JP7249000B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that reproduces music while displaying a background image.

Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there is known a pachinko gaming machine in which music can be selected by pressing a push button during a jackpot game (Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-70377 A

In the above-described conventional pachinko game machine, since the main effect is the background image, when the display of the background image ends, the reproduction of the music also ends. Therefore, the player cannot listen to his or her favorite music to the end.
In other words, the conventional pachinko machine has a low affinity between the reproduction of music and the effects other than the reproduction of music, so there is a problem that the game is less interesting.

Therefore, the present invention was created to solve the above problems, and can enhance the interest of the game by increasing the affinity between the reproduction of the music and the effects other than the reproduction of the music. The purpose is to provide gaming machines.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: display means for displaying identification patterns in a variable manner when a predetermined condition is satisfied; music storage means for storing a plurality of music; from the music storage means, a reproduction means for reproducing the music selected by the music selection means, and an effect corresponding to the music selected by the music selection means, in accordance with the music reproduction and a performance means for executing, and when the identification pattern stopped and displayed by the display means after variably displaying the identification pattern is a specific identification pattern, the game state changes to a game state relatively advantageous to the player. In the game machine, when the reproduction of one piece of music is completed, the next piece of music to be played is newly selected from the plurality of pieces of music and played in parallel with the variable display of the identification pattern. count means for counting the number of songs played by the playback means, wherein the playback means selects the song from among a plurality of candidate songs without considering the count of the number of plays. While the music selected by the means is played back, the plurality of candidate songs are associated with a normal presentation and a special presentation as effects to be executed during playback of the songs, respectively. The means executes the normal effect in a state in which the count of the number of reproductions does not reach the threshold among the effects associated with the music being reproduced, and each time the count of the number of reproductions reaches the threshold, the The special effect, which is not executed when the count of the number of reproductions does not reach the threshold value, is executed.

Based on the music reproduced by the reproduction means, it is possible to control the performance means for executing performances other than the reproduction of the music, so that affinity between the reproduction of the music and the performances other than the reproduction of the music can be enhanced.

By implementing the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of increasing the interest of a game by enhancing the affinity between reproduction of music and effects other than reproduction of music.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the display devices provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows with a block the electrical structure of the main-control board and peripheral equipment provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows with a block the electrical structure of the sub-control board and peripheral device which were provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. It is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the storage contents of the RAM provided in the main control board, (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the storage contents of the first special figure reservation storage unit, (b) is the second special figure reservation storage unit FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing stored contents; It is explanatory drawing which shows a part of memory content of ROM with which a main-control board is provided, (a) is explanatory drawing of a jackpot determination table, (b) is explanatory drawing of a reach determination table. It is an explanatory diagram of a special figure variation pattern selection table. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the storage contents of the RAM provided in the sub-control board, (b) is an explanatory diagram of the first special figure reservation effect storage unit, (c) is the second special figure reservation FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a performance storage unit; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a music selection table; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a preview image selection table; (a) is a timing chart of music, background images and variable effect patterns, and (b) is a timing chart of music, background images and jackpot games. It is a flow chart of the main side main control processing executed by the game control microcomputer. 13 is a flowchart of a main side timer interrupt process executed by a game control microcomputer in the main side main control process shown in FIG. 12; 14 is a flowchart of a starting opening sensor detection process executed by a game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 13; 16 is a flowchart of a second special figure jackpot determination process executed by the game control microcomputer in the special symbol standby process shown in FIG. 15; It is a flow chart of the second special figure variation pattern selection process executed by the game control microcomputer in the special symbol standby process shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a flow chart following the flow chart of FIG. 17; FIG. 14 is a flowchart of special symbol variation processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 13; It is a flowchart of the sub-side main control processing executed by the effect control microcomputer. 20. It is a flowchart of the 1ms timer interruption process which the microcomputer for production|presentation control performs in the sub side main control process shown in FIG. 20. It is a flowchart of the 10ms timer interruption process which the microcomputer for production|presentation control performs in the sub side main control process shown in FIG. 23. It is a flowchart of the receiving command analysis process which the microcomputer for production|presentation control performs in 10 ms timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 24 is a flowchart of prefetch effect selection processing executed by the effect control microcomputer in the received command analysis process shown in FIG. 23; 23. It is a flowchart of the fluctuation production|presentation start process which the microcomputer for production|presentation control performs in the reception command analysis process shown in FIG. 24 is a flowchart of music/background processing executed by the performance control microcomputer in the received command analysis processing shown in FIG. 23; FIG. 27 is a flow chart following the flow chart of FIG. 26; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a music name image and a background image displayed on the effect display device;

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine will be described as a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following explanation, when explaining the direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine, the direction viewed from the player playing the game facing the pachinko gaming machine is used as a reference. Specifically, the left-right direction and the up-down direction of each part of the pachinko game machine are the left-right direction and the up-down direction viewed from the player. Also, the direction toward the player is defined as the front, and the direction away from the player is defined as the rear.

[Main Configuration of Pachinko Machines]
As shown in FIG. 1 , the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a gaming machine frame 16 . The game machine frame 16 is composed of a front frame 18, an inner frame (not shown), and an outer frame (not shown) in order from the front side. The front frame 18 includes a handle 4, a hitting ball supply tray (also referred to as an upper tray) 24, a surplus ball receiving tray (also referred to as a lower tray) 25, a production button 9, a production lever 6, speakers 8 and 8, and a left side. It has a side lamp 23a and a right side lamp 23b.

The handle 4 is provided at the lower right side of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player playing a game facing the pachinko game machine 1 can hold it with the right hand. The handle 4 includes a touch switch 92 (FIG. 3), a firing lever 4a, and a firing stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is arranged at a portion touched by the right hand of the player holding the handle 4. As shown in FIG. The shooting lever 4a is for adjusting the shooting strength of the game ball, and is rotatably provided on the handle 4. As shown in FIG. The shooting stop button 4b is for stopping the shooting of the game ball when the game ball is being shot, and is provided at a position that can be operated by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4.例文帳に追加A hitting ball supply plate (also referred to as an upper plate) 24 is provided on the lower center side of the front frame 18 . The batted ball supply tray 24 is for storing game balls to be supplied to the shooting device 90 (FIG. 3). The hit ball supply tray 24 stores game balls paid out from the rental ball payout device 80 (FIG. 3) and the prize ball payout device 400 (FIG. 3). A surplus ball receiving tray (also referred to as a lower tray) 25 is provided below the hitting ball supply tray 24 in the front frame 18 . The surplus ball receiving tray 25 stores game balls exceeding the number of game balls that can be stored in the batted ball supply tray 24. - 特許庁

The performance button 9 is provided in a portion of the front frame 18 that covers the upper side of the batted ball supply tray 24.例文帳に追加In other words, the effect button 9 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can press it with the right hand or the left hand. In this embodiment, the effect button 9 is a push-on type button switch. The performance button 9 incorporates a performance button lamp 9c (FIG. 4) and a performance button vibration motor 9b (FIG. 4). The effect button lamp 9c lights up or blinks when the effect button 9 is pressed during the period when the effect button 9 is pressed. The surface of the effect button 9 is formed of a translucent material, and is devised so that the player can visually recognize the light emitted from the effect button lamp 9c. The production button vibrating motor 9b vibrates the production button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during a period when the production button 9 is effectively pressed. In this embodiment, the effect button lamp 9c is an LED.
The performance button 9 has a built-in elastic member (not shown) such as a spring for returning the pressed performance button 9 to the position before the pressing operation, and the performance button 9 is released from the pressed state. Then, the state before the pressing operation is restored by the restoring force of the elastic member. When the player presses the performance button 9 during a period in which the pressing operation of the performance button 9 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect triggered by the operation of the effect button 9 will be referred to as a button effect.

A production lever 6 is provided on the left side of the surplus ball receiving tray 25 in the front frame 18, that is, near the left end of the lower side of the front frame 18. - 特許庁In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can operate it with the left hand. That is, the effect lever 6 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can operate it with the left hand, and the effect button 9 is positioned in the front frame 18 when the player moves with the left hand. It is provided at a position where it can be pressed with the right hand while the performance lever 6 is being operated by .
The performance lever 6 is formed in a bar shape that can be grasped with the left hand, and can be pushed backward in addition to the rotation operation of right rotation or left rotation. In addition, the production lever 6 is provided with a production lever vibration motor 6d (FIG. 4). The production lever vibration motor 6d is for vibrating the production lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing in a period when the operation of the production lever 6 is valid. When the player operates the performance lever 6 during a period when the operation of the performance lever 6 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect triggered by the operation of the effect lever 6 will be referred to as a lever effect.

A left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side of the front frame 18, and a right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side. The portion of the front frame 18 where the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b are provided is translucent, and a plurality of LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portion. Each LED is capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks according to the content of the presentation, and further changes the color of light emitted. The speakers 8 are provided in the upper left and right corners of the front frame 18, respectively, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds according to the content of the presentation.

Also, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a game board 2, a glass plate 5, and an effect display device 7. - 特許庁The game board 2 is arranged substantially in the center of the game board 2, that is, at a position substantially facing the player's face. The performance display device 7 is arranged on the rear side of the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from substantially the center of the game board 2.例文帳に追加The game board 2 includes a fixed winning device 10, a first big winning device 30, a second big winning device 40, a gate 12, a normal variable winning device (also called electric chew) 20, a general winning opening 13, It has indicators 50, a center decorative body 14, and a rail member 17. - 特許庁

A game area 3 in which game balls flow down (roll) is formed on the board surface of the game board 2 . The game area 3 has a left game area 3A formed on the left side of the screen of the effect display device 7 and a right game area 3B formed on the right side of the screen of the effect display device 7. - 特許庁A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the board surface of the game board 2 for changing the flowing direction of the game ball. The front side of the board surface of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. - 特許庁Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, LEDs are provided at a plurality of locations on the game board 2 . These LEDs are collectively referred to as board lamps (indicated by reference numeral 2a in FIG. 6). Each LED that constitutes the board lamp 2a can emit light in a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks according to the content of the effect, and further changes the color of the emitted light. That is, the pachinko game machine 1 lights or blinks the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b and the board lamp 2a according to the content of the effect during game control, and outputs sound from each speaker 8. - 特許庁

The fixed prize winning device 10 is arranged substantially in the center of the lower side of the game board 2 . The fixed winning device 10 has a first starting port 11 that allows one game ball to win (enter a ball). The first starting port 11 is always open, and the probability that the game ball wins the first starting port 11 does not substantially change. The gate 12 is arranged in the right game area 3B, and is configured so that game balls flowing down the right game area 3B can pass therethrough. The normal variable winning device 20 is arranged below the gate 12 in the right game area 3B. The normal variable winning device 20 has a movable member 21 . The movable member 21 is configured to be rotatable with its proximal end serving as a rotation axis, and the opening and closing of the movable member 21 opens and closes the second starting port 22 . When the movable member 21 is opened, the second starting port 22 is opened, and the game balls enter the second starting port 22 one by one (entering a ball) easily. Further, when the movable member 21 is closed, the second starting port 22 is closed and the game ball cannot enter the second starting port 22.例文帳に追加

The first big winning device 30 is arranged on the right side of the fixed winning device 10 in the game board 2 , and the second big winning device 40 is arranged above the first big winning device 30 . The first big winning device 30 includes a first opening/closing member 31 that opens and closes the first big winning hole 32, and the second big winning device 40 has a second opening/closing member 41 that opens and closes the second big winning hole 42. Prepare. The first big winning hole 32 and the second big winning hole 42 are each formed in a size that allows a plurality of game balls to win (enter a ball) at the same time. In the present embodiment, the first opening/closing member 31 and the second opening/closing member 41 are each formed in a plate shape elongated in the left-right direction, and configured to be rotatable about the left and right lower ends as the rotation axis. In the following, when describing matters common to the first big prize hole 32 and the second big prize hole 42, they are simply referred to as the big prize hole.
Inside the second big winning device 40, a specific area (not shown) and a non-specific area (not shown), which are areas through which the game balls that have won the second big prize opening 42 can pass, are formed. . Further, inside the second big prize winning device 40, a distribution member (not shown) that distributes the game balls that have won the second big prize opening 42 to a specific area or a non-specific area, and a distribution member that drives A distribution member solenoid 42d (FIG. 5) is provided.

