of the firing stop button. A touch signal or the like is input from a touch switch 82 that detects that the . On the other hand, the firing control device 80 outputs a drive signal to the firing motor 83 . The shooting control device 80 controls the shooting motor 83 so that the game ball is shot to the game area 21 with the shooting intensity based on the rotation amount signal. The shooting control device 80 stops driving the shooting motor 83 regardless of the operation of the shooting handle 13 and does not shoot the game ball when the touch signal is not input or when the shooting stop command is input.

The sub-integrated control device 90 is responsible for controlling game effects. The sub-integrated control device 90 is configured as a microprocessor centering on a CPU 90a, and is provided with a ROM 90b, a RAM 90c, an input/output port, a communication port, etc., in addition to the CPU 90a. This sub-integrated control device 90 can receive various commands by one-way communication from the main control device 60 via the effect relay terminal board 63, and performs effect control according to the received command. A detection signal from the production button switch 16 a for detecting the operation (pressing) of the production button 16 is input to the sub-integrated control device 90 . On the other hand, the sub-integrated control device 90 outputs audio signals to the speaker 14 and lighting signals to various LEDs 15 . Also, from the sub-integrated control device 90, a command for effect display control to the effect display control device 91 is output by one-way communication. The effect display control device 91 receives a command for effect display control from the sub-integrated control device 90, and controls the display of the effect display device 37 so that the effect display device 37 displays the effect image corresponding to the command. Do.

The power supply board 95 is a DC power supply that converts AC voltage from an external AC power supply into DC voltage, and supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 1 by operating a power switch (not shown). The power board 95 supplies power from the AC power supply to the RAM 60c of the main control unit 60 and the like even when the power switch is turned off and the power supply of the pachinko machine 1 is turned off. is maintained by power from In addition, the power supply board 95 includes a backup power supply composed of a capacitor or the like, and stores electric power supplied from the AC power supply in the backup power supply. As a result, in the event of a power failure in which the supply of power from the AC power supply is interrupted, the power from the backup power supply is supplied to the RAM 60c of the main controller 60, etc., and the data, etc. in the RAM 60c of the main controller 60 remain unchanged for a certain period of time. retained.

[Outline of game of pachinko machine 1]
Next, an outline of a game in the pachinko machine 1 configured in this manner will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the specifications of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the special symbol jackpot probability varies depending on the game state and the set value. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the game state is the normal game state, the setting 1 jackpot probability is 1/320, the setting 2 jackpot probability is 1/310, and the setting 3 The jackpot probability is 1/300, the jackpot probability for setting 4 is 1/290, the jackpot probability for setting 5 is 1/280, and the jackpot probability for setting 6 is 1/270. On the other hand, when the game state is the probability variable game state, the setting 1 jackpot probability is 1/64, the setting 2 jackpot probability is 1/62, and the setting 3 jackpot probability is 1/60. , the jackpot probability of setting 4 is 1/58, the jackpot probability of setting 5 is 1/56, and the jackpot probability of setting 6 is 1/54. When a big hit occurs with a special symbol, a 4-round big-hit game (a big-hit game in which a round game with a prescribed number of 10 and a maximum opening time of 30 seconds is repeated 4 times) or a 10-round big-hit game (the above-mentioned round game is 10 times) A repeated jackpot game) is executed. When the jackpot game is executed, the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes the variable probability game state with a probability of 65% (variable probability jackpot). The probability variation gaming state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of special symbols (jackpot probability) is higher than the normal gaming state. In addition, when the jackpot game is executed, a time-saving game state (a time-saving state, first ball-entering easy state) also occurs as a game state after the jackpot game ends.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the variable display of the special symbols is executed a specified number of times (900 times) without the occurrence of a big hit, a time-saving game state (b time-saving state , second easy ball entry state) occurs. The time-saving state b continues until the variable display of the special symbols is performed a predetermined number of times (900 times). Here, the specified number of times is a so-called dead end, and is set to a value exceeding the reciprocal of the jackpot probability. For example, if the jackpot probability is 1/300, it can be 301 times or more, especially 700 times or more, or any number of times from 750 to 900 times.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the probability of winning the normal symbol differs depending on the game state, and when the game state is the normal game state, it is 1/100, and the game state is the time saving game state (a time saving state , b time-saving state), it is 1/1.1. When a hit occurs in a normal symbol, a normal symbol winning game (normal symbol winning game) opened by the second starting port 24 (normal electric accessory) is executed. When the game state is the normal game state and a hit occurs in the normal pattern, the normal game with the specified number of 10 and the maximum opening time of 0.1 seconds is executed, and the game state is the time saving game state (a When a hit occurs in normal symbols in the time saving state, b time saving state), a normal pattern winning game with a prescribed number of 10 and a maximum opening time of 5.8 seconds is executed. In this embodiment, the a time saving state and the b time saving state are both a time saving function in which the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is shorter than in the normal game state, and a normal pattern in which the winning probability of the normal pattern is higher than in the normal game state. This is a game state in which the variable probability function and the opening extension function for extending the opening time of the second starting port 24 when the normal symbol is won are longer than in the normal game state. In addition, as for a time saving state and b time saving state, some functions may be abbreviate|omitted among these three functions. In particular, since b time saving state generates a time saving game state without a big hit, it is conceivable not to operate the normal pattern probability changing function. In this case, the a time saving state and the b time saving state are different game states, and the a time saving state in which the normal pattern probability changing function operates is more advantageous for the player than the b time saving state. Of course, it is also conceivable that the a time saving state is the same as the time saving game state without operating the normal pattern probability changing function according to the b time saving state. In this case, even if a situation occurs in which the time saving state a and the time saving state b overlap, there is no need to change the time saving game state.

In the pachinko machine 1 with such specifications, when a game ball enters the first start hole 23 by hitting to the left (shooting a game ball to the first game area), the variable display of the first special symbol is started. Then, when the first special symbol is stop-displayed as a big win symbol, a big win is achieved and a big win game is executed in which the big win opening 25 is opened. A game ball cannot be entered into the big winning opening 25 by hitting to the left, and a game ball can be entered by hitting to the right (shooting a game ball to the second game area). Therefore, when the jackpot game is executed, the player hits to the right to complete the jackpot game.

The jackpot patterns include normal jackpot patterns and probability variable jackpot patterns. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed as the normal jackpot pattern, the game state after the jackpot game ends is the time-saving state a. When the jackpot game is executed with the normal jackpot pattern, the time-saving state a continues until the variable display of the special pattern is performed a predetermined number of times (100 times). On the other hand, when the special symbol is stop-displayed as the variable probability big hit symbol, the game state after the end of the big win game becomes the variable probability game state and the time saving state a. When the jackpot game is executed with the probability variable jackpot symbol, the probability variable game state and the time saving state a are until the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (10000 times), that is, substantially until the next jackpot occurs. continue. Therefore, in the probability variable gaming state and the time-saving state a, the player can generate a big hit advantageously while suppressing the reduction of the ball in hand by hitting to the right, and has a chance to win many balls in a short time. becomes.

In addition, when the variable display of the special symbols is executed for a specified number of times (900 times) without the occurrence of a big hit, the game state becomes a time-saving game state (b time-saving state). The jackpot probability is 1/320 to 1/270, and the b time saving state continues until the variable display of the special symbol is performed a predetermined number of times (900 times). A big hit can be generated in the case of

[Main control process]
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1, especially the operation of the main controller 60 will be described in more detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of main control processing executed by the CPU 60a of the main control device 60. As shown in FIG. This processing is executed when the power switch of the pachinko machine 1 is operated. The main control process includes power-on processing required to power-on the pachinko machine 1 (S10), random number update processing (S20), winning confirmation processing (S30), starting winning processing (S40), normal It is carried out by repeatedly executing a symbol game process (S50), a normal symbol winning game process (S60), a special symbol game process (S70) and a jackpot game process (S80). In this embodiment, the time required for the processes of S20 to S80 is about 2 msec, and these processes are repeatedly executed at intervals of about 2 msec. By executing the main control process, the main control device 60 sends various commands to the control device in charge and executes the processing according to the command, thereby progressing the entire game of the pachinko machine 1 .

[Power-on processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of power-on processing. In the power-on process of S10, the CPU 60a of the main controller 60 first checks whether the security check is completed and access to the RAM 60c is permitted (S100). It is determined whether or not the clear signal is OFF (S104). The backup flag is a flag indicating whether or not the data in the RAM 60c is normally held. The RAM clear signal turns ON when the power is turned on while the RAM clear switch 99 is operated, and turns OFF when the power is turned on while the RAM clear switch 99 is not operated.

