JP7267232B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine capable of playing games.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a game machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is shot into a game area by a shooting device. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a gaming machine (so-called pachinko machine) that changes a game state when a variable display (also referred to as "fluctuation") of identification information results in a specific display result.

After setting a predetermined number of bets for one game of predetermined game media, the player operates the start lever to start variable display of the identification information, and the player operates the stop switch. Then, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within a predetermined maximum delay time range from the operation timing, and winning occurs according to the display result derived when all the variable displays are stopped, and according to the winning A gaming machine (so-called slot machine) is known which, when a predetermined game medium is paid out and a specific winning occurs, changes the game state to a state in which a predetermined game value is given to the player.

Among such gaming machines, there is known a gaming machine to which the production stage can be shifted. For example, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the transition destination presentation stage can be selected by a predetermined input from the administrator or the player. Further, for example, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, when the number of bets is set for each game, it is determined whether or not to shift the production stage, and if the production stage is to be changed, the type of production stage after the change is determined. .

JP-A-2004-65488 JP-A-2008-73176

However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the player cannot select whether or not to move to the production stage, the player cannot play a game that suits his taste, and the player feels stress in the game. was a factor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the stress of a player playing a game.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of playing a game, an effect setting means for setting one of a plurality of types of effects including a specific effect, and a and a performance switching means for switching a given performance to a different performance, and selecting whether or not the performance switching means is allowed to switch to a performance different from the specific performance when the performance setting means sets the specific performance. A selection operation means capable of performing a performance switching selection operation, and an advantageous zone control means capable of controlling an advantageous zone advantageous to the player and a non-advantageous zone disadvantageous to the player more than the advantageous zone. The selection operation means can display an item for selecting that the effect switching means is allowed to switch to a different effect from the specific effect on the effect device, and the effect switching selection operation selects the item. a confirmation operation for confirming by pressing the button, and based on the confirmation operation being performed, an effect is performed in which the item is emphasized, and the number of times the game is played in the advantageous section exceeds a predetermined number of times. It is characterized in that the effect switching operation cannot be performed at times.

Further, in the present invention, when the effect setting means sets the specific effect, even if the effect switching means switches the effect , the lottery probability advantage of the lottery related to the game state advantageous to the player is maintained. It may be configured so as not to change.

In the present invention, since the player can select whether or not to switch the effects, the stress felt by the player in the game can be reduced.

1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of a game. It is a diagram for explaining the transition of the effect mode of the slot machine of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart of stage transition management processing; 10 is a flowchart of stage transition selection processing; It is a flowchart of a stage transition effect execution process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing screen transition when selecting to shift the stage in the slot machine of the present invention; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing screen transitions when selecting not to transition stages in the slot machine of the present invention; It is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a game board unit alone. It is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine. It is a flow chart showing a configuration example of a special symbol game process. It is a continuous diagram showing an example of effect images corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of production|presentation control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of production|presentation design management processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of the production|presentation mode of the pachinko machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of production|presentation design change pre-processing. 10 is a flowchart of stage transition management processing; It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of processing during a production|presentation design fluctuation|variation. 10 is a flowchart of stage transition selection processing; It is a flowchart of a stage transition effect execution process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing transition of screens when a stage transition is selected in the pachinko machine of the present invention; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing screen transitions when it is selected not to transition stages in the pachinko machine of the present invention;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

[Slot machine configuration]
The slot machine S of this embodiment mainly includes a housing 1, an upper door 2 attached to the upper front portion of the housing 1 so as to be openable and closable, and a lower door 3 attached to the lower front portion of the housing 1 so as to be opened and closed. configured as follows.

An effect device including a lamp 14, a pair of speakers 15 and a sub-monitor 16 is provided on the upper door 2, and these effect devices execute effects according to the progress of the game. A display window 4 made of a transparent material is provided in the central portion of the upper door 2 , and reels 5 to 7 are arranged inside the housing 1 corresponding to the display window 4 .

The lower door 3 has a medal slot 8 for inserting medals into the slot machine S, a start lever 9 for starting the rotation of the reels 5-7, and a stop button for stopping the rotation of the reels 5-7. 10-12, a bet button 17 for inserting credited medals into the slot machine S, a checkout button 18 for settling the inserted medals, a production button 19 for production, and a medal payment for paying out medals. An outlet 20 and a receiving tray 21 for storing medals paid out from the medal payout port 20 are provided.

The slot machine S includes a hopper unit 30, a reel unit 40, a power supply unit 50, and the like inside the housing 1. As shown in FIG. For convenience of explanation, the outline of the reel unit 40 will be explained below, and the explanation of the hopper unit 30 and the power supply unit 50 will be given later.

The reel unit 40 has reels 5 to 7, and the reels 5 to 7 are rotated by driving corresponding stepping motors (not shown). When the reels 5 to 7 are stopped, the display window 4 displays three consecutive symbols (hereinafter referred to as upper, middle and lower symbols, respectively) arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 5 to 7. Displayed respectively, the player can see a total of 9 symbols arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns.

The display window 4 is provided with an upper stop position, a middle stop position and a lower stop position where the upper, middle and lower symbols of the reels 5 to 7 are stopped, respectively, and the stop positions of the reels 5 to 7 are combined. A valid line is set. In this embodiment, the effective line L is a combination of stop positions of the middle stage of the left reel 5, the middle stage of the middle reel 6, and the middle stage of the right reel 7. FIG.

Although not shown, a left symbol row is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the left reel 5, a middle symbol row is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the middle reel 6, and a right symbol row is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the right reel 7, and these symbol rows are evenly distributed. Each is divided into 20 areas (20 frames). One pattern is arranged in each area of the pattern row, and each pattern is associated with a pattern number 0 to 19, respectively. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each symbol row, and a combination in which these symbol combinations are associated in advance is provided.

The combination includes a replay combination that enables the next game to be played without depending on the insertion of a specified number of medals, a small combination that allows the player to pay out a predetermined number of medals, and a transition of the game state to the RBB operation. It is roughly divided into the RBB role that makes it.

Next, each control processing unit constituting the slot machine S will be described with reference to FIG.

The main control processing unit 100 is provided inside the housing 1 and includes a main CPU 100a, a main ROM 100b, and a main RAM 100c. The main control processing unit 100 includes an inserted medal sensor 8a for detecting passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 8, a start lever 9, stop buttons 10 to 12, a bet button 17, a checkout button 18, a hopper unit 30, and a reel. A unit 40, a power supply unit 50, and other devices are connected.

The main CPU 100a executes the program stored in the main ROM 100b based on the signal from each device connected to the main control processing unit 100 and the signal from the timer counter (not shown) being input to the main control processing unit 100. It reads out and executes various processes, and sends commands to the sub-control processing unit 200 according to the results of the processes. The main RAM 100c functions as a work area for data during processing by the main CPU 100a.

The main CPU 100a of the main control processing unit 100 includes a start lever activation means 101 for activating the operation of the start lever 9 by inserting a specified number of medals, and determining whether a winning combination is appropriate based on the operation of the activated start lever 9. internal lottery means 102 for determining by the internal lottery, winning flag control means 103 for establishing the winning flag of the combination determined by the internal lottery, reel control means 104 for controlling the rotation and stoppage of the reels 5 to 7, the result of the internal lottery, and Medal pay-out means 105 for paying out medals according to the stop state of the reels, replay for enabling the next game to be started without depending on the insertion of a specified number of medals according to the result of the internal lottery and the stop state of the reels are set. re-game setting means 106, game state control means 107 for controlling the game state which is the operating state of the main control processing unit 100, production mode control means 108 for controlling the production mode which is the operating state of the sub-control processing unit 200, setting A setting value changing means 109 for changing values and a command transmitting means 110 for transmitting a predetermined command to the sub control processing section 200 are constructed.

The prescribed number is the number of medals that must be inserted to obtain a single game result, and the reels 5 to 7 are rotated by operating the start lever 9 with the prescribed number of medals inserted. A single game is played by stopping the reels 5 to 7 on the reels by operating the corresponding stop buttons 10 to 12 .

The main RAM 100c of the main control processing unit 100 stores a credit storage area 150 for electrically storing medals (hereinafter referred to as credits) up to a predetermined number (50) as an upper limit, and a plurality of game information related to games. A game information storage area 151 is constructed. The insertion of medals includes the insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 8 and the insertion of credits stored in the credit storage area 150 by operating the bet button 17 .

The inserted medal sensor 8a outputs a medal passage signal to the main control processing section 100 each time it detects the passage of a medal. The main control processing unit 100 puts the slot machine S into a medal-inserted state in which medals are inserted based on the input of the medal passing signal.

The bet button 17 outputs a credit insertion signal to the main control processing unit 100 when the bet button 17 is operated while credits are stored in the credit storage area 150 . The main control processing unit 100 puts the slot machine S into a token-inserted state based on the input of the credit-insertion signal.

The settlement button 18 outputs a settlement signal to the main control processing section 100 when the settlement button 18 is operated while the medals are inserted. The main control processing unit 100 controls the hopper unit 30 based on the input of the settlement signal, and removes the medals inserted in the slot machine S (including the medals corresponding to the credits stored in the credit storage area 150). The tokens are paid out from the payout port 20 to release the medal insertion state.

The hopper unit 30 includes a storage tank 31 that stores medals inserted into the slot machine S, a hopper driving motor 32 that pays out the medals stored in the storage tank to the player from the medal payout port 20, and an error of the hopper unit 30. It has a hopper error detection means 33 for detecting.

The hopper error detection means 33 transmits an HE generation command to the main control processing unit 100 when a hopper error occurs, and transmits an HE cancellation command to the main control processing unit 100 when the hopper error is cleared. The main control processing unit 100 controls the sub-control processing unit 200 to display an image such as an error corresponding to the occurrence of the hopper error on the sub monitor 16 based on the reception of the HE generation command, and based on the reception of the HE cancellation command The sub-control processing unit 200 is controlled so as to end the display of the error image.

The power supply unit 50 includes a power plug 51 for supplying electric power, a power switch 52 for switching between power supply and cutoff from the power plug 51, power failure due to the power switch 52 being turned off, and power failure other than the power switch 52 being turned off. A backup power supply 53 that powers the slot machine S when the power supply is cut off due to, for example, a RAM clear switch 54 for clearing the main RAM 100c of the main control processing unit 100, and a set value indicating the payout rate of the slot machine S for changing the setting value. It has a setting key 55 and a setting change button 56 .

The power supply unit 50 transmits the main RAM 100c clear command to the main control processing unit 100 when both the power switch 52 and the RAM clear switch 54 are turned on, and when the power is cut off, the main control processing unit 100 is powered on. Send a disconnect command.

When receiving a power-off command, the main control processing unit 100 calculates the game information (checksum) at the time of power-off, saves (backs up) the checksum in the main RAM 100c, and sets the power-off occurrence information flag. Set to "1" (hereinafter referred to as power-off backup processing). Note that the power-off occurrence information flag is set to "0" when the power-off backup process is not performed.

The main control processing unit 100 performs main RAM 100c clear processing for clearing the main RAM 100c when a main RAM 100c clear command is received when the power is turned on. , the checksum stored in the main RAM 100c is calculated, and the calculated checksum and the checksum stored in the main RAM 100c in the power-off backup process are compared to see if they are the same. Assuming that the checksum calculated when the power is turned on is normal, the initial settings associated with the power restoration are performed in advance for the main RAM 100c. Then, main RAM 100c clear processing is performed. Further, the main control processing unit 100 clears the main RAM 100c when the power failure occurrence information flag is set to "0" when the power is turned on.

The slot machine S is provided with 6 levels of ball payout rates, and these 6 levels of ball payout rates are associated with set values from 1 to 6, respectively. The manager of the game hall can change the setting value between 1 and 6 by operating the setting key 55, the setting change button 56, and the like. In the present embodiment, the ball payout rate increases as the set value increases from 1 to 6 so that the ball payout rate is 98.0% to 114.1% at the set values 1 to 6.

In this embodiment, the specified number varies according to the game state. Specifically, the prescribed numbers are set to three for the RBB operation and two for the RB operation. In the normal state, inside the RB, and inside the RBB, the prescribed number can be selected from three and two.

In the slot machine S configured in this way, as described above, it is possible to select 3 or 2 as the prescribed number in the normal state, but 3 is selected rather than 2 is selected. In this case, the expected value for transition to RBB operation (hereinafter referred to as RBB expected value) can be increased. However, in order to be able to select 3 as the prescribed number in the normal state, it is necessary to shift to the normal state by a specific route, and if the normal state is shifted to another route different from the specific route , it becomes impossible to select 3 cards, and you are forced to select 2 cards. A specific route that can increase the RBB expected value will be described later in detail.

