JP7302870B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, as a game machine, there has been disclosed a game machine that executes an RTC effect that performs a predetermined effect at a predetermined timing (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

JP-A-2017-38970 JP 2017-23192 A JP 2018-50930 A

However, in the above-described conventional pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined effect is automatically performed at a predetermined timing regardless of the time the player has been playing the game. A certain performance may be performed. As a result, it is conceivable that the player's interest in the predetermined presentation will gradually decline. Therefore, the interest in the game may be lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine capable of enhancing the interest of a game.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a game area in which game balls flow down, a counting means for counting predetermined game balls, and a game ball according to the count number of predetermined game balls counted by the counting means. and a special effect means for executing a special effect at a predetermined timing, wherein the content of the special effect is an effect in which a plurality of objects compete, and the count number counted by the counting means is It is characterized in that, as the number of games increases, the contents of the games to be played are changed to the contents of games with a higher rating .

According to this, a special effect corresponding to a predetermined count number of game balls is executed at a predetermined timing, which is an effect that has not existed conventionally, so that the game can be more interesting.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the display devices provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows with a block the electrical structure of the main-control board and peripheral equipment provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows with a block the electrical structure of the sub-control board and peripheral device which were provided in the pachinko game machine shown in FIG. It is a flow chart of the main side main control processing executed by the game control microcomputer. 6 is a flowchart of main side timer interrupt processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side main control processing shown in FIG. 5 . 7 is a flow chart of a starting opening sensor detection process executed by a game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of out-ball count processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 6; 7 is a flowchart of timing processing executed by a game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 6; It is a flowchart of the sub-side main control processing executed by the effect control microcomputer. 11 is a flowchart of 1ms timer interrupt processing executed by the effect control microcomputer in the sub-side main control processing shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10. It is a flowchart of the 10ms timer interruption process which the microcomputer for production control performs in the sub side main control process shown in FIG. 13 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing executed by the effect control microcomputer in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 12. FIG. It is a figure which shows a special production|presentation selection table. It is a figure which shows the state by which the special production|presentation is performed.

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

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

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

The performance button 9 is provided in a portion of the front frame 18 that covers the upper side of the batted ball supply tray 24.例文帳に追加In other words, the effect button 9 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can press it with the right hand or the left hand. In this embodiment, the effect button 9 is a push-on type button switch. The performance button 9 incorporates a performance button lamp 9c (FIG. 4) and a performance button vibration motor 9b (FIG. 4). The performance button lamp 9c lights up or flashes when the performance button 9 is pressed during the period when the performance button 9 is valid. The surface of the effect button 9 is formed of a translucent material, and is devised so that the player can visually recognize the light emitted from the effect button lamp 9c. The production button vibrating motor 9b vibrates the production button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during a period when the production button 9 is effectively pressed. In this embodiment, the effect button lamp 9c is an LED.

The performance button 9 has a built-in elastic member (not shown) such as a spring for returning the pressed performance button 9 to the position before the pressing operation, and the performance button 9 is released from the pressed state. Then, the state before the pressing operation is restored by the restoring force of the elastic member. When the player presses the performance button 9 during the period in which the pressing operation of the performance button 9 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect triggered by the operation of the effect button 9 will be referred to as a button effect.

A production lever 6 is provided on the left side of the surplus ball receiving tray 25 in the front frame 18, that is, near the left end of the lower side of the front frame 18. - 特許庁In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can operate it with the left hand. That is, the effect lever 6 is provided in the front frame 18 at a position where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can operate it with the left hand, and the effect button 9 is positioned in the front frame 18 when the player moves with the left hand. It is provided at a position where it can be pressed with the right hand while the performance lever 6 is being operated by .

The performance lever 6 is formed in a bar shape that can be grasped with the left hand, and can be pushed backward in addition to the rotation operation of right rotation or left rotation. In addition, the production lever 6 is provided with a production lever vibration motor 6d (FIG. 4). The production lever vibrating motor 6d vibrates the production lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing in a period when the operation of the production lever 6 is valid. When the player operates the performance lever 6 during a period when the operation of the performance lever 6 is valid, a specific performance is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect triggered by the operation of the effect lever 6 will be referred to as a lever effect.

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

Also, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a game board 2, a glass plate 5, and an effect display device 7. - 特許庁The game board 2 is arranged substantially in the center of the game board 2, that is, at a position substantially facing the player's face. The performance display device 7 is arranged on the rear side of the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from substantially the center of the game board 2.例文帳に追加The game board 2 includes a fixed prize winning device 10, a first big prize winning device 30, a second big prize winning device 33, a gate 12, a normal variable prize winning device (also called electric chew) 20, a general prize winning port 13, It has indicators 50, a center decorative body 14, and a rail member 17. - 特許庁

A game area 3 in which game balls flow down (roll) is formed on the board surface of the game board 2 . The game area 3 has a left game area 3 a formed on the left side of the screen of the effect display device 7 and a right game area 3 b formed on the right side of the screen of the effect display device 7 . A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the board surface of the game board 2 for changing the flowing direction of the game ball. The front side of the board surface of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. - 特許庁

Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, LEDs are provided at a plurality of locations on the game board 2 . These LEDs are collectively referred to as board lamps (indicated by reference numeral 2a in FIG. 4). Each LED that constitutes the board lamp 2a can emit light in a plurality of colors, lights up or blinks according to the content of the effect, and further changes the color of the emitted light. That is, the pachinko game machine 1 lights or blinks the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b and the board lamp 2a according to the content of the effect during game control, and outputs sound from each speaker 8. - 特許庁

The fixed prize winning device 10 is arranged substantially in the center of the lower side of the game board 2 . The fixed winning device 10 has a first starting port 11 that allows one game ball to win (enter a ball). The first starting port 11 is always open, and the probability that the game ball wins the first starting port 11 does not substantially change. The gate 12 is arranged in the right game area 3b, and is configured so that game balls flowing down the right game area 3b can pass therethrough. The gate 12 is arranged above a first big winning device 30 and a second big winning device 33, which will be described later.

The normal variable winning device 20 is arranged below the gate 12 in the right game area 3b. The normal variable winning device 20 has a movable member (electric tulip) 21 .
The movable member 21 is configured to be rotatable with its proximal end serving as a rotation axis, and the opening and closing of the movable member 21 opens and closes the second starting port 22 . When the movable member 21 is opened, the second starting port 22 is opened, and the game balls enter the second starting port 22 one by one (entering a ball) easily. Further, when the movable member 21 is closed, the second starting port 22 is closed and the game ball cannot enter the second starting port 22.例文帳に追加
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the normal variable winning device 20 is arranged on the right side of the game area 3, but it may be arranged on the lower side of the game area 3.