The display device 50 is provided outside the game area 3 of the game board 2 and below the first big winning device 30 . As shown in FIG. 2, the display devices 50 include a first special symbol display device 51 that variably displays a first special symbol (also referred to as a first special symbol) and a second special symbol (also referred to as a second special symbol). and a normal symbol display 53 for variably displaying a normal symbol (also referred to as a normal symbol). In addition, the display devices 50 display the first special symbol reservation display 51a that displays the number of memory of operation suspension of the first special symbol display 51, and the number of memory of operation suspension of the second special symbol display 52. It is provided with a second special figure suspension display 52a and a normal figure suspension display 53a for displaying the number of memory of operation suspension of the normal pattern display 53. - 特許庁Hereinafter, when describing matters common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it is simply referred to as a special symbol. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special symbol display device 51 and the second special symbol display device 52, they are simply referred to as special symbol display devices. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are examples of identification symbols of the present invention, and the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52 are examples of display means of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 51 and the second special symbol display device 52 are each composed of four LEDs. Lighted LEDs (□) and unlit LEDs (■) represent special symbols, and the state in which the LEDs light up in a predetermined direction (for example, from left to right) represents a variable display of the special symbols. Hereinafter, the variation pattern of the special symbol from when the special symbol starts the variable display until the special symbol is confirmed and displayed is called the special symbol variation pattern.
Further, in this embodiment, the normal symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. Lighted LEDs (○) and lighted LEDs (●) represent normal symbols, and the state in which each LED is alternately lit represents a variable display of normal symbols. Further, when the game ball passes through the gate 12, a lottery for normal symbols is executed to determine whether or not the game ball wins, and the normal symbol display 53 variably displays the normal symbols. Then, the normal symbol display device 53 confirms and displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol after the lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the variable display of the normal symbol. When the normal pattern determined and displayed by the normal pattern display 53 is the normal pattern indicating winning, the normal variable winning device 20 operates to open and close the movable member 21 and the second starting port 22 to open and close.

When the game ball wins the first starting port 11, big win determination (also called big win lottery) for determining whether or not it is a big win is executed, and the first special symbol display 51 variably displays the first special symbol. Then, the first special symbol display device 51 confirms and displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit determination after a predetermined time has passed since the variable display of the first special symbol is started. Here, when the first special symbol confirmed and displayed is a special symbol indicating a big win, a big win occurs, the first big winning device 30 operates, the first opening/closing member 31 opens and closes, and the first The big winning opening 32 opens and closes. When the game ball wins the first starting port 11 while the first special symbol display 51 is displaying the first special symbol, the operation of the first special symbol display 51 is triggered by the winning. The memory number indicating the number of pending operations is displayed by the first special figure pending display 51a. Hereinafter, the memory number of operation suspension of the first special symbol display device 51 is referred to as the first special symbol suspension number.

Also, when the game ball wins the second starting hole 22, big hit determination (also called big hit lottery) is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display device 52 confirms and displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit determination after a predetermined time has passed since the variable display of the second special symbol is started. Here, when the second special symbol confirmed and displayed is a special symbol indicating a big win, a big win occurs, the second big winning device 40 operates to open and close the second opening/closing member 41, and the second The big winning opening 42 opens and closes. When the game ball wins the second starting port 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is displaying the second special symbol, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 is triggered by the winning. The memory number indicating the number of pending operations is displayed by the second special figure pending display 52a. Hereinafter, the number of operation suspensions stored in the second special symbol display 52 is referred to as a second special symbol suspension number. In addition, when describing the matter common to the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number, it is simply referred to as the special figure reservation number.

Hereinafter, the period from when the special symbol display device starts the variable display of the special symbols to when the special symbols are fixedly displayed is referred to as one variation of the special symbols. In addition, the fact that the special figure reservation number decreases by one each time the special symbol is changed once is called digestion of the special figure reservation number. Also, the period required from the opening of the large winning slot until it closes is called the opening period of the large winning slot, and the period from the opening of the large winning slot to the next opening is called the round. Also, a game from the start of the first round to the end of the final round is called a jackpot game. Also, when it is determined as a big win in the big win determination, the type of the big win is determined by lottery. Depending on the type of jackpot, the opening and closing of the big winning opening (one or both of the first big winning opening 32 and the second big winning opening 35), the opening period of the big winning opening, the maximum number of executable rounds, etc. differ.

The pachinko machine 1 has a normal probability (hereinafter referred to as a normal probability) and a probability higher than the normal probability (hereinafter referred to as a high probability) as the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the jackpot determination (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot probability). and are set. Hereinafter, the game state in which the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability is called the normal probability state, and the game state in which the jackpot probability is set to the high probability is called the high probability state. In the pachinko game machine 1, when the game ball that has entered the second big winning hole 35 during the big winning game passes through the above-mentioned specific area (V winning), the game state after the big winning game ends shifts to the high probability state. do. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is a model called a so-called V certain machine.

The general prize winning port 13 is arranged on the left side of the fixed prize winning device 10 in the game board 2 . The rail member 17 is arranged along the circumference of the game board 2 . The rail member 17 guides the game ball shot by the shooting device 90 ( FIG. 3 ) to the game area 3 . At the bottom center of the game board 2, an out port 19 for discharging game balls that have not won anywhere is opened. The center decorative body 14 is arranged on the upper part of the game board 2. - 特許庁The center decorative body 14 has translucency, and is provided with a plurality of LEDs that light up and blink in accordance with the contents of the performance.
The pachinko game machine 1 also has a gimmick 15 . The gimmick 15 is arranged behind the center decoration 14. - 特許庁FIG. 1 shows a state in which the gimmick 15 is substantially hidden by the center decoration 14. FIG. The gimmick 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing according to the content of the effect, and is displaced so that it can be visually recognized by the player.

The effect display device 7 displays moving images and still images such as effect images, message images, and demonstration images. The player plays the game while looking at those images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1.例文帳に追加The effect display device 7 variably displays the effect pattern as the effect image in synchronization with the variable display of the special pattern. In this embodiment, the production pattern is a pattern representing Arabic numerals 1-9. Note that the performance symbols may include symbols representing things other than numbers, such as alphabets and special characters, and may be combined with symbols representing things other than numbers. In this embodiment, a left effect symbol display area, a middle effect symbol display area, and a right effect symbol display area are set in order from the left as areas in which the effect display device 7 variably displays the effect symbols. A left performance symbol 9L is variably displayed in the left performance symbol display area, a middle performance symbol 9C is variably displayed in the medium performance symbol display area, and a right performance symbol 9R is variably displayed in the right performance symbol display area. Hereinafter, when describing items common to the left effect symbol display area, the middle effect symbol display area and the right effect symbol display area, they are simply referred to as the effect symbol display area.

In this embodiment, the main variation pattern (variation mode) of each effect pattern is a variation pattern that moves from the top to the bottom of the screen so that the numbers represented by the effect symbols are in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern that scrolls in the vertical direction. is. As a variation pattern, it is possible to use a horizontal scroll method in which the effect pattern moves from one side of the screen to the other, or a method in which the effect pattern is displayed at the same display position in ascending numerical order. In addition, the effect display device 7 displays a background image as the effect image in the background of each effect symbol. For example, the background image is a moving image such as a TV drama or a movie, a moving image obtained by converting the moving image into animation, an animation, or an original moving image of a pachinko machine manufacturer. In this embodiment, the effect display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. As the effect display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, or the like can be used.
A performance display device 7 variably displays each performance design in synchronism with the variable display of the special design, determines and displays each performance design at the same time as the special design is determined and displayed, and displays the big win determination result. Here, the fixed display means a stop display state in which the production pattern is completely stopped without fluctuating up and down or fluctuating again.

Hereinafter, the performance pattern indicating that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit is called a big hit performance pattern, and the performance pattern that shows that the result of the big hit determination is a loss is called a loss performance pattern. In the present embodiment, the jackpot effect pattern is a state in which each effect pattern is aligned with the effect patterns representing the same number, that is, a state of so-called double eyes. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the confirmed displayed left effect symbol 9L, middle effect symbol 9C and right effect symbol 9R are all set to "7". In addition, the lost performance pattern is a state in which the performance symbols representing the same number are not aligned, that is, the pattern is not in a grid pattern. For example, the confirmed and displayed left effect symbol 9L is "7", the middle effect symbol 9C is "6", and the right effect symbol 9R is "7".
Hereinafter, the production pattern displayed by the production display device 7 synchronously with the special pattern is referred to as a production design variation pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the production design variation pattern is referred to as a background image. A background image is a still image or a moving image.

The variable performance pattern is variably displayed in synchronism with the variable display of the special symbol variation pattern, and when the suspension of the operation of the special symbol display device occurs, the operation of the performance display device 7 is also suspended. That is, the number of pending operations of the special symbol display and the number of pending operations of the effect display device 7 are the same. As shown in FIG. 1, the effect display device 7 is provided with a first effect pending display area 51B and a second effect pending display area 52B. The first effect pending display area 51B is an area for displaying the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the first special figure pending number, and the effect pending image for expressing the operation pending number by the number of images. This is the area to display. That is, the player can know the first special figure pending number by counting the number of the effect pending images displayed in the first effect pending display area 51B, and the effect display caused by the first special figure pending. The number of pending operations of the device 7 can be known. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four effect pending images represented by O are displayed, indicating that the first special figure pending number and the operation pending number are four.
In addition, the second effect pending display area 52B is an area for displaying the number of operation pending of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the number of the second special figure pending, and the effect pending for representing the number of operation pending by the number of images. This is the area where the image is displayed. That is, the player can know the second special figure pending number by counting the number of the effect pending images displayed in the second effect pending display area 52B, and the effect display caused by the second special figure pending. The number of pending operations of the device 7 can be known. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four effect pending images represented by Δ are displayed, indicating that the second special figure pending number and the operation pending number are four, respectively.

[Main electrical configuration of pachinko machine]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.
The pachinko game machine 1 includes a main control board 60 (FIG. 3), a payout control board 73 (FIG. 3), a sub control board 100 (FIG. 4), an image control board 200 (FIG. 4), and a lamp control board 79. (FIG. 4) and an audio control board 78 (FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 60 is mounted with a game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game control microcomputer) 61 . The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62 , a ROM 63 , a RAM 64 and an input/output circuit 65 . The CPU 62 executes detection of prize winning, determination of a big hit, updating of various random numbers, and the like. In the ROM 63, a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot determination table TA1 (FIG. 6(a)), a reach determination table TA2 (FIG. 6(b)), a special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 (FIG. 7), and a jackpot type determination Various tables are stored, such as a table (not shown). The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various determinations (lottery), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers.

RAM 64 is used as a work memory or the like when CPU 62 executes a computer program. Further, the RAM 64 is provided with a first special figure reservation storage unit 64a, a second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, and a general figure reservation storage unit 64c. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a includes first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of first special figure reservations that can be stored is four. In each storage area, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number and a variation pattern random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the first start hole 11 (FIG. 1) are stored. be. When the game ball wins the first starting port 11 (FIG. 1) while the first special symbol display device 51 (FIG. 2) is displaying the first special symbol, the first special resulting from the winning The variable display of the symbol is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the jackpot random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the first special figure suspension storage section 64a.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b includes first to fourth storage areas. That is, the maximum number of second special figure reservations that can be stored is four. Each storage area stores a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball winning the second start hole 22 (FIG. 1). be. When the game ball wins the second starting port 22 (FIG. 1) while the second special symbol display 52 (FIG. 2) is displaying the second special symbol, the second special resulting from the winning The fluctuation display of the symbol is temporarily suspended (operation suspended), and the big hit random number or the like acquired due to the winning is stored in the second special figure suspension storage section 64b.