The sub-control processing unit 200 mainly controls the execution of effects performed during a game, and includes a sub-CPU 200a, a sub-ROM 200b, and a sub-RAM 200c. The sub control processing unit 200 is connected to the main control processing unit 100 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control processing unit 100 to the sub control processing unit 200. The sub control processing unit 200 includes the lamp 14 , a pair of speakers 15, a sub-monitor 16, presentation buttons 19, and other devices are connected.

The sub CPU 200a reads out the program stored in the sub ROM 200b based on the command or the like transmitted from the main control processing unit 100 and performs arithmetic processing, and based on the processing, the lamp 14, the pair of speakers 15, the sub monitor 16 or the like is controlled. The sub-RAM 200c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the sub-CPU 200a.

The sub CPU 200a of the sub control processing unit 200 includes production mode transition means 201 that shifts the production mode based on instructions from the main control processing unit 100, production determination means 202 that determines the production, and the sub-monitor 16 that displays the decided production. Effect executing means 203 executed by the device is constructed.

The effect button 19 is for selecting whether or not to switch the effect stage (hereinafter also simply referred to as "stage"), and has a first effect button 19a and a second effect button 19b. Specifically, by operating the first effect button 19a to select two items, ie, "stage transition" or "not stage transition", the user selects whether or not to allow stage switching. Then, the selected item is confirmed by operating the second effect button 19b. If you select the item "Transfer stage", the stage being set will be switched and the stage will be shifted, and if you select the item "Do not switch stage", the stage being set will not be switched and the stage will be changed. status is maintained. Hereinafter, an operation for selecting whether to allow stage switching is also referred to as a stage transition selection operation.

Further, the effect button 19 is for displaying information such as game history on the sub-monitor 16 . The game history information includes, for example, information such as the total number of games played during the business hours of the day and the number of times RBB was won.

The first effect button 19a outputs a first display signal for displaying game history information to the sub-control processing unit 200 when the first effect button 19a is operated in a state where one game is not played. Then, when the first effect button 19a is operated while the game history information is displayed on the sub monitor 16, a first non-display signal for hiding the game history information is output to the sub control processing section 200. do. The sub-control processing unit 200 controls to display the game history information on the sub-monitor 16 based on the input of the first display signal, and terminates the display of the game history information on the sub-monitor 16 based on the input of the first non-display signal. to control.

The second effect button 19b displays a two-dimensional code for storing information about the game history. A second display signal for displaying the two-dimensional code is output to the sub-control processing unit 200, and when the second effect button 19b is operated while the two-dimensional code is being displayed on the sub-monitor 16, the two-dimensional code is output to the sub-control processing unit 200 to hide the second non-display signal.

Although detailed description and illustrations are omitted, a server computer is connected to the slot machine S, and the slot machine S is equipped with a gaming system that enables communication between the server computer and a player's mobile communication terminal with a camera function. ing. The server computer has a storage area for storing information about the game history, and a game history conversion unit for converting the information about the game history into a two-dimensional code by an algorithm prepared in advance. The two-dimensional code makes it possible to access a URL containing information on game history stored in the server computer. The sub-control processing unit 200 controls to display the two-dimensional code on the sub-monitor 16 based on the input of the second display signal, and terminates the display of the two-dimensional code on the sub-monitor 16 based on the second non-display signal. to control.

Next, each means constructed in the main CPU 100a of the main control processing unit 100 will be described.

The start lever activating means 101 activates the operation of the start lever 9 by inserting three medals in the RBB operation, two medals in the RB operation, and one medal in the CB operation. In the states, inside RB1, inside RB2, inside RBB, and in general CBB, the operation of the start lever 9 is validated by inserting three or two medals.

An internal lottery means 102 acquires a random number for internal lottery at the timing when the start lever 9 is operated to start the game, and based on the acquired random number and the type of the current game state, a plurality of types of winning areas. One winning area is determined from among.

In the following description, selecting three medals as the prescribed number is referred to as "inserting three medals" or "three tokens", and selecting two as the prescribed number is referred to as "two medals". The operation of the start lever 9 with 3 tokens is referred to as "insertion of medals" or "2 tokens", and the act of operating the start lever 9 with 3 tokens is referred to as the "game start operation with 3 tokens", and the operation of the start lever 9 with 2 tokens is referred to as " The operation of starting the game with a two-ply game is called "operation for starting a game with a single-ply game", and the operation of the start lever 9 with a single-ply game is called a "game start operation with a one-ply game".

The winning flag control means 103, when the winning flag set according to the result of the internal lottery in the current game is a winning flag corresponding to either a small combination or a replay combination, sets these winning flags to the next game. In order not to carry over to the game, it is canceled before the start of the next game, and if the winning flag corresponds to either the RBB or RB combination, the symbol combination corresponding to these combinations is effective. The winning flag is carried over until it is displayed on the line L and a prize is won.

The reel control means 104 starts the rotation of the reels 5 to 7 all at once based on the game start operation, accelerates the rotation of the reels until the reels 5 to 7 reach steady rotation (about 80 rotations/minute), When each reel reaches steady rotation, the rotation speed is maintained and all the stop buttons 10-12 are activated.

Further, the reel control means 104 stops the rotation of the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button within 190 ms from the stop operation of each of the stop buttons 10 to 12 . When the CBB role and the CB role are provided, in the CB operation, the left reel 5 is rotated within 75 ms from the stop operation of the left stop button 10, and the middle and right reels 6 and 7 are rotated corresponding to the relevant reels. It is possible to configure to stop each within 190 ms from the stop operation of the stop button.

In addition, the time required for each reel to make one rotation under steady rotation is about 750ms (60s/about 80 times), and the time required for one pattern to move by one frame (one area) is 37.5ms. (750 ms/20 patterns). Therefore, in a game state other than CB operation, each reel 5 to 7 can be rotated by a maximum of 4 frames from the stop operation timing of the corresponding stop button (maximum number of sliding frames is 4 frames). The reel 5 can be rotated by one frame at maximum from the stop operation timing of the left stop button 10 (the maximum number of sliding frames is 1 frame), and the middle and right reels 6 and 7 can be rotated from the stop operation timing of the corresponding stop button. A maximum of 4 frames can be rotated.

The reel control means 104 controls the reels so as to preferentially display on the effective line L the symbol combination corresponding to the combination with the largest number of medals to be paid out according to the state of the winning flag, and the symbol combination control. Quantity priority control for stopping reels so as to preferentially display the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination with the largest number on the effective line L, and the first combination for winning the replay combination and the small combination with priority over the RBB combination. Logic calculation for retrieving the symbol with the highest drawing priority by any one of priority control and second combination priority control in which the replay combination and the minor combination are given priority over the RB combination, and/or Based on reference to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the main ROM 100b in advance, the symbols with the highest priority among the symbol combinations related to the winning flags established are displayed on the active line L. , kicks off symbol combinations associated with winning flags other than established winning flags so as not to display them on the effective line L, and stops the reels corresponding to each stop button.

The medal payout means 105 determines the payout number of medals based on the payout of the won small win when a small win is won, and executes payout control to pay out the determined payout number of medals to the hopper unit 30. do. In addition, the medal payout means 105 adds a count value corresponding to the number of medals paid out in one advantageous section, which will be described later, to the payout counter 152 set in the main RAM 100c, and counts the number of inserted medals in the same advantageous section. A corresponding count value is subtracted from the payout counter 152 . As a result, the payout counter 152 counts (hereinafter also referred to as counting) the net increase in the number of medals (the number of medals increased in 1G) in one advantageous section. Then, the medal payout means 105, based on the fact that the count value (net increase number) of the payout counter 152 has reached the upper limit value (e.g., "2400", equivalent to 2400 medals), causes the advantageous interval control means 111, which will be described later, to set the upper limit Send a notification signal that the value has been reached. An upper limit value (for example, "2400") is set in the payout counter 152 in advance, and when medals are paid out, the count value corresponding to the number of payouts of medals is subtracted and the number of inserted medals is added. Alternatively, when the count value of the payout counter 152 becomes "0" (or negative), a notification signal indicating that the upper limit has been reached may be sent to the advantageous interval control means 111.

The replay setting means 106, when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the activated line L (hereinafter referred to as "the replay combination wins"), regardless of the prescribed number of medals being inserted. , a replay is set so that the next game can be started.

The game state control means 107 controls transition of the game state between a plurality of types of game states including normal state and CBB operation.

The performance mode control means 108 controls the transition of the plurality of performance modes.

The setting value changing means 109 changes the setting value from 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 each time a setting change button (not shown) is operated by the administrator of the game arcade in the setting value change mode in which the setting value can be changed. When the start lever 9 is operated in a state in which the desired setting value is selected by the operation, the change of the setting value is confirmed. Further, when the set value changing means 109 performs the set value change process for confirming the change of the set value in the set value change mode, the set value information stored in the game information storage area 151 is updated, and a plurality of Perform processing to initialize game information.

The command transmission means 110 receives from the main control processing unit 100 any one of a medal passing signal due to medal insertion, a credit insertion signal due to credit insertion, and a settlement signal due to medal settlement, or an HE generation command due to a hopper error, When the main control processing unit 100 receives any HE cancellation command for canceling the hopper error, it transmits a predetermined command corresponding to these signals and commands to the sub control processing unit 200 .

In addition, the command transmission means 110 transmits a sub-RAM 200c clear command for clearing the sub-RAM 200c of the sub-control processing unit 200 to the sub-control processing unit 200 when the main control processing unit 100 performs the main RAM 100c clearing process. , when the main control processing unit 100 determines that the checksum saved in the main RAM 100c at the time of power-on is the same as the checksum saved in the main RAM 100c in the power-off backup process, the sub-controller issues the power recovery command. While transmitting to the processing unit 200, when it is determined that they are not the same, the sub RAM 200c clear command is transmitted to the sub control processing unit 200.

Moreover, the command transmission means 110 transmits the production|presentation command containing the information of the production|presentation mode of a transfer destination to the sub control process part 200, when the production|presentation mode control means 108 determines the transfer of production|presentation mode.

Thus, the command transmitting means 110 transmits commands of various types to the sub-control processing unit 200. For example, when the sub-control processing unit 200 receives the effect command transmitted from the command transmitting means 110, the effect mode transition means 201 shifts the performance mode according to the information of the destination performance mode included in the performance command, and the performance determination means 202 determines the performance corresponding to the performance mode from among a plurality of types, and performs performance execution means. 203 executes the determined effect on the sub-monitor 16 or the like.

Based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, the advantageous section control means 111 performs a transition (start/end) between an advantageous section, which is a game section, having performance related to the instruction function and a non-advantageous section having no performance related to the instruction function, which is a game section. ) is executed. The advantageous section control means 111 sets (shifts to) an advantageous section by setting an advantageous flag in the game information storage area 151, and sets (shifts to) a non-advantageous section by clearing the set advantageous flag. do.

In the non-advantageous section, the processing related to the instruction function is restricted, so no processing related to the instruction effect can be performed. is started. Here, the instruction effect is an effect for notifying the correct pressing order that can win a high payout combination when a winning combination with a lower batting order (predetermined combination) is won. In the advantageous section, it is possible to carry out the processing related to the instruction performance restricted in the non-advantageous section, and the advantageous section is started based on winning of the advantageous section transition lottery executed in the non-advantageous section. In addition, in the advantageous section, the upper limit number of games that can be executed (upper limit value related to the game) and the upper limit number of payouts of medals (upper limit value related to the game) are defined. is done, or if the net increase in the number of sheets in one advantageous section reaches, for example, 2400, or if you win the lottery at the end of the advantageous section, be sure to end and move to the non-advantageous section It has become. Here, since the AT state in which the processing related to the instruction performance can be executed only during the advantageous interval, when the advantageous interval ends, the ongoing AT state also ends regardless of the number of remaining games. That is, the number of games played in the AT state depends on the number of games played in the advantageous section.

In order to count the number of games played in the advantageous interval, the advantageous interval control means 111 controls the advantageous interval ceiling counter 153 (initial value “0”) set in the main RAM 100c each time one game is played in the advantageous interval. ) is incremented. The upper limit number of games (for example, 1500 G) in the advantageous interval are played (hereinafter also simply referred to as "completed"), and as a result of the increment process, the count value of the advantageous interval ceiling counter 153 reaches the upper limit (the upper limit value related to the game, for example, "1500"). ), the advantageous section control means 111 clears the advantageous flag, ends the advantageous section, and shifts to the non-advantageous section. Also, when the advantageous zone control means 111 receives a notification signal from the medal payout means 105 indicating that the number of net increases has reached an upper limit value (the upper limit value related to the game, for example "2400"), the same control to end the advantageous section immediately and shift to the non-advantageous section.