If it is determined that the backup flag is OFF, or if it is determined that the backup flag is ON but the RAM clear signal is ON, the operation starts (returns) from the initial state. First, stack setting processing is performed (S106). Subsequently, the setting value set by the probability setting switch 98 is read out (S108), and the initialization process of clearing and initializing the working area of the RAM 60c is performed (S110). Game information indicating the game state is stored in the work area of the RAM 60c. The game information includes setting values of various flags and various counters, and the initialization processing includes processing of clearing the values of these flags and counters and setting them to initial values. In addition, the various flags include a normal symbol per flag (normal per pattern flag) indicating whether or not a normal symbol per game is in progress, a big hit flag indicating whether or not a big hit game is in progress, and a probability variation game state. Variable probability flag indicating whether or not, a time saving flag indicating whether it is in a time saving state (first easy entering state), b indicating whether it is in time saving state (second easy entering state) b time saving flag etc. are included. In addition, various counters include a variable probability counter that indicates the number of remaining variations of special symbols until the variable gaming state ends, a time-saving counter that indicates the number of remaining variations of special symbols until the time-saving state ends, b time-saving state The b time-saving counter that indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of the special pattern until the end of the b, the number of times that the result of the big hit judgment has been missed continuously including ceiling counters, etc. As described above, if the power is turned on while the probability setting switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 99 are being operated, the RAM is cleared, and one of the settings 1 to 6 is selected by the RAM clear switch 99 to set the probability. One set value set (selected) by the switch 98 is validated. Then, the notification flag is set to 0 (S112), the corresponding initial commands are transmitted to the payout control device 70 and the sub-integrated control device 90 (S114), and the power-on process ends. The initial command sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 includes various flags and various counter values.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S102 and S104 that the backup flag is ON and the RAM clear signal is OFF, the system is started (restored) from the state immediately before the power was cut off. That is, first, the game information immediately before the power shutdown, stored in the work area of the RAM 60c, is read out (S116). The game information immediately before the power cutoff is information indicating the state of the game that was in progress immediately before the power cutoff. Subsequently, a power return process for resuming the game according to the read game information is performed (S118). Then, the notification flag is set to a value of 1 (S120), and the corresponding return commands are transmitted to the payout control device 70 and the sub-integrated control device 90 (S122), thereby terminating the power-on process. The return command sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 includes various flags and various counter values, like the initial command. When the power-on process ends, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next random number update process (S20).

Here, the notification flag indicates whether or not to execute the notification effect for notifying the remaining number of times until reaching the ceiling. Indicates that the performance will not be executed. The details of this notification effect will be described later.

[Random number update process]
The random number update process of S20 is a process of updating various random numbers for determination. As the judgment random number, for example, a big hit judgment random number (special symbol Random number for success/failure determination) and a jackpot pattern used to determine the jackpot pattern to be stopped and displayed on the special display device (first special display device 31 or second special display device 32) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. Random number for symbol determination, when the result of the big hit determination is out, it is used to determine the off symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device (first special symbol display device 31 or second special symbol display device 32). A random number for use, a random number for determining the variation pattern used to determine the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol, a random number for determining whether the normal symbol is appropriate or not used for determining whether the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 22 can be mentioned. When the random number update process ends, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next winning confirmation process (S30).

[Winning confirmation process]
The winning confirmation process of S30 detects the state of various sensors (first start switch 23a, second start switch 24a, gate switch 22a, big win switch 25a, normal win switch 27a, etc.) state storage area. In addition, it is determined whether game balls are detected by switches related to prize balls (above-mentioned prize winning port switch excluding gate switch 22a), and if it is determined that game balls have been detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated and prize ball information is provided. , and stored in a predetermined prize ball information storage area of the RAM 60c. Then, when the value of the prize ball information is not 0, a command for specifying the number of prize balls (prize ball information) is transmitted to the payout control device 70, and the prize confirmation process is terminated. When the payout control device 70 receives the command for specifying the number of prize balls, the payout motor 73 is driven to pay out the game balls one by one, and the payout switch 74 outputs the prize ball information (unpaid (number of game balls) is decremented by one. This prize ball payout process is repeatedly executed until the value of the prize ball information reaches zero. The process is repeated until the information also has a value of 0. When the winning confirmation process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next startup winning process (S40).

[Start winning process]
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the starting winning process. In the starting winning process of S40, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first inputs a detection signal from the first starting port switch 23a and determines whether or not a game ball has entered the first starting port 23 ( S200). When it is determined that the game ball has entered the first start port 23, the number of reservations of the current first special symbol (the number of first special symbol reservations) is less than the upper limit number (value 4 in this embodiment) It is determined whether or not (S202). When it is determined that the reserved number of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the reserved number of the first special symbol is incremented by 1 and the display of the first special symbol reserved number display device 33 is updated (S204), A random number for determination of the first special symbol is acquired and stored in a predetermined random number storage area for determination of the RAM 60c (S206). Here, as the random number for determination acquired in S206, the above-mentioned random number for judging the big hit, random number for determining the big winning pattern, random number for determining the winning pattern, random number for determining the variation pattern, etc. Information related to the progress of the first special symbol variation game can be mentioned. Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag has a value of 0 and both the a time saving flag and the b time saving flag have a value of 0 (S208). When it is determined that the big hit flag has a value of 0 and both the a time saving flag and the b time saving flag have a value of 0, it is determined that the current game state is neither the big win game state nor the time saving game state, and the first special symbol is displayed. A look-ahead determination process is performed (S210), and a first special symbol look-ahead determination command (first special figure look-ahead determination command) including the result of the look-ahead determination is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S212). In the first special symbol look-ahead determination process, the first special symbol is varied based on the determination random number (random number for judging the big hit, random number for determining the big winning symbol, random number for determining the winning symbol, random number for determining the variation pattern) acquired in S206. It is a process performed based on the judgment random number prior to the winning judgment performed immediately before the display. make a judgment. The first special figure prefetch determination command includes the result of the first special symbol jackpot determination and the result of the variation pattern determination. In addition, if the probability variation flag is a value of 1, that is, if the current gaming state is a probability variation gaming state, the judgment random number that does not become a big hit only in the probability variation gaming state and does not become a big hit in the normal gaming state Even if it is not subject to look-ahead determination good. On the other hand, if it is determined that the big hit flag is value 1, or if it is determined that either a time saving flag or b time saving flag is value 1, the current game state is a big hit game state or a time saving game state It is determined that it is not suitable for execution of the prefetch determination of the first special symbol, and the prefetch determination processing of S210 and S212 is skipped. Then, the first special symbol reservation generation command (first special symbol reservation generation command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S214), and the process proceeds to S216. The first special symbol reservation generation command includes information about the number of first special symbol reservations for causing the effect display device 37 to display the first reservation symbol 372a. In addition, if it is determined that the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23 in S200, or if it is determined that the number of reservations of the first special symbol has reached the upper limit number in S202, the processing of S204 to S214 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next step S216.

It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the judgment random number storage area is divided into a storage area for judgment and a storage area for prefetch judgment, and the obtained random number for judgment is stored in each storage area. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the judgment random number stored in the storage area is shared between the success/failure judgment and the prefetch judgment. Further, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which, when the judgment random number is acquired, the prefetch judgment is performed as it is, and then the acquired judgment random number is stored in the judgment random number storage area for the correctness judgment. Prefetching determination can be executed without any problem regardless of which configuration is adopted.

Next, a detection signal from the second starting port switch 24a is input to determine whether or not the game ball has entered the second starting port 24 (S216). When it is determined that the game ball has entered the second start port 24, the number of reservations of the current second special symbol (second special number of reservations) is less than the upper limit number (value 4 in this embodiment) It is determined whether or not (S218). When it is determined that the reserved number of the second special symbols is less than the upper limit number, the reserved number of the second special symbols is incremented by 1 and the display of the second special symbol reserved number display device 34 is updated (S220), A random number for determination of the second special symbol is acquired and stored in a predetermined random number storage area for determination of the RAM 60c (S222). Here, as the random number for judgment acquired in S222, the random number for judging the big hit, the random number for deciding the big hit pattern, the random number for deciding the winning pattern, the random number for deciding the fluctuation pattern, etc. Information about the progress of the second special symbol variation game can be mentioned. Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is 0 (S224). When it is determined that the value of the jackpot flag is 0, it is determined that the current game state is not the jackpot game state, the second special symbol prefetching determination processing is performed (S226), and the second special symbol including the result of the prefetching determination is performed. A prefetch determination command (second special figure prefetch determination command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S228). The second special symbol look-ahead determination process is a process performed based on the determination random number prior to the win/loss determination performed immediately before the second special symbol is variably displayed based on the determination random number acquired in S222. In the embodiment, determination of a big hit using a random number for determination of a big hit and determination of a variation pattern using a random number for determination of a variation pattern are performed. The second special figure prefetch determination command includes the result of the second special symbol jackpot determination and the result of the variation pattern determination. On the other hand, when it is determined that the jackpot flag is the value 1, it is determined that the current game state is the jackpot game state and is not suitable for execution of the second special symbol read-ahead determination, and the read-ahead determination processing of S226 and S228 is skipped. do. Then, the second special symbol reservation generation command (second special symbol reservation generation command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S230), and the process proceeds to S232. The second special figure pending generation command includes information about the number of second special symbols pending for causing the effect display device 37 to display the second pending symbol 372b. In addition, if it is determined in S216 that the game ball has not entered the second starting port 24, or if it is determined in S218 that the number of reserved second special symbols has reached the upper limit number, the processing of S220 to S230 is skipped and the process proceeds to the next step S232.

