JP7341461B2 - pinball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine that makes it easier for a player to enter a grand prize opening or a predetermined ball entry slot by hitting the ball to the right or to the left as the game progresses.

A pinball game machine, typified by a pachinko machine, has a game area provided on the front side of the game board, and a center case equipped with a liquid crystal display device (effect pattern display device) is provided in the game area. The gaming area is divided by the center case into left and right downstream areas where game balls flow down, and for example, a big prize opening and normal electric accessories are arranged in the right downstream area. With this configuration, when the player hits the ball to the right during a special game operation in which the grand prize opening is opened, it is easy for the ball to enter the grand prize opening. Furthermore, after the special game operation ends, an advantageous gaming state in which the game ball enters the starting port of the normal electric accessory is more likely than in the normal gaming state (for example, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened and the normal electric accessory is There is also a configuration in which the player shifts to a time-saving gaming state (such as a time-saving gaming state where the object is opened for a long time), and in this advantageous gaming state, the player gains an advantage by hitting right. Such a configuration is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

On the other hand, some pachinko machines are known in which information related to the game is displayed on the performance symbol display device. Specifically, during a special game operation, information related to the special game operation (number of balls entering the big winning hole, number of prize balls, number of rounds, etc.) is displayed, or in the above-mentioned advantageous game state, the information related to the special game operation is displayed. Information related to the gaming state (information indicating the period and end conditions of the gaming state, number of balls entered, etc.) is displayed. Displaying such information has the advantage that the player can accurately and easily know the progress of the game.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-16034

By the way, in a configuration in which the grand prize opening is disposed in the right downstream area of the gaming area, as in the conventional configuration described above, during the special game operation, a player who seeks a ball to enter the grand prize opening Since the ball is hit to the right, many game balls flow down the right-hand downstream area. Since players who hit right-handed have a strong tendency to watch the game ball flowing down the right downstream area and reaching the big prize opening, they may overlook the display content displayed on the display screen of the production symbol display device 6. easy. In particular, recent gaming machines are equipped with effect pattern display devices (liquid crystal displays) with large display screens. It was difficult for the player to visually recognize the content displayed on the left side of the screen, making it difficult for the player to grasp the content. In such a conventional configuration, in which information related to the special game operation is displayed on the display screen of the effect symbol display device during the special game operation, the player who is gazing at the right downstream area can see the information on the display screen. It was difficult to accurately visually recognize the information that was displayed, and there were cases where the information was overlooked. Furthermore, when a player who is gazing at the right downstream region moves his/her line of sight in order to accurately obtain the above information, he/she is likely to miss the game ball entering the grand prize opening. For this reason, there has been a demand for a configuration in which the information displayed on the display screen of the performance symbol display device can be easily viewed while the game ball is being flown down to the big prize opening.

On the other hand, even in the above-mentioned advantageous gaming state, players tend to keep their eyes on the normal electric accessories in the right downstream area, so as in the case of special game operation, the display screen of the production symbol display device It was difficult to visually recognize the displayed information, and there were cases where the information was overlooked. Therefore, there has been a demand for a configuration in which a player who is gazing at the right downstream area in an advantageous gaming state can easily view the information displayed on the display screen of the performance symbol display device.

The present invention provides a bullet ball that allows a player who is gazing at the right downstream area (or left downstream area) during a special game operation or in an advantageous gaming state to easily view the information displayed on the display screen of the performance symbol display device. We are proposing a gaming machine.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a performance pattern display device including a display screen on which performance patterns are displayed, a performance display control means for controlling the display of the performance pattern, and a performance pattern display device formed on the left side of the display screen of the performance pattern display device. a gaming area that is formed on the right side of the display screen and includes a left downstream area where the game ball can flow down, and a right downstream area that is formed on the right side of the display screen and where the game ball can flow down; A big winning hole is arranged on either side and is converted into an open state where a game ball can enter and a closed state where a game ball cannot enter, and the big winning hole is opened when a predetermined jackpot condition is met. In the pinball game machine, the production symbol display device is arranged on the left side of the display screen where the big prize opening is arranged. An information display section for displaying specific information related to the special game operation is provided in a part near the downstream area or near the right downstream area, and the effect display control means controls the display screen during execution of the special game operation. The pinball game machine is characterized in that it includes an information display control process for controlling display of the specific information on the information display section.

Here, as the "jackpot condition", for example, a jackpot is determined by determining whether the jackpot is determined, a special symbol is confirmed in a predetermined jackpot pattern, a game ball enters a predetermined specific opening, etc. It can be done.
In addition, the "information display section" is preferably configured to be provided on the left or right side of the display screen of the performance symbol display device, which is divided into left and right parts at the center in the horizontal direction, and furthermore, the "information display section" is preferably provided in the left or right part of the display screen of the performance symbol display device, and furthermore, the "information display section" It is preferable to provide a configuration in which it is provided at a location closest to (for example, the lower left or lower right).
In addition, as the "specific information" related to the special game operation, for example, the number of balls entering the big winning hole in each open round, the number of prize balls in each open round, the number of lands in the open round, etc. can be suitably used. .

In such a configuration, during the special game operation, specific information is displayed on the information display section of the display screen of the performance symbol display device, so that the left flow lower area or right flow lower area where the big prize opening is arranged. A player who is watching can visually recognize the specific information displayed on the information display section without moving his/her line of sight or by only slightly moving his/her line of sight. Thereby, the player can accurately and easily obtain specific information related to the special game operation while visually checking the ball entering the grand prize opening during the special game operation. Therefore, according to the present invention, since the specific information displayed during the special game operation can be easily learned by the player who is watching the game ball leading to the big winning hole, the interest of the special game operation can be effectively enhanced. can be increased.

Further, a second invention of the present invention provides a performance pattern display device including a display screen on which performance patterns are displayed, a performance display control means for controlling display of the performance pattern, and a left side of the display screen of the performance pattern display device. a gaming area formed on the right side of the display screen and having a left downstream area where the game ball can flow down; a right downstream area formed on the right side of the display screen and where the game ball can flow down; and the left downstream area and the right downstream area. a variable ball entrance opening that is arranged on either one of the openings and the opening state is converted into an open state and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter; It is equipped with an opening control means for opening a ball entrance, a normal game state, and a state conversion control means for converting the normal game state into an advantageous game state in which the ball enters the variable ball entrance more easily than the normal game state. In the pinball game machine, the effect pattern display device displays specific information related to the advantageous gaming state on a portion of the display screen closer to the left flow lower region or right flow lower region where the variable ball entry hole is disposed. The present invention is provided with an information display section to be displayed, and the effect display control means includes an information display control process for controlling display of the specific information on the information display section of the display screen during the advantageous gaming state. This is a unique pinball game machine.