The advantageous interval control means 111 performs an advantageous interval transition lottery (for example, winning probability, about 1/ 1.25). When the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the advantageous zone control means 111 sets an advantageous flag and executes processing for shifting to the advantageous zone in the game next to the winning. As a result, even if the vehicle shifts to the non-advantageous section, it can be immediately shifted to the advantageous section.

In addition, the advantageous section control means 111 performs an advantageous section end lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a non-advantageous section, triggered by winning a rare combination (for example, about 1/50) in an advantageous section and non-AT state. (eg about 1/6.5).

As described above, the relationship between the winning probabilities of the advantageous interval transition lottery and the advantageous interval ending lottery is such that the advantageous interval transition lottery > the advantageous interval ending lottery makes it possible to move from the non-advantageous interval to the advantageous interval at a high frequency, and the advantageous interval. is longer than the non-advantageous section.

When the advantageous interval ends, various means of the main CPU 100a (for example, the advantageous interval control means 111) initialize (reset) the count values of various states and counters (including the payout counter 152 and the advantageous interval ceiling counter 153). ), and the advantageous section control means 111 performs control to shift to the non-advantageous section.

AT control means 112 controls the AT state. In the AT state game (assist time game), the player is instructed on the game method (for example, the order of pressing the stop buttons 10 to 12, etc.), and the player simply follows the instruction to play the game. A predetermined profit can be obtained easily.

Specifically, AT control means 112, AT lottery triggered by the AT lottery role winning in the internal lottery in the specific game state (game state in which the production mode shifts to the CZ mode described later) out of the non-AT state. I do. In the AT lottery, the acquired random number is compared with the AT lottery table stored in the main ROM 100b, and whether or not the AT lottery is won is determined according to the comparison result. In the present embodiment, the AT lottery winning probability differs depending on the winning combination in the internal lottery that triggered the execution of the AT lottery. When the AT lottery is won, the game state shifts from the non-AT state to the AT state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the game is started in the normal game state. Then, when the specific combination is won in the normal game state, the state is shifted to the specific game state, and AT lottery can be performed in the specific game state. The specific game state ends after 32 games. The specific game state is, for example, limited RT. When the AT lottery is won in the specific game state, the state shifts to the AT preparation state. The number of games in the AT preparation state is determined when the specific game state ends. When the AT ready state ends, it shifts to the AT state. Further, when the AT lottery role is not won in the specific game state, or when the AT lottery role is won but the AT lottery is not won, the AT provisional preparation state is entered. The number of games in the AT provisional preparation state is determined when the specific game state ends. When the AT provisional preparation state ends, the state shifts to the normal game state. Incidentally, the AT provisional preparation state and the normal game state have the same advantage. Also, the advantage does not change within each game state. The advantage in this embodiment indicates the probability of transition to the AT state (in other words, the degree of expectation).

Then, the AT control means 112 performs processing of setting a given value to the stored value of the AT end determination counter 154 based on the fact that the AT lottery is won. In this embodiment, the value set in the AT end determination counter 154 is set to, for example, "50" as a value corresponding to 50 games. Note that the value set in the AT end determination counter 154 is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily.

Then, the AT control means 112 starts updating the AT end determination counter 154 from the next game of the game in which the AT lottery is won. Specifically, every time a game is played in the AT state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (for example, 1) corresponding to the number of times of one game from the value stored in the AT end determination counter 154 . When the stored value of the AT end determination counter 154 reaches a threshold value (for example, 0), the AT state end condition is established, the AT state ends, and the game state returns from the AT state to the non-AT state.

[Game flow]
In the slot machine S configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the main CPU 100a activates the start lever 9 (S2) by inserting a specified number of medals (S1), and starts a game using the start lever 9. In operation (S3), an internal lottery is performed (S4), and a winning flag process for setting a winning flag to ON according to the result of the internal lottery is executed (S5). On the other hand, based on the game start operation of the start lever 9, the main CPU 100a starts the reels 5 to 7 on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has passed since the reels 5 to 7 started rotating in the previous game. are started all at once (S6), and after all the reels reach steady rotation, the operation of all the stop buttons is validated (S7), and the corresponding reels are operated based on the operation of each of the stop buttons 10-12. Stop (S8). Next, the main CPU 100a performs a game result determination process to determine whether or not the symbol combination associated with the winning area determined by the internal lottery in step S4 is displayed on the activated line L and wins (S9). ), according to the game result determination process, a medal payout process (S10) by winning a small combination, a replay setting process (S11) by winning a replay combination, an RBB combination, a CBB combination, which triggers a shift in the game state, A game state transition process (S12) is performed when symbol combinations corresponding to the RB combination and the CB combination are displayed on the activated line L and a prize is won (S12), and the winning flag is turned ON/OFF ( Winning flag control processing for controlling (set/release) is performed (S13) to end one game.

[Direction mode]
Next, the effect modes provided in the advantageous section will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the performance modes include a non-AT mode in which a normal game is played, an AT mode in which a game is played in an AT state more advantageous to the player than in a normal game, and a shift to the AT mode. It is roughly classified into an AT precursor mode. Note that the AT game is a game in which the operation order of the stop buttons 10 to 12 is displayed on the main monitor 13 and the sub monitor 16 to facilitate the acquisition of medals. The illustration of the RBB mode in which the bonus game is played is omitted.

When the game state on the main side shifts to the AT state, it shifts to the AT mode, and when it shifts to the AT preparation state, it shifts to the AT precursor mode. The non-AT mode is composed of a normal mode, a CZ mode, and an AT tentative sign mode. When the game state on the main side shifts to the normal game state, it shifts to the normal mode, when it shifts to the specific game state, it shifts to the CZ mode, and when it shifts to the AT temporary preparation state, it shifts to the AT temporary omen mode. Transition.

To explain the transition of the production mode to a concrete machine, first, when the player takes a seat in front of the slot machine S and starts the game, the production mode stays in the normal mode.

Then, in this embodiment, if a player wins a special combination while staying in the normal mode, the game shifts to the CZ mode. In the CZ mode, since an AT lottery that is not performed in the normal mode is performed, it is a production mode that provides a chance to shift to the AT mode. Since the CZ mode stays only for 32 games, in these 32 games, the AT lottery role that triggers the execution of the AT lottery was not won, or the AT lottery was held by winning the AT lottery role, but the AT lottery was performed. If the game is not won, the game shifts to the AT provisional omen mode. In addition, when the AT lottery is won in these 32 games, the AT precursor mode is entered.

The AT precursor mode is a presentation mode that suggests a transition to the AT mode. Therefore, when shifting to the AT precursor mode, the player expects to shift to the AT mode. When the number of games determined at the end of the CZ mode is played in the AT precursor mode, the AT precursor mode is switched to the AT mode. Since the game is played in the AT state when shifting to the AT mode, the AT mode is an effect mode in which more medals can be obtained than in the non-AT mode.

On the other hand, the AT temporary precursor mode is a production mode that makes the player expect a transition to the AT mode by performing the same production as the AT precursor mode. When the number of games determined at the end of the CZ mode is played in the AT provisional precursor mode, the AT provisional precursor mode is switched to the normal mode.

In this case, the player knows that the CZ mode has ended without winning the AT lottery, and expects to shift to the next CZ mode. In addition, an advantage does not change within each production mode. In addition, the advantage in the normal game state and the AT temporary sign mode is the same. Although not shown, the AT provisional precursor mode may be changed to the CZ mode. In addition, a stage different from that in the advantageous section is provided in the non-advantageous section, and when the non-advantageous section shifts to the advantageous section, the game is started from the normal mode.

[Production stage]
In this embodiment, an effect stage (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "stage") is set in each effect mode. A production stage indicates a production state, and a production state (background image, story, etc.) is set according to each stage. Then, when the stage shifts by switching the set stage, the production state is switched, and the production state is switched to the production state corresponding to the stage after the shift. As a result, the player can know in which production mode the player is staying. Note that the setting and switching of the production stages are performed by the sub CPU 200a.

In this embodiment, the AT mode, the AT precursor mode, the CZ mode, and the AT temporary precursor mode are set with stages corresponding to each of them one-on-one. , one of three stages is set.

Specifically, it is possible to shift between three stages, stage A, stage B, and stage C. Then, the sub CPU 200a displays a background image corresponding to each stage from the sub monitor 16. FIG. This allows the player to identify the stage in which he or she is staying. Stage transition is performed in the order of stage A→stage B→stage C→stage A→ . . . Then, when the lottery for stage transition is held in each stage A, B, or C, or when the predetermined number of games are completed in the same stage, the transition to the next stage is possible. When it becomes possible to move to the next stage, the player can select whether or not to allow the stage to be switched, that is, whether or not to allow the stage to be switched by the stage transition selection operation.

In addition, as described above, the AT mode, the AT precursor mode, the CZ mode, and the AT provisional precursor mode are not provided with a plurality of stages, respectively. Can not do it. Further, the normal mode and the AT temporary precursor mode do not shift to the AT mode, and the ratio of transition from the normal mode and the AT temporary precursor mode to the CZ mode is set to be the same. Since the probability of shifting to the AT mode does not change even if the normal mode or the AT temporary precursor mode is shifted to the CZ mode, the normal mode stage and the AT temporary precursor mode stage do not shift. advantage does not change.

[Stage transition management process]
Next, the stage transition management process executed by the effect determining means 202 in the sub CPU 200a will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the stage transition management process, the sub CPU 200a first determines whether or not the game has started (S101). If the game has not started, that is, if the game is in progress, the process ends.

When the game has started, the sub CPU 200a determines whether or not the production mode is the normal mode within the non-AT mode (S102). If the mode is not the normal mode, the sub CPU 200a terminates the process. In the case of the normal mode, the sub CPU 200a subtracts "1" from the count value of the prescribed game number counter that counts the number of games played on the same stage (S103). An initial value is set in the prescribed game number counter at the start of the stage, and the number of games is subtracted from this initial value each time a game is played.

Next, the sub CPU 200a executes a stage transition lottery to determine whether or not to transition the stage (S104). Then, the sub CPU 200a determines whether or not the count value of the in-stage game number counter is "0" (S105). The sub CPU 200a proceeds to step S107 when the count value of the in-stage game number counter is "0". If the count value of the in-stage game number counter is not "0", the sub CPU 200a determines whether or not the stage transition lottery is won (S106). The sub CPU 200a terminates the process when the stage transition lottery is not won. The sub CPU 200a proceeds to step S107 when the stage transition lottery is won. In step S107, the sub CPU 200a sets a stage transition provisional flag indicating that the stage transition condition is satisfied in the sub RAM 200c (S107).

[Stage transition selection process]
Next, stage transition selection processing executed by the effect determination means 202 in the sub CPU 200a will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the stage transition selection process, the sub CPU 200a first determines whether or not the temporary stage transition flag (see S107 in FIG. 5) has been set (S201). The sub CPU 200a terminates the process if the stage transition provisional flag is not set.

If the stage transition provisional flag is set, the sub CPU 200a displays a stage transition selection screen for selecting whether to transition the stage (S202). Next, the sub CPU 200a determines whether or not a stage transition selection operation has been performed (S203). If the stage transition selection operation has not been performed, the sub CPU 200a determines whether or not the game has ended (S204). If the game has not ended, the sub CPU 200a returns to step S203.

When the stage transition selection operation is performed or when the game ends, the sub CPU 200a determines whether or not stage transition is selected (S205). If the stage transition is not selected, the sub CPU 200a proceeds to step S207. When stage transition is selected, the sub CPU 200a sets a stage transition flag indicating that the stage is to be transitioned and the type of the transition destination stage (any of stage A, stage B, or stage C) in the RAM 200c. (S206), and proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the sub CPU 200a clears the temporary stage transition flag and terminates the process.

[Stage transition effect execution processing]
Next, stage transition effect execution processing executed by the effect execution means 203 in the sub CPU 200a will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the stage transition effect execution process, the sub CPU 200a first determines whether or not the game has started (S301). The sub CPU 200a ends the process if the game has not started.

When the game has started, the sub CPU 200a determines whether or not the stage transition flag (see S206 in FIG. 6) is set (S302). If the stage transition flag is set, the sub CPU 200a executes the stage transition effect and ends the process (S303). Then, the sub CPU 200a sets the stage flag of the type indicated by the stage transition flag in the RAM 100c, and clears the stage transition flag. In addition, the stage flag indicating the stage before transition is also cleared. This allows switching to the transition destination stage. In this way, the production stage is set by setting the stage flag, and the production stage is switched by rewriting the stage flag. If the stage transition flag is not set, the sub CPU 200a maintains the original stage based on the stage flag set in the RAM 200c and ends the process (S304).

[Specific example of stage transition selection]
Next, the change of the screen on the sub-monitor 16 when selecting whether or not to move the stage will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. FIG. 8 is an example of a case where it is selected to shift the stage, and FIG. 9 is an example of a case where it is selected not to shift the stage.