Next, a detection signal from the gate switch 22a is input to determine whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 22 (S232). When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 22, it is determined whether or not the current normal symbol holding number is smaller than the upper limit number (for example, value 4) (S234). When it is determined that the reserved number of normal symbols is smaller than the upper limit number, the reserved number of normal symbols is incremented by 1 and the display of the normal pattern reserved number display device 36 is updated (S236). Next, a random number for determination of normal symbols is acquired and stored in a predetermined random number storage area for determination of the RAM 60c (S238). In addition, as the random number for determination of the normal design, information regarding the progress of the variable game in the normal design, such as the random number for normal design suitability determination described above, can be exemplified. Then, the normal design reservation number instruction command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S240), and the starting winning process is terminated. When it is determined in S232 that the game ball has not passed through the normal symbol operation gate 22, or when it is determined in S234 that the reserved number of normal symbols has reached the upper limit, the processing of S236 to S240 is skipped, End the starting winning process. When the starting winning process is completed, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next normal symbol game process (S50).

[Normal symbol game processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of normal symbol game processing. In the normal symbol game process of S50, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first determines whether or not the normal symbol hit flag (normal symbol hit flag) is value 1 (step S300). The normal pattern per flag is a flag indicating whether or not the normal pattern per game is in progress. When it is determined that the normal pattern per flag is the value 1, it is determined that the normal pattern per game is in progress, and the normal pattern game processing is terminated. When the normal symbol game process ends, the process proceeds to the normal symbol per game process of the next S60. On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal pattern per flag is not 1 but 0, it is determined that the normal pattern per game is not in progress, and whether or not the normal pattern is being variably displayed (S302), the determination of the fixed pattern of the normal pattern is performed. It is determined whether or not it is during the display time (S304). When it is determined that the normal symbols are not being displayed in a variable manner and that the fixed symbols are not being displayed, it is determined whether or not the number of pending normal symbols is greater than 0 (S306). When it is determined that the number of reserved symbols is not more than the value 0, that is, the value is 0, the normal symbol game processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reserved number of normal symbols is greater than the value 0, the oldest random number for normal symbol determination stored in the random number storage area for determination is read out (S308), and variable display of normal symbols is performed. (S310) and the normal symbol game process is terminated. Hereinafter, the details of the normal symbol variation display related processing of S310 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

In the normal symbol variation display related process, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag a is 0 (S350) and whether or not the time saving flag b is 0 (S352). As described above, the a time saving flag is a flag indicating whether or not it is in the a time saving state, and the a time saving state is triggered by the occurrence of a big hit. On the other hand, the b time saving flag is a flag indicating whether or not it is in the b time saving state, and the b time saving state is triggered by reaching the ceiling of the fit. When it is determined that both the a time saving flag and the b time saving flag are value 0, it is determined that the current game state is not the time saving game state (neither a time saving state nor b time saving state), and the acquired normal symbol propriety Based on the random number for determination, a win/deny determination is performed using a low-probability normal symbol winning determination table (S354). On the other hand, if it is determined that either the a time saving flag or the b time saving flag is not the value 0 but the value 1, the current game state is the time saving game state (either a time saving state or b time saving state) Then, based on the obtained random number for determining whether the normal symbol is right or wrong, determination is made using the normal symbol winning determination table for high probability (S356). Judgment of normal symbol suitability is performed by comparing a random number for normal symbol suitability judgment with a winning value contained in a normal symbol winning judgment table, and when the random number for normal symbol judging coincides with the winning value, it is judged as winning, If they do not match, it is determined that they are out of line. The high-probability normal symbol hit determination table has more hit values than the low-probability normal symbol hit determination table. As a result of the success/failure determination, if it is determined to be a hit ("YES" in S358), a winning pattern is determined in the fixed pattern of the normal patterns (S360), and the period from the start of the variable display of the normal patterns to the final display of the winning patterns is determined. The normal pattern variation time (hit variation pattern) is determined (S362). Further, as a result of the success/failure determination, when it is determined to be out ("NO" in S358), the outlier pattern is determined as the finalized symbol in the normal pattern (S364), and after starting the variable display of the normal symbol, the outlier symbol is confirmed and displayed. To determine the normal pattern fluctuation time (off fluctuation pattern) (S366). The variation time of normal symbols is set to be shorter in the time-saving game state than in the normal game state. When the fixed pattern and the fluctuation time (variation pattern) of the normal pattern are determined in this way, the variable display of the normal pattern is started (S368), the reserved number of the normal pattern is decremented by the value 1, and the normal pattern reserved number display device 36 is displayed. The display is updated (S370), the normal symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S372), and the normal symbol game processing is terminated.

Returning to the normal symbol game process of FIG. 10, when the normal symbol variable display is started, when the normal symbol game process is next executed, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 determines that the normal symbol is normally variable and displayed in S302. In order to determine that there is, next, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol variation time determined in S362 or S366 has elapsed (the variation according to the determined variation pattern has ended) (S312). When it is determined that the normal symbol variation time has not elapsed, the normal symbol game processing is once terminated, and when it is determined that the normal symbol variation time has elapsed, the determined symbol display for displaying the determined symbol of the normal symbol during variable display. Processing is performed (S314). Then, it is determined whether or not the fixed symbol display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed (S316). When it is determined that the fixed symbol display time has not elapsed, the normal symbol game processing is once terminated. When the normal symbol game process is executed after the confirmed symbol of the normal symbol is displayed, it is determined at S304 that the determined symbol is being displayed, so whether or not the determined symbol display time has elapsed is again checked at S316. When it is judged that the fixed pattern display interval has passed, the display of the fixed patterns is finished (S318), and it is judged whether or not the fixed pattern of the normal pattern is a winning pattern (S320).

When it is determined that the determined symbol of the normal symbol is not a winning symbol but a missing symbol, the normal symbol game processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fixed symbol of the normal symbol is the winning symbol, the value 1 is set to the normal symbol winning flag (normal symbol winning flag) (S322), and the normal symbol game processing is terminated. When the normal symbol game process is finished, the process proceeds to the normal symbol per game process of the next S60.

[Game processing per normal symbol]
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of normal per-symbol game processing. In the normal per symbol game process of S60, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first determines whether or not the normal per symbol flag is value 1 (S400). When it is determined that the normal per symbol flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, it is determined that the normal per symbol game is not in progress, and the normal per symbol game processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal pattern per flag is 1, it is determined that the normal pattern per game is in progress, and it is determined whether or not the second start port 24 is open (S402). If it is determined that the second starting port 24 is not open, it is determined whether or not the waiting time for opening has elapsed (S404). When it is determined that the waiting time for opening has not passed, the normal per-symbol game processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the opening waiting time has passed, the opening pattern (maximum opening time) of the second starting port 24 is determined (S406), and the second starting is performed so that the second starting port 24 is opened according to the determined opening pattern. The solenoid 24c is controlled (S408), and the normal per-symbol game processing is once terminated. The opening pattern of the second starting port 24 differs depending on the game state. In this embodiment, when the game state is the normal game state, the opening pattern is set to be opened once for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, and when the game state is the time-saving game state, the maximum is 5.8. An opening pattern is set to open once per second.

When the second starting port 24 is opened, the detection signal from the second starting port switch 24a is used to determine that the second starting port 24 is being opened at S402 when the normal per-symbol game processing is executed next time. Based on whether or not a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls entered the second starting port 24 (S410), the elapsed time from the start of opening the second starting port 24 is the maximum opening determined in S406 It is determined whether or not the time has reached (S412). When it is determined that the specified number of game balls have not entered the second starting port 24 and the elapsed time from the start of opening the second starting port 24 has not reached the determined maximum opening time, the second While maintaining the opening of the starting port 24, the normal per-symbol game processing is once terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered the second starting port 24, or if it is determined that the elapsed time from the start of opening the second starting port 24 has reached the determined maximum opening time. , the second starting port 24 is closed (S414). Then, in order to end the normal per-symbol game, the value 0 is set to the normal per-symbol flag (S416), and the normal per-symbol game processing is ended. When the normal per symbol game process is completed, the special symbol game process of S70 follows.