Here, as the "opening condition", for example, determining a hit by determining whether it is appropriate to open the variable ball entrance, or determining a predetermined symbol in the form of a winning symbol, etc. can be suitably used.
Furthermore, the "advantageous gaming state" in which the ball enters the variable ball opening easily means, for example, a state in which the opening condition is more likely to be met than in the normal gaming state (a state in which the probability of the opening condition being met is high, a state in which the probability of the opening condition being met is high, (such as a state where the variable ball entry opening is high), a state where the open time of the variable ball entry opening is longer than in the normal gaming state, etc. are preferable.
In addition, it is preferable that the "information display section" be provided in the left or right part of the display screen of the performance symbol display device, which is divided into left and right parts at the center in the left-right direction, and furthermore, A configuration in which the device is provided at a location closest to the mouth (for example, the lower left or lower right) is preferable.
In addition, the "specific information" related to the advantageous gaming state includes, for example, information indicating the period during which the advantageous gaming condition continues, information indicating the remaining period until the end of the period, and information indicating the number of balls entering the variable ball entrance. etc. may be suitably used.

In such a configuration, in an advantageous gaming state, specific information is displayed on the information display section of the display screen of the performance symbol display device, so that the left flow lower area or the right flow lower area where the variable ball entry hole is provided is displayed. A player who is watching can visually recognize the specific information displayed on the information display section without moving his/her line of sight or by only slightly moving his/her line of sight. Thereby, the player can accurately and easily obtain specific information related to the advantageous gaming state while visually checking the entry of the ball into the variable ball entrance in the advantageous gaming state. Therefore, according to the present invention, since the specific information displayed in the advantageous gaming state can be easily learned by the player who is watching the game ball leading to the variable ball entrance, the interest of the game in the advantageous gaming state can be effectively increased. can be improved.

In the above-mentioned pinball game machine of the first invention or the second invention, there is provided a movable performance accessory operable in front of the display screen of the performance symbol display device, and a front part of the information display section of the display screen. and an accessory operation control means for operating the performance movable accessory that is stopped at a non-overlapping standby position in front of the display screen according to a predetermined operation pattern, and the accessory operation control means is configured to control the performance display control. A configuration is proposed that includes a process of stopping the performance movable accessory at the standby position when the specific information is displayed on the information display section of the display screen. This configuration is the third invention of the present invention.

Here, the "operation pattern" of the performance movable accessory may be either an operation pattern in which it does not pass in front of the information display section or an operation pattern in which it passes in front of the information display section. Furthermore, both of these operation patterns may be provided and one of them may be selected. Further, the "specific information" indicates "specific information related to special game operation" in the configuration dependent on the first invention, and indicates "specific information related to advantageous gaming state" in the configuration dependent on the second invention.

In such a configuration, the production movable accessory does not operate in front of the display screen of the production symbol display device while the specific information (specific information related to special game operation or specific information related to advantageous gaming state) is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player's attention from being directed to the operation of the performance movable accessory and overlooking the specific information. Furthermore, the performance movable accessory does not obstruct the player's line of sight when viewing the information display section in its standby position. Therefore, the player can easily visually recognize the specific information displayed on the information display section.
In addition, if the operation pattern includes an operation pattern that passes in front of the information display section, the player's line of sight looking at the information display section is obstructed by the operation of the performance movable accessory. However, according to this configuration, while the specific information is being displayed on the information display section, the performance movable accessory stops at the standby position, so that the player can accurately and easily view the specific information.

In the above-mentioned pinball game machine of the first invention or the second invention, the performance movable accessory is operable in front of the display screen of the performance symbol display device, and the display according to the progress of the game. Select either a first operation pattern that passes in front of the information display section of the screen or a second operation pattern that does not pass in front of the information display section, and operate the performance movable accessory according to the selected operation pattern. and an accessory operation control means, wherein the accessory operation control means controls the performance according to the second operation pattern when the specific information is displayed on the information display section of the display screen by the performance display control means. A configuration is proposed that includes processing content for activating a movable accessory. This configuration is the fourth invention of the present invention.
In addition, the above-mentioned "specific information" indicates "specific information related to special game operation" in the structure dependent on the first invention, and indicates "specific information related to advantageous gaming state" in the structure dependent on the second invention.

In such a configuration, during the display of specific information (specific information related to special game operation or specific information related to advantageous gaming state), the performance movable accessory is moved according to the second operation pattern that does not pass in front of the information display section. Therefore, the player's line of sight looking at the information display section is not obstructed by the operation of the performance movable accessory. Therefore, while the specific information is being displayed on the information display section, the player can visually recognize the specific information accurately and easily.