As shown in FIG. 8, assume that the player stays in stage A in the normal mode. If you win the stage transition lottery when the game starts in stage A (see S106 in FIG. 5), or if you have played the specified number of games in stage A (see S105 in FIG. 5), the stage transition selection screen is displayed. display (see S202 in FIG. 6). When the stage transition selection screen is displayed, the player operates the first effect button 19a to select one of the two items "stage transition" or "not stage transition". A stage transition selection operation is performed to confirm the selected item by operating the second effect button 19b (see S203 in FIGS. 1 and 6). When the item selected by the stage transition selection operation is confirmed, an effect such as flashing of the selected item is momentarily added. In the example of FIG. 8, "transition stage" is selected and confirmed by the stage transition selection operation. In this case, when the game is ended and the next game is started, the stage transition effect is executed and the stage is shifted to stage B (see S303 in FIG. 7). In this example, the screen of stage B is displayed through the effect screen a in which the shutter closes, the effect screen b in which the shutter is half-opened, and the stage transition effect.

On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 9, when the stage transition selection screen similar to that of FIG. 8 is displayed, "no stage transition" is selected and confirmed by the stage transition selection operation. In this case, when the game is ended and the next game is started, the stage A is maintained without executing the stage transition effect (see S304 in FIG. 7).

Note that in the present embodiment, the default selection is "change stage", and if the player ends the game without performing the stage change selection operation, "change stage" is selected as it is. . This saves the player the trouble of switching stages. Also, once the player makes any selection, that selection item becomes valid when the game ends without the player performing the stage transition selection operation until the RAM is cleared. It should be noted that it may be configured such that "do not transition stage" is selected by default. In this case, even if a specific effect is missed, the same stage continues unless the stage transition selection operation is performed, so that the player can be given a sense of security.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
As described above, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment, a specific production stage (in this example, any one of stages A, B, and C) and a different production stage (in this example, among stages A, B, and C) It is possible to perform a stage transition selection operation for selecting whether or not to allow switching to a stage other than the set stage).
Therefore, since the player can select whether or not to switch the performance stage, the player can select the desired performance stage and play the game, and the stress felt by the player in the game can be reduced. .

Further, in the present invention, when a specific production stage (in this example, one of stages A, B, and C) is set, the production stage (in this example, among stages A, B, and C) The advantage does not change even if you switch stages other than the stage you are in.
Therefore, the player can play the game by selecting a desired performance stage without worrying about the degree of advantage, and the stress felt by the player in the game can be reduced.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the stage transition selection operation is enabled only in the normal mode, but the stage transition selection operation may be enabled in other production modes (that is, other game states). For example, in production modes that are advantageous to players such as AT mode and bonuses (RBB, CBB, etc.), multiple stages including specific stages are provided, and stage transition selection operation is possible when stage transition conditions are satisfied in a specific stage. can be configured to be

In the above-described first embodiment, it is possible to move between stages only in the normal mode, in which the number of games that can be stayed is not limited. It is also possible to provide a plurality of stages including, and to allow the stage transition selection operation at a specific stage. For example, in a CZ mode (specific game state) where the number of games is limited, it is possible to move between multiple stages including a specific stage, and when the stage transition conditions are satisfied in a specific stage, a stage transition selection operation is possible. can do.

In the first embodiment, unless other termination conditions are satisfied, the advantageous section continues until the number of net increases in the number of medals in the advantageous section reaches the upper limit (for example, 2400) (that is, the AT continues) ), the advantageous section may continue until the number of net increases in medals reaches the upper limit only when a specific condition is satisfied (that is, the AT continues). For example, only when a special role is won during the advantageous interval, the advantageous interval continues until the number of net increase in medals reaches the upper limit number (that is, AT continues). In this case, when it is decided that the advantageous section will continue until the number of net increases in medals reaches the upper limit, a plurality of stages including a specific stage (for example, three stages of stages A, B, and C) will shift. At the same time, a configuration is possible in which a stage transition selection operation is possible in a specific stage. As a result, it is possible to perform the stage transition selection operation when the period until the end of the advantageous section is likely to be long, thereby effectively preventing the player from becoming bored.

Even if it is decided to continue the advantageous section until the number of net increases in medals reaches the upper limit, the advantageous section is about to end (for example, when the number of games in the advantageous section exceeds 1400 games). , the stage selection operation may be disabled. In this case, it is possible to prevent the player from becoming dissatisfied with the game due to the useless extension of the advantageous section.

In the above-described first embodiment, a specific stage is provided only in the normal mode, and a stage transition selection operation is possible. A configuration may be adopted in which a transition selection operation is possible.

In the above-described first embodiment, the configuration is such that the stage transition selection operation is possible only in the normal mode. good.

In the above-described first embodiment, the advantage level does not change even if the stage changes. It may be configured such that the stage transition selection operation is sometimes possible.

In the above-described first embodiment, the condition for ending the advantageous interval is that the advantageous interval ending lottery is won, or the number of games has reached the upper limit, or the net increase in the number of medals has reached the upper limit. Different termination conditions may be provided. For example, if the AT lottery is not won in the CZ mode, the advantageous section may end after the AT provisional sign mode, and the game may shift to the non-advantageous section once. By configuring in this way, the game can be continued without winning the AT lottery in the CZ mode, winning the AT lottery just before the end of the advantageous section and continuing the AT game until the end condition is satisfied. possible disadvantages can be avoided.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine will be described.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. As shown in FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as game media. In the game in the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball acquired by the player. can be converted into a game value based on the number of Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

〔overall structure〕
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4 and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, game machine frame) as its main body. An integrated door unit 4 is located on the frontmost side when viewed from the front facing the player. The inner frame assembly 7 is positioned on the rear side (deep side) of the integrated door unit 4 , and the outer frame unit 2 is arranged so as to surround the outer side of the inner frame assembly 7 .

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. It is fixed using In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for the parts corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and metal material is used for the parts corresponding to the left and right long sides.

The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at its lower position. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and each of these operates in an opening/closing manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening/closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end of the pachinko machine 1 when viewed from the front.

A unified lock unit 9 is provided inside the right edge of the inner frame assembly 7 (left edge in FIG. 2) as viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right side edges (rear sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, when the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side locks the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly together with the lock. It disables the opening of 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. As shown in FIG. For example, when the manager of the game arcade inserts the special key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 is actuated and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. . When all of these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the integrated door unit 4 is unlocked while the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked, so that the integrated door unit 4 can be opened. When the integral door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game parlor can remove obstacles such as clogged balls in the board surface. Further, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the tray unit 6 is also opened to the front side together.

Moreover, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4 . The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7 with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically long circular window 4a formed in the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is mounted in the window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the rear side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and the game area 8a can be visually recognized by the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integral door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface to allow the game balls to flow down.

The receiving tray unit 6 has a shape projecting from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper tray 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. In the upper tray 6b, game balls lent to the player (rental balls) and game balls obtained by winning prizes (prize balls) can be stored. Further, the tray unit 6 is formed with a lower tray 6c below the upper tray 6b. In the lower tray 6c, the game balls put out while the upper tray 6b is full are stored. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a model connected to a card unit, and the game balls borrowed by the player are received from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6c) is paid out.

A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged in the lending operation unit 14. - 特許庁When the player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted into a card unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined number of points (for example, 5 points) (For example, 125) game balls are rented. For this reason, a frequency display section (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation section 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium inserted in the card unit is displayed on this frequency display section. By operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of the valuable medium with remaining points. Although the game machine connected to the card unit is taken as an example in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a game machine not connected to the card unit).

A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6 . A player can operate the shooting control board set 174 by operating the handle unit 16 to shoot (hit) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball shooting device). The shot game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (no reference numerals in the figure), etc. are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game ball flows down the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmills. The configuration of the inside of the game area 8a (board surface, game board) will be described later with reference to another drawing.

[Composition of the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for presentation. Among them, the lens unit 47 incorporates the lamp 46 , and the upper right illumination unit 49 incorporates the right lamp 50 .

The various lamps 46 and 50 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission from built-in LEDs (lighting, blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.). In addition, speakers 54a to 54d are incorporated in the integral door unit 4, respectively. These speakers 54a to 54d output sound effects, BGM, voices, etc. (general sound) to execute effects.

Also, in the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed in front of the upper tray 6b. The player presses and operates the effect switching button 45 to switch the effect contents (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42), for example, during the fluctuation of the pattern, during the confirmation display of the big win, or during the big win game. It is possible to generate some kind of production (notice production, probability change promotion production, promotion production during big role, etc.).

Furthermore, a jog dial 45a is installed around the effect switching button 45 so as to surround the effect switching button 45 (operation input receiving means, rotary selector). By rotating the jog dial 45a, the player can change the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example.

Also, the effect switching button 45 is used for selecting whether to switch the effect stage (hereinafter also simply referred to as "stage"). Specifically, by rotating the jog dial 45a to select two items, ``stage transition'' or ``not stage transition'', the user selects whether or not to allow the stage to be switched. Then, the selected item is confirmed by pressing the effect switching button 45. - 特許庁Hereinafter, the operation of selecting whether or not to allow the stage to be switched is also referred to as stage transition selection operation.

[Composition of the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 includes a power control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a payout control board unit 176. , back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) that constitute the power system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed.

The dispensing device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numerals). In this state, game balls replenished from a replenishment path (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are led to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls delivered from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). Various external information signals (e.g. prize ball information, door opening information, pattern confirmation number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) representing the progress state, maintenance state, etc. are output to external electronic devices. ing.

The power cord 164 secures the power supply (electric power) necessary for the pachinko machine 1 to operate, for example, by being connected to a power supply (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of the game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island equipment to secure the grounding of the pachinko machine 1 .

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 has a game board 8b serving as a base, and a game area 8a is formed on the front side of the game board 8b. The game board 8b is made of, for example, a transparent resin board, and when the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 8b is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 8b, the above-described game area 8a is formed inside a substantially circular firing rail (no reference numeral).

In the game area 8a, a relatively large production unit 40 is arranged at its central position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part centering on the production unit 40. - 特許庁The left part of the game area 8a is the first game area (left-handed area) used in the normal game state (low probability non-time reduction state), and the right part of the game area 8a is the advantageous game state (jackpot game state). , small hit game state, low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state, etc.) is used in the second game area (right hitting area, specific area). The game ball is guided to the second game area by the circulation area 19e (emission rail, ceiling part of the game area, guidance part, etc.) related to the route to circulate to the second game area. In addition, in the game area 8a, around the production unit 40, there are a middle start winning opening 26, a starting gate 20, normal winning openings 22, 24, a variable starting winning apparatus 28, and a first variable winning apparatus 30 (variable ball winning apparatus). , second variable winning device 31 (variable ball winning device), etc. are distributed and installed. The starting gate 20 generates a lottery opportunity for an operating lottery (normal symbol lottery) by allowing the game ball guided from the circulation area to the right-handed area to pass as the main target.

Among them, the middle start winning opening 26 is arranged in the center of the lower part of the game area 8a. The starting gate 20, the variable starting prize winning device 28, the second variable prize winning device 31, and the normal prize winning port 24 are arranged in the right portion of the game area 8a. In the first variable prize winning device 30, the left four normal prize winning ports 22 are arranged in the left portion of the game area 8a.

At the top of the game area, there is an entrance area (for example, a row of passages formed above the effect unit 40) for guiding the game ball shot toward the upper part of the game area to the right-handed area so that the movement direction can be regulated. A compartment-based flow area 19e is formed having an inlet and an outlet area.

A game ball thrown into the game area 8a enters a middle starting prize winning port 26 and normal winning prize ports 22 and 24 in the process of flowing down, passes through a starting gate 20, and is a variable starting prize winning device at the time of operation. 28, the first variable winning device 30 during the opening operation, and the second variable winning device 31 during the opening operation.

Here, the game ball flowing down the left side area of the game area 8a may enter mainly the middle start winning opening 26 or the normal winning opening 22.例文帳に追加On the other hand, the game ball flowing down the right side area of the game area 8a mainly passes through the start gate 20, enters the out port 19c, enters the variable start winning device 28 at the time of operation, or opens. There is a possibility that the ball will enter the second variable winning device 31 at time.

The game ball that has passed through the starting gate 20 continues to flow down in the game area 8a, but there are a middle starting winning opening 26, normal winning openings 22, 24, a variable starting winning apparatus 28, a first variable winning apparatus 30, and a second variable winning opening. A game ball that enters the device 31 and the out port 19c is collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. that constitute the game board unit 8).

Here, in the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), when a game ball is entered into the middle start winning opening 26, the normal winning opening 22, or the first variable winning device 30, It is necessary to hit a game ball in the area of the left side (left hitting area) (perform a so-called "left hitting").