The jackpot random numbers are stored in the order of occurrence of operation suspension, ie, the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from the first storage areas of the first special figure suspension storage section 64a and the second special figure suspension storage section 64b. Therefore, when the jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in the first to fourth storage areas, the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the fourth storage area are the most recent information in terms of time, and are stored in the first storage area. The jackpot random numbers and the like are the oldest information in terms of time. The jackpot random numbers and the like stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the storage area with the older storage order each time the variable display of the special symbols is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. Further, the determination (lottery) based on the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area is executed before the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display is finished and the next variable display is started.

The normal pattern holding storage unit 64c (Fig. 3) is a normal winning random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12 (Fig. 1) (determines whether or not the normal pattern is winning) A random number for (lottery) is stored. When the game ball passes through the gate 12 while the normal symbol display 53 is displaying the normal symbols, the operation of the normal symbol display 53 caused by the passage is temporarily suspended (operation suspension), and the passage is performed. The normal random number acquired due to is stored in the normal pattern reservation storage unit 64c. The variation display of the normal symbols withheld is performed after the current variation display of the normal symbols is completed. In this embodiment, the general pattern suspension storage unit 64c has a storage area for performing a total of four suspensions, and the number of storage of operation suspensions of the normal design display device 53 is four at maximum. Hereinafter, the memory number of operation suspension of the normal symbol display 53 is referred to as the normal symbol suspension number.

A RAM clear switch 66 is mounted on the main control board 60 . The pachinko game machine 1 initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) of the sub-control board 100 when started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed. Also, the display devices 50 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 . Further, on the main control board 60, via the relay board 74, a first starting hole sensor 11a, a second starting hole sensor 22a, a gate sensor 12a, a first big winning hole sensor 32a, and a second big winning hole A sensor 42a, a specific area sensor 42b, a non-specific area sensor 42c, a general winning opening sensor 13a, an electric tuning solenoid 20a, a first large winning opening solenoid 30a, a second large winning opening solenoid 40a, and distribution The member solenoid 42d is electrically connected.

The first starting hole sensor 11a is provided directly under the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the first starting hole 11. The second starting hole sensor 22a is provided directly under the second starting hole 22 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the second starting hole 22. The gate sensor 12a is provided in the game ball passage area of the gate 12 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 12. FIG. The first big winning hole sensor 32a is provided directly under the first big winning hole 32 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the first big winning hole 32 to the main control board 60. do. The second big winning hole sensor 42a is provided directly under the second big winning hole 42 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the second big winning hole 42 to the main control board 60. do. The specific area sensor 42b is provided within a specific area inside the second big winning hole 42 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area. The non-specific area sensor 42c is provided in the non-specific area inside the second big winning hole 42 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the non-specific area to the main control board 60. . The general winning hole sensor 13a is provided directly under the general winning hole 13 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the general winning hole 13.

The electric tuning solenoid 20a drives the movable member 21 (FIG. 1) of the normal variable winning device 20 to open and close. The first big prize opening solenoid 30a drives the first opening/closing member 31 (FIG. 1) of the first big prize winning device 30 to open and close. The second big winning opening solenoid 40a drives the second opening/closing member 41 (FIG. 1) of the second big winning device 40 to open and close. The distribution member solenoid 42 d drives the distribution member provided inside the second big winning device 40 .
Also, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the ball rental device 80 , the card unit 76 and the prize ball delivery device 400 via the payout control board 73 . The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1, and reads and writes the balance on the prepaid card. The rental ball dispensing device 80 includes a ball rental motor 81 and a ball rental sensor 82 . A ball lending motor 81 drives a member for putting out a game ball as a lending ball, and a ball lending sensor 82 sends a signal indicating that a game ball has been paid out by the member through a payout control board 73 to the main control board. 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of rental balls paid out by the rental ball payout device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73 . When a ball lending button (not shown) is operated when the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 76 has a balance recorded that is equal to or greater than the minimum balance that can be paid out, the ball lending device 80 operates, A minimum unit number of rented balls is dispensed to the batted ball supply tray 24 .

The prize ball dispensing device 400 includes a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402 . A prize ball motor 401 drives a member that pays out game balls as prize balls, and a prize ball sensor 402 outputs a signal indicating that a game ball has been paid out by the member through a payout control board 73 to the main control board. 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 400 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73 .
A launching device 90 is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via a launching control circuit 75 . Firing device 90 comprises firing motor 91 , touch switch 92 and firing volume 93 . The shooting motor 91 drives a hitting mallet (not shown) that hits and shoots game balls. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4 . The shooting volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the hitting hammer strikes the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the shooting lever 4a (FIG. 1).

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a power board 70 . The power board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73 . Also, the power supply board 70 supplies power via the payout control board 73 to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73 . Also, the power supply board 70 supplies power from the main control board 60 through the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 . Also, the power supply board 70 supplies power through the main control board 60 to the displays 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 .
A backup power supply circuit 71 is provided on the power supply board 70 . The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for holding information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 and the like when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside. A power switch 72 is electrically connected to the power board 70 for turning on and off a main power supply that supplies power to the power board 70 .

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4). The main control board 60 can send commands to the sub control board 100 , but the sub control board 100 cannot send commands to the main control board 60 . In other words, the communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is unidirectional communication in which only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control board 100 is mounted with a one-chip microcomputer for effect control (hereinafter referred to as the effect control microcomputer) 101 . The effect control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102 , a ROM 110 , a RAM 120 and an input/output circuit 103 . The CPU 102 controls an effect along with the game. The ROM 110 stores various tables such as a music selection table TA4 (FIG. 9) and a preview image selection table TA5 (FIG. 10) in addition to computer programs for the CPU 102 to control effects. RAM 120 is used as a work memory when CPU 102 executes a computer program. In addition, the RAM 120 is provided with a first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121, a second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122, and a variation effect storage unit 123. In addition, the microcomputer 101 for production|presentation control is an example of the control means of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), the first special figure pending effect storage unit 121 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area is output from the main control board 60. It stores the first start winning command and the like. The first start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number and a reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball has entered the first start port 11.
As shown in FIG. 8(c), the second special figure pending effect storage unit 122 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area is output from the main control board 60. It stores the second start winning command and the like. The second start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number and a reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball has entered the second start port 22.
The variable effect storage unit 123 stores the first start winning command or the second starting winning command used for the change of the variable effect pattern.
The input/output circuit 103 transmits data to or receives data from each board connected to the sub-control board 100 .

An image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 . The image control board 200 includes an image control CPU 202, a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. and are implemented. The image control CPU 202 controls the effect display device 7 to display effect images such as a variable effect pattern, a button effect image, a lever effect image and a notice image. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the effect display device 7 . The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes computer programs. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the effect display device 7 to display effect images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to the display list created by the image control CPU 202 and develops the read image data in the development area in the VRAM 206 . The VDP 201 synthesizes the image data developed in the VRAM 206 and stores the synthesized image data in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 . The VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into RGB signals and outputs them to the effect display device 7 . Thereby, the effect display device 7 displays the effect image. The CGROM 205 is an example of the effect storage means of the present invention.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the board lamp 2a via the lamp control board 79. As shown in FIG. The effect control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79 . Then, the lamp control board 79 performs light emission control of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data. The left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the board lamp 2a, the effect button lamp, and the lamp control board 79 are examples of the effect means of the present invention.
The gimmick 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77 . A device (not shown) for operating the gimmick 15 is connected to the gimmick 15, and a movable body motor (not shown) for driving the device is connected to the device. The effect control microcomputer 101 creates operation pattern data for determining the operation pattern of the gimmick 15 using data stored in the ROM 110 and transmits the operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79 . Upon receiving the operation pattern data, the lamp control board 79 drives the movable body motor via the relay board 77 according to the operation pattern, thereby controlling the operation of the gimmick 15 .

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the audio control board 78 . The audio control board 78 is equipped with an audio control microcomputer 78a, audio data storage means 78b, a sound source IC 78c, an audio synthesizing circuit 78d, and an amplifier 78e. The voice control microcomputer 78a includes a ROM storing a computer program for voice control, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU executing the computer program stored in the ROM. The audio data storage means 78b stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects.
The audio control microcomputer 78 a transmits and receives data (various commands, etc.) to and from the sub-control board 100 via the input/output circuit 103 . Based on the command received from the sub-control board 100, the voice control microcomputer 78a outputs a voice selection signal to the sound source IC 78c. The sound source IC 78c reads the voice data corresponding to the input voice selection signal from the voice data storage means 78b and outputs the read voice data to the voice synthesizing circuit 78d. The speech synthesizing circuit 78d synthesizes the input speech data, converts the synthesized synthesized speech data into an analog speech signal, and outputs the analog speech signal to the amplifier 78e. The amplifier 78 e amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8 . Each speaker 8 reproduces (outputs) the sound indicated by the input audio signal. Each speaker 8 and audio control board 78 are an example of the reproducing means of the present invention.

Also, the sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the production button detection switch 9a, the production lever push detection switch 6a, the production lever rotation detection switch 6b, the production button vibration motor 9b, and the production lever vibration motor 6d. It is The production button detection switch 9a outputs a signal indicating that the production button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100, and the production control microcomputer 101 performs button production based on the signal input from the production button detection switch 9a. to run. The production lever push-in detection switch 6a outputs a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been pushed in to the sub-control board 100, and the production control microcomputer 101, based on the signal input from the production lever push-in detection switch 6a, A lever performance performed when a performance lever 6 is pushed is executed. The production lever rotation detection switch 6b outputs a signal indicating that the production lever 6 has been rotated to the sub-control board 100, and the production control microcomputer 101, based on the signal input from the production lever rotation detection switch 6b, A lever performance performed when a performance lever 6 is rotated is executed.

The production button vibration motor 9b is a member for vibrating the production button 9 and is housed inside the production button 9. - 特許庁The effect lever vibration motor 6d is a member that vibrates the effect lever 6, and is provided in a portion that contacts the effect lever 6 or inside the effect lever 6. The ROM 110 stores motion pattern data for determining the motion pattern of the performance button vibration motor 9b and motion pattern data for determining the motion pattern of the performance lever vibration motor 6d. A performance control microcomputer 101 reads operation pattern data from a ROM 110 when the performance timing for vibrating the performance button 9 comes, and drives and controls a performance button vibration motor 9b based on the read operation pattern data. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when the performance timing for vibrating the performance lever 6 comes, and drives and controls the performance lever vibration motor 6d based on the read operation pattern data.

[Explanation of game state]
Next, the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described. A special symbol display device and a normal symbol display device 53 of the pachinko game machine 1 are provided with a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function, respectively. The state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display is operating is called "high probability state", and the state in which it is not operating is called "normal probability state (non-high probability state)". In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the normal probability state.
In addition, the state in which the variable time reduction function of the special symbol display is operating is called "shortening of working hours", and the state of not operating is called "non-shortening of working hours". In the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the special symbol (the time required from the start of the fluctuation display to the final display) is shorter than the non-time saving state.

The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display. That is, the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in the time saving state and do not operate in the non time saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the probability of being determined as winning in the lottery of normal symbols is higher than in the non-time-saving state. That is, when the probability variation function of the normal symbol display device 53 is activated, the normal symbol that the normal symbol display device 53 confirms and displays is a normal winning symbol (determined as winning in the normal symbol lottery) The probability of becoming a normal symbol indicating that it has been done increases.