In addition, in the third invention or the fourth invention described above, "a gain generation control means is provided for generating a predetermined gain in response to the establishment of a predetermined gain provision condition,
When the specific information is displayed on the information display section of the display screen by the performance display control means and the gain provision condition is satisfied, the accessory operation control means controls the performance movable accessory according to the information. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the processing content is to control the operation according to the operation pattern passing in front of the display section.
Here, the "predetermined gain" includes, for example, the occurrence of a jackpot, a state in which the gaming state is more advantageous than the normal gaming state (a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is increased, a state in which the fluctuation time of special symbols is shortened, etc.) Transitions, occurrence of rare effects, etc. can be suitably used. Further, the "gain provision condition" is not limited to determining that the predetermined gain will occur through a lottery, but may be to predict (estimate or foretell) that the predetermined gain will occur through the lottery.
In such a configuration, during the display of specific information (specific information related to a special game operation or specific information related to an advantageous game state), an operation pattern that does not control the stop of the performance movable accessory or pass in front of the information display section is provided. On the other hand, when the gain provision condition is satisfied, the operation is controlled according to the operation pattern that passes in front of the information display section. This serves as a notification or advance notice of the occurrence of a predetermined gain. That is, the player can learn that a predetermined gain can be obtained by passing the performance movable accessory in front of the information display section while the specific information is being displayed. Therefore, by controlling the operation of such performance movable accessories, it is possible to provide a varied and interesting game, and the interest of the game can be dramatically improved.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention. 3 is a front view of a game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. It is a chart explaining part of the specifications of the game in the pachinko machine 1. (A) A chart showing the relationship between the jackpot pattern of the first special pattern and the content of the jackpot game, and (B) a chart showing the relationship between the jackpot game pattern of the second special pattern and the content of the jackpot game. 3 is a flowchart showing an overview of a main routine. It is a flowchart showing starting prize winning processing. It is a flowchart 1 showing the validity determination process. It is a flowchart 2 showing the validity determination process. FIG. 3 is a flowchart 3 showing the validity determination process. FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart 4 showing the validity determination process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart 5 showing the validity determination process. FIG. It is a flowchart 1 showing jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart 2 showing jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart 3 showing jackpot game processing. It is a flowchart showing the big winning a prize opening ball entry process. An explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are (A) in their respective standby positions and (B) in an operating state in which they operate in front of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6. It is. It is a flowchart which shows information display processing. It is a flowchart which shows prefetch processing. It is a flowchart which shows accessory operation processing. It is an explanatory diagram showing the production mode displayed on the display screen 6a of the production pattern display device 6 and the operation mode of the first and second production movable accessories 31 and 32 in a normal game state. It is an explanatory diagram showing a performance mode displayed on the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 during a jackpot game. It is an explanatory diagram showing the production mode displayed on the display screen 6a of the production pattern display device 6 and the operation mode in which the first and second production movable accessories 31 and 32 are operated according to the second operation pattern in the time-saving game state. . It is an explanatory diagram showing an operation mode in which the first and second production movable accessories 31 and 32 are operated according to the first operation pattern in the time-saving game state.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings. Note that the embodiments according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described below, and can take various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. It is also possible to combine the following examples and other examples as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer holding frame. An inner frame (not shown) is attached to the outer frame 51 so as to be openable and closable via hinges 53 provided on the upper and lower left sides of the outer frame 51. A frame (glass frame) 52 is attached to the inner frame so as to be openable. A plate glass 61 is removably provided on the front frame 52. Further, on the back side (rear side) of the plate glass 61, a game board 2 (FIG. 2) attached to an inner frame is arranged.

Speakers 66 are disposed on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52, and game sounds and alarm sounds emitted from the speakers 66 enhance the interest of the game and alert the players. Further, a plurality of frame-side decorative lamps 65 are arranged on the front frame 52 and emit light depending on the gaming state, and the emitted light improves the interest of the game. Furthermore, an upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally provided at the lower part of the front frame 52, and a firing handle 64 is disposed on the right side of the lower tray 63. The firing handle 64 is rotated clockwise by the player to move a firing device (not shown) and fire the game ball supplied from the upper tray 55 toward the game area 3 of the game board 2. do.

Prize balls and rental balls are dispensed onto the upper tray 55. Further, the lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls overflowing from the upper tray 55, and includes a ball removal lever (not shown) for ejecting game balls from the lower tray 63. By operating this ball removal lever by the player, the game balls accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box).

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that performs reading and writing of prepaid cards. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a payment display device 94 (see FIG. 3) having a lending button 57, a payment button 58, and a balance display device 59. Further, in the center of the upper plate 55, there are provided a performance button 67, a jog dial 68, and a decision switch 69 that can be operated by the player.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 is provided with a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by guide rails 2a and 2b, and a large number of game nails (not shown) are planted in the game area 3. A center case 5 is arranged in the center of the gaming area 3, and an LCD screen of a production symbol display device 6 (whole illustration is omitted) is arranged in the center of the center case 5 so as to be visible from the front. ing. This center case 5 is also provided with a warp entrance, a warp passage, a stage, etc. (not shown).

Directly below the center case 5, a first starting port 11 is arranged, and on the right side of the center case 5, a normal symbol activation gate 17 and a second starting port 12 are arranged vertically side by side. . The first starting port 11 is configured to allow game balls to enter at any time, while the second starting port 12 is configured by a normal electric accessory 13 equipped with wings that can be opened and closed. This configuration allows game balls to enter only when the opening is open. Further, the normal symbol activation gate 17 is configured to allow game balls to pass through it at all times.

Furthermore, a big prize opening 14 is arranged at the lower right side of the center case 5 (below the normal electric accessory 13). The big prize opening 14 is constituted by a special electric accessory 15, and the special electric accessory 15 is located in an upright position where the big winning opening 14 is closed and a tilted position where it is tilted forward from the upright position to open it. It is provided with an opening/closing piece (not shown) that operates to convert, and by setting the opening/closing piece to the upright position, it is in a closed state where it is impossible to enter the game ball into the grand prize opening 14, and by setting it to the tilted position, The prize opening 14 is brought into an open state in which a game ball can be entered. Such a special electric accessory 15 is equipped with a big winning hole solenoid 14b (see FIG. 3) that opens and closes the opening/closing piece, and by driving and controlling the big winning hole solenoid 14b, the big winning hole 14 is brought into the closed state. It is possible to control the conversion between the open state and the open state.

Furthermore, four general winning holes 41 are arranged on the left side of the first starting hole 11. These general winning holes 41 are configured to allow game balls to enter at all times. Furthermore, an out port 16 is arranged at the most downstream part of the gaming area 3, and when the game ball launched into the gaming area 3 does not enter any winning opening or starting opening, the corresponding The ball enters the out port 16.

The gaming area 3 includes a left downstream area 3a where the game ball flows down the left side of the center case 5, and a right downstream area 3b where the game ball flows down the right side of the center case 5. When the game ball is hit to the right, the game ball that has passed above the center case 5 flows down the right flow area 3b, and when the game ball is hit to the left, the game ball flows down the left flow area 3a. The right flow lower area 3b is provided with the above-mentioned normal symbol activation gate 17, second starting opening 12, and big winning opening 14. Therefore, by aiming at the right flow lower area 3b (so-called right-handed hitting), it is possible to enter the normal symbol activation gate 17, the second starting opening 12 (normal electric accessory 13), and the big winning opening 14. On the other hand, the first starting port 11 disposed directly below the center case 5 allows the game ball that has flown down the left flow downstream area 3a to enter through the game nail implanted in the game board 2. . Therefore, by aiming at the left flow lower area 3a (so-called left-handed hitting), the ball can enter the first starting opening 11 and the four general winning openings 41 described above. By configuring the left flow lower area 3a and the right flow lower area 3b in this way, the player can aim at each starting opening 11, 12 or the big prize opening 14 by properly using right-handed and left-handed hitting. You can play games. In addition, in the first starting port 11 of this embodiment, it is difficult for a game ball that has flown down the right flow area 3b to enter the ball due to the game nail.