The first big winning device 30 is arranged on the right side of the fixed winning device 10 in the game board 2 , and the second big winning device 33 is arranged above the first big winning device 30 . The first big winning device 30 and the second big winning device 33 are arranged below the gate 12 and the normal variable winning device 20 in the right gaming area 3b.

In addition, the first big winning device 30 has a first opening/closing member 31 that opens and closes the first big winning hole 32, and the second big winning device 33 has a second opening/closing member that opens and closes the second big winning hole 35. 34. The first big winning hole 32 and the second big winning hole 35 are each formed to have a size that allows a plurality of game balls to win (enter a ball) at the same time. In the present embodiment, the first opening/closing member 31 and the second opening/closing member 34 are each formed in a plate shape elongated in the left-right direction, and configured to be rotatable about the left and right lower ends thereof as a rotation axis. Hereinafter, when describing items common to the first big prize hole 32 and the second big prize hole 35, they are simply referred to as the big prize hole. Incidentally, the big winning opening, the second starting opening 22 and the general winning opening 13 are examples of the ball winning opening of the present invention.

Inside the second big winning device 33, there are a specific area (also called a V winning area, not shown) and a non-specific area (not shown) through which the game balls that have won the second big winning opening 35 can pass. ) is formed. Further, inside the second big prize winning device 33, a distribution member (not shown) that distributes the game balls that have won the second big prize opening 35 to a specific area or a non-specific area, and a distribution member that drives A distribution member solenoid 35d (FIG. 3) is provided.

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

In this embodiment, the first special symbol display device 51 and the second special symbol display device 52 are each composed of eight LEDs. Lighted LEDs (□) and unlit LEDs (■) represent special symbols, and the state in which the LEDs light up in a predetermined direction (for example, from left to right) represents a variable display of the special symbols. Hereinafter, the variation pattern of the special symbol from when the special symbol starts the variable display until the special symbol is confirmed and displayed is called the special symbol variation pattern.

Further, in this embodiment, the normal symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. Lighted LEDs (□) and lighted LEDs (▪) represent normal symbols, and the state in which each LED is alternately lit represents a variable display of normal symbols. Further, when the game ball passes through the gate 12, a lottery is executed to determine whether or not the game ball wins, and the normal symbol display 53 variably displays the normal symbols. Then, the normal symbol display device 53 confirms and displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result after a predetermined time has passed since the variable display of the normal symbol is started. When the normal pattern determined and displayed by the normal pattern display 53 is the normal pattern indicating winning, the normal variable winning device 20 operates to open and close the movable member 21, and the second starting port 22 opens or closes. .

When the game ball passes through the gate 12 while the normal symbol display 53 is displaying the normal symbols, the operation of the normal symbol display 53 caused by the passage is temporarily suspended (operation suspended). The memory number indicating the number of operation suspensions is displayed by the normal diagram suspension display 53a. The variation display of the normal symbols withheld is performed after the current variation display of the normal symbols is completed. Hereinafter, the memory number of operation suspension of the normal symbol display 53 is referred to as the normal symbol suspension number.

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

Also, when the game ball wins the second starting hole 22, big hit determination (also called big hit lottery) is executed, and the second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. Then, the second special symbol display device 52 confirms and displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the big hit determination after a predetermined time has passed since the variable display of the second special symbol is started. Here, when the second special symbol confirmed and displayed is a special symbol indicating a big win, a big win occurs, the second big prize winning device 33 operates, the second opening/closing member 34 opens and closes, and the second special symbol shows a big win. The big winning opening 35 opens and closes. When the game ball wins the second starting port 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is displaying the second special symbol, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 is triggered by the winning. The memory number indicating the number of pending operations is displayed by the second special figure pending display 52a. Hereinafter, the memory number of the operation suspension of the second special symbol display device 52 is referred to as the second special symbol suspension number. In addition, when describing the matter common to the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number, it is simply referred to as the special figure reservation number.

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

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

The general prize winning port 13 is arranged on the left side of the fixed prize winning device 10 in the game board 2 . The rail member 17 is arranged along the circumference of the game board 2 . The rail member 17 guides the game ball shot by the shooting device 90 ( FIG. 3 ) to the game area 3 . At the bottom center of the game board 2, an out port 19 for discharging game balls that have not won anywhere is opened.

The center decorative body 14 is arranged on the upper part of the game board 2. - 特許庁The center decorative body 14 has translucency, and is provided with a plurality of LEDs that light up and blink in accordance with the contents of the performance.
The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a movable body 15 . The movable body 15 is arranged behind the center decorative body 14 . FIG. 1 shows a state in which the movable body 15 is substantially hidden by the center decorative body 14. FIG. The movable body 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing according to the content of the effect, and is displaced to a state visible to the player. In addition, the out port 19 is an example of the discharge means of the present invention.

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

In this embodiment, the main variation pattern (variation mode) of each effect pattern is a variation pattern that moves from the top to the bottom of the screen so that the numbers represented by the effect symbols are in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern that scrolls in the vertical direction. is. As a variation pattern, it is possible to use a horizontal scroll method in which the effect pattern moves from one side of the screen to the other, or a method in which the effect pattern is displayed at the same display position in ascending numerical order.

In addition, the effect display device 7 displays a background image as the effect image in the background of each effect symbol. For example, the background image is a moving image such as a TV drama or a movie, a moving image obtained by converting the moving image into animation, an animation, or an original moving image of a pachinko machine manufacturer. In this embodiment, the effect display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. As the effect display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, or the like can be used.

A performance display device 7 variably displays each performance design in synchronism with the variable display of the special design, determines and displays each performance design at the same time as the special design is determined and displayed, and displays the big win determination result. Here, the fixed display means a stop display state in which the production pattern is completely stopped without fluctuating up and down or fluctuating again.

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

The performance symbol variation pattern is variably displayed in synchronism with the variation display of the special symbol variation pattern, and when the suspension of the operation of the special symbol display device occurs, the operation of the performance display device 7 for the performance symbol is also suspended. That is, the operation pending number of the special symbol display unit and the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 for the effect symbol match. In addition, the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the first special figure pending number and the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 corresponding to the second special figure pending number are displayed on the effect display device 7 by the pending image be. Therefore, the player can know the first special figure pending number and the second special figure pending number by counting the number of pending images displayed on the effect display device 7, and the first special figure pending number and the second special figure pending number. It is possible to know the operation pending number of the effect display device 7 resulting from the second special figure pending number. It should be noted that the number of pending operations of the effect display device 7 for the effect symbols may be notified to the player by using a lamp or the like around the effect display device 7 without displaying it on the effect display device 7 .