On the other hand, when the game ball is entered into the variable starting prize winning device 28, the second variable prize winning device 31, or the normal prize winning port 24, the game ball is driven into the right side region (right hitting region) of the game region 8a ( It is necessary to perform the so-called "right hitting").

In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined stop display time in a winning manner), and accordingly Entry into the right start winning opening 28a (predetermined ball entry opening) is made possible (ordinary electric accessories). The variable starting winning device 28 has, for example, one opening/closing member 28b. The variable starting prize winning device 28 is a type of device in which the opening/closing member 28b slides inside the board surface (slide attacker). The opening/closing member 28b reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). The opening/closing member 28b is in the closed position (closed state) in a state of protruding from the board surface toward the player side, and at this time, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening/closing member 28b, so that the right start winning opening 28a is reached. It is impossible to enter the ball (the right start winning opening 28a is closed). When the variable starting prize winning device 28 operates, the opening/closing member 28b is pulled into the inside of the board to open the right starting prize winning port 28a (open state). During this time, the variable starting prize winning device 28 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not disabled, and an event of entering the ball into the right starting prize winning port 28a can be generated. The variable starting prize winning device 28 is a tongue-type device in which the opening/closing member moves from a position recessed from the board surface to a position protruding forward from the board surface to open the right start prize winning opening. may Also, the variable start-up winning device 28 may be a so-called tulip-type device.

The first variable prize winning device 30 is a device (so-called left attacker) arranged on the left side of the medium starting prize opening 26, and has, for example, one opening/closing member 30a. The first variable winning device 30 is a type of device in which the opening/closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with the lower edge portion as a hinge (rotary attacker). The opening/closing member 30a rotates forward with respect to the board surface around the hinge at the lower end by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). In the illustrated state, the opening/closing member 30a is in an upright state (closed state), and the ball cannot enter the first big winning hole 30b (the first big winning hole 30b is closed). On the other hand, when the opening/closing member 30a moves to the state (driving position) in which it is tilted forward, the first big winning hole 30b is opened (open state). The opening/closing member 30a can receive the game ball flowing down from above and guide the game ball to the first big prize winning opening 30b. During this time, the first variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not disabled, and the phenomenon of the ball entering the first big winning hole 30b can be generated.

The above-mentioned first variable prize winning device 30, when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big win or a small win), a predetermined first condition (for example, a normal big win or a small win) condition) is satisfied, enabling the ball to enter the first big winning hole 30b (special electric accessory, first special ball-entering event generating means).

The second variable winning device 31, like the first variable winning device 30, when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode), a predetermined second condition (for example It operates when the condition that it corresponds to the probability variable jackpot) is satisfied, and allows the ball to enter the second big winning hole 31b (specific winning hole) (special electric accessory, second special winning ball event occurs means).

The second variable winning device 31 has, for example, one opening/closing member 31a. The second variable winning device 31 is of a type in which the opening/closing member 31a slides inside the board surface (sliding attacker). The opening/closing member 31a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). The opening/closing member 31a is in the closed position (closed state) in a state of protruding from the board surface toward the player side. cannot be entered (the second big winning hole 31b is closed). Then, when the second variable prize winning device 31 operates, the opening/closing member 31a is pulled into the inside of the board to open the second big prize winning port 31b (open state). During this time, the second variable winning device 31 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not disabled, and the event of the ball entering the second big winning hole 31b can be generated.

Further, inside the second variable winning device 31, a guiding passage 31c for guiding a game ball entering the second variable winning device 31 is arranged. The guide passage 31c extends downward and leftward from the entrance of the second big prize winning opening 31b.

The game board unit 8 is provided with the effect unit 40 from its central position to its right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge 40a that functions as a guide member for changing the direction of flow of the game ball, and has various decorative parts 40b and 40c inside. The decorative parts 40b and 40c enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by their three-dimensional shape, and can perform dramatic actions by emitting transmitted light from, for example, built-in light emitters (LEDs, etc.). . In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the production unit 40, and various production images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including production patterns corresponding to special patterns. . Thus, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the features of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface and the decorativeness of the effect unit 40. - 特許庁Further, when the game board 8b is a transparent resin board (for example, an acrylic board) as in the present embodiment, various decorations (including movable bodies and light-emitting bodies) are arranged not only on the front side but also behind the game board 8b. ) can add decorativeness.

In addition, inside the effect unit 40, a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) is attached together with a movable body 40f for effect. The rendering movable body 40f can execute rendering involving the action of a tangible object, in addition to the rendering using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and the rendering by the light emitting device. The effect using these movable bodies 40f can exert appealing power different from the effect using a two-dimensional image.

A ball guide passage 40d is formed on the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed on the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened diagonally upward to the left in the game area 8a, and when a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide passage 40d, it passes through the interior and rolls. It is released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface, on which the game ball can freely roll in the horizontal direction.

In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and game balls that do not enter (win a prize) in various winning ports are finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out port 32.例文帳に追加In addition, the game area including the normal winning openings 22 and 24, the middle starting winning opening 26, the right starting winning opening 28a, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the game ball entering the out opening 19c All the game balls hit inside 8a are recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8. - 特許庁The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and join the replenishment route of the island facility (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an enlarged part of the game board unit 8. As shown in FIG. That is, in the game board unit 8, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a are provided at the lower left position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. And a game state display device 38 is provided. Among them, the normal design display device 33 alternately lights two lamps (LEDs), for example, to variably display the normal design, and stops displaying the normal design by lighting or extinguishing the lamp. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays the number of memories of 0 to 4 by a combination of extinguishing, lighting, and blinking of two lamps (LED), for example. For example, in the display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the stored number is displayed as 0, in the display mode in which one lamp is lit, the stored number is displayed as 1, and in the display mode where the same one lamp is blinked. The number of memories is displayed as 2, the number of memories is 3 in the display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, and the number of memories is 4 in the display mode in which both lamps are blinking. For example, to display an individual. Although two lamps (LED) are used here, four lamps (LED) may be used to form the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a. In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps that are lit.

Each time a game ball passes through the starting gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to a display mode after increasing one by one in the sense of memorizing that the passage that triggers the operation lottery has occurred. (up to 4), and with the passing as a trigger, the display mode changes to the display mode after the decrease by 1 each time the variation of the normal pattern is started. In this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start to fluctuate (at the time of stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (up to 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages in which the normal symbol variation has not yet started at that time.

In addition, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 display the fluctuation state and the stop state of the corresponding first special symbol or the second special symbol by, for example, 7-segment LEDs (with dots), respectively. (symbol display means). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a are, for example, two lamps (LED) extinguished or lit, depending on the display mode composed of a combination of blinking, each 0 to 4 (memory number display means). For example, in the display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the stored number is displayed as 0, in the display mode in which one lamp is lit, the stored number is displayed as 1, and in the display mode where the same one lamp is blinked. The number of memories is displayed as 2, the number of memories is 3 in the display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, and the number of memories is 4 in the display mode in which both lamps are blinking. For example, to display an individual.

The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed after being increased by one in the sense of memorizing that the game ball has entered the middle start winning opening 26 each time the game ball enters the middle starting winning opening 26. It changes to a mode (up to 4), and changes to the display mode after decreasing one by one each time the variation of the special symbol is started with the entry ball as a trigger. In addition, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a increases by one in the sense that each time a game ball enters the variable starting prize winning device 28, the game ball enters the right starting prize opening 28a. (up to 4), and every time the special symbol starts to change with the entry ball as a trigger, it changes to the display mode after decreasing by one. In addition, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special symbol is already in a state where the fluctuation can be started (at the time of stop display). The display mode does not change even if a game ball enters the ball. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (at the time of stop display). The display mode does not change even if the ball is thrown. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of entering balls whose variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started at that time. represents the number of times

In addition, the gaming state display device 38 includes LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, probability variation state display lamp 38d, time saving state display lamp 38e, and firing position designation lamp 38f. In addition, in this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are mounted on one integrated display board 89 and attached to the game board unit 8. - 特許庁

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of the control operation, and this main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. there is Note that the main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 .

In addition, the main control unit 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. RWM) 76 or the like is integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77 . Of these, the random number generator 75 is for generating a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for judging the jackpot of the special symbol lottery or the winning judgment of the normal symbol lottery. is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77 . In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input/output (I/O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter/timer circuit (CTC), and the like. Mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or an inner layer portion).

The starting gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a medium start winning port 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a middle starting winning port switch 80 and a right starting winning port corresponding to the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, respectively. A switch 82, a first count switch 84 and a second count switch 85 are provided. Each starting winning prize port switch 80, 82 is for detecting entry of a game ball into the middle starting winning prize port 26 and the variable starting prize winning device 28 (right starting prize winning port 28a). Also, the first count switch 84 is for detecting the entry of game balls into the first variable winning device 30 (first big winning hole) and counting the number. Further, the second count switch 85 is for detecting the entry of game balls into the second variable prize winning device 31 (second big prize winning port 31b) and counting the number thereof.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 includes a first winning hole switch 86 for detecting the entry of a game ball into the normal winning hole 22 and a second winning hole switch for detecting the entry of a game ball into the normal winning hole 24. 81 (detection means) are provided. In addition, for the three normal winning openings 22 on the left side, the configuration using the common winning opening switch 86 is exemplified, but for example, three winning opening switches are installed, and the game ball for each normal winning opening 22 Incoming balls may be detected individually.

In any case, winning detection signals from these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the first count switch 84, the second count switch 85, the first winning port switch 86, and the second winning port switch 81 are The signals are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87, and the panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, and the like for relaying the winning detection signals.

The above-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The display operation of the status display device 38 is controlled based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 . The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. Further, these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the display substrate 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87 .

In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 88, a first large winning opening solenoid 90 and a second solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable starting winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, respectively. A big winning opening solenoid 97 is provided. These solenoids 88, 90, 97 are operated (excited) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, and open and close (operate) the variable starting prize winning device 28, the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31, respectively. Let Control signals for these solenoids 88 , 90 , 97 are also transmitted from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal plate 87 .

In addition, a glass frame open switch 91 is installed in the integrated door unit 4 and a plastic frame open switch 93 is installed in the inner frame assembly 7 . When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When detecting the open state of the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

A payout control device 92 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 (payout means). This payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and this payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI integrated with a CPU core (not shown) and semiconductor memories such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98. It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal together with the prize ball instruction command.

A payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor, payout means) and a payout device substrate 100 are installed in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172. The payout device substrate 100 has a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. is provided. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays out the indicated number of game balls from the prize ball case. let out The paid out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through the payout channel in the channel unit 173 .

In addition, for example, a payout road ball disconnect switch 104 is installed at the upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at the downstream position of the payout motor 102 . Each time the payout motor 102 is driven to actually pay out the prize balls, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100 . Also, when the ball runs out at the upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100 . The payout device board 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100 .

Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The actually paid out prize balls (game balls) are discharged to the upper tray 6b through the channel unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is filled with game balls, more game balls are paid out as described above. flows into the lower plate 6c. Furthermore, when the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is thereby turned on, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends further prize ball motions even if a prize ball instruction command is received from the main control CPU 72, and stores the remaining number of prize balls that have not been paid out in the RAM 98.例文帳に追加The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so even if a power failure (including a momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the remaining number of unpaid prize balls will not be lost. .

Also, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with a firing control board 108. - 特許庁Also, a ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6 . The firing control board 108, the firing solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the aforementioned firing control board set 174. Of these, the firing control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the firing solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among them, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation to feed the game balls stored in the receiving tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined shooting position within the launcher case. Also, the shooting solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the shooting position, and continuously (intermittently) launches the game balls one by one toward the game area 8a as described above. In addition, the shooting interval of the game balls is, for example, an interval of about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

On the other hand, the handle unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114 and a firing stop switch 116. Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Also, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (firing handle) from changes in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal therefor. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) according to the player's operation.

A firing relay terminal plate 118 is installed in the receiver unit 6, and each signal from the firing lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the firing stop switch 116 is transmitted to the firing control board 108 via the firing relay terminal plate 118. be done. A drive signal from the firing control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the firing relay terminal plate 118 . When the player operates the firing handle, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. As a result, the strength of hitting the game ball is adjusted according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. do. In addition, a game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the shooting relay terminal plate 118, and when the card unit is not connected to this game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120, the shooting control board is also connected. The drive circuit at 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 .