In addition, at the lower right part of the game board 2, there is a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of a plurality of LEDs, a normal symbol reservation number display device 8, a first special symbol reservation number display device 18, and a second special symbol reservation number display device. 19, and a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 each consisting of a 7-segment display device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical wiring of the pachinko machine 1. This block diagram does not show so-called relay boards, power supply boards, etc. that simply relay signals. In addition, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, payout control device 81, production symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 are all equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, input port, output port, etc. . Then, the CPU of each of these control devices starts the program installed in each ROM using an interrupt signal with a 2 ms cycle, and executes various controls.

The main control device 80 includes a first starting port switch 11a that detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 11 and a first starting port switch 11a that detects a game ball that has entered the second starting port 12 via a game board relay terminal board 74. A second starting port switch 12a for detection, a normal gate switch 17a for detecting the game balls that have passed through the normal symbol activation gate 17, a count switch 14a for counting the game balls that have entered the big winning port 14, and a general winning port 41. Detection signals are input from each general winning a prize opening switch 41a, etc., which respectively detect game balls that have entered the game ball.

The main control device 80 operates according to a program installed in its ROM, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, etc., and sends the commands to the payout control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device. Output to 83. In addition, the main controller 80 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 9, the second special symbol display device 10, and the normal symbol display device 7 via the symbol display device relay terminal board 75, and also controls the display of the first special symbol display device 9, the second special symbol display device 10, and the normal symbol display device 7. Lighting control of the special symbol reservation number display device 18, the second special symbol reservation number display device 19, and the normal symbol reservation number display device 8 is performed. Furthermore, the main control device 80 is also connected to the big prize opening solenoid 14b and the normal power solenoid 13a via the game board relay terminal board 74. The main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the big winning hole 14 by driving and controlling the big winning hole solenoid 14b, and controls the opening and closing of the second starting hole 12 by driving and controlling the normal electric solenoid 13a. The main controller 80 also outputs management signals such as symbol fluctuations and jackpots to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78.

The payout control device 81 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the main control device 80, and drives the payout motor 90 in response to commands sent from the main control device 80 to pay out prize balls. In this embodiment, the detection signal of the payout switch 91 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and the configuration is such that both of them count the prize balls. .

Furthermore, signals from a full switch 92 and a ball out switch 93 are input to the dispensing control device 81 . The full switch 92 detects that the lower tray 63 is full, and outputs a signal to the dispensing control device 81 upon this detection. The ball out switch 93 detects that the amount of game balls stored in the ball tank (not shown) is small or that there is no storage amount, and outputs a signal to the payout control device 81 in response to this detection. When the payout control device 81 receives signals from the full switch 92 and the ball out switch 93, it stops driving the payout motor 90 and stops the payout operation of prize balls. The full switch 92 and the bulb out switch 93 are configured to continue outputting signals until the detected state is resolved, and the dispensing control device 81 stops driving the dispensing motor 90 by stopping the input of the signal. resume.

The payout control device 81 can communicate with the CR unit 56 via the CR unit terminal plate 79, and drives the payout motor 90 in response to a lending command to pay out rental balls. The CR unit terminal board 79 is also connected to the payment display device 94 for bidirectional communication, and signals from the ball rental switch and the payment switch provided in the payment display device 94 are input. The ball rental switch detects the operation of the rental button 57 and outputs a signal, and the payment switch detects the operation of the payment button 58 and outputs a signal. Further, the payout control device 81 is also connected to a firing control device 84, and transmits a firing stop command to the firing control device 84 at a predetermined timing.

The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 97 to launch game balls into the game area 3. In addition to the above-described dispensing control device 81, the firing control device 84 receives a rotation amount signal from the firing handle 64, a touch signal from the touch switch 98, and a firing stop signal from the firing stop switch 99. The rotation amount signal is output when the player rotates the firing handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the firing handle 64, and the firing stop signal is output when the player touches the firing handle 64. It is output by pressing . Note that the firing control device 84 controls the game ball not to be fired unless a touch signal is input, and also controls the game ball not to be fired even when a firing stop signal is input, regardless of the operation of the firing handle 64. It is controlled so that the ball does not fire.

The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands sent from the main control device 80, sorts them into data for effect display control, sound control, and lamp control, and sends commands for effect display control, etc. It is transmitted to the performance symbol control device 82, and data for sound control and lamp control is distributed to each control part (functional parts as a voice control device and a lamp control device) included in itself. The functional unit as the audio control device controls the output of audio from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for audio control, and the functional unit as the lamp control device controls the output of audio from the speaker 66 based on the data for lamp control. By operating the lamp driver based on this, the various LEDs and lamps 65 are controlled to emit light.

Further, the sub-integrated control device 83 is connected to switches that detect operations of the performance button 67, jog dial 68, decision switch 69, etc., and when each switch detects an operation by a player, the signal is inputted. be done. Incidentally, the jog dial 68 may be configured to be connected to the production symbol control device 82. Furthermore, the sub-integrated control device 83 is connected with accessory drive devices 33 and 34 that actuate the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32, respectively, as will be described later. The performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are operated and controlled by the sub-integrated control device 83 through driving of the accessory drive devices 33 and 34.

The production pattern control device 82 receives data and commands sent from the sub-integrated control device 83 (what is sent from the main control device 80, and inputs from the main control device 80 and inputs from production buttons etc. in the sub-integrated control device 83). (generated based on the above) to display effect images such as special effect patterns on the display screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6. In addition, between the sub-integrated control device 83 and the main control device 80 is configured as a one-way communication circuit from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83 via a production relay terminal board, and the sub-integrated control device 83 and A one-way communication circuit between the production symbol control device 82 and the production symbol control device 82 is configured from the sub-integrated control device 83 to the production symbol control device 82.