[Special symbol game processing]
13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of special symbol game processing. In the special symbol game process of S70, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first determines whether or not the big hit flag is 1 (S500). When it is determined that the jackpot flag is the value 1, it is determined that the jackpot game is in progress, and the special symbol game processing is terminated. It should be noted that, when the special game process is finished, it returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next big hit game process (S80). On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, it is decided that the jackpot game is not in progress, and whether or not any one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is being variably displayed (S502), It is determined whether or not the confirmed symbol is being displayed (S504). When it is determined that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not displayed in a variable manner and the fixed symbol is not being displayed, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved second special symbols is greater than the value 0 (S506). ). When it is determined that the number of reserved second special symbols is greater than the value 0, the oldest random number for determination of the second special symbol stored in the random number storage area for determination is read out (S508), and the second special symbol is read out. (S510), and the special symbol game process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved second special symbols is 0, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved first special symbols is greater than 0 (S512). When it is determined that the reserved number of the first special symbol is greater than the value 0, the oldest random number for determination of the first special symbol stored in the random number storage area for determination is read out (S514), and the first special symbol is read out. (S516), and the special symbol game process is terminated. When it is determined in S512 that the number of reserved first special symbols is 0, the special symbol game processing is terminated. In S506 to S516, when the number of reserved first special symbols and the number of reserved second special symbols are both greater than the value 0, the second special symbol variation display (retention digestion) is preferentially executed (special Figure 2 preferential variation). Of course, it is not limited to this, and the first special symbol variation display (holding digestion) may be preferentially performed (special symbol 1 priority variation), and the special symbol variation display is the start port ( It may be performed in the order in which the game balls enter the first start port 23 and the second start port 24 (change in order of entry), and the variation display of the first special symbol and the variation display of the second special symbol may be performed. It may be performed in parallel (simultaneous variation). Details of the second special symbol variation display related processing of S510 and the first special symbol variation display related processing of S516 will be described below. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of special symbol variation display related processing. In order to avoid duplication, the first special symbol variation display related processing and the second special symbol variation display related processing will be described below using a common flowchart.

In the special symbol variation display related process, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is 0 (S560). The probability variation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation gaming state, and the probability variation gaming state occurs when a big hit occurs in the probability variation big hit symbol. When it is determined that the variable probability flag is 0, it is determined that the current game state is not the variable probability game state, the hit value for low probability according to the set value is read (S562), and the variable probability flag is not 0 but 1. If so, it determines that the current gaming state is the variable probability gaming state, and reads out the winning value for high probability according to the set value (S564). Then, the big hit determination is performed by comparing the big hit determination random number acquired in S508 or S514 with the read winning value (S566). In judging a big win, when the random number for judging a big win matches with any of the read winning values, it is judged as a big win, and when the random number for judging a big win does not match any of the read winning values, it judges as losing. Here, the hit value is read out according to the set value currently set among the settings 1 to 6 and the current game state (normal game state or probability variation game state). Each setting 1-6 is assigned a different number of winning values, and in this embodiment, the higher the setting value, the more winning values are assigned. That is, setting 1 has the smallest number of winning values, and setting 6 has the largest number of winning values. Since the larger the number of assigned winning values, the higher the probability of winning the special symbols, the setting 1 is the lowest probability of winning and the most disadvantageous set value for the player, and the setting 6 is the highest probability of winning the jackpot and the most disadvantageous to the player. It becomes an advantageous setting value.

When the big hit determination process is executed, it is determined whether or not the result of the big hit determination process is a big hit (S568). If it is determined to be a big hit, a big hit design is determined based on the big hit design determination random number acquired in S508 or S514 (S570). In this process, a plurality of jackpot patterns (for example, 4R normal jackpot patterns) with different jackpot game contents (number of rounds) and game states after the jackpot game ends (normal game state, variable probability game state) , 10R normal jackpot pattern, 10R probability variable jackpot pattern, etc.). Incidentally, the determined big-hit symbol is stored in the RAM 60c and saved until the big-hit game ends. Subsequently, based on the variation pattern determination random number and the big hit variation pattern table acquired in S508 or S514, the special symbol variation pattern ( Big hit variation pattern) is determined (S572).

On the other hand, when it is determined at S568 that the result of the big hit determination process is a loss, a winning symbol is determined based on the winning symbol determination random number obtained at S508 or S514 (S580). Subsequently, based on the variation pattern determination random number and the deviation pattern table acquired in S508 or S514, the special symbol variation pattern ( Outlier fluctuation pattern) is determined (S582).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table. FIG. 16(a) shows a variation pattern table for winning, and FIG. 16(b) shows a variation pattern table for big wins. The special symbol variation patterns include, for example, normal variation patterns T1 to T3, normal reach pattern T4, SP (special) reach pattern T5, and SPSP reach pattern T6 in order from the shortest change time. The SP (special) reach pattern T5 and the SPSP reach pattern T6 are reach patterns developed from the normal reach pattern T4.

As shown in FIG. 16 (a), the deviation fluctuation pattern table includes normal fluctuation patterns T1 to T3, normal reach pattern T4, SP reach pattern T5, and SPSP reach pattern T6 as deviation fluctuation patterns, and the deviation fluctuation The pattern table is configured to have normal variation patterns T1 to T3, normal reach pattern T4, SP reach pattern T5, and SPSP reach pattern T6 in descending order of appearance rate. In addition, in the deviation variation pattern table, when the game state is a time-saving gaming state (a time-saving state, b time-saving state), the average variation time of the deviation variation pattern is shorter than when it is a normal game state. configured as As described above, the b time-saving state is a time-saving gaming state that occurs when the ceiling is reached, and when the b time-saving state occurs, the probability of a big hit is low, but in most cases a big hit can be generated. . For this reason, the deviation variation pattern table is configured so that the average variation time is shorter in the b time saving state than in the a time saving state in order to shorten the time required until the big hit occurs in the b time saving state. may For example, during the b time saving state, compared to during the normal game state and during the a time saving state, it may be configured so that the appearance rate of the reach out is low (for example, the normal reach does not appear).

As shown in FIG. 16(b), the jackpot variation pattern table includes SP reach pattern T11 and SPSP reach pattern T12 as jackpot variation patterns. The SP reach pattern T12 and the SP reach pattern T11 are formed. Therefore, the normal variation pattern and the normal reach pattern do not result in a big win, and the SPSP reach pattern has a higher reliability of the big win than the SP reach pattern.

When it is determined that the result of the big hit determination in S568 is a big hit, when the variation pattern is determined, the variable display of the special symbols is started (S574), the reserved number of the special symbols is decremented by 1, and the special symbols are added. The display of the pending number display device is updated (S576). In addition, along with the update of the number of reserved special symbols, a shift process is performed for clearing the judgment random number relating to the reservation to be digested this time and shifting the judgment random number relating to the remaining reservation. Then, a special symbol variation start command (special symbol variation start command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S578), and the special symbol variation display related process is terminated. When starting the variable display of the first special symbol, these processes decrement the number of reservations of the first special symbol by the value 1 and update the display of the first special symbol reservation number display device 33. 1 special symbol variation start command (first special symbol variation start command) is sent to the sub-integrated control device 90, and when starting the variation display of the second special symbol, the number of reservations of the second special symbol is valued After decrementing by 1 and updating the display of the second special figure reservation number display device 34, the second special symbol variation start command (second special figure variation start command) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90. The sub-integrated control device 90 having received the special figure variation instruction command transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 so that the effect display device 37 starts the pattern variation effect. In addition, the special figure fluctuation start command includes the result of big hit determination, the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the special design, the fixed design (big hit design or off design) and the like.

When it is determined that the result of the big hit determination in S568 is not a big hit but a loss, when the variation pattern is determined, the variable display of the special symbols is started (S584), and the reserved number of the special symbols is decremented by 1. After updating the display of the special figure pending number display device (S586), ceiling counter update processing for updating the ceiling counter is performed (S588). Then, a special symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S578), and the special symbol variation display related processing is terminated.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of ceiling counter update processing. In the ceiling counter update process, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is value 0 (S590), and whether or not b time saving flag is value 0 (S591). When it is determined that either the probability variable flag or the b time saving flag is the value 1, the current game state is determined to be either the probability variable game state or the b time saving state, and the ceiling counter is updated without updating the ceiling counter. End the update process. On the other hand, when it is determined that both the probability variation flag and the b time saving flag are the value 0, it is determined that the current gaming state is neither the probability variation gaming state nor the b time saving state, and the ceiling counter is incremented by 1 (counted) ( S592). The ceiling counter update process is executed when the result of the big hit determination is a loss, and the ceiling counter is counted by one when the game state is neither the probability variable game state nor the b time reduction state. For this reason, the value of the ceiling counter mainly counts the number of times the result of the big hit determination is wrong in the normal game state. However, in the present embodiment, since it is not a condition for counting the ceiling counter that the gaming state is not a time saving state, the ceiling counter is the same as in the normal gaming state even when it is in the a time saving state. counted to It should be noted that the ceiling counter may be configured to count only in the normal game state. The value of the ceiling counter is set (reset) to an initial value (value 0) when a big win occurs, and after the big win game ends, counting starts from the initial value. Also, the value of the ceiling counter is stored in the RAM 60c and is retained in the RAM 60c even when the power is turned off. After resetting and turning on the power, counting starts from the initial value. On the other hand, if the RAM clearing process is not performed when the power is turned on next time, the value of the ceiling counter starts counting from the value stored in the RAM 60c. In this embodiment, the ceiling counter is configured as an up counter that is incremented by one, but may be configured as a down counter that is decremented by one.