Further, the tray unit 6 incorporates a frequency display board 122 and a lending/returning switch board 123 . Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with an indicator (3-digit 7-segment LED) for the frequency display section. In addition, the lending and returning switch board 123 is mounted with switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the returning button 12, respectively. And it is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the card unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . In addition, from the card unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display substrate 122 drives a display based on the frequency signal to numerically display the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. Further, when no valuable medium is inserted into the card unit or when the remaining points of the inserted valuable medium become 0, the display circuit of the point display board 122 drives the display to display a demo (valuable medium ) can also be displayed.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a performance control device 124 (computer for controlling performance) as a control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 . The performance control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which a performance control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The production control CPU 126 incorporates a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The performance control device 124 is provided at a position covered by a back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. - 特許庁

The performance control device 124 is equipped with an input/output driver and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and a sound driving circuit 134 . The production control CPU 126 controls the production based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 to light the various lamps 46, 50 and the board lamp 53. and actually output sound effects, voices, etc. from the speakers 54a to 54d.

The production control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. In addition, the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of various commands transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and each driver IC (I / O) A serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration.

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes switching elements such as PWM (pulse width modulation) ICs and MOSFETs (not shown). ) to manage its operation such as light emission and blinking. The various lamps include, in addition to the lamps 46, 48, and 52, a board surface lamp 53 installed in the game board unit 8 for decoration and presentation. The board lamp 53 corresponds to an LED built in the production unit, or an LED built in the variable starting prize winning device 28, the first variable prize winning device 30, the second variable prize winning device 31, and the like.

The sound drive circuit 134 is a sound generator containing, for example, a sound ROM, a sound control IC, an amplifier (not shown), etc. The sound drive circuit 134 drives the speakers 54a to 54d to output sounds.

In this embodiment, a glass-framed electric board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and the driving signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 are sent to various lamps 46 via the glass-framed electric board 136. , 50 and speakers 54a to 54d. In addition, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame electric decoration board 136 , and when the player operates the effect switching button 45 , the contact signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame electric decoration board 136 . be. Furthermore, a jog dial 45 a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136 , and when the player rotates the jog dial 45 a , the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136 . Here, an example in which the effect switching button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to the glass-framed decorative board 136 is given. may be connected.

In addition, a panel electric decoration board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8 , and a movable body motor 57 is connected to the panel electric decoration board 138 in addition to the board surface lamp 53 . The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40f via, for example, a link mechanism (not shown). A drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the board surface lamp 53 and the movable body motor 57 via the panel illumination board 138 .

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8 , and its display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8 . In addition, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and this inverter board 158 generates AC power applied to the backlight of the liquid crystal display 42 (for example, a cold cathode tube). Further, an effect display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the effect display control device 144. FIG. The effect display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146 as a general-purpose central processing unit and a circuit board (effect display control board) on which a VDP 152 as a display processor is mounted. Among them, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 are integrated together with a processor core (not shown). A part of the storage area of the VRAM 156 can be used as a frame buffer.

The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program relating to the control of the effect, and the effect control CPU 126 executes control of the effect according to this program. Control of effects includes control of effects using various lamps 46 to 53 and speakers 54a to 54d as described above, and control of effects by image display using liquid crystal display 42. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives this transmits a specific image for effect based on the basic information. Control the display.

The display control CPU 146 outputs further detailed control signals to the VDP 152 . The VDP 152 having received this accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads the necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156 . Furthermore, the VDP 152 develops the image data on the VRAM 156 for each frame (still image per unit time) into a frame buffer, and converts each pixel (full-color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here. drive separately.

In addition, a power control unit 162 (power control means) is provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7 . This power supply control unit 162 incorporates a switching power supply circuit, and when it takes in external power (for example, AC 24V, etc.) from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate necessary power (for example, DC +34V, +12V, etc.). The power generated by the power control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70 , the payout control device 92 , the performance control device 124 and the inverter board 158 . Further, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the card unit via the terminal board 120 for lending equipment such as game balls. Low-voltage power (for example, DC +5V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (three-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Also, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded to the island facility through the ground wire 166 .

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are sent from the external terminal board 160 to the outside via the payout control device 92. is output to The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72 ) and payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94 ) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160 . Signals output from the external terminal board 160 are counted by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) of the game arcade. In addition, although the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example here, the configuration may be such that the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 .

The above is an example of the configuration relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1 . Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main controller 70 will be described.

The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1 . In the special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35. , and controls the operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 according to the display result.

[Special symbol game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a configuration example of special symbol game processing. The special symbol game processing includes execution selection processing (step S1000), special symbol variation preprocessing (step S2000), special symbol variation during processing (step S3000), special symbol stop display processing (step S4000), and variable winning device at the time of big hit. It is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of management processing (step S5000) and variable winning device management processing (step S6000) at the time of a small hit. Here, first, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the "jump table". For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the address of the jump destination, and sets the end of the special symbol game process in the stack pointer as the address of the return destination.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbols have not yet started variable display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation preprocessing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and special symbol variation is in progress. If the process is completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop display process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified in the "jump table" to select the process. There are also known programming examples in which the CPU selects which process to execute next. In such a programming example, the CPU calls each process, and at the beginning step, it refers to the flags one by one and performs conditional branching (continuation/return). There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

Step S2000: In the special symbol variation preprocessing, the main control CPU72 performs the work of preparing the conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbols. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S3000: In the special symbol fluctuation process, the main control CPU72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1-byte data) is output to each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby the variable display of the special symbols is performed.

Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. In this case as well, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, so that the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

Step S5000: The variable winning device management process at the time of the big hit is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the big win in the previous special symbol stop display process. When the special symbol is stop-displayed in a jackpot mode, an opportunity is generated to shift from the previous normal state to a jackpot game state (advantageous special game state for the player). During the big hit game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process at the time of the big hit in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbols is not performed. In the jackpot time variable winning device management process, the first big winning opening solenoid 90 or the second big winning opening solenoid 97 counts for a certain period of time (for example, 29 seconds or 0.1 seconds, or until one game ball is counted). ), it is excited for a preset number of continuous operations (for example, 2, 5, or 10 times), thereby opening and closing the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 in a predetermined pattern. During this time, the game balls are focused on the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31, thereby giving the player an opportunity to collectively win many prize balls (special game means of execution). The opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 at the time of a big hit is called "round", and if the number of consecutive operations is 10 times in total, these are called "10 rounds". may be collectively referred to. In this way, the jackpot game is composed of a plurality of round games (unit games), and each big winning hole is set with an upper limit for the number of winnings of game balls in one round game. Winning of game balls exceeding the upper limit number is over winning, and the payout of game balls is executed as usual.

In this embodiment, the first variable winning device 30 is opened/closed when a "normal big win" or "small win" is achieved, and the second variable winning device 31 is opened/closed when a "probability variable big win" is achieved. I am letting

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds, the number of opening and closing operations per round, the opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process at the time of the big hit, the first variable winning device 30 for one round Alternatively, the value of the round number counter is incremented by 1 each time the opening/closing operation of the second variable winning device 31 is completed. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big win game (big role) for that round only.

When the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the jackpot game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag). In the "high-probability state", the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery is, for example, ten times higher than normal. In addition, in the "time shortening state", the time shortening function is activated, the probability of the operation lottery of the normal symbols is high, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended. The number of opening times increases (so-called electric chewing support is performed). Therefore, the high probability game state is a high probability time reduction state. Hereinafter, the high probability game state (high probability time reduction state) may be referred to as probability variable state.

In the present embodiment, when the normal jackpot is won, the time is controlled to be shortened until the variable display is performed for a predetermined number of times after the end of the jackpot game, and when the probability variable jackpot is won, the time is controlled to be high until the variable display is performed for the predetermined number of times. Control to a probability state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "variable probability state"). Hereinafter, the time reduction state (low-probability time reduction state) may be referred to as a time reduction state.

Step S6000: The variable winning device management process at the time of the small hit is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the small hit in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a small winning mode, an opportunity is generated to shift from the previous normal state to a small winning game state. During the small-hit game, the jump destination is set to the small-hit time variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the small winning game, although the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes only a predetermined number of times (for example, 2 times) in a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 second), winning to the first big winning port hardly occurs. do not.

[Example of effect image corresponding to variable display and stop display of special symbols]
FIG. 15 is a series of diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to variable display and stop display of special symbols. It should be noted that here, regarding the variation of the special symbols at the time of non-winning (lost), an example of a variable display effect and a stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect symbols is shown. This variable display effect is performed during the period from when the special symbol (here, it is the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) starts the variable display until the stop display (including the fixed stop) is performed. It corresponds to a series of productions. In addition, the stop display effect is a effect showing that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of effect symbols. Here, before describing the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the variable display effect and the stop display effect for each variation adopted in the present embodiment will be described first.

[Before change display]
In FIG. 42(a): For example, in the state before the first special symbol starts to fluctuate (the state in which the demonstration effect is not in progress), a row of three effect symbols is largely displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, along with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed.

[Memory display effect]
In addition, in the pre-change display area X1 at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a marker (reference symbol M1 , M2) are displayed. The numbers of these markers M1 and M2 displayed represent the working memory numbers of the first special design and the second special design (the number of displays of the first special design working memory lamps 34a and the second special design working memory lamps 35a). The displayed number increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of working memories during the game.

In order to facilitate visual discrimination, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (o), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed, for example, as a heart. is displayed in the form of In the illustrated example, all four markers M1 are illuminated to indicate that the working memory number of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are hidden (indicated by broken lines). indicates that the working memory number of the second special symbol is 0 (memory display effect).

Further, during the variable display of the performance symbols, for example, a fourth symbol (reference symbols Z1 and Z2 are attached in the figure) is displayed on the upper left of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 . The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are "fourth effect symbols" following the left, middle and right effect symbols, and are variably displayed in synchronism with the variable display of the effect symbols. The fourth patterns Z1 and Z2 are simply colored marks (for example, a figure of "□"), and by changing the display color, for example, a variable display can be expressed. The fourth design Z1 corresponds to the first special design, and the fourth design Z2 corresponds to the second special design.

Further, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the loss. This is for objectively clarifying that the stop display effect is performed correctly and that the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is, for example, "16-round big win" instead of "lost", the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stop-displayed in a manner corresponding thereto (eg, red display color, etc.).

[Variation display effect start]
(b) in FIG. 42: For example, in synchronism with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, three symbol rows scroll and fluctuate on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 to start a variable display effect (execution of effect means). That is, in synchronism with the start of the variation of the first special symbol, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are vertically scrolled (flowed) within the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 42 so as to be variably displayed. The performance begins. Also, the markers M1 and M2 are displayed in the pre-change display area X1 of the belt-like portion in the lower portion of the liquid crystal display 42 before the start of the change, but are displayed in the lower left portion of the liquid crystal display 42 after the start of the change. It moves to the display area X2 during fluctuation by the pedestal image being displayed, and continues to be displayed until the fluctuation of the special pattern (effect pattern) is stopped and displayed (stored image display maintenance effect). In addition, in the figure, the variable display of the production pattern is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, individual production patterns are displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that the background image (background image) of the production pattern is displayed in a state that is easy to see on the display screen. It is

The background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, the "normal mode". In this embodiment, the "normal mode" corresponds to a normal state in which the time reduction function is inactive and the probability variation function is also inactive. In addition, various modes are provided for effects, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (state display effect execution means). The difference between these modes corresponds to an internal "time reduction state" or to a "high probability state". Although not particularly illustrated here, after that, for example, an image of a character, an item, or the like may be displayed on the display screen to perform the notice effect.

In addition, during the variable display of the production patterns, the fourth pattern Z1 is displayed in a variable manner on the upper left of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth pattern Z1 expresses the variable display by changing the display color.

[Left pattern stop]
(c) in FIG. 42: For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has passed, the left effect pattern stops fluctuating first. In this example, it indicates that the effect symbol representing the number "8" has stopped at the left side of the screen. Note that illustration of the background image is omitted here (same hereafter).

[Example of production when the number of working memories is reduced]
Here, as shown in FIG. 42(b), the working memory number of the first special symbol decreases by one with the start of fluctuation, and accordingly, the number of displayed markers M1 increases. has been reduced by one. For example, assuming that the number of working memories has been four so far, only one of the earliest (oldest) memory number display in the marker M1 is moved to the changing display area X2, and the effects consumed by the internal lottery are combined. done. As a result, it is possible to teach the player that the number of working memories has been consumed with respect to the first special symbol.

Then, in the example of (c) in FIG. 42, since the marker M1 that was at the top in the order of storage moves to the changing display region X2, the remaining three markers are displayed in the pre-change display region X1. An effect is produced in which the three remaining markers M1 on the screen are shifted one by one in one direction (to the left in this case). As a result, the before-and-after relationship of the change in the number of working memories is accurately expressed on the production, and the player is told that "the working memory is consumed and one is reduced" or "the working memory is consumed and the special symbol is used." is fluctuating" can be intuitively and easily understood.