A power supply board (not shown) is configured as a DC power supply that generates a DC voltage using power supplied from an external AC power supply, and each part constituting the pachinko machine 1 is activated by operating a power switch provided on the power supply board. Supply electricity. This power supply board is equipped with a backup power supply composed of a capacitor or the like, and stores power in the backup power supply while power is being supplied from the AC power supply. As a result, in the event of a power outage, power is supplied to the main controller 80, etc. (for example, the RAM of the main controller 80, etc.), and even after the power supply from the AC power source is stopped, the data in the RAM of the main controller 80 is stored for a certain period of time. is retained. Note that the backup power source may be provided in the main control device 80, or may be provided in a device other than the power supply board. In this case, the power supply board outputs a supply signal to the device equipped with a backup power source while being supplied with power from the AC power supply, and outputs a power outage signal to the device equipped with the backup power source when the power supply is stopped. Output.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained.
When the game ball launched into the game area 3 flows down the left downstream area 3a and enters the first starting port 11 (the first starting port switch 11a in FIG. 3 detects the game ball), a first special symbol is displayed. At the same time as the first special symbol starts to fluctuate in the device 9, the random number extracted due to the entry of the ball is judged to be correct. Then, when a predetermined variation time has elapsed from the start of the variation, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, thereby notifying the result of this validity determination.
Here, the random number extracted as the ball enters the first starting port 11 is stored as a first reserved memory, as will be described later. Up to four first reserved memories are stored, and the number of first reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as the number of first reserved memories) is represented by the number of lights on the first special symbol reserved number display device 18. By digesting the first pending memory stored in this way, the validity judgment and the variation of the first special symbol are executed. Note that the number of first pending memories indicates the number of unused first pending memories.

On the other hand, when the game ball launched into the game area 3 flows down the right flow lower area 3b and passes through the normal symbol activation gate 17 (the normal gate switch 17a in FIG. 3 detects the game ball), the normal symbol display device 7 At the same time as the normal symbol starts to be displayed in a variable manner, the random number extracted due to the entry of the ball is judged to be correct. Then, when the normal symbol that has stopped after a predetermined time from the start of variation is in a predetermined winning mode, the wing pieces of the normal electric accessory 13 are driven, and the game ball can enter the second starting port 12. Here, the wing piece of the normal electric accessory 13 executes opening for 0.2 seconds once in the non-opening extension mode described later by one hit of the normal symbol, and executes opening for 1 second in the opening extension mode described later. Execute the release three times.

When a game ball enters the second starting port 12 (the second starting port switch 12a in FIG. 3 detects the game ball), the second special symbol starts changing on the second special symbol display device 10, and the second special symbol starts changing. The validity of the random number extracted due to the ball entering the ball is determined. Then, when a predetermined variation time has elapsed from the start of variation, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, thereby notifying the result of this validity determination.
Here, the random number extracted as the ball enters the second starting port 12 is stored as a second reserved memory, as will be described later. Up to four second reserved memories are stored, and the number of second reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved memory number) is represented by the number of lights on the second special symbol reserved number display device 19. By digesting the second pending memory stored in this way, the validity judgment and the variation of the second special symbol are executed. Note that the number of second pending memories indicates the number of unused second pending memories.

During the fluctuation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the special performance symbols 101a to 101c are displayed in a variable manner in conjunction with the fluctuation of each special symbol on the performance symbol display device 6 (see FIG. 21). By displaying the fluctuation of the special performance symbols 101a to 101c on the performance symbol display device 6 and displaying the stop state of the special performance symbols 101a to 101c, the player can see the fluctuation of each special symbol and the result of the judgment (big hit, small You can know whether it's a hit or a loss.
Here, in this embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol give priority to the variation of the second special symbol, regardless of the order in which the ball enters the first starting hole 11 and the second starting hole 12. and execute it. In other words, if there is an undigested second reserved memory (if the number of second reserved memories is one or more), the second reserved memory is digested and the second retained memory is The special symbol changes will begin. Then, only when there is no unused second pending memory, the first pending memory is consumed and the first special symbol starts to fluctuate.

If the result of the judgment executed by digesting the first pending memory is a jackpot, the first special symbol is stopped in a predetermined jackpot pattern mode on the first special symbol display device 9 to confirm the jackpot. Similarly, if the result of the judgment performed by digesting the second reserved memory is a jackpot, the second special symbol is stopped in a predetermined jackpot pattern on the second special symbol display device 10, and the jackpot is determined. . Then, in the performance symbol display device 6, the special performance symbols 101a to 101c are stopped and displayed in a stop mode corresponding to the jackpot symbol mode of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When the jackpot is confirmed in this way, a jackpot game is executed to open the jackpot 14. In the jackpot game, an opening round in which the jackpot 14 is opened is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times at intervals.
Furthermore, if the result of the judgment based on the digestion of the second retention memory is a small hit, the second special symbol is stopped in a predetermined small win pattern mode, and the special performance symbol is displayed in the small win pattern mode on the production pattern display device 6. Stop display. As a result, a small win is determined, and a small win game is executed in which the large prize opening 14 is opened and closed once. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is a small hit only when the second pending memory is consumed. Therefore, in processing the first pending memory, only a determination is made as to whether or not it is a jackpot.

Here, in this embodiment, there are two types of jackpot games with different numbers of open rounds, and when it is determined to be a jackpot in the lottery by the above-mentioned first retention memory or second retention memory, Selectively execute one of the jackpot games. The selection of this jackpot game is performed based on random numbers (random numbers for determining the first and second jackpot symbols, which will be described later) extracted by the ball entering the first starting hole 11 and the second starting hole 12, as described later. be exposed.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, there are two types of jackpot games: a long type in which the opening round for opening the big prize opening 14 is repeated 10 times, and a short type in which the opening round is repeated 4 times, and each opening round is repeated with an interval in between. Regardless of the type, in each open round, when the opening time of the grand prize opening 14 has elapsed for 30 seconds or when 10 game balls (the specified number) enter the grand prize opening 14, The winning opening 14 is closed and the process ends. In such a jackpot game, when a long type with a large number of rounds is executed, more game balls can enter the jackpot 14 than in a short type.

In addition, in the small winning game described above, the operation of opening the big prize opening 14 for 1.5 seconds is performed once. In such small winning games, it is more difficult to obtain prize balls than in the aforementioned jackpot games.

Next, the specifications of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Below, the number of prize balls, jackpot winning probability, small winning winning probability, normal symbol winning probability, and each game state will be explained. The other specifications are the same as before, so their explanations are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the balls enter the starting holes 11, 12, the big winning hole 14, and the general winning hole 41, a set number of prize balls are paid out. Specifically, 3 prize balls are awarded for each ball that enters the first starting port 11, 5 prize balls are awarded for each ball that enters the second starting port 12, and 5 prize balls for each ball that enters the large winning port 14. 13 prize balls are paid out each time, and 5 prize balls are paid out each time a ball enters the general prize opening 41.