After counting (incrementing) the ceiling counter, it is determined whether or not the value of the ceiling counter matches the specified value (S593). The specified value is a threshold for determining whether the ceiling has been reached, and is set to a value of 900 in this embodiment. If it is determined that the value of the ceiling counter does not match the specified value, it is determined that the ceiling has not been reached, and it is determined whether or not the notification flag is 1 (S594). As described above, the notification flag is a flag indicating whether or not to execute the notification effect for notifying the remaining number of times until reaching the ceiling. Indicates that the performance is to be executed. Therefore, when it is determined that the notification flag is 1, a notification effect instruction command for instructing the execution of the notification effect is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S595), and the ceiling counter update process ends. The sub-integrated control device 90 that has received the notification effect instruction command transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 so that the effect display device 37 starts the notification effect. On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification flag is 0, the ceiling counter update process is terminated without transmitting the notification effect instruction command.

When it is determined in S593 that the value of the ceiling counter matches the specified value, it is determined that the ceiling has been reached, and the ceiling reaching flag is set to a value of 1 (S596). A ceiling reaching effect instruction command instructing execution is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S597), and the ceiling counter update process is terminated. The sub-integrated control device 90 that has received the ceiling reaching effect instruction command transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 so that the effect display device 37 executes the ceiling reaching effect.

Returning to the special symbol game process of FIGS. 13 and 14, when the special symbol game process is executed after the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is started to be displayed, the first special symbol is executed in S502. Since it is determined that either the symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the CPU 60a of the main controller 60 determines whether or not the variable time has elapsed (S518). Since the fluctuation time is set according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern determined in S572 or S582, whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed depends on the elapsed time since the special symbol fluctuation display was started and the determined fluctuation. This can be done by comparing the variation time corresponding to the pattern. If it is determined that the fluctuation time has not passed, the special symbol game processing is temporarily terminated. When it is determined that the variable time has passed, the symbol stop command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S520), and the fixed symbol of the special symbol being displayed in variable display is displayed (S522). The sub-integrated control device 90 that has received the symbol stop command transmits a control command to the effect display control device 91 so that the effect display device 37 ends the symbol variation effect. Then, it is determined whether or not the fixed symbol display time has elapsed (S524). Here, the display time of the confirmed symbol is set to 0.5 seconds in this embodiment. When it is determined that the fixed symbol display time has not elapsed, the special symbol game processing is once terminated. When the special symbol game process is executed after the special symbols are stopped and displayed, it is determined at S504 that the confirmed symbols are being displayed. If it is determined that the display time of the finalized symbols has passed, the display of the finalized symbols is ended (S526), and it is determined whether or not the finalized symbols are the jackpot symbols (S528).

When it is determined to be a big hit pattern in S528, in order to generate a big win, the operation of the condition device is started (S530), the operation of the continuous actuating device is started (S532), and the value 1 is set in the big hit flag ( S534). In order to stop the variable probability function and the time saving function during the jackpot game, when the variable probability flag is 1, the variable probability flag is set to 0 (S536, S538), and when the time saving flag a is 1, the time saving flag is set to 0. (S540, S542), When the b time saving flag is 1, the b time saving flag is set to 0 (S544, S546). Then, the game state designation command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S548), and the special symbol game process is terminated. In addition, the value of a jackpot flag, the value of a probability variation flag, the value of a time saving flag, and the value of b time saving flag are included in the game state specification command. When the special symbol game process ends, the process returns to the main control process and proceeds to the next big hit game process of S80.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S528 that it is not a big hit pattern but a winning pattern, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is value 1 (probability variation gaming state) (S550), and if the probability variation flag is not value 1 but value 0 If determined, the process proceeds to S558. If the variable probability flag is determined to be 1, the variable probability counter is decremented by 1 (S552), and it is determined whether or not the variable probability counter is 0 (S554). The variable probability counter indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbols until the variable probability game state ends, and a predetermined value is set to the variable probability counter at the end of the jackpot game. In this embodiment, the value 10000 is set when the jackpot pattern is a variable probability jackpot pattern (variable probability jackpot). Therefore, when the variable probability big win is pulled, the variable probability game state is substantially maintained until the next big win is pulled. If it is determined that the probability variation counter is not 0, the process proceeds to S558 while maintaining the probability variation gaming state. On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability variation counter is 0, the probability variation flag is set to 0 (S556) to end the probability variation gaming state, and the process proceeds to S558. Then, the time saving flag setting process is executed (S558), the game state designation command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S548), and the special symbol game process is terminated.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of the time saving flag setting process. In the time saving flag setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the a time saving flag is value 1 (in the a time saving state) (S600). If it is determined that the a time saving flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, the process proceeds to S608. If the a time saving flag is determined to be 1, the a time saving counter is decremented by 1 (S602), and it is determined whether or not the a time saving counter is 0 (S604). The a time saving counter indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of special symbols until the a time saving state ends, and a predetermined value is set to the a time saving counter at the end of the jackpot game. In this embodiment, a value of 100 is set when the jackpot pattern is a normal jackpot pattern, and a value of 10000 is set when the jackpot pattern is a variable probability jackpot pattern. Therefore, when the probability variable jackpot is pulled, the a time saving state is maintained substantially until the next jackpot is pulled. If it is determined that the time saving counter is not 0, the process proceeds to S608 while maintaining the time saving state, and if it is determined that the time saving counter is 0, the time saving flag is set to 0 to end the time saving state. (S606), and proceeds to S608.

Next, it is determined whether or not the b time saving flag is value 1 (during the b time saving state) (S608). When it is determined that the b time saving flag is not 1 but 0, it is determined whether or not the value of the ceiling counter matches the specified value (value 900) (S610). If it is determined that the value of the ceiling counter does not match the specified value, the time saving flag setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the ceiling counter matches the specified value, the ceiling counter is set to the initial value (value 0) (S612), and in order to generate the b time saving state, the b time saving flag is set to the value 1 ( S614), a predetermined value is set to b time saving counter (S616), and the time saving flag setting process is completed. As described above, the b time saving counter indicates the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbols until the b time saving state ends, and in this embodiment, the b time saving counter is set to a value of 900, for example. Since the probability of a big hit is 1/320 to 1/270, when the ceiling is reached and the b time saving state occurs, a big hit can be drawn in most cases.

In S608, when it is determined that the b time saving flag is 1, the b time saving counter is decremented by 1 (S618), and it is determined whether or not the b time saving counter is 0 (S620). When it is determined that the b time saving counter is not 0, the time saving flag setting process is terminated while maintaining the b time saving state. On the other hand, if it determines with b time saving counter being value 0, in order to complete|finish b time saving state, b time saving flag will be set to value 0 (S622), and a time saving flag setting process will be complete|finished. That is, when the b time saving counter reaches the value 0 without being able to draw a big hit, the b time saving state is terminated and the normal game state is entered. It should be noted that when the normal game state is entered without being able to draw a big hit in the b time saving state, and the number of deviations from there reaches a specified value, it is not considered to have reached the ceiling, and the b time saving state is not generated. Alternatively, it may be regarded as having reached the ceiling and the b time saving state may be generated.

[Jackpot game processing]
19 and 20 are flowcharts showing an example of the jackpot game process. In the big-hit game process of S80, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 first determines whether or not the big-hit flag is value 1 (during the big-hit game) (S700). When it is determined that the jackpot flag is not the value 1 but the value 0, the jackpot game processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is 1, whether or not the jackpot 25 is open (S702), whether or not the jackpot game start effect is in progress (S704), and whether the jackpot game end effect is in progress. It is determined whether or not (S706), and whether or not it is during the open interval (S708). When all of S702-S708 are negatively determined, a jackpot game start effect command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S710), and the jackpot game process is terminated. The sub-integrated control device 90 having received the jackpot game start effect command starts the jackpot game start effect. When the jackpot game start performance is started, it is determined in S704 that the jackpot game start performance is being performed when the jackpot game processing is executed next time, so it is determined whether or not the jackpot game start performance time has elapsed. (S712). When it is determined that the jackpot game start performance time has not passed, the jackpot game processing is temporarily terminated, and when it is determined that the jackpot game start performance time has passed, the jackpot 25 is opened by driving the jackpot solenoid 25c. (S714), end the jackpot game process.