In addition, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-working time saving state. For example, the variation time of normal symbols is 10 seconds in the non-time saving state, but is 1 second in the time saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the normal variable winning device 20 is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the opening time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20 is operating. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the normal variable winning device 20 is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the function of increasing the number of opening times of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. The auxiliary game is a game of opening and closing the second starting port 22 in an opening pattern according to the current game state when the confirmed and displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol.

When the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display device 53 and the opening time extension function and opening frequency increasing function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, when these functions are not operating. , the variable prize winning device 20 is opened frequently, and game balls enter the second starting port 22 frequently. As a result, since the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot balls increases, the player can aim for a big win without greatly reducing the number of game balls in hand. In this way, under the condition that the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening frequency increasing function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning The control that supports the winning of the second starting port 22 by the device 20 is called electric support control.
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the specific area inside the second big winning hole 42 (FIG. 1) during the jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game ends is Support control is performed and it is a high probability state and a short working time state. This game state ends when the variable display of the special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times, or when a big win is won and the big win game is executed.

In addition, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area inside the second big winning hole 42 (FIG. 1) during the jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game is finished is the electric support control. Normal probability state and time saving state. This game state ends when the variable display of the special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times, or when a big win is won and the big win game is executed.
In addition, when the pachinko game machine 1 is played for the first time, the game state after power-on is a normal probability state and a non-time saving state while not performing electric support control.

[Jackpot determination table]
The jackpot determination table TA1 shown in FIG. 6(a) is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) refers to when executing the jackpot determination as to whether or not the game is a jackpot. The jackpot determination table TA1 is configured by associating a game state with a jackpot random number. The jackpot random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the CPU 62 executes the computer program to operate the jackpot random number counter and generate a jackpot random number. The jackpot random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot random number counter counts 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535 in total. That is, a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535 are generated. In this embodiment, a total of 165 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 164 are set in the jackpot determination table TA1 as jackpot random numbers when the game state is the normal probability state. When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter is any one of 0 to 164 when the game state is the normal probability state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a jackpot in the jackpot determination, and determines that it is a jackpot. If it is other than 0 to 164, it is determined that it is not a big hit, that is, it is lost.

In addition, in this embodiment, a total of 650 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 649 are set in the jackpot determination table TA1 as jackpot random numbers when the game state is in a high probability state. That is, more jackpot random numbers are set than in the normal probability state, and the probability of being determined as a jackpot in the jackpot determination is higher than in the normal probability state. When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the jackpot random number acquired from the jackpot random number counter is any one of 0 to 649 when the game state is in a high probability state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is a jackpot in the jackpot determination, If it is other than 0 to 649, it is determined that it is not a big hit, that is, it is lost.

[Reach determination table]
The reach determination table TA2 shown in FIG. 6(b) determines whether or not to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) determines that the result of the big hit determination is a loss. It is a table referred to when making a determination. Here, the reach means a state in which only one special symbol remains among a plurality of special symbols that is variably displayed, and it depends on which special symbol the variably displayed special symbol is fixedly displayed. It is a state in which special symbols are combined to indicate a big hit. In addition, the ready-to-win state is a state in which one of the performance symbols variably displayed in each of the plurality of display areas of the performance display device 7 remains, and is variably displayed. It is a state in which the combination of the big hit production pattern depends on which production pattern the existing production pattern is fixedly displayed.
For example, when one of the combinations of the jackpot performance symbols is "777", "7" is confirmed and displayed as the left performance symbol 9L in the left performance symbol display area, and as the right performance symbol 9R in the right performance symbol display area. It is a state in which "7" is fixedly displayed and the middle effect symbol 9C is variably displayed in the middle effect symbol display area. The concept of reach includes a state in which the medium effect pattern 9C is scrolled, a state in which it is swaying, a state in which expansion and contraction are repeated, and the like.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. The reach determination table TA2 is configured by associating game states with reach random numbers. The reach random number is a predetermined random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. In this embodiment, the reach random number counter counts 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 255 in total. That is, a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 256 are generated. A computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the reach random number counter operates to generate reach random numbers. In this embodiment, a total of 28 reach random numbers from 0 to 27 are set as the reach random numbers when the gaming state is a non-time saving state. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach determination when the reach random number obtained from the reach random number counter when the game state is a non-time saving state is either 0 to 27, and determines that there is a reach in the reach determination. If it is other than 0 to 27, it is determined that there is no reach.

In addition, in this embodiment, a total of 12 reach random numbers from 0 to 11 are set as the reach random numbers when the game state is the time saving state. The game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach determination when the reach random number acquired from the reach random number counter when the game state is a time saving state is any one of 0 to 11, and out of 0 to 255. If it is other than 0 to 11, it is determined that there is no reach.
Reach random numbers that are determined to have reach are set less in the time saving state than in the non-working time saving state. Thereby, the probability that it is determined that there is reach in the time saving state is lower than in the non time saving state. That is, since the probability of being determined to be without reach increases, the probability of selecting a special figure variation pattern without reach increases accordingly when selecting a special figure variation pattern. For this reason, in the time saving state, the pace of digestion of the number of reserved special figures becomes faster.

[Special figure variation pattern selection table]
The special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 shown in FIG. 7 is a table referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) determines the special figure variation pattern by lottery. The special figure fluctuation pattern table TA3 associates the game state, the judgment (jackpot judgment and reach judgment) result, the special figure pending number, the fluctuation pattern random number, the special figure fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation time, and the stop time. configured as follows. The variation effect pattern in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 is a variation effect pattern that is variably displayed by the effect display device 7 corresponding to the selected special figure variation pattern, and is described for reference. The variation pattern random number is a predetermined random number selected from the variation pattern random numbers generated by the variation pattern random number counter. In this embodiment, the variation pattern random number counter counts a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. FIG. That is, a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99 are generated. A computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the variation pattern random number counter operates to generate variation pattern random numbers.

If the game state is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination when the game state is a non-time saving state, and the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is either 0 to 94, regardless of the number of special figures pending, special figures Variation pattern P1 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P1 is selected is 95%. Also, if the variation pattern random number is any one of 95 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P2 is selected regardless of the number of balls on hold. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P2 is selected is 5%. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P1 is 40,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol, that is, the time during which the special symbol is fixedly displayed is 500 ms. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P2 is 15,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. Moreover, when the special figure variation pattern P1 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays SP (super) reach as the variation effect pattern. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P2 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays normal reach as the variation effect pattern.

In addition, when the gaming state is determined to be lost when the non-time saving state, and when it is determined that there is reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of loss with reach, the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 9, regardless of the special figure reservation number, the special figure variation pattern P3 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P3 is selected is 10%. Also, if the variation pattern random number is any one of 10 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P4 is selected regardless of the number of balls on hold. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P4 is selected is 90%. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P3 is 40,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P4 is 15,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P3 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays SP reach as the variation effect pattern. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P4 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays normal reach as the variation effect pattern.

In addition, when the gaming state is determined to be lost when the non-time-saving state, and when it is determined that there is no reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of reach without loss, the number of special figures pending is 0 to 2 There, if the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P5 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P5 is selected is 100%. In addition, when the number of special figures pending is 3 to 4 and the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P6 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P6 is selected is 100%. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P5 is 10,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P6 is 5,000 ms, and the special symbol stop time is 500 ms. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P5 or the special figure variation pattern P6 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays normal variation as the variation effect pattern.

When the gaming state is determined to be a big hit when the time saving state, and the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is either 0 to 99, regardless of the special figure pending number, the special figure variation pattern P11 selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P11 is selected is 100%. In addition, when the gaming state is determined to be lost when the time saving state, and when it is determined that there is reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of loss with reach, the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is If it is one of 0 to 99, regardless of the special figure reservation number, the special figure variation pattern P12 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P12 is selected is 100%. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P11 and the special figure variation pattern P12 is 40,000ms respectively, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500ms each. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P11 or the special figure variation pattern P12 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays SP reach as the variation effect pattern.

Also, when the game state is determined to be lost when the time saving state, and when it is determined that there is no reach in the reach determination, that is, in the case of no reach loss, the number of special figure reservations is 0 to 1 , If the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P13 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P13 is selected is 100%. In addition, the number of special figures pending is 2 to 4, and when the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is either 0 to 99, the special figure variation pattern P14 is selected. That is, the probability that the special figure variation pattern P14 is selected is 100%. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P13 is 10,000 ms, and the special symbol stop time is 500 ms. The variation time of the special figure variation pattern P14 is 2,500 ms, and the special symbol stop time is 500 ms. Further, when the special figure variation pattern P13 or the special figure variation pattern P14 is selected, the effect display device 7 displays normal variation as the variation effect pattern.

As described above, the probability that SP reach is selected when in a non-time saving state is 95% if it is determined to be a big hit in the jackpot determination, but it is determined to be a loss in the jackpot determination, and it is determined that there is a reach 10% if In addition, the probability that normal reach is selected when the non-time saving state is 5% if it is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination, but it is determined to be a loss in the jackpot determination, and if it is determined that there is a reach 90%.
That is, when the effect display device 7 displays the SP reach as the variable effect pattern, there is a high possibility that a big hit will occur. In other words, the SP reach is a variable performance pattern in which the degree of expectation for the occurrence of a big win is higher than that of the normal reach.

[Music selection table]
The music selection table TA4 shown in FIG. 9 is a table referred to when the performance control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) selects music to be reproduced by each speaker 8 (FIG. 1). The song selection table TA4 is configured by associating song selection random numbers, songs, playback times, background images, and actual live images. The background image is an image corresponding to music, and is mainly a moving image. For example, the song is a song that is widely known to the players, and the background image is an image that comes to many players' minds when listening to the song. Also, the live-action video is a live-action video of a musician playing a song, and is composed of a video and a song. In other words, the music, the background image, and the live-action video have contents that are highly compatible with each other. Also, the reproduction time of the music, the background image, and the live-action image are the same, and when the reproduction of the music ends, the reproduction of the background image or the live-action image also ends. The live-action video is a benefit given to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied, which will be described later.
The music selection random number is a predetermined random number selected from the music selection random numbers generated by the music selection random number counter. In this embodiment, the song selection random number counter counts a total of 100 song selection random numbers from 0 to 99. FIG. That is, the music selection random number counter generates 100 music selection random numbers from 0 to 99 in total. A computer program for operating the music selection random number counter is stored in the ROM 110 (FIG. 4) of the effect control microcomputer 101, and the computer program is executed by the CPU 102 to operate the music selection random number counter to generate music. A selection random number is generated.

When the music selection random number obtained from the music selection random number counter is any one of 0 to 19, the music G1 and the background image H1 are selected, and the playback time of each is 180,000 ms (3 minutes). Also, if the music selection random number obtained from the music selection random number counter is any one of 20 to 39, the music G2 and the background image H2 are selected, and the playback time of each is 180,000 ms (3 minutes). Also, if the music selection random number obtained from the music selection random number counter is any of 40 to 59, the music G3 and the background image H3 are selected, and the playback time of each is 150,000 ms (2 minutes and 30 seconds). . Also, if the music selection random number obtained from the music selection random number counter is any of 60 to 79, the music G4 and the background image H4 are selected, and the playback time of each is 150,000 ms (2 minutes 30 seconds). . Also, if the music selection random number obtained from the music selection random number counter is any one of 80 to 99, music G5 and background image H5 are selected, and their playback time is 120,000 ms (2 minutes).
As described above, when a song is selected, the background image associated with that song is selected. In addition, since the playback time of the music and the display time of the background image are the same, the background image can be continuously displayed at least until the playback of one song is completed. It is possible to prevent the display of the background image from ending. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 controls the background image based on the music.
In this embodiment, the background images H1-H5 are animations that are widely known to players, and the songs G1-G5 are a medley of songs played in the animations. Note that the music selection table TA4 is an example of the music storage means of the present invention.