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1, in addition to the notification of the result of the jackpot determination by the above-mentioned performance symbols, the background image displayed on the performance display device 7, the sound output from the speaker 8, the lighting of the board lamp 2a, the accessories The result of the jackpot determination is notified by using a combination of motions and the like. Specifically, various effects such as advance notice effects and ready-to-win effects are applicable.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, on the main control board 60, a game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game control microcomputer) 61 is mounted. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62 , a ROM 63 , a RAM 64 and an input/output circuit 65 . The CPU 62 executes detection of prize winning, determination of a big hit, updating of various random numbers, and the like. The ROM 63 stores various tables such as a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a jackpot determination table Ta1, a jackpot type determination table Ta2, a reach determination table Ta3, a special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4, and a normal hit determination table Ta5. ing. The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various determinations (lottery), such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, and normal hit random numbers. The normal hit random number is a random number used in the drawing of normal symbols.

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

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

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

The normal pattern holding storage unit 64c stores the normal winning random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12 (FIG. 1). As described above, the operation of the normal symbol display device 53 caused by the passage of the game ball through the gate 12 when the normal symbol is variably displayed is once suspended (operation suspended), and is acquired due to the passage The received normal random number is stored in the normal pattern reservation storage unit 64c. In the present embodiment, the general pattern suspension storage unit 64c has a storage area for a total of four suspensions. The maximum number of memory of operation suspension of the normal symbol display 53 is four.

The count number storage unit 64d stores the count number counted in out-ball counting processing, which will be described later. The count number storage unit 64d has a storage area capable of storing a plurality of count numbers.

A RAM clear switch 66 is mounted on the main control board 60 . The pachinko game machine 1 initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) of the sub-control board 100 when started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed. Also, the display devices 50 are electrically connected to the main control board 60 . Further, on the main control board 60, via the relay board 74, a first starting hole sensor 11a, a second starting hole sensor 22a, a gate sensor 12a, a first big winning hole sensor 32a, and a second big winning hole Sensor 35a, specific area sensor 35b, non-specific area sensor 35c, general winning opening sensor 13a, outlet opening sensor 19a, electric tuning solenoid 20a, first big winning opening solenoid 30a, second big winning opening The solenoid 33a and the distribution member solenoid 35d are electrically connected.

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

The second big winning hole sensor 35a is provided directly under the second big winning hole 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the second big winning hole 35 to the main control board 60. do. The specific area sensor 35b is provided within a specific area inside the second big winning hole 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area. The non-specific area sensor 35c is provided in a non-specific area inside the second big winning hole 35 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the non-specific area to the main control board 60. . The general winning hole sensor 13a is provided directly under the general winning hole 13 (FIG. 1), and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has entered the general winning hole 13. The outlet sensor 19 a is provided directly below the outlet 19 and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has passed through the outlet 19 and has been discharged from the game board 2 .

The electric tuning solenoid 20a drives the movable member 21 (FIG. 1) of the normal variable winning device 20 to open and close. The first big prize opening solenoid 30a drives the first opening/closing member 31 (FIG. 1) of the first big prize winning device 30 to open and close. The second big winning opening solenoid 33a drives the second opening/closing member 34 (FIG. 1) of the second big winning device 33 to open and close. The distribution member solenoid 35 d drives a distribution member provided inside the second big winning device 33 .

Also, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the ball rental device 80 , the card unit 76 and the prize ball delivery device 400 via the payout control board 73 . The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1, and reads and writes the balance on the prepaid card.

The rental ball dispensing device 80 includes a ball rental motor 81 and a ball rental sensor 82 . The ball lending motor 81 drives a member for putting out a game ball as a lending ball, and the ball lending sensor 82 sends a signal indicating that the game ball has been paid out by the member through the payout control board 73 to the main control board. 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of rental balls paid out by the rental ball payout device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73 . When a ball lending button (not shown) is operated when the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 76 has a balance recorded that is equal to or greater than the minimum balance that can be paid out, the ball lending device 80 operates, A minimum unit number of rented balls is dispensed to the batted ball supply tray 24 .

The prize ball dispensing device 400 includes a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402 . A prize ball motor 401 drives a member that pays out a game ball as a prize ball, and a prize ball sensor 402 outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has been paid out by the member through the payout control board 73, the main control board. 60. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 400 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73 .

A launching device 90 is electrically connected to the main control board 60 via a launching control circuit 75 . Firing device 90 comprises firing motor 91 , touch switch 92 and firing volume 93 . The shooting motor 91 drives a hitting mallet (not shown) that hits and shoots game balls. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4 . The shooting volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the hitting hammer strikes the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the shooting lever 4a (FIG. 1).

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a power board 70 . The power board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73 . Also, the power supply board 70 supplies power via the payout control board 73 to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73 . The power supply board 70 also supplies power from the main control board 60 through the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74 . In addition, the power supply board 70 supplies power through the main control board 60 to the displays 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 .

A backup power supply circuit 71 is provided on the power supply board 70 . The backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for holding information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 and the like when power is not supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the outside. A power switch 72 is electrically connected to the power board 70 for turning on and off a main power supply that supplies power to the power board 70 .

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control board 100 is mounted with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling effects (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer for controlling effects) 101 . The effect control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102 , a ROM 110 , a RAM 120 and an input/output circuit 103 . The CPU 102 controls an effect along with the game. The ROM 110 stores computer programs for the CPU 102 to control effects, as well as a special effect selection table Ta6 and a special effect selection table Ta7. RAM 120 is used as a work memory when CPU 102 executes a computer program. In addition, the RAM 120 is provided with a first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121, a second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122, and the variation effect storage unit 123.

The first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121 has four storage areas consisting of first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the first start winning command output from the main control board 60 and the like. . The first start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number and a reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball has entered the first start port 11.

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

An image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 . The image control board 200 includes an image control CPU 202, a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. and are implemented.

The image control CPU 202 controls the effect display device 7 to display effect images such as a variable effect pattern, a button effect image, a lever effect image, and a notice image. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the effect display device 7 . The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes computer programs. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the effect display device 7 to display effect images. The VDP 201 reads image data from the CGROM 205 according to the display list created by the image control CPU 202 and develops the read image data in the development area in the VRAM 206 . The VDP 201 synthesizes the image data developed in the VRAM 206 and stores the synthesized image data in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 . The VDP 201 converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in the VRAM 206 into RGB signals and outputs them to the effect display device 7 . Thereby, the effect display device 7 displays the effect image.

The sub-control board 100 is electrically connected to the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the board lamp 2a via the lamp control board 79. As shown in FIG. The effect control microcomputer 101 uses data stored in the ROM 110 to create light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79 . Then, the lamp control board 79 performs light emission control of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data.

The movable body 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77 . A device (not shown) for operating the movable body 15 is connected to the movable body 15, and a movable body motor (not shown) for driving the device is connected to the device. . The production control microcomputer 101 creates operation pattern data for determining the operation pattern of the movable body 15 using data stored in the ROM 110 and transmits the operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79 . The lamp control board 79 that has received the operation pattern data drives the movable body motor via the relay board 77 according to the operation pattern, and controls the movement of the movable body 15 .