[Right production pattern stop]
(d) in FIG. 42: Following the left performance design, the right performance design stops changing thereafter. In this example, it indicates that the effect symbol representing the number "3" has stopped at the middle position of the screen. At this point, it has already been determined that the reach state will not occur, so it is almost clear visually that this fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Note that the reach fluctuation due to the slip pattern or the like is excluded here. The "sliding pattern" is, for example, once the production pattern representing the number "7" stops, then the pattern row slides by one pattern and the production pattern representing the number "8" stops, thereby developing into a reach. It is to do. Alternatively, after the production pattern representing the number "9" stops, the pattern row slides in the opposite direction by one pattern, and the production pattern representing the number "8" stops, thereby developing into a reach. be. In addition, for example, after a performance symbol representing a completely different number such as "5" stops temporarily, a character appears on the screen and the right performance symbol row is changed again, representing the number "8". There is also a pattern that the production pattern stops and develops into reach.

[Stop display effect]
(e) in FIG. 42: Synchronizing with the stop display of the first special symbol, the last medium effect symbol is stopped. If the result of the internal lottery this time is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (losing) mode, the effect symbols are similarly stopped and displayed in a non-winning (losing) mode. will be That is, in the example shown in the drawing, it indicates that the effect symbol representing the number "1" has stopped at the middle position of the screen, and in this case, the effect symbol combination is "8"-"1"-"3". Since it is a deviation, it is expressed in the production that this change corresponds to a normal "loss". At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stop-displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the loss.

Further, when the stop display effect is performed, the marker M1 that has been moved to the changing display area X2 and continued to be displayed is also hidden. Therefore, it is possible to intuitively and easily teach the player that "variation of the special symbols has ended".

The above is an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (at the time of non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each variation. Through such an effect, it is possible to make the player feel a sense of anticipation for winning, and to clearly teach the result of the internal lottery in the effect.

In addition, the above example is for the non-winning time, but when the big win (winning) is made, after the ready-to-win performance is executed during the variable display performance, the performance pattern is stop-displayed in the stop display performance in the manner of the big win. At this time, the stop display mode of the production pattern is basically made to correspond to the winning pattern selected internally by the main control CPU 72 (the stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35). selected by

[Production control processing]
FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. As shown in FIG. This effect control process is executed in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from reset start (main) process (not shown), for example. The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a cycle of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

Effect control processing includes command reception processing (step S400), working memory effect management processing (step S401), effect pattern management processing (step S402), display output processing (step S404), lamp drive processing (step S406), sound drive. This configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). The basic flow of the effect control process will be described below along with each process.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control CPU 126 receives a command for effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72. Also, the effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 by type. It should be noted that the production commands sent from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special figure destination judgment production command, a variation pattern destination judgment command, (special symbols) production command when the working memory number increases, (special symbols) working memory number decrease Time production command, start winning sound control command, demonstration production command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop pattern command, pattern stop command, state designation command, round number command, error notification command, jackpot end There are an effect command, a count counter value command, a stop display time end command, a prize ball content command, a limiter count command, an opening command, a command during a round game, an ending command, a command for generating a prize during a big hit, and the like.

Step S401: In the operation memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the execution of the memory display effect using the markers M1 and M2 (memory display effect executing means). The contents of the operation memory effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbols (including the main effect symbol, the mini effect symbol, and the fourth symbol). It controls the contents of the performance during the opening/closing operation of the variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 (performance executing means). In addition, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects effect patterns of various advance notice effects (previous notice effects before occurrence of reach, notice effects after occurrence of reach, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 gives the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol , operating memory effect pattern number, pre-reading forewarning effect pattern number, fluctuation effect pattern number, fluctuation time forewarning effect number, background pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) controls the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed effect contents (effect executing means).

Step S<b>406 : In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132 . In response to this, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes luminance gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 and 50, the board lamp 53, and the like based on the control signal.

Step S408: In the next sound driving process, the effect control CPU 126 supplies the sound drive circuit 134 with the effect contents (for example, during the variable display effect, during the reach effect, during the mode transition effect, BGM during the big hit effect, winning prize during the big hit effect, etc.) sound effects, audio data, etc.). As a result, sounds corresponding to the content of the presentation are output from the speakers 54a to 54d.

Step S410: In effect random number update processing, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. FIG. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for advance notice selection, a random number used for a normal background change lottery (effect lottery), and the like.

Step S412: In other processes, for example, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body motor 57 as a drive source, and performs effects in synchronism with the image display by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

Through the effect control processing described above, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1 . Next, the contents of the effect symbol management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Production pattern management processing]
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol management process. Effect symbol management processing includes execution selection processing (step S500), effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), effect symbol change process (step S504), effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and when the variable winning device is in operation. This configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing (step S508). The basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described below along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the address of the jump destination, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the "jump table" as the address of the return destination. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the variable display effect has not yet started, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol change pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol change process (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol change process has been completed, the next As the jump destination of the production symbol stop display processing (step S506) is selected. In addition, the variable winning device operation time processing (step S508) is performed when the main control CPU 72 selects the variable winning device management processing at the time of the big hit (step S5000 in FIG. 14) or the variable winning device management processing at the time of the small hit (step S5000 in FIG. 14). (step S6000) is selected as the jump destination. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs the work of adjusting the conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In addition, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type, variation pattern, etc.), and the effect pattern for the notice effect (pre-occurrence notice pattern, after-reach notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the effect control CPU 126 also controls a demonstration effect when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information to instruct the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when the performance using the performance switching button 45 is performed during execution of the variable display performance using the performance pattern, the performance control CPU 126 monitors whether the player has operated the performance button, and the performance according to the result. The display control CPU 146 is instructed to control information of contents (button effect).

Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the stop display effect using effect symbols and moving images in a mode according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) actually terminates the variable display effect that has been executed so far in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. As a result, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbols, and the result of the internal lottery can be instructed (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (effect execution means ). It should be noted that, at the time of the small hit, the stop display effect can be executed in a manner similar to or similar to the loss.

Step S508: In the process when the variable winning device is activated, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit (special game effect execution means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of the effect during the big role according to various conditions (for example, winning type). For example, in the case of a 16-round big hit, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect pattern during the 16-round big role as the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and instructs it to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). . As a result, the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 displays the image of the effect during the important role, and the content of the effect changes as the round progresses.

[Direction mode]
Next, the effect mode will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the production mode includes a normal mode in which a game is played in a normal game state (low probability non-time reduction state), a big hit mode in which a game is played in a big win game state, a variable probability state (high probability time It is roughly divided into a variable probability mode in which games are played in a shortened state) and a short time mode in which games are played in a short time state (low probability time shortened state). In addition to these, there is a small-hit mode in which a game is played in a small-hit game state, but the illustration is omitted.

To explain the transition of the performance mode to the concrete machine, first, when the player takes a seat in front of the pachinko machine 1 and starts the game, the performance mode stays in the normal mode.

Then, in this embodiment, if a normal jackpot or a variable probability jackpot is won while staying in the normal mode, the mode shifts to the jackpot mode. Then, when a normal big win is won, the mode shifts to the time saving mode after the big win mode is finished. On the other hand, when the probability variable big win is won, the game shifts to the probability variable mode after the big win mode ends. When the big hit is won in the short time mode or the variable probability mode, it shifts to the big hit mode. In addition, when the number of variations reaches a specified number of times without winning a jackpot in the time-saving mode or the probability variable mode, the game shifts to the normal mode.

[Production stage]
In this embodiment, an effect stage (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "stage") is set in each effect mode. A production stage indicates a production state, and a production state (background image, story, etc.) is set according to each stage. Then, when the stage shifts by switching the set stage, the production state is switched, and the production state is switched to the production state corresponding to the stage after the shift. As a result, the player can know in which production mode the player is staying. In addition, the setting and switching of the production stages are performed by the production control CPU 126 .

In this embodiment, stages corresponding to each of the jackpot mode, probability variable mode, and time saving mode are set one-to-one. Either is set.

Specifically, it is possible to shift between three stages, stage A, stage B, and stage C. The effect control CPU 126 then displays a background image corresponding to each stage from the liquid crystal display 42 . This allows the player to identify the stage in which he or she is staying. Stage transition is performed in the order of stage A→stage B→stage C→stage A→ . . . Then, when a stage transition lottery is won for each variation in each stage A, B, or C, or when a predetermined number of variations are completed in the same stage, it becomes possible to move to the next stage. When it becomes possible to move to the next stage, the player can select whether or not to allow the stage to be switched, that is, whether or not to allow the stage to be switched by the stage transition selection operation.

In addition, as described above, since a plurality of stages are not provided in the jackpot mode, the probability variable mode, and the time saving mode, it is not possible to select whether or not to shift the stage in these production modes.

[Production pattern change pre-processing]
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. An example procedure will be described below.

Step S600: The production control CPU 126 confirms whether or not it has received a demonstration production command from the main control CPU 72 . Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a command for demonstration effect is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the demonstration effect command is saved (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S602.

Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes demonstration selection processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

After completing the above procedure, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control processing as it is, and controls the content of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the following display output process (step S404 in FIG. 16) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 16). do.

On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the demonstration effect command is not saved in step S600 (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S604.

Step S604: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the change this time is a loss (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S612. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S606. It should be noted that it is also possible to confirm whether or not this time's variation is lost based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the lost normal variation or the lost reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a loss. Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command designates a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a loss.

Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (lost) (step S604: No), then the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not this time's change is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is saved. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command for the big win is not stored (No), since only the lottery result command for the small win remains, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S608 in this case. It should be noted that it is also possible to confirm whether or not the current variation is a big hit based on the variation pattern command or the stop symbol command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the big hit variation, it can be determined that the current variation is the big hit. Also, if the current stop symbol command corresponds to a big win symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a big win.

Step S608: The production control CPU 126 executes small hit fluctuation production pattern selection processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72 . The production pattern number is prepared in advance corresponding to the variation pattern command, and the production control CPU 126 can refer to a production pattern selection table (not shown) to select the production pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time. can. Incidentally, the production pattern number may be prepared in pairs with the variation pattern command, or a plurality of numbers may be prepared for one variation pattern command.

In addition, when the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to the effect table (not shown), and the effect pattern variation schedule (contents of variable display effect and stop display effect) corresponding to the variable effect pattern number at that time, stop display determine the mode of It should be noted that all the types of performance symbols determined here correspond to the "combination of symbols at the time of a small win".

The above procedure is for the case of a "minor hit", but if it corresponds to a big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is a "big hit" in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a variation effect pattern selection process at the time of a big hit. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72 . In the big-hit effect pattern selection process, the process may be branched according to the big-hit stop symbol.

In addition, in the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the effect control CPU 126 confirms that there is a deviation in step S604 (Yes), it then executes step S612.

Step S612: The effect control CPU 126 executes a variation effect pattern selection process when losing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of loss based on the variation pattern command (for example, "A0H00H" to "A6H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern number at the time of losing is classified into "normal loss fluctuation", "short time loss fluctuation", "loss reach fluctuation", etc. Further, a detailed reach fluctuation pattern is specified for "loss reach fluctuation". Incidentally, which effect pattern number the effect control CPU 126 selects is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72 .

When the production pattern number at the time of loss is selected, the production control CPU 126 refers to a production table (not shown), and determines the fluctuation schedule of the production pattern corresponding to the fluctuation production pattern number at that time, the mode of stop display (for example, "7"-"2 ”-“4”, etc.).

After executing any of the above steps S608, S610, and S612, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S613 next.

Step S613: The production control CPU 126 executes reach production selection processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of the ready-to-win effect to be executed during the variable display effect of the current variation by lottery. The contents of the ready-to-win effect can be determined according to the variation pattern. As a result, it is possible to determine the variable schedule (the type of reach and the timing of occurrence of reach) when executing the reach effect.

Step S614: The effect control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process (preview effect executing means). In this processing, the effect control CPU 126 selects by lottery the details of the advance notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or not winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). The advance notice effect notifies the player of the possibility of occurrence of a ready-to-win state during the variable display effect, or of the possibility of a big win in the end. Therefore, the selection ratio of the announcement effect is set low when the game is not won, but the selection ratio of the announcement effect is set relatively high when the game is won in order to raise the player's expectation.

Step S616: The effect control CPU 126 executes stage transition management processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of managing whether or not each stage in the normal mode shown in FIG. 18 can be switched.

Step S618: The effect control CPU 126 executes stage transition effect execution processing. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process for performing a stage transition effect when switching between stages in the normal mode shown in FIG.

After completing the above procedure, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol fluctuation processing (step S504 in FIG. 17), the variable display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected variable effect pattern, and based on various advance notice effect patterns. A notice effect, a stage transition effect, and the like are executed.