[Preview image selection table]
The preview image selection table TA5 shown in FIG. 10 is a table that the effect control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) refers to when selecting a preview image for suggesting the result of pre-reading. The preview image selection table TA5 is configured by associating songs with preview images. The look-ahead means that the effect control microcomputer 101 performs a big hit determination (preliminary determination) based on the special figure reservation before the game control microcomputer 61 executes a big hit determination. The jackpot random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) is included in the start winning command and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 101, and is stored in the special figure pending effect storage unit (first special figure pending effect storage unit 121 or second 2 special figure reservation effect storage unit 122: stored in FIG. 8). Then, the effect control microcomputer 101 performs pre-reading (preliminary determination shown in S152 of FIG. 24) at a predetermined timing, and displays a preview image on the effect display device 7 based on the result.

The music and the preview image set in the preview image selection table TA5 are highly compatible with each other, and many players who listen to the song can easily imagine the preview image. Also, as described above, since the music and the background image have a high affinity with each other, the music, the background image, and the preview image when the music is being reproduced by the speakers 8 are combined with a high affinity with each other. be. Also, the preview image is a still image or a moving image, and is superimposed on the background image or displayed after being switched from the background image.
When the preview image is to be displayed as a result of the pre-reading, the effect control microcomputer 101 selects the preview image associated with the song being reproduced at that time from the preview image selection table TA5. , the selected preview image is displayed on the effect display device 7. - 特許庁As shown in the preview image selection table TA5, the preview image Y1 is selected when the music G1 is being reproduced by each speaker 8. FIG. Also, the preview image Y2 is selected when the song G2 is being played, and the preview image Y3 is selected when the song G3 is being played. Further, the preview image Y4 is selected when the music G4 is being reproduced, and the preview image Y5 is selected when the music G5 is being reproduced. Note that the preview image selection table TA5 is an example of the effect storage means of the present invention.

[Timing of music playback and display timing of background image and fluctuating effect pattern]
In the example shown in FIG. 11(a), the reproduction of the music G1, the display of the background image H1, and the display of the variable effect pattern P3 are started simultaneously (time t1). Then, when the display of the variable performance pattern P3 ends without any special figure suspension during the variable display of the variable performance pattern P3 (time t2), the reproduction of the music piece G1 is interrupted accordingly, and the background image H1 is displayed. interrupts. Whether or not to interrupt the reproduction of the music G1 and the display of the background image H1 is determined depending on whether or not the time during which the variable effect pattern is not variably displayed is equal to or longer than a preset predetermined time. Each interruption point (address) of the music G1 and the background image H1 is stored in the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). Then, after the interruption period (t2 to t3), when the display of the next variation effect pattern P4 is started (time t3), the music G1 is reproduced from the interruption point, and the background image H1 is displayed from the interruption point ( time t3). That is, when there is a predetermined time or more as a time during which the variable effect pattern is not displayed between the variable effect patterns and the variable effect pattern, the reproduction of the music is interrupted and the display of the background image is interrupted. When the display of the effect pattern is started, the music is reproduced from the interrupted point, and the background image is displayed from the interrupted point. In other words, the player can listen to the music that has been interrupted because the fluctuating production pattern is not displayed for a predetermined time or more from the interrupted point when the display of the fluctuating production pattern is started, and the background image can be displayed at the interrupted point. can be seen from

A special figure hold occurs while the variable performance pattern P4 is being variably displayed, and the variable performance pattern P5 is displayed immediately after the end of the variable performance pattern P4. In this case, the music G1 is continuously reproduced without interruption, and the background image H1 is continuously displayed without interruption. That is, when the time during which the variable effect pattern is not displayed is less than the predetermined time, the music is continuously reproduced without interruption, and the background image is continuously displayed without interruption. A period (t4 to t5) from the end of the variable performance pattern P4 to the start of the next variable performance pattern P5 is a stop time required to confirm and display each special symbol when the display of the variable performance pattern is completed. . The stop time is, for example, 500 ms (see FIG. 7). Further, the period during which the reproduction of the music is interrupted and the display of the background image is interrupted, and the time during which the variable effect pattern is not displayed is longer than the stop time, for example, 510 ms or longer. In other words, when the display of the next variable effect pattern is started within 510 ms after the display of the variable effect pattern is stopped, the music is continuously reproduced and the background image is continuously displayed, but the variable effect pattern When the display of the next variation effect pattern does not start when 510 ms has elapsed since the display of , the reproduction of the music is interrupted and the display of the background image is interrupted.

As shown in FIG. 11(b), when the music G1 is being reproduced and the background image H1 is displayed and the jackpot game is started (t2), the reproduction of the music G1 is interrupted, and , the display of the background image H1 is interrupted. Each interruption point (address) of the music G1 and the background image H1 is stored in the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). Then, when the jackpot game ends, the music G1 is reproduced from the interrupted point, and the background image H1 is displayed from the interrupted point (time t3).
In other words, the player can listen to the music that was interrupted by the jackpot game from the interruption point when the jackpot game is over, and the background image that was interrupted by the jackpot game can be heard when the jackpot game is over. can be seen from the point of interruption.
As described above, when the reproduction of music is interrupted, the display of the background image is interrupted, and when the reproduction of the music is resumed from the interrupted point, the display of the background image is also restarted from the interrupted point. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 controls the background image based on the music.

[Main processing of game control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Main side main control processing)
First, the contents of the main side main control process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 showing it.
When the pachinko game machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out and executes a computer program for main side main control processing shown in FIG. 12 from the ROM 63 (FIG. 3). The game control microcomputer 61 first performs initial setting (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 62 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: interrupt circuit for managing time), and reset various flags, counters and timers. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interruption prohibition (S2), and executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the initial value of each random number counter that generates the aforementioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number and variation pattern random number is updated by adding "1" to each. When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit, it returns to "0" and "1" is added again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", or may be changed randomly. Further, the count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a numerical value of "2" or more. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. If this hardware random number is used, the random number updating process (S3) by software is not required.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interruption permission (S4). While the interrupt is enabled, the main side timer interrupt processing (S5) can be executed. The main-side timer interrupt processing (S5) is executed, for example, based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at a 4 msec cycle. That is, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, after the main side timer interrupt processing (S5) is completed, until the next main side timer interrupt processing (S5) is started, the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S3) Initial value update processing of various counters is executed. If an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 in the interrupt disabled state, the main timer interrupt processing (S5) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt permission (S4) is executed. be.

(Main-side timer interrupt processing)
Next, the content of the main timer interrupt process (S5 in FIG. 12) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes output processing (S10). In this output process, commands set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) of the main control board 60 in each process described below are sent to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 4) or the payout control board 73 (FIG. 3) and so on. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes input processing (S11). In this input process, various sensors (first starting hole sensor 11a, second starting hole sensor 22a, first big winning hole sensor 32a, second big winning hole sensor 42a, gate Each detection signal detected by the sensor 12a (FIG. 3) is read. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes timer update processing (S12). In this timer update process, a subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (decremented). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes prize ball control processing (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out prize balls corresponding to the type of winning hole is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of the various sensors read in the input process (S11). The payout command is a command output to the payout control board 73 . Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. In other words, the process of updating the initial value of each random number counter consists of the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) and the other period (after the main side timer interrupt process (S5) ends, the next main side timer interrupt process). (period until the load processing (S5) is started).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a starting opening sensor detection process (S15), a normal operation process (S16), a special symbol standby process (S17), a special symbol variation process (S18), and other processes (S19), which will be described later. is executed to end the main side timer interrupt processing (S5). Other processing (S19) includes security control processing to detect and report fraudulent winning, magnetic detection processing to detect and report fraudulent activity using magnetism, and detection of opening of front frame 18 (Fig. 1) and inner frame. a door opening process for notifying by pressing a door, a fraudulent radio wave detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity using radio waves, and an impact detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity by vibrating the pachinko game machine 1, and the like. Then, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, the processing of S2 to S4 of the main side main control processing is repeatedly executed (FIG. 12), and when the interrupt pulse is input (after about 4 msec), Main-side timer interrupt processing (S5) is executed. In the output processing (S10) of the main-side timer interrupt processing (S5) executed again, the commands set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) in the previous main-side timer interrupt processing (S5) Output to the board.

(Starting port sensor detection processing)
Next, the content of the start sensor detection process (S15 in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (FIG. 1) (S20). ). In this gate passage processing, it is determined whether or not the normal pattern reservation number is 4 or more. A process of acquiring and storing a winning random number is performed.

Also, in S20, if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S20: No), it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the second starting port 22 (FIG. 1) (S22). . Here, when it is determined that the game ball has won the second starting port 22 (S22: Yes), it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S23) . Here, if it is determined that the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached "4" (S23: Yes), the process proceeds to S28, but if the second special figure reservation number U2 has not reached "4" When determined (S23: No), 1 is added to the second special figure reservation number U2 (S24). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special figure related random number acquisition process (S25). In this second special figure related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the variation pattern random number counter counted A variation pattern random number is acquired, and each random number acquired is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current number of second special figure reservations in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 5(b)). For example, when the current second special figure pending number is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command creation process (S26). In this second starting winning command creation process, a second starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S25. This second starting winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the second starting opening, data indicating each random number stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S25, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second starting winning command created in S26 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S27). This set second start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 13), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on each random number included in the second starting winning command. to execute the performance.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has won the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1) (S28). Here, if it is determined that the game ball has won the first start opening 11 (S28: Yes), it is determined whether or not the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S29) . Here, when it is determined that the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached "4" (S29: Yes), this starting opening sensor detection process is terminated, but the first special figure reservation number U1 is "4 '' is not reached (S29: No), 1 is added to the first special figure reservation number U1 (S30). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure related random number acquisition process (S31). In this first special figure related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired, and each random number acquired is stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a (Fig. 5 ( Among a)), it is stored in a storage area according to the current number of the first special figure pending. For example, when the current number of the first special figure reservation is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes first start winning command creation processing (S32). In this first starting winning command specifying process, a first starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S31. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the first start opening 11, data indicating each random number stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S31, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S32 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S33). This set first start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 13), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on each random number included in the first starting winning command. to execute the performance.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the contents of the normal operation process (S16 in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described.
The game control microcomputer 61 adds the number of reserved normal patterns, displays variable normal patterns by the normal pattern display 53, determines whether the normal patterns are hit or not, and normal variable when the result of the hit determination is hit. Processing such as opening and closing operation of the winning device 20 is performed.

(Special symbol standby process)
Next, the contents of the special symbol standby process (S17 in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" (S40). A special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 15) is executed (S41). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes second special figure variation pattern selection processing (FIGS. 17 and 18), which will be described later (S42). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special figure reservation number U2 (S43), and is stored in each storage area of the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 5(b)). Each data stored in the memory area is shifted one by one to the storage area having the earlier storage order, that is, to the read side (S44). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special figure fluctuation start process (S45). That is, the second special symbol display device 52 is the second in the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 executes the win/loss determination based on the jackpot random numbers stored in the second special symbol reservation storage unit 64b (FIG. 5(b)). Performs variable display of special symbols. In addition, each time the second special symbol display device 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the second special symbol reservation storage unit 64b, the order of storage is older. Shifted to storage.
In this second special figure fluctuation start process, a fluctuation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the fluctuation display of the second special symbol. The fluctuation start command to be set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special figure stop pattern set in the second special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 16) described later and the second special figure variation pattern selection process (FIG. 17, FIG. 18) contains the data of the special figure variation pattern set in.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" in S40 (S40: Yes), whether the first special figure reservation number U1 is "0" It is determined whether or not (S46), and when it is determined that it is not "0" (S46: No), the first special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 16) described later is executed (S47). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 17 and 18) to be described later (S48). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special figure reservation number U1 (S49), and is stored in each storage area of the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a (FIG. 5(a)). Each data stored in the memory area is shifted one by one to the storage area having the earlier storage order, that is, to the read side (S50). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure fluctuation start process (S51). That is, the first special symbol display device 51 is the first in the order in which the game control microcomputer 61 executes the win/loss determination based on the jackpot random numbers stored in the first special symbol reservation storage unit 64a (FIG. 5(a)). Performs variable display of special symbols. In addition, each time the first special symbol display device 51 performs the variable display of the first special symbol, each data stored in each storage area of the first special symbol reservation storage unit 64a, the order of storage is older. Shifted to storage.
In this first special figure variation start process, a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The fluctuation start command to be set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes the data of the special figure stop pattern set in the first special figure jackpot determination process (FIG. 16) described later and the first special figure variation pattern selection process (FIG. 17, FIG. 18) contains the data of the variation pattern set.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S46 that the first special figure reservation number U1 is "0" (S61: Yes), the effect display device 7 displays the standby screen (demonstration screen for customer waiting). ) is displayed (S52). Here, when it is determined that the standby screen is displayed (S52: Yes), this special symbol standby process is terminated, and when it is determined that the standby screen is not displayed (S52: No), the standby screen A setting process is executed (S53). In this standby screen setting process, after a predetermined standby time has passed, a customer waiting standby command for displaying the standby screen is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 .
Further, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol based on the first special figure reservation is performed only when the second special figure reservation number U2 is "0" (S40: Yes). That is, digestion of the second special figure reservation is executed with priority over digestion of the first special figure reservation.