When the big winning opening 25 is opened, it is determined that the big winning opening 25 is open in S702 when the next big winning game process is executed. Whether or not the number of game balls entering the winning opening 25 has reached a specified number (10 in the embodiment) (S716), the elapsed time (opening time) after opening the big winning opening 25 is the maximum opening. It is determined whether or not the time (28 seconds in the embodiment) has reached (S718). When it is determined that the number of game balls entering the big winning hole 25 has not reached the prescribed number and the opening time of the big winning hole 25 has not reached the maximum opening time, the opening of the big winning hole 25 is maintained. The jackpot game processing is once terminated. On the other hand, even if it is determined that the number of game balls entering the big winning hole 25 has reached the specified number, or even if the number of balls entering the big winning hole 25 does not reach the specified number, the opening time of the big winning hole 25 reaches the maximum opening time. If it is determined that it has reached, the big winning opening 25 is closed (S720), and it is determined whether or not the current round game is the final round (S722). Since the number of rounds of the jackpot game is set by the jackpot pattern ("4R normal jackpot pattern", "10R normal jackpot pattern", "10R variable jackpot pattern"), it is possible to determine whether this round game is the final round. Determination is made by determining whether or not the number of repetitions of the round game has reached the number of times determined according to the jackpot symbol. When it is determined that the current round game is not the final round, an interval between openings is generated (S724), and the jackpot game processing is terminated. When the interval between opening occurs, when the next big win game process is executed, it is determined in S708 that it is during the interval between opening, so whether the interval between opening (for example, 2 seconds) has passed Determine (S726). When it is determined that the interval time between opening has not elapsed, the big winning game processing is temporarily terminated while the large winning opening 25 is closed, and when it is determined that the interval time between opening has elapsed, the large winning opening 25 is opened again. (S714), end the jackpot game process.

After repeating the round game of opening and closing the big winning opening 25 with the interval between openings in this way, when it is determined in S722 that the current round game is the final round, a big winning game end effect command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90. (S728), and ends the jackpot game process. The sub-integrated control device 90 having received the jackpot game end effect command starts the jackpot game end effect. When the jackpot game end effect is started, when the jackpot game process is started next time, it is determined in S706 that the jackpot game end effect is being performed, so it is determined whether or not the jackpot game end effect time has elapsed. (S730). When it is determined that the jackpot game end effect time has not passed, the jackpot game process is temporarily terminated, and when it is determined that the jackpot game end effect time has passed, the operation of the accessory continuous operating device is stopped (S732), and the condition The operation of the device is stopped (S734). Then, while performing probability variation flag setting processing (S736) and probability variation counter setting processing (S738), a time saving flag setting processing (S740) and a time saving counter setting processing (S742) are performed. The variable probability flag setting process is performed by setting the value 0 to the variable probability flag when the jackpot pattern is the normal jackpot pattern, and setting the value 1 to the variable probability flag when the jackpot pattern is the variable probability big hit pattern. The probability variation counter setting process is performed by setting a value of 10000 when the jackpot symbol is the probability variation jackpot symbol. Further, the a time saving flag setting process is performed by setting the value 1 to the a time saving flag regardless of whether the jackpot pattern is a normal jackpot pattern or a probability variation jackpot pattern. The a time saving counter setting process is performed by setting a value of 100 when the jackpot pattern is a normal jackpot pattern and by setting a value of 10000 when it is a variable probability jackpot pattern. Next, ceiling counter setting processing is performed (S744). The ceiling counter setting process is performed by setting an initial value (value 0) to the ceiling counter. Incidentally, the ceiling counter setting process may be executed when the big hit pattern is confirmed and displayed in S528 of the special pattern game process, or when it is determined as a big hit by the big hit determination in S568 of the special symbol variation display related process. may be performed at times. Then, the value 0 is set to the notification flag (S746), the value 0 is set to the jackpot flag to end the jackpot game (S748), and the game state designation command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 (S750 ), the jackpot game process is terminated. In addition, the value of the variable probability flag, the value of the a time saving flag, the value of the ceiling counter, the value of the jackpot flag, and the like are included in the gaming state designation command. When the jackpot game is executed, the value 0 is set to the notification flag. Therefore, even if the ceiling counter is counted in S592 of the ceiling counter update process after the jackpot game is finished, the notification flag is set to the value 0 in S594. It is determined that there is, and the notification effect instruction command is not transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 90 . That is, the notification effect is not executed.

Next, processing of the sub-integrated control device 90 that receives various commands from the main control device 60 will be described. As the command that the sub-integrated control device 90 receives from the main control device 60, as described above, the initial command, return command, special figure fluctuation start command, notification effect instruction command, ceiling reach effect instruction command, symbol stop command, game There are a state designation command, a jackpot game start production command, a jackpot game end production command, and the like. In addition, as the processing of the sub-integrated control device 90, there is a pending display process performed based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting port 23 or the second starting port 24, and a symbol variation performed during the variable display of special symbols. There are a production process, a big-hit game production process performed during a big-hit game, and the like. Details of the pending display process and the symbol variation effect process will be described below.

[Hold display processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of pending display processing. In the pending display process, the CPU 90a of the sub-integrated control device 90 first receives the special figure pending generation command (first special figure pending generation command or first 2 special figure pending generation command) is received (S800). If it determines with not having received the special figure reservation generating command, it will progress to S812. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special figure pending generation command has been received, the special figure prefetching determination command (first special figure prefetching determination command or second special figure prefetching determination command transmitted by the main controller 60 in S212 or S228 of the start winning process determination command) is received (S802). When it is determined that the special figure prefetch determination command is not received although the special figure reservation generation command is received, the reserved design is displayed (added) by normal display (S808), and the process proceeds to S812. The display of the reserved pattern is performed by displaying the first reserved pattern 372a when the first special figure reserved generation command is received, and the second reserved pattern is displayed when the second special figure reserved generation command is received. This is done by displaying the pattern 372b.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the special figure prefetch determination command has been received together with the special figure suspension generation command, it is determined whether or not the suspension that occurred is a big hit suspension (S804) and whether it is a specified off suspension (S806). do. The determination of S804 is performed, for example, by determining whether or not the result of the big hit determination by the look-ahead determination is a big hit. This is done by determining whether or not the determination result is a specific pattern (SP pattern or SPSP pattern). It should be noted that these determinations may be made on the condition that a lottery is held and the result of the lottery is winning. When it is determined that the hold that has occurred is neither the big hit hold nor the specified non-specified hold, the hold pattern is displayed (added) in the normal display (S808), the process proceeds to S812, and the hold that has occurred is either the big hit hold or the specified non-specified hold. If it is determined that there is, a reserved symbol is displayed (added) in a specific display different from the normal display (S810), and the process proceeds to S812.

Next, whether or not the special figure fluctuation start command (first special figure fluctuation start command or second special figure fluctuation start command) transmitted by the main controller 60 in S578 of the special symbol fluctuation display related processing of FIG. 15 is received (S812). If it is determined that the special figure fluctuation start command is not received, the pending display process is terminated, and if it is determined that the special figure fluctuation start command is received, the reserved display of the special symbol related to the change is erased and the remaining reserved display is shifted (S814), and the pending display process ends. Erasure of the pending display is performed by erasing the first pending symbol 372a when the first special figure fluctuation start command is received, and when the second special figure fluctuation start command is received, the second reserve. This is done by erasing the pattern 372b.

[Symbol variation effect processing]
22 and 23 are flowcharts showing an example of the symbol variation effect process. In the symbol variation effect processing, the CPU 90a of the sub-integrated control device 90 first determines whether or not the special symbol variation start command transmitted by the main control device 60 at S578 of the special symbol variation display related processing of FIG. 15 is received. (S900). If it determines with not having received the special figure fluctuation start command, it will progress to S920. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special figure fluctuation start command has been received, the stop design of the production design is determined based on the fixed design of the special design included in the special figure fluctuation start command (S902), and the special design fluctuation pattern (variation time) to determine the variation pattern of the performance design (S904). The stop design of the performance design is determined by selecting the stop design of the performance design corresponding to the fixed design of the special design determined in S570 or S580 of the special design variation display related processing from a plurality of stop designs stored in advance. It is done by Further, the determination of the variation pattern of the performance symbols is performed by selecting the variation pattern of the performance symbols corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbols determined in S572 or S582 of the special symbol variation display related processing from among a plurality of variation patterns stored in advance. This is done by selecting When the stop pattern and the variation pattern of the performance symbols are determined in this way, the symbol variation performance for variably displaying the performance symbols is started (S906). The symbol variation effect is performed by transmitting a control command (symbol variation effect start command) instructing the start of the symbol variation effect to the effect symbol control device 91 .