Further, the configuration of this embodiment has a function of increasing the probability of winning a jackpot in the above-described validity determination, and is configured as a so-called probability varying machine. That is, the games according to this configuration are roughly divided into games that proceed with the big winning opening 14 closed and the above-mentioned jackpot games that open the big winning opening 14. Games that proceed with the big winning opening 14 closed. A normal game state, a variable probability game state, and a time-saving game state are set, and after the end of the jackpot game, the game shifts to one of the normal game state, variable probability game state, and time-saving game state.
Here, the normal gaming state is a gaming state with "low probability mode/non-opening extension mode", the time-saving gaming state is a gaming state with "low probability mode/non-opening extension mode", and the variable probability gaming state is a gaming state with "high probability mode/non-opening extension mode". This is a gaming state called "probability mode/open extension mode". In addition, whether it will be in the low probability mode or high probability mode after the jackpot game, or whether it will be in the non-open extension mode or the open extension mode, will be determined by the first starting port 11 and the second starting port 11, as described later. It is determined based on random numbers extracted by the ball landing on the number 12 (random numbers for determining the first and second jackpot symbols, which will be described later).

In the low probability mode, a predetermined low winning probability is used to determine whether or not it is a jackpot, and in the high probability mode, a high winning probability higher than the low winning probability is used to determine whether or not it is a jackpot. I do. That is, the low winning probability and high winning probability are determined for the jackpot winning probability for determining whether or not it is a jackpot, and the low winning probability is used in the winning/failure judgment in the normal gaming state or the time-saving gaming state. The high winning probability is used in the win/fail determination in the variable probability gaming state. In this embodiment, the low probability of winning in the low probability mode is 1/300, and the high probability of winning in the high probability mode is 1/30.

In the opening extension mode, the winning probability of the normal symbol is made higher than in the non-opening extension mode, and the opening time of the second starting port 12 is extended compared to the non-opening extension mode. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the probability of winning a normal symbol in the non-release extension mode is 1/10, and the winning probability of the normal symbol is 9/10 in the release extension mode. The second starting port 12 is opened once for approximately 0.2 seconds in the non-opening extension mode, and opened for approximately 1 second three times in the opening extension mode. Furthermore, in the opening extension mode, the fluctuation time between the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shorter than the fluctuation time in the non-opening extension mode, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-opening extension mode. .

The above-mentioned definite variable gaming state and time saving gaming state are respective gaming states in which the total number of variations of the first special symbol and the number of variations of the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the number of variations of the special symbol) is a predetermined upper limit. The game ends with the end condition being that the numerical value is reached, or that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is definitively displayed in the later-described jackpot symbol mode (the jackpot game is started). Here, when the number of special symbol fluctuations reaches the upper limit value in the probability variable gaming state or the time saving gaming state, the state shifts to the normal gaming state. In this embodiment, the upper limit numerical value set as the termination condition is set to 100 times (see FIG. 5).

In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small hit based on the determination of whether or not the second pending memory is digested is related to each of the above-mentioned gaming states (normal gaming state, time-saving gaming state, variable probability gaming state). It is set uniformly (for example, 1/60). In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small hit is set to be uniform, but this is not limited to this, and similar to the above probability of winning a jackpot, a configuration in which different probabilities of winning a small hit are set in a low probability mode and a high probability mode is also possible. It's good as well.

Next, the jackpot symbol mode of the first and second special symbols will be explained using FIG. 5.
As described above, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the first special symbol display device 9 based on the completion of the first reserved memory, and after the variation time has elapsed, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a symbol form that indicates the result of the validity determination. Ru. Since this first special symbol determines whether it is a jackpot or a loss by determining whether it is a jackpot or a loss, it is stopped and displayed in a pattern that indicates a jackpot (jackpot pattern) or a pattern that indicates a loss (a loss pattern) to indicate whether it is a jackpot or a loss. Determine. Similarly, the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the second special symbol display device 10 based on the completion of the second reserved memory, and after the variation time has elapsed, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a symbol mode that indicates the result of the validity determination. Since this second special symbol determines whether it is a jackpot, a small hit, or a loss by determining whether it is correct or not, it can have a pattern that indicates a jackpot (jackpot pattern), a pattern that indicates a small win (small win pattern), or a pattern that indicates a loss. It is stopped and displayed in the pattern mode (loss pattern mode) to determine a jackpot, small hit, or loss.

Ten kinds of jackpot pattern modes are predetermined for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and when a jackpot is determined by the judgment of success or failure, random numbers for jackpot symbol determination in the first and second reserved memories are used. Accordingly, one of the jackpot symbol modes is determined.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the first special symbol has the first to tenth jackpot symbol modes, and each jackpot symbol mode has the content of the jackpot game and the corresponding one. A gaming state after a jackpot game is assigned to each player.
A jackpot game with a fixed number of rounds of 10 and the above-mentioned normal game state are assigned to the first to fourth jackpot symbol modes. That is, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the first to fourth jackpot symbol modes and confirmed, a jackpot game that repeats the open round 10 times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the normal game state (low probability mode/ Shift to non-release extension mode).
The fifth to eighth jackpot symbol modes are assigned a jackpot game with a fixed number of rounds of four and the above-mentioned time-saving game state. That is, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the fifth to eighth jackpot symbol modes and confirmed, a jackpot game that repeats the open round four times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the time-saving game state (low probability mode/ Shift to open extension mode).
The 9th and 10th jackpot symbol modes are assigned a jackpot game with a fixed number of rounds of 4 and the above-mentioned variable probability game state. That is, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in either the 9th or 10th jackpot symbol mode and confirmed, a jackpot game that repeats the open round four times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the variable probability game state (high probability mode/ Shift to open extension mode).

Then, as a condition for ending the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state, the total number of variations of the first special symbol and the number of variations of the second special symbol (the number of variations of the special symbol) is 100 times (the above-mentioned upper limit value). It is set that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is definitely displayed in a jackpot symbol mode (the jackpot game is started). Thereby, the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state end when one of the two ending conditions is satisfied. Here, when the number of special symbol fluctuations reaches 100 times in the time-saving gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state, the time-saving gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state are ended and the game shifts to the normal gaming state.
In addition, in this embodiment, when shifting to the time-saving gaming state or the variable probability gaming state after the jackpot game with the 5th to 10th jackpot symbol modes, the upper limit value (100 times) of the number of special symbol fluctuations is set.