(Second special figure jackpot determination process (first special figure jackpot determination process))
Next, the contents of the second special figure jackpot determination process (first special figure jackpot determination process) executed by the game control microcomputer 61: S41 in FIG. 15) will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that the second special figure jackpot determination process (S41 in FIG. 15) and the first special figure jackpot determination process (S47 in FIG. 15) have the same process flow, so they will be described together. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a and the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, they are simply referred to as special figure reservation storage units.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads the jackpot random number stored in the first storage area (FIG. 5) of the special figure reservation storage unit of the RAM 64 (S60), and refers to the jackpot determination table TA1 (FIG. 6(a)). (S61). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the variable probability flag is ON, that is, whether or not the current game state is a high probability state (S62). The variable probability flag is turned ON when the game ball that has won the second big winning hole 42 (FIG. 1) passes through the specific area during the jackpot game. Here, when it is determined that the variable probability flag is not ON, that is, the normal probability state (S62: No), the jackpot random number in the normal probability state is referred to in the jackpot determination table TA1, and read in S60. Whether or not the same random number as the jackpot random number exists, that is, whether or not it is a jackpot is determined (S63). For example, if the jackpot random number read in S60 is "7", it is determined as a jackpot because "7" exists in the jackpot random numbers 0 to 164 in the normal probability state in the jackpot determination table TA1 ( S63: Yes).

The game control microcomputer 61, when it is determined to be a jackpot in S63 (S63: Yes), reads the jackpot type random number stored in the first storage area (FIG. 5) of the special figure reservation storage unit, and selects a plurality of jackpots. A jackpot type determination table (not shown) in which types are set is referenced to determine the type of jackpot (S65). Depending on the type of jackpot, the jackpot pattern of the special pattern, the stop pattern of the special pattern, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, and the jackpot effect pattern are different. Here, the distribution rate is the probability that a predetermined jackpot is selected from among a plurality of types of jackpots set in the jackpot type determination table. Also, the maximum number of rounds is the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot game.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on a jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination (S66), and confirms and displays a special jackpot pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot determined in S65. The special figure stop pattern data is set in a special figure buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S67), and the second special figure jackpot determination process is finished. Also, in S63, when it is determined that the game is not a big hit, that is, it is determined to be a loss (S63: No), the special figure stop pattern data for confirming and displaying the special figure losing pattern is set in the special figure buffer (S67), This second special figure jackpot determination process is finished.
In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the probability variation flag is ON in S62, that is, the current game state is a high probability state (S62: Yes), the high With reference to the probability state of the jackpot random numbers, it is determined whether or not there is a random number that is the same as the jackpot random number read in S60, that is, whether or not it is a jackpot (S64). For example, if the jackpot random number read in S60 is "600", it is determined as a jackpot because "600" exists among the jackpot random numbers 0 to 649 in the high probability state in the jackpot determination table TA1 ( S64: Yes). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines the type of the jackpot (S65), turns on the jackpot flag (S66), sets the special figure stop pattern data in the special figure buffer (S67), and this second special figure. Finish the jackpot determination process.

(Second special figure variation pattern selection process (first special figure variation pattern selection process))
Next, the second special figure variation pattern selection process (first special figure variation pattern selection process) executed by the game control microcomputer 61: S42, S48 in FIG. 15) See FIGS. 17 and 18 showing the contents I will explain as I go along. The second special figure variation pattern selection process (S42 in FIG. 15) and the first special figure variation pattern selection process (S48 in FIG. 15) are the same in process flow, so they will be collectively described. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a and the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b, they are simply referred to as special figure reservation storage units.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game state is in the time saving state (S70), and when it is determined that it is not in the time saving state (S70: No), whether or not the jackpot flag is ON. is determined (S71). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (S71: Yes), the special figure variation pattern is selected with reference to the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 (FIG. 7) (S72). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3, reference is made to the variation pattern random number in the case of a jackpot in a non-time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area (FIG. 5) of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure variation pattern that is associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number select. For example, when the variation pattern random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is "50", the variation pattern random number 0 to 94 in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 in the case of a jackpot in a non-time saving state Select the special figure variation pattern P1 that is associated with.
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76), and performs this second special figure variation pattern selection process. Finish.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 does not turn on the big hit flag in S71, that is, when it determines that it is lost (S71: No), it is stored in the first storage area (FIG. 5) of the special figure reservation storage unit. A reach random number is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the obtained reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S73). In other words, the reach random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit, reach determination table TA2 (Fig. 6 (b)) out of, it is determined whether or not the reach random number is set to a non-time saving state do. For example, when the reach random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is "20", the reach random number "20" is present in the reach random numbers 0 to 27 that are set to the non-time saving state Therefore, it is determined to be reach establishment random numbers (S73: Yes). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the reach random number is the reach establishment random number (S73: Yes), the special figure fluctuation pattern is selected with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table TA3 (FIG. 7). (S74). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3, reference is made to the variation pattern random number in the case of loss with reach in a non-time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number is selected. For example, if the variation pattern random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is "30", the special figure that is associated with the variation pattern random numbers 10 to 99 in the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 Select the variation pattern P4. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76), and performs this second special figure variation pattern selection process. Finish.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61, when it is determined that the reach random number is not the reach establishment random number in S73 (S73: No), selects the special figure fluctuation pattern with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table TA3 (FIG. 7). Select (S75). In this embodiment, in the case of no reach loss, there is no selection of the special figure variation pattern based on the acquired variation pattern random number, and when the number of special figure reservations is 0 to 2, the special figure variation pattern P5 is selected, and the special figure If the number of reservations is 3 to 4, select the special figure variation pattern P6. The fluctuation time of the special figure fluctuation pattern P6 is shorter than the special figure fluctuation pattern P5, and when the number of special figure reservations is 3 to 4, the fluctuation of the special figure ends early, and the digestion pace of the special figure reservation is increased. It's getting faster.
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76), and performs this second special figure variation pattern selection process. Finish.

Further, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that it is in the time saving state in S70 (S70: Yes), it determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S77 in FIG. 18). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (S77: Yes), the special figure variation pattern is selected with reference to the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3 (FIG. 7) (S78). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3, reference is made to the variation pattern random number in the case of a jackpot in the time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number is selected. In this embodiment, since the variation pattern random number in the same range as the variation pattern random number 0 to 99 counted by the variation pattern random number counter is set in the time saving state jackpot of the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3, the acquired variation A special figure variation pattern P11 is selected regardless of the pattern random number. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76 in FIG. 17), and this second special figure variation pattern Finish the selection process.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 does not turn on the big hit flag in S77, that is, when it determines that it is lost (S77: No), it is stored in the first storage area (FIG. 5) of the special figure reservation storage unit. A reach random number is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S79). In other words, the reach random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit, reach determination table TA2 (Fig. 6 (b)) out of, it is determined whether or not the reach random number is set to the time saving state . For example, if the reach random number obtained from the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is "8", the reach random number "8" is set in the time saving state because it exists in the reach random numbers 0 to 11 , is determined to be a reach establishment random number (S79: Yes). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the reach random number is the reach establishment random number (S79: Yes), the special figure fluctuation pattern is selected with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table TA3 (FIG. 7). (S80). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3, reference is made to the variation pattern random number in the case of loss with reach in the time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure variation pattern associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number is selected. In this embodiment, in the loss with reach in the time saving state of the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3, the variation pattern random number in the same range as the variation pattern random number 0 to 99 counted by the variation pattern random number counter is set. The special figure variation pattern P12 is selected regardless of the variation pattern random number. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76 in FIG. 19), and this second special figure variation pattern Finish the selection process.

In addition, the game control microcomputer 61, when it is determined that the reach random number is not the reach establishment random number in S79 (S79: No), the special figure fluctuation pattern with reference to the special figure fluctuation pattern selection table TA3 (Fig. 7) Select (S81). Specifically, among the special figure variation pattern selection table TA3, reference is made to the variation pattern random number in the case of reachless loss in the time saving state. Then, the variation pattern random number stored in the first storage area (FIG. 5) of the special figure reservation storage unit is acquired, and the special figure variation pattern that is associated with the same variation pattern random number as the acquired variation pattern random number select. In this embodiment, in the case of no reach loss, there is no selection of the special figure variation pattern based on the acquired variation pattern random number, and when the number of special figure reservations is 0 to 1, the special figure variation pattern P13 is selected, and the special figure If the number of reservations is 2 to 4, select the special figure variation pattern P14. The fluctuation time of the special figure fluctuation pattern P14 is shorter than the special figure fluctuation pattern P13, and when the number of special figure reservations is 2 to 4, the fluctuation of the special figure ends early, and the digestion pace of the special figure reservation is increased. It's getting faster. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special figure variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S76 in FIG. 17), and this second special figure variation pattern Finish the selection process.

The variation pattern data set in the special symbol variation pattern buffer in S76 is included in the variation start command set in S45 (FIG. 15) of the special symbol standby process described above, and output processing of the main side timer interrupt process (FIG. 13 S10), it is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4). In addition, the first special figure variation pattern selection process is also executed in the same flow as the second special figure variation pattern selection process, and the variation pattern data set in the special figure variation pattern buffer at S76 is S51 ( 15), and is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) by the output process (S10 in FIG. 13) of the main timer interrupt process.

(Special symbol variation processing)
Next, the contents of the special symbol variation process (S18 in FIG. 13) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time (variation time determined according to the special symbol variation pattern selected in S42 or S48 of FIG. 15, see FIG. 7) has ended (S90). . Here, if it is determined that the process has not ended (S90: No), this special symbol variation process ends. As a result, the variable display of the special symbols is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game has ended (S90: Yes), a variable stop command for stopping the variable display of the special symbols is set in the command buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S91). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 changes the display of the special symbols according to the special symbol stop symbol data set in S67 (FIG. 16) of the second special symbol jackpot determination processing (first special symbol jackpot determination processing). A special symbol stop process is executed to stop at a symbol (a special symbol jackpot symbol or a special symbol losing symbol) (S92).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state management process (S93). In this game state management process, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON, and if it is determined that it is ON, a probability variation counter that counts the number of variations of the special symbol in the high probability state by subtraction. is subtracted by 1, and it is determined whether or not the value of the variable probability counter is "0". And when it determines with it being "0", a probability variation flag is turned OFF. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON, and if it is determined that it is ON, 1 is subtracted from the value of the time saving counter that counts the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the time saving state by the subtraction method. , determines whether the value of the time saving counter is "0". And when it determines with it being "0", a time saving flag is turned OFF. The game control microcomputer 61 sets the game state designation command including the information of each flag in the output buffer of the RAM 64, and ends the game state management process. The game state designation command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 13) of the main side timer interrupt process.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S94), and when it is determined that it is ON (S94: Yes), it executes a game state reset process. (S95). In this game state reset process, it is determined whether or not the variable probability flag is ON, and if it is determined that the variable probability flag is ON, the variable probability flag is turned OFF. Further, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON, and when it is determined that it is ON, the time saving flag is turned OFF. In other words, during execution of the jackpot game, it is controlled to the normal probability state and non-time saving state.
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a jackpot opening setting to start a jackpot game (S96), and sets an opening command for executing the jackpot opening (S97). The opening of the big win is an effect such as displaying an effect image celebrating the occurrence of the big win on the effect display device 7 or reproducing a music piece celebrating the occurrence of the big win from each speaker 8 . In the opening setting, the execution time of the opening of the jackpot game is set to a predetermined timer.
Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the value of the special electric role operation effective counter (S98), and finishes this special symbol variation process. The special electric role operation effective counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of rounds in the jackpot game. Also, when it is determined in S94 that the big hit flag is not ON (S94: No), this special symbol variation process is finished.