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the audio control board 78 . The audio control board 78 is equipped with an audio control CPU (not shown), an audio data ROM (not shown), an audio synthesizing circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). . The audio data ROM stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects. The voice control CPU reads voice data from the voice data ROM based on the command received from the sub-control board 100, and outputs the read voice data to the voice synthesizing circuit. The speech synthesizing circuit synthesizes the input speech data, converts the synthesized synthesized speech data into an analog speech signal, and outputs the analog speech signal to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8 . Each speaker 8 outputs a sound indicated by the input audio signal.

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

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

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

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

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

When the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display device 53 and the opening time extension function and opening frequency increasing function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, when these functions are not operating. , the variable prize winning device 20 is opened frequently, and game balls enter the second starting port 22 frequently. As a result, since the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot balls increases, the player can aim for a big win without greatly reducing the number of game balls in hand. In this way, under the condition that the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening frequency increasing function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning The control that supports the winning of the second starting port 22 by the device 20 is called electric support control.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the specific area (V winning area) inside the second big winning opening 35 (FIG. 1) during the jackpot game after winning the special jackpot to be described later. , The game state after the jackpot game is finished is a high-probability state and a time-saving state while electric support control is performed. This game state ends when the variable display of the special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times, or when a big win is won and the big win game is executed.

In addition, even if the special jackpot is won, the game ball does not pass through the specific area (V winning area) inside the second big prize opening 35 (Fig. 1) during the jackpot game, or when the normal jackpot is won. Then, the game state after the jackpot game ends is the normal probability state and the time saving state while the electric support control is performed. This game state ends when the variable display of the special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times, or when a big win is won and the big win game is executed.
In addition, when the pachinko game machine 1 is played for the first time, the game state after power-on is a normal probability state and a non-time saving state while not performing electric support control.

[Jackpot judgment table]
The big hit determination table Ta1 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) refers to when executing the big hit determination as to whether or not the game is a big hit. The jackpot determination table Ta1 is configured by associating game states (normal probability state and high probability state) with jackpot random numbers. The jackpot random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the CPU 62 executes the computer program to operate the jackpot random number counter and generate a jackpot random number. The jackpot random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC. Based on the big-hit determination table Ta1, it is determined whether the game is a big-hit or not, based on the big-hit random number counted by the big-hit counter and the game state.

[Jackpot type determination table]
The jackpot type determination table Ta2 is a table referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) executes the jackpot type determination when it is determined as a jackpot. The jackpot type determination table Ta2 is configured by associating the type of lottery (either the lottery of the special figure 1 or the lottery of the special figure 2) and the jackpot type random number. The jackpot type random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot type random numbers generated by the jackpot type random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the jackpot type random number counter operates and a jackpot type random number is generated. The jackpot type random number counter may use a random number generation circuit such as a counter IC.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, there are "10R special jackpot", "10R normal jackpot", "16R special jackpot", and "16R normal jackpot" as types of jackpots. A special jackpot is a jackpot that activates the first big prize winning device 30 and the second big prize winning device 33 with an opening pattern that allows the game ball to pass through a specific area (V winning area) during the big winning game. The normal jackpot is an opening pattern in which the passage of the game ball to the specific area (V winning area) is substantially impossible during the jackpot game, and the jackpot that operates the first big prize winning device 30 and the second big prize winning device 33. is. Based on the jackpot type determination table Ta2, the jackpot type is determined from the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter and the lottery type.

[Reach determination table]
The reach determination table Ta3 is a table referred to when determining whether or not to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) determines that the result of the big hit determination is a loss. is. Here, the reach means a state in which only one special symbol remains among a plurality of special symbols that is variably displayed, and it depends on which special symbol the variably displayed special symbol is fixedly displayed. It is a state in which special symbols are combined to indicate a big hit. In addition, the ready-to-win state is a state in which one of the performance symbols variably displayed in each of the plurality of display areas of the performance display device 7 remains, and is variably displayed. It is a state in which the combination of the big hit production pattern depends on which production pattern the existing production pattern is fixedly displayed.

For example, when one of the combinations of the jackpot performance symbols is "777", "7" is confirmed and displayed as the left performance symbol 9L in the left performance symbol display area, and as the right performance symbol 9R in the right performance symbol display area. It is a state in which "7" is fixedly displayed and the middle effect symbol 9C is variably displayed in the middle effect symbol display area. The concept of reach includes a state in which the medium effect pattern 9C is scrolled, a state in which it is swaying, a state in which expansion and contraction are repeated, and the like.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. The reach determination table Ta3 is configured by associating a game state (a non-time saving state and a time saving state) with a reach random number. The reach random number is a predetermined random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. Based on the reach determination table Ta3, the presence or absence of the reach is determined from the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter and the game state when the result of the big hit determination is a loss.

Reach random numbers that are determined to have reach are set less in the time saving state than in the non-working time saving state. Thereby, the probability that it is determined that there is reach in the time saving state is lower than in the non time saving state. That is, since the probability of being determined to be without reach increases, the probability of selecting a special figure variation pattern without reach increases accordingly when selecting a special figure variation pattern. For this reason, in the time saving state, the pace of digestion of the number of reserved special figures becomes faster.

[Special figure variation pattern selection table]
The special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4 is a table referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) determines the special figure variation pattern by lottery. Special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4, game state (non-time saving state and time saving state), determination (jackpot determination and reach determination) result, special figure pending number, variation pattern random number, special figure variation pattern, variation It is configured by associating time with stop time. In addition, you may match about a jackpot classification. The variation pattern random number is a predetermined random number selected from the variation pattern random numbers generated by the variation pattern random number counter. A computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the variation pattern random number counter operates to generate variation pattern random numbers. Based on the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4, the variation pattern random number counted by the variation pattern random number counter, the game state, the determination result and the number of special figure reservations, the special figure variation pattern, the special symbol variation time and stop time are determined be done.

[Normal Hit Judgment Table]
The normal hit determination table Ta5 is a table referred to when the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) executes a normal symbol lottery. Ordinary hit determination table Ta5 is configured by associating a game state (time saving state and non-working time saving state) with a normal hit random number.

The normal winning random number is a predetermined random number selected from the normal winning random numbers generated by the normal winning random number counter. A computer program for operating the normal winning random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and when the CPU 62 executes the computer program, the normal winning random number counter operates to generate normal winning random numbers. The normal winning random number counter may use a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. Based on the normal winning determination table Ta5, normal winning corresponding to normal symbol lottery winning or loss other than normal winning is determined from the normal winning random number counted by the normal winning counter and the game state.

[Special effect selection table]
The special effect selection table Ta6 is a table that the effect control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) refers to when executing a special effect in the later-described special effect processing (S137 in FIG. 13). The special effect is a effect executed by the effect display device 7, the speaker 8, and the like. Specifically, the content of the special effect is a competition in which a plurality of objects compete with each other for superiority. The content of the special effect is horse racing in this embodiment.