Selection of the first to tenth jackpot pattern modes is performed according to predetermined selection probabilities. In other words, when a jackpot is determined by lottery based on the first retention memory being digested, the first to tenth jackpot pattern modes are selected according to each selection probability, and after changing the first special pattern, the jackpot pattern stops at any one of the jackpot pattern modes. The confirmation will be displayed. Specifically, the selection probability of the 1st to 4th jackpot pattern is 2/20, the selection probability of the 5th to 8th jackpot pattern is 10/20, and the selection probability of the 9th and 10th jackpot pattern is 8/20. It is set at 20.

As shown in FIG. 5(B), the second special symbol has the 11th to 20th jackpot symbol modes defined, and like the first special symbol described above, each jackpot symbol mode has a number of jackpot symbol modes. The contents and the game state after the corresponding jackpot game are respectively assigned.
The 11th and 12th jackpot symbol modes are assigned a jackpot game in which the number of rounds is determined to be 10, and the above-mentioned normal game state. That is, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in either the 11th or 12th jackpot symbol mode and confirmed, a jackpot game that repeats the open round 10 times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the normal game state (low probability mode/non-probability mode/non-probability mode) is executed. Shift to open extension mode).
The 13th and 14th jackpot symbol modes are assigned a jackpot game with a fixed number of rounds of 10 and the above-mentioned time-saving game state. That is, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in either the 13th or 14th jackpot symbol mode and confirmed, a jackpot game that repeats the opening round 10 times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the time-saving game state (low probability mode/ Shift to open extension mode).
The 15th to 20th jackpot symbol modes are assigned a jackpot game with a fixed number of rounds of 10 and the above-mentioned variable probability game state. That is, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the 15th to 20th jackpot symbol modes and confirmed, a jackpot game is executed in which the opening round is repeated 10 times, and after the jackpot game, the variable probability game state (high probability mode/ Shift to non-release extension mode).

Then, as a condition for ending the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state, the total number of variations of the first special symbol and the number of variations of the second special symbol (the number of variations of the special symbol) is 100 times (the above-mentioned upper limit value). It is set that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed to be displayed in a jackpot pattern (the jackpot game is started), and when either one of them is established, , the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state end. Here, when the number of special symbol fluctuations reaches 100 times in the time-saving gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state, the time-saving gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state are ended and the game shifts to the normal gaming state.
In addition, in this embodiment, when shifting to the time-saving gaming state or the variable probability gaming state after the jackpot game with the 13th to 20th jackpot symbol modes, the upper limit value (100 times) of the number of special symbol fluctuations is set.

Selection of the 11th to 20th jackpot symbol modes and jackpot symbol modes is performed according to a predetermined selection probability. That is, when a jackpot is determined by a lottery based on the second reserved memory being digested, the 11th to 20th jackpot pattern modes are selected according to each selection probability, and after changing the second special pattern, the machine stops at any jackpot pattern mode. The confirmation will be displayed. Specifically, the selection probability of the 11th and 12th jackpot pattern is 2/20, the selection probability of the 13th and 14th jackpot pattern is 10/20, and the selection probability of the 15th to 20th jackpot pattern is 8. /20 respectively.

In this embodiment, in the normal game state, it is advantageous for the player to enter the first starting port 11, and the game is likely to be played mainly by left-handed hitting. On the other hand, in the time-saving game state and the variable probability game state, since it is advantageous for the player to enter the second starting port 12, the game is likely to be played mainly by hitting to the right.
To be more specific, since the normal game state is a "low probability mode/non-release extended mode", the probability of winning a normal symbol (1/10) is low and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is long. Therefore, it is difficult for the ball to enter the second starting port 12, and it can be said that it is advantageous for the player to play the game aiming at the first starting port 11, where the ball can enter at any time. On the other hand, since the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state are "open extension modes", the probability of winning the normal symbol (9/10) is extremely high, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is short, and it is prioritized for consumption. The fluctuation time of the second special symbol is short. Furthermore, there is a high possibility of winning a jackpot with a large number of rounds (10). Therefore, it is advantageous for the player to proceed with the game aiming at the normal symbol actuation gate 17 and the second start opening 12, and the game is likely to be proceeded mainly by right-handed hitting.

Next, the processing of various programs executed by the main controller 80 will be explained.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the main routine. The main routine consists of the main processing from S10 to S80 and the remaining processing of S85, which is repeated as much as time allows within the time remaining after executing the main processing, and is periodically executed by a hard interrupt every 2 ms. be done. When a hardware interrupt is executed by the microcomputer, it is first determined whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S10). This judgment process is performed by determining whether the value in a predetermined area of RAM as a memory is a predetermined value. When the process executed by the microcomputer shifts to this process, normal processing is executed. This is to determine whether or not it is acceptable.

If a negative determination is made in S10 (that is, it is determined that the interrupt is not a normal interrupt) (S10: No), initial settings (S15) are executed, and the process proceeds to residual processing (S85). In this initial setting, for example, writing of a predetermined value to a predetermined area of the RAM, writing of each initial value to a work area of the RAM such as setting the first and second special symbols as initial symbols, etc. are executed. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in S10 (that is, it is determined that it is a normal interrupt) (S10: Yes), the process of updating the initial value random number (S20), the process of updating the random number for jackpot determination (S25), and the first jackpot symbol Update process of random numbers for determining (S30), update process of random numbers for second jackpot design determination (S35), update process of random numbers for small hit design determination (S40), update process of random numbers for hit determination (S45), reach determination Update processing of random numbers for use (S50), update processing of random numbers for determining fluctuation patterns (S55), winning confirmation processing (S60), win/fail determination processing (S65), special game processing (S70), fraud monitoring processing (S75), image After each output process (S80) such as output process is performed, the initial value random number update process (S85) is looped within the remaining time until the next interrupt signal is input.