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the ceiling reaching effect instruction command transmitted by the main controller 60 at S597 of the ceiling counter updating process of FIG. 17 has been received (S908). When it is determined that the ceiling reaching effect instruction command has been received, a ceiling reaching effect indicating that the ceiling has been reached is executed (S910). The ceiling reaching effect is performed by transmitting a control command instructing the start of the ceiling reaching effect to the effect symbol control device 91. - 特許庁On the other hand, if it is determined that the ceiling reaching effect instruction command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the suspension being generated includes a big hit suspension (S912). If it is determined that the suspension being generated includes the big hit suspension, the process proceeds to S920, and if it is determined that the suspension that is being generated does not include the big hit suspension, the main controller 60 in S595 of the ceiling counter update process of FIG. (S914), whether or not the ceiling counter included in the special figure fluctuation start command received at S900 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S916). The predetermined value is a threshold for determining whether or not the number of fluctuations until reaching the ceiling is running low. When it is determined that the notification effect instruction command has been received, or when it is determined that the ceiling counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value even if the notification effect instruction command has not been received, the number of remaining fluctuations until reaching the ceiling is notified. The effect is started (S918), and the process proceeds to S920. The notification effect is performed by transmitting a control command (symbol variation effect start command) instructing the start of the notification effect to the effect symbol control device 91 . On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification effect instruction command has not been received and the ceiling counter is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S920 without starting the notification effect. In this embodiment, if the value of the ceiling counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined value even if the notification effect instruction command is not received, the notification effect is started. , the notification effect may not be started regardless of the value of the ceiling counter. As described above, the notification flag is set to a value of 1 only when the RAM clearing process is not performed when the power is turned on, and is set to a value of 0 when the RAM clearing process is performed or a jackpot game is executed. set. Therefore, the notification effect is executed during the period (during the symbol variation effect) from when the power is turned on until the big hit occurs without the RAM clearing process being performed. In addition, when the suspension in progress includes the suspension of a big win, it is decided that the state of being stuck is eliminated by the occurrence of the big win based on the suspension of the big win, so the notification performance is not executed. In addition, since the notification effect is started together with the symbol variation effect, the notification effect is not executed unless the player shoots the game ball to start the game.

Next, it is determined whether or not the notification effect is being executed (S920), and whether or not a big hit reservation has occurred (S922). If it is determined that the notification performance is not being executed, or if it is determined that the big hit suspension has not occurred even if the notification performance is being executed, the process proceeds to S926, and it is determined that the big hit suspension has occurred during the execution of the notification performance. Then, since the stuck state is canceled by the occurrence of the big win based on the big win suspension, the notification effect being executed is terminated (S924), and the process proceeds to S926. In addition, when the big win is suspended during the execution of the notification performance, the notification mode of the notification performance may be changed to perform, for example, a performance of foretelling the occurrence of the big win (big win announcement performance).

Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop command transmitted by the main controller 60 at S520 of the special symbol game process of FIG. 13 has been received (S926). When it is determined that the symbol stop command has not been received, the symbol variation effect processing is terminated, and when it is determined that the symbol stop command is received, the effect symbol during variation is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined in S902, thereby symbol variation. The effect is terminated (S928), and it is determined whether or not the notification effect is being executed (S930). When it is determined that the notification performance is not being executed, the symbol variation performance processing is terminated, and when it is determined that the notification performance is being performed, the notification performance is terminated (S932), and the symbol variation performance processing is terminated.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect display when the RAM clearing process is performed and when the RAM clearing process is not performed when the power is turned on. When the RAM is cleared when the power is turned on, a value of 0 is set in the ceiling counter and a value of 0 is set in the notification flag. Therefore, even if the game ball enters from the initial screen to the starting port (first starting port 23), the notification effect is not executed as shown in FIG. 24(a). On the other hand, when the RAM clearing process is not performed when the power is turned on, the value of the ceiling counter is the value (for example, value 665) stored in the RAM 60c, and the value 1 is set to the notification flag. Therefore, when the initial screen shifts to the symbol variation effect based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port (first starting port 23), as shown in FIG. At 374, a notification effect is executed, and the number of remaining fluctuations until reaching the ceiling is announced (for example, a message such as "234 more times until special time" is displayed) in the notification effect.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect display when the number of consecutive omissions reaches a specified value. When the number of consecutive failures reaches the specified number, the notification display unit 373 of the effect display device 37 executes a ceiling reaching effect, and in the ceiling reaching effect, as shown in FIG. The action is notified (for example, a message such as "We are entering a special time, please prepare to hit right" is displayed). Then, when the b time saving state occurs, the production mode for the b time saving state is set as the production mode corresponding to the game state, and as shown in FIG. b. It is notified that the time saving state has entered (for example, a message such as "Special time! Please hit right" is displayed).

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect display for each of the case where the speculative non-specification suspension occurs and the case where the big hit suspension occurs due to the look-ahead determination. When a specified non-specific suspension occurs during the execution of the notification performance, as shown in FIG. Since it is determined that the state of being stuck is eliminated by the occurrence of a big hit, the execution of the notification effect is terminated as shown in FIG. 26(b). It is possible to suggest to the player that a big win will occur by the termination of the informing performance being executed.

Here, many pachinko halls are equipped with a data display device attached to the top of the pachinko table. (total number of fluctuations on the day)", "jackpot (number of jackpots on the day)", etc. are displayed. Therefore, if the player wants to know the number of fluctuations until reaching the ceiling (the number of fluctuations until entering the b time saving state), the data display device displays "start (number of fluctuations from the previous big hit)". value can be used as a guideline. However, the "start (the number of fluctuations from the previous big win)" displayed on the data display device is reset every day and starts from the value 0, so the pachinko machine 1 itself leaves the value of the ceiling counter of the previous day. When the business starts, there arises a problem that the "start (the number of fluctuations from the previous big win)" cannot be used as a guideline for reaching the ceiling. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, the RAM is not cleared, that is, when the game is started with the value of the ceiling counter of the previous day left, the effect display device 37 of the pachinko machine 1 displays the ceiling. By executing a notification effect for notifying the remaining number of starts (number of remaining fluctuations) until reaching the top, the player can recognize how long the game must be continued to reach the ceiling, thereby improving the amusement of the game. can.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment described above, the time-saving state a (first easy ball entry state) is generated on the basis of the execution of the jackpot game, and the ceiling counter for counting the number of consecutive misses has reached a specified value. In the one that generates the b time saving state (second ball entry easy state) based on this, the notification effect based on the ceiling counter is executed. The ceiling counter is stored in the RAM 60c, is reset to an initial value when a jackpot game is executed or RAM clear processing is executed in the power-on processing, and is stored in the RAM 60c when the RAM clear processing is not executed in the power-on processing. maintained at the specified value. After the jackpot game is executed or after the power-on process is executed with the RAM clearing process, the notification performance is not executed, and after the power-on process is executed without the RAM clearing process, the notification performance is executed. to run. When the power-on process is executed without the RMA clearing process, the ceiling counter starts counting from the value stored in the RAM 60c. It is difficult to grasp the number of times (the number of consecutive failures). Therefore, after the power-on process is executed without clearing the RAM process, by executing the notification effect based on the ceiling counter, the player can recognize the guideline until reaching the ceiling. can be improved.

Moreover, in the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, after the power-on process is executed without the RAM clearing process, the game is started (the game ball is entered into the starting hole), and the notification perform the performance. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of players rushing to a gaming machine with a small number of remaining times to reach the ceiling at the opening of the hall, for example, as compared with the one that executes the notification effect before the start of the game. can.

In the above-described embodiment, after the jackpot game is executed or after the power-on process is executed with the RAM clearing process, the power-on process is executed without the RAM clearing process without executing the notification effect. However, after the jackpot game is executed or after the power-on process is executed with the RAM clearing process, the notification effect is executed in the first notification mode, After the power-on process is executed without the RAM clearing process, the notification effect may be executed in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode. FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the symbol variation effect process of the modification. The symbol variation effect process of the modification is the same as the symbol variation effect process of the embodiment except that the processes of S918A and S918B are executed instead of the process of S918. In the pattern variation effect process of the modification, if it is determined that the notification effect instruction command is received in S914, or if it is determined that the ceiling counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in S916 even if the notification effect instruction command is not received, the notification pattern The notification effect is started in A (S918A), and if it is determined that the notification effect instruction command is not received and the ceiling counter is not equal to or above the predetermined value, the notification effect is started in the notification pattern B (S918B).