The special effect selection table Ta6, as shown in FIG. 14, is configured by associating the count number, the race rating, and the time range for first place. The count number is the number of game balls ejected from the out port 19 within a predetermined time. The race rating indicates the race rating of the horse race. The race rating increases in the order of "GIII", "GII", and "GI". The race rating is set to increase in stages as the number of counts increases in stages. The 1st place time range is a time range for setting the time when the racehorse that finished 1st finished the race. The time of the first place is set randomly from the time range of the first place. In the same race rating, as the number of counts increases step by step, the result of the competition is set to be superior in steps. Specifically, it is set so that the first place time range is faster.

[Special effect selection table]
The special figure effect selection table Ta7 is a table referred to when the effect control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) selects the effect contents executed by the effect display device 7, the speaker 8, and the like. The special figure effect selection table Ta7 is configured by associating special figure variation patterns, determination results (jackpot determination and ready-to-win determination), special figure effect selection random numbers, and effect contents. The special figure variation pattern and the determination result correspond to the special figure variation pattern and the determination result set in the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4 described above, and the execution time is specified in the special figure variation pattern selection table Ta4. It is the same as the variation time of the Toku-zu variation pattern that is set. The special effect selection random number is a predetermined random number selected from the special effect selection random numbers generated by the special effect selection random number counter. Based on the special figure effect selection table Ta7, the contents of the effect are determined from the special figure effect selection random number counted by the special figure effect selection random number counter, the special figure variation pattern and the determination result.

[Main processing of game control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 3) will be described with reference to the drawings. (Main side main control processing)
First, the contents of the main side main control process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the pachinko game machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads and executes a computer program for the main side main control process shown in FIG. 5 from the ROM 63 (FIG. 3). The game control microcomputer 61 first performs initial setting (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 62 setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: interrupt circuit for managing time), and reset various flags, counters and timers.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interruption prohibition (S2), and executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the initial value of each random number counter that generates the aforementioned jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number and normal hit random number is updated by adding "1" to each. . When the count value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit, it returns to "0" and "1" is added again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", or may be changed randomly. Further, the count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a numerical value of "2" or more. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. If this hardware random number is used, the random number updating process (S3) by software is not required.

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

(Main-side timer interrupt processing)
Next, the contents of the main timer interrupt process (S5 in FIG. 5) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes output processing (S10). In this output process, commands set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) of the main control board 60 in each process described below are sent to the sub control board 100 (FIG. 4) or the payout control board 73 (FIG. 3), output to the display device 50 or the like. Especially in this embodiment, the normal pattern fluctuation start command to start the fluctuation of the normal pattern, the normal per start command to open the second start port 22 when the fluctuation of the normal pattern stops, and the special pattern to start the fluctuation of the special pattern It also outputs the variable start command. Hereinafter, when describing the matters common to the general figure fluctuation start command and the special figure fluctuation start command, it is simply referred to as the fluctuation start command.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes input processing (S11). In this input process, various sensors (first starting hole sensor 11a, second starting hole sensor 22a, first big winning hole sensor 32a, second big winning hole sensor 35a, gate Each detection signal detected by the sensor 12a, the outlet sensor 19a, etc. (FIG. 3) is read. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes timer update processing (S12). In this timer update process, a subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (decremented).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes prize ball control processing (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out prize balls corresponding to the type of winning hole is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of the various sensors read in the input process (S11). The payout command is a command output to the payout control board 73 . Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal design/special design main random number update process is the same as the normal design/special design main random number update process (S3) executed in the main side main control process of FIG. That is, the process of updating the initial value of each random number counter consists of the execution period of the main timer interrupt process (S5) and the other period (after the main timer interrupt process (S5) ends, the next main timer (period until interrupt processing (S5) is started).

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 carries out starting sensor detection processing (S15), normal operation processing (S16), special symbol standby processing (S17), special symbol variation processing (S18), out ball count processing (S19), which will be described later. ), timing determination processing (S20), and other processing (S21), and the main side timer interrupt processing (S5) ends. Other processing (S21) includes security control processing to detect and report fraudulent winning, magnetic detection processing to detect and report fraudulent activity using magnetism, and detection of opening of front frame 18 (Fig. 1) and inner frame. a door opening process for notifying by pressing a door, a fraudulent radio wave detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity using radio waves, and an impact detection process for detecting and notifying fraudulent activity by vibrating the pachinko game machine 1, and the like.

Then, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62, the processing of S2 to S4 of the main side main control processing is repeatedly executed (FIG. 5), and when the interrupt pulse is input (after about 4 msec), Main side timer interrupt processing (S5) is executed. In the output processing (S10) of the main-side timer interrupt processing (S5) that is executed again, the commands set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) in the previous main-side timer interrupt processing (S5) are Output to a predetermined board.

(Starting port sensor detection process)
Next, the content of the starting opening sensor detection process (S15 in FIG. 6) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (FIG. 1) (S22). ). In this gate passage processing, it is determined whether or not the normal pattern reservation number is 4 or more. A process of acquiring and storing a normal random number for the purpose is performed.

Also, in S22, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S22: No), it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the second starting port 22 (Fig. 1) (S24). . Here, when it is determined that the game ball has won the second starting port 22 (S24: Yes), it is determined whether or not the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S25) . Here, if it is determined that the second special figure reservation number U2 has reached "4" (S25: Yes), the process proceeds to S30, but if the second special figure reservation number U2 has not reached "4" When determined (S25: No), 1 is added to the second special figure reservation number U2 (S26). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second special figure related random number acquisition process (S27). In this second special figure related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the variation pattern random number counter counted A variation pattern random number is acquired, and each random number acquired is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current second special figure reservation number in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b. For example, when the current second special figure pending number is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command creation process (S28). In this second starting winning command creation process, a second starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S27. This second starting winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the second starting port 22, data indicating each random number stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit 64b in S27, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second starting winning command created in S28 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S29). This set second start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 6), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on each random number included in the second starting winning command. to execute the performance.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the game ball has won the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1) (S30). Here, if it is determined that the game ball has won the first start opening 11 (S30: Yes), it is determined whether or not the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit value "4" (S31) . Here, when it is determined that the first special figure reservation number U1 has reached "4" (S31: Yes), this starting opening sensor detection process is terminated, but the first special figure reservation number U1 is "4 " is not reached (S31: No), 1 is added to the first special figure reservation number U1 (S32). Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first special figure related random number acquisition process (S33). In this first special figure related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired, and each random number obtained is stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a. Stored in the storage area according to the number of the first special figure reservation. For example, when the current number of the first special figure reservation is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 executes first start winning command creation processing (S34). In this first starting winning command creation process, a first starting winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S33. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the first start opening 11, data indicating each random number stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit 64a in S33, and the like. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first starting winning command created in S34 to the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S35). This set first start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 6), and the effect control microcomputer 101 is based on each random number included in the first starting winning command. to execute the performance.