(Sub-side main control processing)
Next, it demonstrates, referring FIG. 20 which shows it about the sub side main-control processing which the microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) for production control performs.
First, the effect control microcomputer 101 performs initial setting (S100). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 102 (FIG. 4) setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer) Circuit (circuit for managing interrupt time), resets various flags, counters and timers. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) are normal (S101). S101: No), initializes the RAM 120 (S102), and proceeds to S103. If the determination in S101 is affirmative (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to S103 without initializing the RAM 120 . That is, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (S101: No), the RAM 120 is initialized, but a power failure or the like When the power-off signal is turned ON but the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normally (S101: Yes), the RAM 120 is not initialized. Note that when the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters and timers are reset. Also, these S100 to S102 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 prohibits interruption (S103), and executes random number update processing (S104). In this random number update process, the initial values of various effect determination random number counters are updated. Incidentally, the random number for determining the effect includes a variable effect pattern random number for determining a variable effect pattern, and an advance notice effect random number for determining various advance notice effects. The method of updating the random number can be the same method as the random number updating process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes command transmission processing (S105). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the effect control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the sound control board 78, the lamp control board 79, and the like. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes interruption permission (S106). Thereafter, S103 to S106 are repeatedly executed. Further, while the interrupt is enabled, it becomes possible to execute the reception interrupt process (S107), the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S108) and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S109).

(Receive interrupt processing)
Next, reception interrupt processing (S107 in FIG. 20) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) given to the external INT (interrupt) input section of the effect control microcomputer 101 from the main control board 60 (FIG. 3) has changed. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to receive a command. Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high level to low level. If it is determined that it is not time to receive, the reception interrupt process is terminated, and if it is determined that it is time to receive, various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 are received, The received various commands are stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). This reception interrupt process is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S108, S109).

(1 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, it demonstrates, referring FIG. 21 which shows it about 1ms timer interruption processing (S108 of FIG. 20) which the microcomputer 101 for production|presentation control performs.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse of 1 msec cycle is input to the sub-control board 100 . The effect control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S110). In this input process, switch data (edge data and level data). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S111). In this output process, the variation start command set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) is output to the image control board 200 in S166 (FIG. 25) of the variation effect start process to be described later.

Also, in order to light the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a and the right side lamp 23b (Fig. 4) at the timing matching the music, the lamp processing (S123 in Fig. 22) etc. in the 10ms timer interrupt processing described later is used. It outputs the lamp data to the lamp control board 79 (FIG. 4). That is, the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, and the right side lamp 23b are caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data. Also, in order to drive the gimmick 15 (FIG. 4) at a timing suitable for the performance, drive data (data for driving the gimmick 15) is created, and the created drive data is output. That is, the gimmick 15 is driven in a predetermined motion pattern according to the drive data.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variation start command has been output (S112). The variable start command is set in the command buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) at S166 (FIG. 25) of the variable effect start process to be described later, and is output to the image control board 200 at S111. Here, when the production control microcomputer 101 determines that the fluctuation start command is output (S112: Yes), it starts measuring the fluctuation time of the fluctuation production pattern (S113). Subsequently, watchdog timer processing for resetting the watchdog timer is performed (S114), and this 1ms timer interrupt processing is completed.

(10 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S109 in FIG. 20) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 22 showing it.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse with a period of 10 msec is input to the sub-control board 100 . The effect control microcomputer 101 executes received command analysis processing (FIG. 23), which will be described later (S120), and executes switch state acquisition processing (S121). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process (S110 in FIG. 21) of the 1 ms timer interrupt process is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Subsequently, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, a switch process for setting display contents such as button effects and lever effects displayed by the effect display device 7 is executed (S122). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes lamp processing (S123). In this lamp processing, lamp data for controlling the light emission of each lamp (the board lamp 2a, the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, etc.) is created as the music progresses, and the time management of the light emission effect is performed. As a result, each lamp performs a light emission effect that matches the progress of the music.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes voice control processing (S124). In this audio control processing, audio control data (data for controlling the output of audio from each speaker 8) is created, the created audio control data is output to the audio control board 78 (FIG. 4), and audio production is performed. Time management, etc. As a result, sounds matching the effect to be executed are output from each speaker 8. - 特許庁Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S125), and ends this 10ms timer interrupt processing. In other processing (S125), processing such as updating the variable effect pattern random number, the notice effect random number for determining the notice effect, and the like is executed.

(Received command analysis processing)
Next, the reception command analysis process (S120 in FIG. 22) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the game state designation command is received from the main control board 60 (FIG. 3) (S130). A setting process is executed (S131). The game state specifying command includes information indicating the game state (regular probability state or high probability state, time saving state or non-time saving state). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state designation command is analyzed, and the game state flag is set based on the information included in the game state designation command. The game state flag is a flag indicating the currently set game state. When the information included in the game state designation command indicates the normal probability state and the non-time saving state, the game state flag "1" is set. In addition, when the normal probability state and time saving state are shown, the game state flag "2" is set. Moreover, when the high probability state and the time saving state are shown, the game state flag "3" is set.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S132), and when it is determined that it has been received (S132: Yes), an opening effect selection process is executed. (S133). In this opening effect selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the pattern (contents) of the opening effect to be executed during the opening of the jackpot game is selected. Specifically, an opening performance pattern selection table (not shown) in which an opening performance pattern is set in association with each opening command is referred to, and an opening performance pattern associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, an opening effect start command for starting the opening effect in the selected opening effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4).
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the round designation command is received from the main control board 60 (S134), and when it is determined that the command is received (S134: Yes), the round effect selection process is executed. (S135). In this round effect selection process, the type of effect to be executed in each round of the jackpot game is selected. This production is produced by images displayed by the production display device 7 and sounds output by the speakers 8, and differs depending on the type of the jackpot. Specifically, a round effect table (not shown) in which round effects are associated with each round designation command is referred to, and a round effect associated with the received round designation command is selected.
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the second large winning opening winning command has been received from the main control board 60 (S136). A special winning opening winning process is executed (S137). In this process at the time of winning the second big winning hole, a process of selecting a different effect depending on whether or not the game ball that has won the second big winning hole 42 has passed through the specific area is performed.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S138), and when it is determined that it has been received (S138: Yes), an ending effect selection process is executed. (S139). In this ending effect selection process, the type of ending effect to be executed by the effect display device 7 and each speaker 8 at the end of the big win is selected according to the type of the big win that triggered the jackpot game being executed. . Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a starting winning command (first starting winning command or second starting winning command) is received from the main control board 60 (S140), and if it is determined that it has been received (S140: Yes), the later-described look-ahead effect selection process (FIG. 24) is executed (S141). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variation start command is received from the main control board 60 (S142), and when it is determined that it has been received (S142: Yes), a variation effect start process to be described later. (FIG. 25) is executed (S143).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes music/background processing (FIGS. 26 and 27), which will be described later (S144). Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the fluctuation stop command is received from the main control board 60 (S145), and when it is judged to have been received (S145: Yes), executes the fluctuation production end processing. (S146). In this fluctuation production end processing, the production control microcomputer 101 sets a fluctuation production end command for ending the fluctuation production in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). When the set variable effect end command is transmitted to the image control board 200 (FIG. 4) by the command transmission process (S105 in FIG. 9C and the right effect pattern 9R (FIG. 1) are confirmed and displayed through a predetermined stop pattern. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S147), and ends this received command analysis processing. In other processing (S147), processing based on commands other than the above commands (for example, a normal symbol variation start command and a normal symbol variation stop command) is performed.

(Look-ahead effect selection processing)
Next, the look-ahead effect selection process (S141 in FIG. 23) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 transfers the start winning command stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 to the special figure pending effect storage unit of the RAM 120 (first special figure pending effect storage unit 121 or second special figure pending effect storage unit 122: Figure 8) (S150). Specifically, if the received starting winning command is the first starting winning command, it is stored in the first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121, and if it is the second starting winning command, the second special figure reservation effect Stored in the storage unit 122 . In addition, the received starting winning command is stored in the storage area with the smallest number in which the starting winning command is not stored among the first to fourth storage areas of each special figure reservation effect storage unit. As a result, the start winning command is stored in the order corresponding to the storage order of the special figure reservation. In addition, the display of the variable effect pattern is performed based on the start winning command stored in the first storage area of the first special figure pending effect storage unit 121, and each time the variable effect pattern is displayed The stored starting winning command is shifted to the storage area with the earlier storage order.

Subsequently, if the start winning command stored in S150 is the first starting winning command, the effect control microcomputer 101 updates the value of the first special figure pending effect counter by adding "1" to the second If it is a start winning command, the value of the second special figure pending effect counter is updated by adding "1" (S151). The first special figure reservation effect counter is a counter that counts the number corresponding to the first special figure reservation number based on the reception of the first start winning command, and the second special figure reservation effect counter is the second start opening winning prize It is a counter that counts the number corresponding to the second special figure pending number based on the reception of the command. Therefore, the value of the first special figure reservation effect counter increases and decreases in synchronization with the first special figure reservation number, and the value of the second special figure reservation effect counter increases and decreases in synchronization with the second special figure reservation number. .

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 makes a preliminary determination (S152). In this preliminary determination, the jackpot random number included in the start winning command stored in the special figure reservation effect storage unit (first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121 or second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122: FIG. 8) in S150 is a jackpot random number determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination (S63, S64 in FIG. 16). That is, before the game control microcomputer 61 performs the big hit determination, the big hit determination (preliminary determination) is performed. The jackpot determination table TA1 (FIG. 6A) is also stored in the ROM 110 (FIG. 4) of the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 refers to the jackpot determination table TA1 to determine the jackpot (preliminary determination). )I do. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines that the start winning command including the jackpot random number determined to be a big hit in the jackpot determination is the special figure pending effect storage unit (first special figure pending effect storage unit 121 or second special figure pending effect storage unit) Section 122: Determines whether or not stored in FIG. 8), that is, whether or not there is a jackpot (S153). Here, if it is determined that there is a big hit (S153: Yes), the preview image selection table TA5 (FIG. 10) is referred to, and the preview image corresponding to the song currently being played by each speaker 8 is selected ( S154). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets a preview image display command for displaying the preview image selected in S154 on the effect display device 7 (FIG. 1) in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) (S155). As a result, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the output process (S111 in FIG. 21) to output the preview image display command to the image control board 200 (FIG. 4), and the image control CPU 202 outputs the preview selected from the CGROM 205. An image is displayed by the effect display device 7 . Then, the player who sees the preview image can guess that there is a big win in any of the special figure reserves. At this time, since the music being played when the preview image is displayed is related to the preview image, the affinity between the song and the preview image is high, and the player who sees the preview image feels uncomfortable. No fear. Note that the look-ahead effect selection process is an example of the effect means of the present invention.