Here, the notification pattern A is a pattern for notifying the number of remaining fluctuations until reaching the ceiling, as shown in FIG. 24(b) described above. On the other hand, in notification pattern B, when power-on processing is executed with RAM clear processing, as shown in FIG. Then, when the big win game is executed, as shown in FIG. 28(b), the pattern is to report the cumulative fluctuation frequency with the value 0 at the end of the big win game. In the modified example, the notification pattern A is a pattern for notifying the number of remaining fluctuations, and the notification pattern B is a pattern for notifying the cumulative number of fluctuations. , and the notification pattern B may be a pattern for notifying the number of remaining fluctuations.

Thus, in the pachinko machine of the modified example, the notification effect is executed in the notification pattern A (first notification mode) after the jackpot game is executed or after the power-on process is executed with the RAM clearing process. After the power-on process is executed without the RAM clearing process, the notification pattern B (second notification mode) is executed. By differentiating the reporting modes depending on whether the ceiling flag is reset to the initial value or not, it is possible to execute a reporting performance suitable for each case, and to improve the interest in the game. Moreover, by executing such a notification effect on the condition that the game has started (that the game ball has entered the start hole), compared to the one that executes the notification effect before the game starts. Thus, for example, when the hall is opened, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the players rush to the gaming machine with the few remaining number of times to reach the ceiling.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment and its modification, the notification effect is executed each time the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. When the number of remaining fluctuations reaches a good number (for example, 500 more times, 300 more times, 100 times more, or every 100 times, etc.), the notification effect may be executed. Alternatively, the notification effect may be executed all the time until reaching the ceiling.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment and its modification, the notification performance is started at the start of the symbol variation performance, and the notification performance is terminated at the end of the symbol variation performance. However, the notification effect may be started at a predetermined timing during the symbol variation effect (for example, the timing at which the ready-to-win effect or the advance notice effect is executed).

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment and its modification, the winning symbols of the special symbols include the big winning symbols, but the small winning symbols may be included in addition to the big winning symbols. When the special symbols are stop-displayed as small winning symbols, a small winning game in which the opening time of the big winning opening 25 is shorter than that of the big winning game is executed. In this case, the ceiling counter is reset to the initial value when the big win game is executed, but even if the small win game is executed, the ceiling counter is not set to the initial value and may be counted in the same manner as the loss.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment, one jackpot probability selected from a plurality of different jackpot probabilities based on the operation of the operating means (probability setting switch 98) is set. , or the number of fluctuations of the special symbol until reaching the ceiling may be changed based on the operation of the operating means.

In the embodiment, it is configured as a so-called seven machine type game machine, but it is not limited to this, and a specific area is provided inside a large winning opening that opens during a small winning game, and a large winning opening is provided during a small winning game. It may be configured as a so-called 1-type 2-type mixing machine that develops into a jackpot game when a game ball enters a winning opening and the entered game ball passes through the specific area. In this case, when the number of variations of the special symbols reaches a specified number of times without the occurrence of a big hit, b time-saving state may be generated as reaching the ceiling.

In the embodiment, game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are paid out to the upper receiving tray 11 as prize balls or rental balls, but a so-called enclosed pachinko machine may be used. The enclosed pachinko machine performs a game by circulating game balls enclosed therein. Also, the pachinko machines of the embodiments and modifications may be applied to so-called management gaming machines. The management game machine restricts external access to the main control device, and the frame control device (equivalent to the payout control device in the embodiment) sends specific information (which affects the performance of the game) to the main control device. Information other than information that may affect the result of the game) can be transmitted, the frame control device is connected to the CR unit, and is configured to be able to communicate with the outside only through the frame control device.

The correspondence relationship between the main elements of the embodiments and the main elements of the invention described in the column of Means for Solving the Problems will be described. In the embodiment, the first starting port 23 and the second starting port 24 correspond to the "starting port", and the second starting port 24 corresponds to the "variable starting port". The CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the process corresponds to the "win/fail determination means", and the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the processes of S700 to 734, S748, and S750 of the jackpot game process is the "special game execution means". Correspondingly, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 executing the processing of S740 and S742 of the jackpot game processing corresponds to the "first easy-entering state generating means", and the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 executing the ceiling counter updating process The CPU 60a of the main control device 60, which corresponds to the "counting means" and executes the processing of S610 to S616 of the time saving flag setting process, corresponds to the "second entry easy state generating means", and the RAM 60c to the "information storage means". Correspondingly, the CPU 60a of the main control device 60 that executes the power-on process corresponds to the "state restoring means", and the CPU 90a of the sub-integrated control device 90 that executes the processing of S918 of the symbol variation effect processing and the effect display control device 91 The effect display device 37 corresponds to the "notification means". Note that the correspondence relationship between the main elements of the examples and the main elements of the invention described in the column of Means for Solving the Problems is the Since it is an example for specifically explaining the mode for solving the problem, it does not limit the elements of the invention described in the column of the means for solving the problem. That is, the interpretation of the invention described in the column of Means to Solve the Problem should be made based on the description in that column, and the Examples are based on the description of the invention described in the column of Means to Solve the Problem. This is merely a specific example.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above using examples, the present invention is not limited to such examples, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course you can get it.

1 pachinko machine, 2 outer frame, 3 front frame, 3a front frame open switch, 4 glass plate, 5 inner frame, 5a inner frame open switch, 11 upper tray, 12 lower tray, 13 firing handle, 14 speaker, 15 LED, 16 effect button, 16a effect button switch, 20 game board, 21 game area, 21a outer rail, 21b inner rail, 21c nail, 22 normal pattern operation gate, 22a gate switch, 23 first start port, 23a first start port switch , 24 second starting port, 24a second starting port switch, 24b opening and closing blade, 24c second starting port solenoid, 25 big winning port, 25a big winning port switch, 25b opening and closing plate, 25c big winning port solenoid, 27 normal winning port , 27a Normal winning mouth switch, 29 Out mouth, 31 1st special symbol display device (1st special symbol display device), 32 2nd special symbol display device (2nd special symbol display device), 33 1st special symbol reservation number Display device (1st special symbol reservation number display device), 34 2nd special symbol reservation number display device (2nd special symbol reservation number display device), 35 normal symbol display device (normal symbol display device), 36 normal symbol reservation number Display device (normal figure pending number display device), 37 production display device, 371L, 371C, 371R production design (pseudo design), 372a first reservation design, 372b second reservation design, 373 character design, 374 notification display unit, 38 Center Accessory 50 CR Unit 51 CR Unit Terminal Board 52 Settlement Display Device 53 Ball Rental Button 53a Ball Rental Switch 54 Settlement Button 54a Settlement Switch 60 Main Control Device 60a CPU 60b ROM 60c RAM , 61 game board relay terminal board, 62 pattern display device relay terminal board, 63 performance relay terminal board, 64 rear wiring relay terminal board, 65 external connection terminal board, 70 payout control device, 71 payout relay terminal board, 72 payout device, 73 payout motor, 74 payout switch, 75 full switch, 76 ball out switch, 77 ball tank, 78 tank rail, 80 launch control device, 81 launch stop switch, 82 touch switch, 83 launch motor, 90 sub-integrated control device, 90a CPU, 90b ROM, 90c RAM, 91 effect display control device , 95 power supply board, 98 probability setting switch, 99 RAM clear switch, 100 hall computer.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that advances a game based on the shooting of a game ball,
a starting port including a variable starting port that changes the possibility of a game ball entering;
a success/failure determination means for performing a success/failure determination based on the entry of the game ball into the starting port;
special game execution means for executing a special game when the result of the win/loss determination is winning;
a first easy-to-enter state generating means for generating a first easy-to-enter state in which a game ball is easily entered into the variable starting port based on the execution of the special game;
counting means for counting the number of executions of the success/failure determination, and resetting the counted value to an initial value when the special game is executed;
a second easy ball entry state generating means for generating a second easy ball entry state in which entry of a game ball into the variable starting port is facilitated based on the fact that the count value has reached a specified value;
information storage means for storing game information including the count value counted by the counting means;
When a predetermined erasing operation is performed at the time of turning on the power, the game information stored in the information storage means is erased to return from the initial state, the game information is stored in the information storage means, and the power is turned on. state recovery means for recovering from the state before the power shutdown based on the game information stored in the information storage means when the erasing operation is not performed at the time of input;
notification means for notifying the remaining number of executions of the success/failure determination until the second easy-ball-entering state occurs based on the count value;
with
The notification means does not perform the notification until the count value reaches a predetermined value after recovery from the initial state by the state recovery means and after the special game is executed, and when the count value reaches the predetermined value. performing notification , and performing the notification regardless of the count value after recovery from the state before the power shutdown by the state recovery means;
game machine.

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