[Stage transition management process]
Next, stage transition management processing (see S616 in FIG. 19) executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S801: As shown in FIG. 20, the effect control CPU 126 first determines whether or not the effect mode is the normal mode. The effect control CPU 126 terminates the process if it is not the normal mode.

Step S802: In the case of the normal mode, the effect control CPU 126 subtracts "1" from the count value of the prescribed game number counter that counts the number of games played on the same stage. An initial value is set in the prescribed game number counter at the start of the stage, and the number of games is subtracted from this initial value each time a game is played.

Step S803: Next, the effect control CPU 126 executes a stage transition lottery for determining whether or not to transition the stage.

Step S804: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not the count value of the in-stage game number counter is "0". The effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S406 when the count value of the in-stage game number counter is "0". If the count value of the in-stage game number counter is not "0", the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S405.

Step S805: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not the stage transition lottery is won. The effect control CPU 126 ends the process when the stage transition lottery is not won. The effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S406 when the stage transition lottery is won.

Step S806: The effect control CPU 126 sets a stage transition provisional flag indicating that the stage transition condition is satisfied in the sub-RAM 200c.

[Production pattern change process]
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol changing process (see S504 in FIG. 17). An example procedure will be described below.

Step S700: The effect control CPU 126 executes the variable display effect using the effect symbols based on the variable effect pattern selected in the process of the effect symbol variation preprocessing (FIG. 19).

The screen output to the liquid crystal display 42 corresponding to the variable display effect is controlled based on the instruction given by the effect control CPU 126 to the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146). More specifically, first, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information for the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. Next, the display control CPU 146 decodes the control information transmitted from the effect control CPU 126 . Then, the effect display control for the VDP 152 is executed based on this control information. In this way, the main body of processing for screen output moves from the effect control CPU 126 to the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152 .

Step S702: The production control CPU 126 executes a stage transfer selection process when the stage transfer provisional flag is set in the stage transfer management process executed in the process of the production symbol change preprocessing (FIG. 19). The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

[Stage transition selection process]
Next, stage transition selection processing (see S702 in FIG. 21) executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S901: In the stage transition selection process, the effect control CPU 126 first determines whether or not the temporary stage transition flag (see S806 in FIG. 19) has been set. The effect control CPU 126 ends the process when the temporary stage transition flag is not set. The effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S902 when the temporary stage transition flag is set.

Step S902: The production control CPU 126 displays a stage transition selection screen for selecting whether to transition the stage (S202).

Step S903: The production control CPU 126 determines whether or not a stage transition selection operation has been performed. If the stage transition selection operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S905, and if the stage transition selection operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S904.

Step S904: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not the variable display of the symbols has ended when the stage transition selection operation has not been performed. The effect control CPU 126 returns to step S903 when the variable display has not ended.

Step S905: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not it is selected by the stage transition selection operation to shift the stage. If it is not selected to shift the stage, the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S907. If it is selected to shift the stage, the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S906.

Step S906: The effect control CPU 126 sets a stage transition flag indicating that the stage is to be transitioned and the type of the transition destination stage (either stage A, stage B or stage C) in the RAM 200c.

Step S907: The effect control CPU 126 clears the temporary stage transition flag and ends the process.

[Stage transition effect execution processing]
Next, the stage transition effect execution processing (see S618 in FIG. 19) executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described with reference to FIG.

Step S1001: The effect control CPU 126 determines whether or not the stage shift flag (see S906 in FIG. 22) is set. If the stage transition flag is set, the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to S1002. On the other hand, if the stage shift flag is not set, the effect control CPU 126 proceeds to step S1003.

Step S1002: The production control CPU 126 executes a stage transition production and ends the process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 sets the stage flag of the type indicated by the stage transition flag in the RAM 130, and clears the stage transition flag. In addition, the stage flag indicating the stage before transition is also cleared. This allows switching to the transition destination stage. In this way, the production stage is set by setting the stage flag, and the production stage is switched by rewriting the stage flag.

Step S1003: If the stage shift flag is not set, the effect control CPU 126 maintains the original stage based on the stage flag set in the RAM 130 and ends the process.

[Specific example of stage transition selection]
Next, the change of the screen on the liquid crystal display 42 when selecting whether or not to move the stage will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. FIG. 24 is an example of a case where it is selected to shift the stage, and FIG. 25 is an example of a case where it is selected not to shift the stage. It should be noted that the white arrows in the drawing indicate that the performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner.

As shown in FIG. 24, it is assumed that the player stays in stage A in the normal mode. If you win the stage transition lottery when the variable display of symbols starts in stage A (see S805 in FIG. 20), or if you have completed the specified number of variations in stage A (see S804 in FIG. 20), the stage A migration selection screen is displayed (see S902 in FIG. 22). When the stage transition selection screen is displayed, the player rotates the jog dial 45a to select one of the two items "stage transition" or "not stage transition", and presses the effect switching button. 45 is pressed to perform a stage transition selection operation for confirming the selected item (see S905 in FIGS. 10 and 22). When the item selected by the stage transition selection operation is confirmed, an effect such as flashing of the selected item is momentarily added. In the example of FIG. 24, "transition stage" is selected and confirmed by the stage transition selection operation. In this case, when the game is ended and the next game is started, the stage transition effect is executed and the stage is shifted to stage B (see S1002 in FIG. 23). In this example, the screen of stage B is displayed through the effect screen a in which the shutter closes, the effect screen b in which the shutter is half-opened, and the stage transition effect. In addition, on the stage transition selection screen, the production pattern during variable display is displayed in a small size at the left corner of the screen. Further, even when the performance screens a and b are displayed, the performance pattern during variable display is displayed in a small size at the left corner of the screen, and is displayed in the original size when the stage is switched to the stage B.例文帳に追加Also, the fourth pattern is always displayed on the upper left of the screen.

On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 25, when the stage transition selection screen similar to that of FIG. 24 is displayed, "no stage transition" is selected and confirmed by the stage transition selection operation. In this case, when the variation is ended and the next variation is started, the stage A is maintained without executing the stage transition effect (see S1003 in FIG. 23). First, it is determined whether or not the game has started (S101). If the game has not started, that is, if the game is in progress, the process ends.

[Effect of Second Embodiment]
As described above, the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment has a specific production stage (in this example, any one of stages A, B, and C) and a different production stage (in this example, among stages A, B, and C) It is possible to perform a stage transition selection operation for selecting whether or not to allow switching to a stage other than the set stage).
Therefore, since the player can select whether or not to switch the performance stage, the player can select the desired performance stage and play the game, and the stress felt by the player in the game can be reduced. .

Further, in the present invention, when a specific production stage (in this example, one of stages A, B, and C) is set, the production stage (in this example, among stages A, B, and C) The advantage does not change even if you switch stages other than the stage you are in.
Therefore, the player can play the game by selecting a desired performance stage without worrying about the degree of advantage, and the stress felt by the player in the game can be reduced.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, an example is given in which the time-saving state is controlled after the end of the winning game. Also when the next big hit does not occur, it may be configured to be controlled to the time saving state. After the occurrence of the big hit, the variable display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 900 times) is called reaching the ceiling, and the time saving state controlled by this is called the ceiling time saving.

In addition, it is preferable to define the number of times of fluctuation n and the number of times of reduction of working hours N in the reduction of working hours until the ceiling working hours are controlled as follows.
2.5P≤n≤3.0P
0.4P≦N≦3.8P
(P = denominator of jackpot probability ML, n = number of times of operation, N = number of times of time saving)
Specifically, for example, when the jackpot probability is 1/300, the number of fluctuations n is 750-900, and the number of time reductions N is 120-1140.

Then, for example, in the time saving state a after the end of the big hit, the number of times of time saving is set to 100 times, and the number of times of time saving N in the time saving state b (ceiling time saving) after reaching the ceiling is set to 3.8P. In this case, if the jackpot probability is set to 1/300, the number of times of time saving N becomes 1140 times, so the time saving state b lasts longer than the time saving state a. Therefore, in the time-saving state a, multiple types of stages (for example, 3 types) are provided, but the stage transition selection operation is disabled at the time of stage transition, and in the time-saving state b, multiple types of stages including a specific stage (for example, 3 types) It is preferable to provide a stage transition selection operation when a stage transition condition is satisfied in a specific stage. As a result, it is possible to reduce the player's boredom with the game in the time-saving state b, which lasts for a long period of time, and reduce the stress of the game.

In the above-described second embodiment, stages A, B, and C in the normal mode are designated as specific stages, and these specific stages are switched in order to enable a stage transition selection operation. It is possible to configure to move to a specific stage only when a condition is met. For example, in a variable probability state (for example, ends with 100 fluctuations) or a short-time state (for example, ends with 100 fluctuations), it is easier to win a prize to the variable start prize device 28, so it is recommended to hit right. Except for the state of (1), it is configured to make it difficult to win a prize to the variable starting prize device 28 and to recommend left-handed hitting. Then, when the variable probability state or the time-saving state ends without the occurrence of a big hit, and when the player returns to left-handed hitting, the specific stage is entered, and when the specific stage is transferred to another stage, the stage transition selection operation becomes possible. can be configured as Further, in the case of such a configuration, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the transition to the specific stage when switching from right-handed to left-handed hitting is not performed from other stages in the normal mode.

[Other modified examples common to the first and second embodiments]

In the above-described first embodiment and the above-described second embodiment, the game in which the stage transition is performed or the stage transition selection operation is possible during the change, but for example, when staying in a specific stage, the stage is always changed. The game that enables the transition selection operation, or the game several games before the stage transition is performed-the game until the transition is possible or the number change before the stage transition is performed-to the transition that allows the transition The stage transition selection operation may be enabled at a timing different from the above embodiment, such as enabling the stage transition selection operation between .

Although three stages are provided as specific stages in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the number of specific stages is not limited to three. For example, it is possible to set the specific stage to only one stage, or set all the stages to the specific stage.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the number of stays in a specific stage is not limited, but the number of possible stays may be limited. For example, the number of possible stays in a specific stage is set to 1, the number of possible stays in a specific stage is set to a plurality of times (such as 3 times), and the player stays in a specific stage until the non-stay operation is performed. It is configurable.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when "change stage" is selected by the stage change selection operation, the stage change effect is executed, and "not change stage" is selected by the stage change selection operation. By configuring so that the stage transition effect is not executed when the stage is changed, the mode of effect is different between when the stage is changed and when the stage is not changed. , the same mode of production may be executed.

For example, in FIG. 9 and FIG. 25, when "no stage transition" is selected, the effect screen a in which the shutter closes and the effect screen b in which the shutter is half-opened are displayed in the same manner as the stage transition effects in FIGS. 8 and 24. It is possible to configure such that after displaying, the screen of stage A is displayed again.

In the above-described first embodiment and the above-described second embodiment, the production stage is given as an example of production, and the configuration is such that it is possible to select whether or not to allow the production stage to be switched to a different production stage. It may be configured such that it is possible to select whether or not to allow switching of the effects. For example, a configuration in which it is possible to select whether or not to allow switching of the characters that appear to different characters, a configuration in which it is possible to select whether or not to allow switching of the production pattern to a different production pattern, and a story It is possible to select whether or not to allow switching to a different story, and it is possible to select whether or not to allow switching from the setting with vibration of the operation unit to the setting without vibration of the operation unit as a production. configuration.

S slot machine (game machine)
5-7 A plurality of reels 10-12 Stop button 102 Internal lottery means 104 Reel control means 107 Game state control means 109 Production mode control means 1 Pachinko machine (gaming machine)
8 game board unit 8a game area 20 starting gate 28 variable starting winning device 42 liquid crystal display 45 effect switching button 70 main control device 72 main control CPU
124 effect control device 126 effect control CPU

Claims (2)

In a game machine that can play games,
an effect setting means for setting one of a plurality of types of effects including a specific effect;
an effect switching means for switching the effect set by the effect setting means to a different effect;
A selection operation means capable of performing a performance switching selection operation for selecting whether or not the performance switching means is allowed to switch to a performance different from the specific performance when the performance setting means sets the specific performance. and,
an advantageous interval control means capable of controlling an advantageous interval that is advantageous to the player and a non-advantageous interval that is more disadvantageous to the player than the advantageous interval;
The selection operation means can display an item for selecting to allow the effect switching means to switch to a different effect from the specific effect on the effect device,
The effect switching selection operation includes a confirmation operation of selecting and confirming the item,
Based on the fact that the confirmation operation has been performed, an effect is performed in which the item is emphasized,
The game machine is characterized in that the performance switching operation cannot be performed when the number of times the game is played in the advantageous section exceeds a predetermined number of times. A lottery probability of a lottery relating to a game state advantageous to a player does not change even if the performance switching means switches the performance when the performance setting means sets the specific performance. Item 1. The gaming machine according to Item 1.

Images