(Normal operation processing)
Next, the contents of the normal operation process (S16 in FIG. 6) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described.
The game control microcomputer 61 reads the normal winning random number stored in the first storage area of the normal pattern reservation storage unit 64c of the RAM 64 when the normal pattern reservation number is not "0". Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 selects the determination result of the normal symbol lottery from the read normal winning random number and the current game state based on the normal winning determination table Ta5.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets normal symbols to be fixed and displayed on the normal symbol display 53 based on the determination result of the normal symbol lottery. Regardless of the game state, when the lottery result is a hit, the normal winning pattern is selected, and when the lottery result is a loss, the normal losing pattern (indicating that the lottery of the normal pattern is determined to be a loss) normal pattern) is selected. In addition, the normal symbol fluctuation time and the opening time of the second starting port 22 are determined based on the game state. The normal design, variation time and opening time selected by the game control microcomputer 61 are set in the normal pattern variation start command.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the normal pattern reservation number U3, and stores each data stored in each storage area of the normal pattern reservation storage unit 64c in the order of the earlier storage. Shift by one to the region, ie the side to be read. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the normal figure fluctuation start command to the output buffer of the RAM 64 . The normal figure fluctuation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the indicators 50 and the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 6) of the main side timer interrupt process.

The normal design display device 53 normally performs the variable display of the design based on the data of the fluctuation time included in the normal pattern fluctuation start command. In addition, each data stored in each storage area of the normal symbol holding storage unit 64c is shifted to the storage area with the earlier storage order each time the normal symbol display 53 performs the variable display of the normal symbol. .

Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a normal pattern fluctuation stop command for stopping the fluctuation display of the normal patterns in an output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) when the fluctuation time of the normal patterns is finished. The normal figure fluctuation stop command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the indicators 50 and the sub-control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 6) of the main side timer interrupt process. By the normal pattern fluctuation stop command, the normal pattern display 53 stops the normal pattern fluctuation display, and determines and displays the normal pattern (normal winning pattern or normal losing pattern) included in the normal pattern fluctuation start command. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 executes processing for driving the movable member 21 and opening the second starting port 22 for the opening time included in the normal pattern fluctuation start command when the normal pattern lottery is won. .

(Special symbol standby process)
In the special symbol standby process (S17 in FIG. 6), the game control microcomputer 61 performs the process of judging whether or not the special symbol is a hit based on the big hit determination table Ta1, and the type of the big hit when the big hit is determined to be a hit. Judgment of the jackpot type based on the determination table Ta2, processing of determining whether to select a special figure variation pattern in which reach appears based on the reach determination table Ta3 when the jackpot determination is lost, special figure variation pattern The process of selecting a special figure variation pattern based on the selection table Ta4 is executed. The game control microcomputer 61 issues a special figure variation start command including special figure stop symbol data for confirming and displaying a special figure jackpot symbol corresponding to the kind of jackpot, and variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern. It is set in an output buffer provided in RAM 64 (FIG. 3). By outputting the special figure variation start command, digestion of the special figure reservation number and special symbol variation display by the special symbol display device are executed. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 is an example of the determination means of the present invention.

(Special symbol variation processing)
In the special symbol variation process (S18 in FIG. 6), the game control microcomputer 61 sends a special symbol variation stop command to the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) to stop the variation display of the special symbols when the special symbol variation time is over. is set in the output buffer provided in By outputting the special figure fluctuation stop command, the special figure stop processing is executed in which the variation display of the special figure is stopped, and the figure (jackpot effect figure or losing figure figure) according to the special figure stop figure data is confirmed and displayed. be done.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets an opening command for executing a jackpot opening in order to start the jackpot game when it is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination. The opening of the big win is an effect such as displaying an effect image celebrating the occurrence of the big win on the effect display device 7 or reproducing a music piece celebrating the occurrence of the big win from each speaker 8 . In the opening setting, the execution time of the opening of the jackpot game is set to a predetermined timer.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the value of the special electric role operation effective counter, and finishes this special symbol variation process. The special electric role operation effective counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of rounds in the jackpot game.

(Out ball count processing)
Next, the details of the out-ball count process (S19 in FIG. 6) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. The out-ball counting process is a process of counting and storing the number of game balls discharged from the out port 19 every predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, one hour.

The game control microcomputer 61 counts out balls (S40). Out balls are game balls discharged from the out port 19 . Specifically, the game control microcomputer 61 counts out balls based on the detection signal of the out port sensor 19a read in the input process (S11 in FIG. 6).

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has passed since the count of out balls was started or the count number was reset at S46 (S42). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S42: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 terminates the out-ball counting process.

On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed (S42: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 stores the number of out balls counted (S44). As a result, the number of out-balls is stored as the number of out-balls from the time when counting of out-balls is started or the time when the count is reset in S46 to be described later to the time when a predetermined time has passed. Specifically, the current count number is stored in the count number storage unit 64d. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 resets the count number (S46), and ends the out-ball counting process. In addition, the out ball is an example of the predetermined game ball of the present invention. The out-ball counting process is an example of counting means of the present invention.

(Timing judgment processing)
Next, the content of the timing determination process (S20 in FIG. 6) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. The timing determination process is a process of determining whether it is a predetermined timing and causing the effect control microcomputer 101 to execute a special effect. The predetermined timing is the timing at which the special effect is executed. The predetermined timing is, for example, set at predetermined times several times a day (for example, three times (11:00, 16:00, 21:00)). The time between predetermined timings different from each other is set to be longer than the predetermined time described above.

The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the current time is a predetermined timing (S50). If it is not the predetermined timing (S50: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 terminates the timing determination process. On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing (S50: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the count number stored in the count number storage section 64d (S52). In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the largest count number among the plurality of count numbers stored in the count number storage unit 64d.

Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the count number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S54). The predetermined number is 3000 in this embodiment. When the count number is less than the predetermined number (S54: NO), the game control microcomputer 61 terminates the timing determination process.

On the other hand, when the count number is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (S54: YES), the game control microcomputer 61 sets a special effect execution command in an output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 3) (S56). A special effect execution command is a command for executing a special effect. The special effect execution command includes the count number acquired in S52. The special effect execution command is output to the sub control board 100 in the output process (S10 in FIG. 6) of the main side timer interrupt process. In this way, when the counted number is less than the predetermined number (S54: NO), the special effect execution command is not output, so the special effect is not executed. Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 61 erases all the count numbers stored in the count number storage section 64d (S58), and terminates the timing determination process.