(Variation production start processing)
Next, the variable effect start process (S143 in FIG. 23) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 25 showing it.
The effect control microcomputer 101 analyzes the received variation start command (S160). The variation start command includes information on the second special figure variation pattern set in the second special figure variation pattern selection process (first special figure variation pattern selection process): S42, S48 in FIG. 17), or the first special figure Contains information on figure fluctuation patterns. Subsequently, if the variation start command analyzed in S160 is the first special figure variation start command, the effect control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the first special figure reservation effect counter, and the second special figure When it is a fluctuation start command, "1" is subtracted from the value of the second special figure pending effect counter (S161). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 is a start winning command and look-ahead stored in the special figure reservation effect storage unit (first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121 or second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122: FIG. 8) Each data such as the jackpot flag is shifted to the old storage area (S162). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 selects a combination of the left effect pattern 9L, the middle effect pattern 9C and the right effect pattern 9R (FIG. 1) to be finally displayed when the effect display device 7 displays the variable effect pattern. , refers to a performance symbol selection table (not shown) (S163).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes effect symbol variation pattern selection processing (S164). A performance symbol variation pattern is selected using a performance symbol variation pattern selection table (not shown). The performance symbol variation pattern selection table is configured by associating a special symbol variation pattern, a performance symbol variation pattern random number, and a performance symbol variation pattern. The special figure variation pattern corresponds to the special figure variation pattern obtained by the analysis in S160. The performance symbol variation pattern random number is a random number selected within the range of random numbers counted by the performance symbol variation pattern random number counter. The performance control microcomputer 101 acquires a performance symbol variation pattern random number counted by a performance symbol variation pattern random number counter. Then, referring to the effect symbol variation pattern selection table (not shown), based on the information of the special figure variation pattern obtained by the analysis in S160, among the effect symbol variation patterns associated with the special figure variation pattern, Select a variation production pattern associated with the production symbol variation pattern random number obtained above. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets the effect symbol variation display start command for causing the effect display device 7 to start displaying the effect symbol variation pattern selected in S164 in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (S165).

(music/background processing)
Next, the music/background processing (S144 in FIG. 23) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27 showing it.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a music selection flag indicating that the selection of music has been completed is ON (S170), and if it is determined that it is not ON (S170: No) A music selection random number is obtained from the music selection random number counter (S171). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 refers to the music selection table TA4 (FIG. 9) (S172), and determines whether the music reproduction count N, which indicates the number of times the music has been reproduced, is equal to or greater than the preset set number of times N1. It is determined whether or not (S173). Here, if it is determined that the number of times of music reproduction N is not equal to or greater than the set number of times N1 (S173: No), the music associated with the music selection random number acquired in S171 is selected from the music selection table TA4 (S174). . Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 refers to the music selection table TA4 and selects a background image associated with the music selected in S174 (S175). It should be noted that S174 is an example of the music selection means of the present invention, and S175 is an example of the production means. Also, the number of music reproduction times N is an example of the number of music in the present invention.

In addition, when the performance control microcomputer 101 determines in S173 that the number of times N of music has been reproduced is equal to or greater than the set number of times N1 (S173: Yes), it selects live-action live performances of musicians playing the music G1 to G5. (S176). In other words, when the number of times N of musical piece reproductions reaches the set number of times N1 or more, the player is given the privilege of displaying the actual live image as the background image. For example, if the music selection random number obtained in S171 is "9", the live-action image J1 associated with the music selection random numbers 0 to 19 in the music selection table TA4 is selected as the background image. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 resets the number of music reproduction times N to 0 (S177).
As described above, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes S170 to S177 to switch the background image upon completion of the reproduction of the music.
When executing S175 or S177, the effect control microcomputer 101 turns on the music selection flag (S178), sets a music reproduction start command for instructing the start of reproduction of music in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (S179), and displays the background image. A background display start command for instructing display start is set in the output buffer of RAM 120 (S180).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets a music name display command for instructing display of the music name in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (S181). Music title data for displaying the music title on the effect display device 7 is stored in the CGROM 205 (FIG. 4). The music name display command is output to the image control board 200 in S111 (FIG. 21), and the image control CPU 202 reads out the music name data specified by the music name display command from the CGROM 205 and causes the effect display device 7 to display it. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the effect display device 7 displays a music name image K1 representing the next (NEXT) music name "My name is GR" superimposed on the background image H1. In addition, the effect display device 7 displays an image E1 in which the effect symbol variation pattern is reduced in one corner of the screen.
Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 adds "1" to the number of music reproduction times N (S182), and starts a music reproduction timer TP for measuring the music reproduction time (S183).

When the effect control microcomputer 101 determines in S170 that the music selection flag is ON (S170: Yes), it determines whether the music reproduction timer TP started in S183 has timed out, that is, whether or not the music is played. It is determined whether or not it is time to end the reproduction (S184 in FIG. 27). Here, when it is determined that the time is not up (S184: No), it is determined whether the variable display of the performance symbols is being stopped or whether the jackpot game is being played (S188). That is, it is determined whether or not the conditions for interrupting the reproduction of the music and interrupting the display of the background image are met. Here, if it is determined that the variable display of the performance symbols is not being stopped and that the jackpot game is not being played (S188: No), the reproduction of the music is interrupted and the display of the background image is interrupted. It is determined whether or not the suspension flag is ON (S193). Here, when it is determined that the interruption flag is not ON (S193: No), the music/background processing of the execution cycle is ended.

In addition, when the production control microcomputer 101 determines in S188 that the fluctuation display of the production pattern is being stopped or the jackpot game is being played (S188: Yes), the music currently being reproduced is reproduced. and the display of the currently displayed background image is interrupted (S189). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 stops the music reproduction timer TP (S190), and stores the address of the music and the address of the background image when the reproduction was interrupted in S189 in the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) (S191). ). Note that if the point at which reproduction is interrupted can be identified by the reproduction time, the reproduction time may be stored. In addition, if the location where the display is interrupted can be identified by the display time, the display time may be stored. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 turns on the interruption flag (S192). Note that the address of the music piece when the reproduction is interrupted is an example of the reproduction interruption information of the present invention, and the address of the background image when the display is interrupted is an example of the execution interruption information of the present invention. Moreover, S191 is an example of the interruption information storage means of the present invention.

In addition, when the production control microcomputer 101 determines that the interruption flag is ON in S193 (S193: Yes), whether or not the fluctuation display of the production pattern is started, or whether the jackpot game is finished. is determined (S194). That is, it is determined whether or not the conditions for resuming the reproduction of the music and resuming the display of the background image are met. Here, if it is determined that the variable display of the performance symbols has started or the jackpot game has ended (S194: Yes), each address of the music and the background image at the time of interruption stored in the RAM 120 in S191 is read out (S195). ), based on the read addresses, the music is reproduced from the interrupted point, and the background image is displayed from the interrupted point (S196). Subsequently, the music reproduction timer TP is restarted (S197).
Further, when the effect control microcomputer 101 determines in S184 that the music reproduction timer TP has timed up (S184: Yes), it sets a music reproduction stop command for stopping reproduction of music in the output buffer of the RAM 120 ( S185), a background stop command for stopping the display of the background image is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (S186). Subsequently, the music selection flag is turned off, and the interruption flag is turned off (S187). That is, since the music selection flag is turned OFF when the music is played to the end, the next music and background image are selected in the next execution cycle (S170: No to S175). In other words, the background image can be switched when the reproduction of the music is finished. Note that the music playback timer TP is an example of the playback time measuring means of the present invention.

[Effects of Embodiment]
(1) By implementing the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the background image and each lamp are controlled based on the music, so it is possible to perform an effect centered on the music.
Therefore, since it is possible to enhance the affinity between the reproduction of the music and the presentation other than the music, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.
(2) Since the background image and the preview image selected based on the music are displayed, it is possible to perform an effect using the background image and the preview image centering on the music.
(3) Since the display of the background image is controlled based on the playback time of the music, it is possible to perform an effect using the background image corresponding to the progress of the music.

(4) The background image selected in association with the song can be displayed continuously until at least one song has been played. can do.
(5) Even if the reproduction of the music and the display of the background image are interrupted when the variable display of the performance symbols is interrupted for a predetermined time or more, it is interrupted when the next variable display of the performance symbols is started. Since the music can be reproduced and the background image can be displayed from the point, the continuity of the music and the background image can be maintained.
(6) Even if the reproduction of the music and the display of the background image are interrupted at the start of the jackpot game, the reproduction of the music and the display of the background image are resumed from the interrupted point when the jackpot game ends. Therefore, the continuity of the music and the background image can be maintained.

(7) Since the background image is switched with the end of the reproduction of the music, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling discomfort due to the interruption of the reproduction of the music.
(8) When playing a plurality of different songs, the names of the songs can be displayed on the effect display device 7 before the songs can be played, so the player can know the name of the song to be played next. .
(9) When the number of times the music has been reproduced reaches the set number of times, a specific effect of displaying a live-action image on the effect display device 7 can be performed, so that the game can be given a freshness.

(10) A music reproduction timer TP for measuring the music reproduction time is provided, and background images can be switched based on the reproduction time measured by the music reproduction timer TP. can be enhanced.
(11) In the time saving state, the variable display of the performance symbols becomes monotonous, but since the performance by the music and the background image continues across the variable display of the performance symbols, the game is monotonous in the time saving state. can be resolved.

<Other embodiments>
(1) In the above-described embodiment, songs G1 to G5 are selected by song selection random numbers. can also In addition, if the background images H1 to H5 are moving images of a continuous story, when the music and the background image are interrupted, players who are interested in the development of the story will want to see the background image after the interrupted point. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the continuity of the game.
(2) It is also possible to configure so that the result of pre-reading determination is notified in the actual live image. For example, a person appearing in a live-action video announces the judgment result of prefetching by voice. In addition, a preview image is displayed in the live-action video. By implementing this configuration, the player tries to continue playing the game until the number of times N of musical piece reproduction reaches the set number of times N1 or more and the actual live image is displayed, so that the operation rate of the pachinko game machine 1 can be increased. can be done. Furthermore, the player can enjoy the thrill of whether or not the result of pre-reading determination is announced in the actual live video.

(3) The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines, such as reel-type gaming machines (also called slot machines or pachislot machines). To provide a reel-type game machine capable of enhancing amusement of a game by enhancing affinity between reproduction of music and performance other than reproduction of music by applying the present invention to the game machine. can be done.

1 pachinko machine 2a board lamp 7 effect display device 8 speaker 23a left side lamp 23b right side lamp 78 sound control board 79 lamp control board 101 effect control microcomputer 202 image control CPU
205 CG ROMs
H1 Background image K1 Music title image TA4 Music selection table TA5 Preview image selection table

Claims (1)

display means for variably displaying the identification pattern when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
a music storage means storing a plurality of music;
music selection means for selecting a music to be reproduced from the music storage means;
a reproduction means for reproducing the music selected by the music selection means;
and an effect means for executing an effect corresponding to the music selected by the music selection means in accordance with the reproduction of the music,
A gaming machine that changes to a game state that is relatively advantageous to a player when the identification symbol stopped and displayed after the display means variably displays the identification symbol is a specific identification symbol,
When the reproduction of one piece of music is completed, a process of newly selecting and reproducing the next piece of music to be reproduced from the plurality of pieces of music is repeatedly executed in parallel with the variable display of the identification pattern,
comprising a counting means for counting the number of times the music has been reproduced by the reproducing means;
The reproducing means reproduces the music selected by the music selecting means from among the plurality of candidate music without considering the count of the number of reproductions, while the plurality of candidate music includes the music. Normal effects and special effects are associated with each other as effects to be executed during playback,
The production means executes the normal production in a state where the count of the number of plays does not reach a threshold among the productions associated with the music being played, and each time the count of the number of plays reaches the threshold, , a gaming machine characterized by executing the special effect that is not executed when the count of the number of reproductions does not reach the threshold value.

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