(Sub-side main control processing)
Next, the sub-side main control processing executed by the production control microcomputer 101 (FIG. 4) will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the production control microcomputer 101 performs initial setting (S100). In this initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 102 (FIG. 4) setting, SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), CTC (Counter/Timer) Circuit (circuit for managing interrupt time), resets various flags, counters and timers.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the power-off signal is ON and the content of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) is normal (S101). S101: No), initializes the RAM 120 (S102), and proceeds to S103. If the determination in S101 is affirmative (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to S103 without initializing the RAM 120 . That is, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM 120 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (S101: No), the RAM 120 is initialized, but a power failure or the like If the power-off signal is turned ON but the contents of the RAM 120 are maintained normally (S101: Yes), the RAM 120 is not initialized. Note that when the RAM 120 is initialized, the values of various flags, counters and timers are reset. Also, these S100 to S102 are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 prohibits interruption (S103), and executes random number update processing (S104). In this random number update process, the initial values of various effect determination random number counters are updated. Incidentally, the random number for determining the effect includes a variable effect pattern random number for determining the variable effect pattern. The method of updating the random number can be the same method as the random number updating process performed by the game control microcomputer 61 described above.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes command transmission processing (S105). In this command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 120 of the effect control microcomputer 101 are transmitted to the image control board 200, the sound control board 78, the lamp control board 79, and the like. Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 101 executes interruption permission (S106). Thereafter, S103 to S106 are repeatedly executed. Further, while the interrupt is enabled, it becomes possible to execute the reception interrupt process (S107), the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S108) and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S109).

(Receive interrupt processing)
Next, reception interrupt processing (S107 in FIG. 10) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether the signal level of the strobe signal (STB signal) given to the external INT (interrupt) input section of the effect control microcomputer 101 from the main control board 60 (FIG. 3) has changed. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to receive a command. Specifically, for example, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the strobe signal has changed from high level to low level. If it is determined that it is not time to receive, the reception interrupt process is terminated, and if it is determined that it is time to receive, various commands transmitted from the main control board 60 are received, The received various commands are stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). This reception interrupt process is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S108, S109).

(1 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, it demonstrates, referring FIG. 11 which shows it about 1ms timer interruption processing (S108 of FIG. 10) which the microcomputer 101 for production|presentation control performs.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 1 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse of 1 msec cycle is input to the sub-control board 100 . The effect control microcomputer 101 executes input processing (S110). In this input process, switch data (edge data and level data). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes output processing (S111). In this output process, the variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4) is output to the image control board 200. FIG. The variation start command is an effect symbol variation display start command and the like, which will be described later.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a variation start command has been output (S112). Here, when the production control microcomputer 101 determines that the fluctuation start command is output (S112: Yes), it starts measuring the fluctuation time of the fluctuation production pattern (S113). Subsequently, watchdog timer processing for resetting the watchdog timer is performed (S114), and this 1ms timer interrupt processing is completed.

(10 ms timer interrupt processing)
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S109 in FIG. 10) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 executes this 10 ms timer interrupt process every time an interrupt pulse with a period of 10 msec is input to the sub-control board 100 . The effect control microcomputer 101 executes received command analysis processing (FIG. 13), which will be described later (S120), and executes switch state acquisition processing (S121). In this switch state acquisition process, the switch data created in the input process (S110 in FIG. 11) of the 1 ms timer interrupt process is stored in the RAM 120 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Subsequently, based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process, a switch process for setting display contents such as button effects and lever effects displayed by the effect display device 7 is executed (S122). Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes lamp processing (S123). In this lamp processing, lamp data is created for controlling the light emission of each lamp (board lamp 2a, left side lamp 23a, right side lamp 23b, etc.) according to the display of the effect display device 7, time management of light emission effect, etc. I do. As a result, each lamp performs a light emitting effect that matches the display of the effect display device 7. - 特許庁

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes voice control processing (S124). In this audio control processing, audio control data (data for controlling the output of audio from each speaker 8) is created, the created audio control data is output to the audio control board 78 (FIG. 4), and audio production is performed. Time management, etc. As a result, the sound is output from each speaker 8 in accordance with the display of the effect display device 7 . Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S125), and ends this 10ms timer interrupt processing. In other processing (S125), processing such as updating the variable effect pattern random number, the notice effect random number for determining the notice effect, and the like is executed.

(Received command analysis processing)
Next, the reception command analysis process (S120 in FIG. 12) executed by the effect control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the game state designation command is received from the main control board 60 (FIG. 3) (S130). A setting process is executed (S131). The game state specifying command includes information indicating the game state (regular probability state or high probability state, time saving state or non-time saving state). In this sub-side game state setting process, the received game state designation command is analyzed, and the game state flag is set based on the information included in the game state designation command. The game state flag is a flag indicating the currently set game state.

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an opening command has been received from the main control board 60 (S132), and when it is determined that it has been received (S132: Yes), an opening effect selection process is executed. (S133). In this opening effect selection process, the opening command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the pattern (contents) of the opening effect to be executed during the opening of the jackpot game is selected. Specifically, an opening performance pattern selection table (not shown) in which an opening performance pattern is set in association with each opening command is referred to, and an opening performance pattern associated with the received opening command is selected. Then, an opening effect start command for starting the opening effect in the selected opening effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 60 (S134), and when it is determined that it has been received (S134: Yes), an ending effect selection process is executed. (S135). In this ending effect selection process, the type of ending effect to be executed by the effect display device 7 and each speaker 8 at the end of the big win is selected according to the type of the big win that triggered the jackpot game being executed. .

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a special effect execution command has been received from the main control board 60 (S136). (S137).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the special figure fluctuation start command is received from the main control board 60 (S138), and when it is determined that it has been received (S138: Yes), the special figure fluctuation production Start processing is executed (S139). In the special figure fluctuation production start process, the special figure fluctuation start command including the information of the special figure fluctuation pattern is analyzed. Subsequently, when the special figure fluctuation start command is the first special figure fluctuation start command, the production control microcomputer 101 subtracts "1" from the value of the first special figure reservation production counter, and starts the second special figure fluctuation. If it is a command, "1" is subtracted from the value of the second special figure pending effect counter.

In addition, the effect control microcomputer 101, such as the start winning command stored in the special figure reservation effect storage unit (first special figure reservation effect storage unit 121 or second special figure reservation effect storage unit 122) and the look-ahead jackpot flag Shift each data toward the old storage area. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 selects a combination of the left effect pattern 9L, the middle effect pattern 9C and the right effect pattern 9R (FIG. 1) to be finally displayed when the effect display device 7 displays the variable effect pattern. , select with reference to a performance symbol selection table (not shown).

Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes a special figure effect content selection process (not shown). In the special figure effect selection process, the contents of the effect to be performed in the pachinko game machine 1 in accordance with the variation of the effect symbols are selected using the special figure effect selection table Ta7. The special figure effect selection table Ta7 is configured by associating the special figure variation pattern, the determination result, the special figure effect selection random number, and the contents of the effect as described above. The special figure fluctuation pattern corresponds to the special figure fluctuation pattern obtained by analyzing the special figure fluctuation start command. The special effect selection random number is a random number selected within the range of random numbers counted by the special effect selection random number counter. The effect control microcomputer 101 acquires a special effect selection random number counted by a special effect selection random number counter. Then, referring to the special figure effect selection table Ta7, based on the information of the special figure variation pattern obtained by analyzing the special figure variation start command, out of the effect contents associated with the special figure variation pattern, the above Select the effect contents associated with the acquired special figure effect selection random number. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 sets the effect symbol variation display start command for causing the effect display device 7 to start displaying the selected effect contents in the output buffer of the RAM 120 .

Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the special figure fluctuation stop command is received from the main control board 60 (S140), and when it is judged to have been received (S140: Yes), the special figure fluctuation production ends. Processing is executed (S141). In this special figure fluctuation production end processing, the production control microcomputer 101 sets a special figure fluctuation production end command for ending the special symbol fluctuation production in the output buffer of the RAM 120 (FIG. 4). When the set special figure fluctuation effect end command is transmitted to the image control board 200 (FIG. 4) by the command transmission process (S105 in FIG. The production pattern 9C and the right production pattern 9R (FIG. 1) are confirmed and displayed through a predetermined stop pattern. Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S142), and ends this received command analysis processing. In other processing (S142), processing based on commands other than the above commands is performed.

(Special effect processing)
Next, the special effect processing (S137 in FIG. 13) in which the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the special effect will be described.

In response to receiving the special performance execution command, the performance control microcomputer 101 selects the race rating and first place time range corresponding to the count number included in the special performance execution command based on the special performance selection table Ta6. . For example, when the count number is 4200, "GII" is selected as the race rating, and "2 minutes 15 seconds to 2 minutes 20 seconds" is selected as the first place time range. Furthermore, the time of the first runner is set randomly from "2 minutes 15 seconds to 2 minutes 20 seconds". The production control microcomputer 101 executes a special production using the race rating and the time of the first runner.

The effect control microcomputer 101 displays a moving image 300 representing a horse race, which is the content of the special effect, on the effect display device 7 (FIG. 15). The moving image 300 has a race rating display portion 301 and a time display portion 302 . The race rating display section 301 is a part that displays the selected race rating. The time display section 302 is a part that displays the set time of the first finisher. A moving image 300 shown in FIG. 15 shows a state in which a racehorse 304 running in first place on a course 303 is positioned just before a goal 305 .

When the special effect is executed, the selected race rating is displayed in the race rating display section 301, and the appearance of each of the racehorses 304 running from the start (not shown) to the goal 305 is displayed. Furthermore, when the first racehorse 304 reaches the finish line, the set time of the first runner is displayed on the time display section 302 . In this way, a special effect corresponding to the number of out balls counted is executed at a predetermined timing. The special effect processing is an example of the special effect means of the present invention.

[Effects of Embodiment]
(1) According to the pachinko game machine described above, a special effect corresponding to the number of out balls counted is executed at a predetermined timing. can be done.
(2) In addition, in the same race rating, when the count number increases, the first-place time range becomes faster.
(3) When the number of counts increases, the race rating increases.
(4) In addition, when the number of out balls counted is less than a predetermined number, the special effect is not executed, so the player's interest in out balls increases. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.
(5) Since a special effect is executed at a predetermined timing in relation to the number of out balls counted, an effect that has not existed in the past is executed, so that the interest in the game can be enhanced.

<Other embodiments>
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the content of the special presentation is a horse race, but it may be another competition instead. For example, in addition to timed boat races and athletics, competitions such as martial arts and ball games that are not related to time may be used. In the case of martial arts that are not related to time, for example, the winner's winning technique is associated with the count number in place of the first place time range in the special effect selection table Ta6. Also, in this case, as the number of counts increases, the degree of difficulty of the finishing technique increases, and the result of the competition is considered to be superior. In addition, in the case of games that are not related to time but are related to score (for example, tennis and baseball), the score of the winner is associated with the count number instead of the time range of the first finisher in the special effect selection table Ta6. Also, in this case, as the number of counts increases, for example, the score difference between the winner and the loser increases, and the result of the competition is considered superior.
(2) In addition, although the content of the special effect is a competition in which a plurality of targets compete with each other for superiority or inferiority, instead of this, for example, it may be an individual competition in which superiority or inferiority is not contested with others. If the game is shooting, for example, the special effect selection table Ta6 is set such that the higher the count, the higher the score.
(3) The content of the special effect is only the same game even if the count number is different, but instead of this, different games may be made based on the count number.
(4) In addition, it is set so that the result of the competition becomes superior as the count number increases. , the results of the competition may be the same. In this case, as the count number increases, only the race rating may increase.
(5) As the number of counts increases in stages, the race rating and time range for first place are set to become superior in stages. Race ratings and first place time ranges may be set to continuously dominate as the race progresses.
(6) In addition, in the special effect selection table Ta6, the first place time range is associated with the count number, but instead of the first place time range, the first place time may be associated.
(7) Although the race rating is set to increase as the count number increases, instead of this, the race rating may be the same regardless of the count number. Furthermore, the race rating may be deleted from the special effect selection table Ta6. In this case, only the first-arrival time range may be made faster as the count number increases.
(8) Also, when the count number is less than a predetermined number, the special effect is not executed. Alternatively, the special effect may be executed even if the count number is less than the predetermined number.
(9) The number of counts is the number of counted out balls, but instead of this, game balls fired into the game area, game balls that enter each winning hole (entering ball hole), and rental balls The game balls paid out from the payout device 80 and the prize ball payout device 400 may be counted.
(10) In addition, at S52, the game control microcomputer 61 acquires the largest count number among the plurality of count numbers stored in the count number storage unit 64d. By acquiring the smallest count number or the like, the highest count number may not be acquired.
(11) The predetermined timing is a predetermined time, but instead of this, when a big win occurs, when the big win ends, when a game ball passes through the gate 12, or when a normal win occurs. It may be changed when it occurs, when reach occurs, or whenever a predetermined number of game balls enter each starting port 11. - 特許庁
(12) It should be noted that the content of the special effect, the type and content of the race rating, the content of the moving image 300, the predetermined time and the predetermined timing may be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Pachinko machine
3 Game area
7 effect display device 10 fixed prize winning device 11 first starting port 13 general winning port 19 out port 22 second starting port 32 first big winning port 35 second big winning port 35a second big winning port sensor 61 microcomputer for game control 64d Count number storage unit S19 Out ball count process S20 Timing determination process S137 Special effect process Ta6 Special effect selection table

Claims (1)

a game area in which game balls flow down;
a counting means for counting predetermined game balls;
a special effect means for executing, at a predetermined timing, a special effect corresponding to the predetermined number of game balls counted by the counting means;
The content of the special effect is a performance in which a plurality of objects compete, and as the number of counts counted by the counting means increases, the content of the competition to be performed is ranked higher. A game machine characterized by changing to .

Images