Next, the starting winning process executed by the main controller 80 will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. This starting winning process is one of the subroutines called in the winning confirmation process (S60) of the main routine described above.
In the starting winning process, in S100, it is determined whether the first starting port switch 11a has detected a game ball. In the case of a negative determination (S100: No), the process proceeds to S120, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S100: Yes), the process proceeds to S105. In S105, it is determined whether the first pending storage number has reached an upper limit value (for example, 4). In the case of an affirmative determination (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to S120, and in the case of a negative determination (S105: No), the process proceeds to S110.

In S110, a first extracted random number retention storage process is executed. In this first extracted random number retention storage process, a first jackpot determination random number, a first jackpot symbol determination random number, a reach determination random number, a fluctuation pattern determination random number, etc. are extracted and stored as the first retention memory, and 1 is added to the first reservation number counter indicating the number of reservations stored, and necessary processing is performed to light up the first special symbol reservation number display device 18 according to the information of the first reservation number counter.

In S120, it is determined whether the second starting port switch 12a has detected a game ball. In the case of a negative determination (S120: No), the start winning process is ended, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S120: Yes), the process proceeds to S125. In S125, it is determined whether the second pending storage number has reached an upper limit value (for example, 4). In the case of an affirmative determination (S125: Yes), the starting winning process is ended, and in the case of a negative determination (S125: No), the process proceeds to S130.

In S130, a second extracted random number retention storage process is executed. In this second extraction random number retention storage process, a second jackpot determination random number, a second jackpot symbol determination random number, a reach determination random number, a fluctuation pattern determination random number, etc. are extracted and stored as a second retention memory, and 1 is added to the second reservation number counter indicating the number of reservations stored, and necessary processing is performed to light up the second special symbol reservation number display device 19 according to the information of the second reservation number counter.

Next, the validity determination process executed by the main controller 80 will be explained using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 to 12. This validity determination process is one of the subroutines called in the validity determination process (S65) of the main routine described above.

In the win/fail determination process, as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether the special electric accessory is in operation (that is, a jackpot game or a small win game is being executed) (S150). Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S150: Yes), the validity determination process is ended, and in the case of a negative determination (S150: No), the process proceeds to S155. In S155, it is determined whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S155: Yes), the process proceeds to S260 of FIG. 10, and in the case of a negative determination (S155: No), the process proceeds to S160. In S160, it is determined whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed for confirmation. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S160: Yes), the process advances to S300 in FIG. 11, and in the case of a negative determination (S160: No), the process advances to S165.

In S165, it is determined whether or not there is an unused second pending memory, and if the determination is affirmative (S165: Yes), the process proceeds to S170, and if the determination is negative (S165: No), the process proceeds to S175. . In S170, the number of second pending memories is decremented, the oldest unused second pending memory is selected, and the information (numerical data such as random numbers) stored in the second pending memory is used for a second jackpot determination. to the designated buffer. In this way, the second retained memory is digested.

In S175, it is determined whether or not there is an unused first pending memory, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S175: Yes), the process proceeds to S180, and in the case of a negative determination (S175: No), the validity determination process is performed. end. In S180, the number of first pending memories is decremented, the oldest unused first pending memory is selected, and the information (numerical data such as random numbers) stored in the first pending memory is used to determine the first jackpot. to the designated buffer. In this way, the first retained memory is digested.
In addition, in the propriety determination process of this embodiment, the second pending memory is given priority over the first pending memory and is subjected to the propriety determination. Therefore, the first pending memory is subject to validity determination only when there is no unconsumed second pending memory.

In S185, it is determined whether the high probability flag is 1 or not, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S185: Yes), the process proceeds to S190, and in the case of a negative determination (S185: No), the process proceeds to S195. Here, the high probability flag=1 indicates the above-described high probability mode, and the high probability flag=0 indicates the above-described low probability mode. That is, if the high probability flag = 1, it is the variable probability gaming state ("high probability mode/open extension mode"), and if the high probability flag = 0, it is the normal gaming state ("low probability mode/open extension mode"). ``non-open extended mode'') or time-saving gaming state (``low probability mode/open extended mode'').

In S190, a table for determining the success or failure (probability variable table) corresponding to the high probability mode (high probability of winning) is selected, and based on the selected probability variable table, the random number for jackpot determination moved to the buffer for jackpot determination is Determine whether or not. Here, when the second pending memory is used up, it is also determined whether the random number for determining a jackpot is a small hit or not based on the selected probability variable table. Furthermore, in S190, the remaining number of correctness judgments that can be executed in the variable probability gaming state (high probability flag = 1) (the remaining number until reaching the upper limit value of the number of special symbol fluctuations) is decremented. This remaining number of times (hereinafter referred to as the remaining number of special symbol fluctuation times) is decremented both when the first pending memory is consumed and when the second pending memory is consumed.
After processing S190, the process advances to S200 in FIG.

On the other hand, in S195, a winning/failure judging table (normal table) corresponding to the low probability mode (low winning probability) is selected, and based on the selected normal table, the random numbers for jackpot deciding that have been moved to the jackpot judging buffer are selected. , determine whether it is a jackpot or not. Here, when the second pending memory is used up, it is also determined whether the random number for determining a jackpot is a small hit or not based on the selected normal table. After processing in S195, the process moves to S200 in FIG.

In S200, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot based on the determination result of S190 or S195, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S200: Yes), the process proceeds to S205, and in the case of a negative determination (S200: No), S220 Proceed to.

In S205, the jackpot symbol form of the special symbol is determined based on the jackpot symbol determining random number (the jackpot symbol determining random number in the buffer for jackpot determination) related to the digested pending memory. To be more specific, when the first reserved memory is digested, one jackpot pattern is determined from the first to tenth jackpot pattern described above based on the first jackpot pattern determination random number (FIG. 5). (See (A)). On the other hand, when the second reserved memory is digested, one jackpot pattern is determined from the 11th to 20th jackpot pattern described above based on the second jackpot pattern determination random number (FIG. 5(B) )reference). As described above, the determination of the first to tenth jackpot symbol modes and the eleventh to 20th jackpot symbol modes are performed according to predetermined selection probabilities.
Here, in the case where the first retention memory is digested, the probability of selecting any one of the first to fourth jackpot symbol modes is 10%, and the probability of selecting one of the fifth to eighth jackpot symbol modes is 10%. The probability of selecting either the 9th or 10th jackpot pattern is 40%. That is, when a jackpot is determined by digesting the first reserved memory, the probability of transitioning to the above-mentioned normal gaming state (low probability mode/non-open extension mode) after the jackpot game is 10%, and the time-saving gaming state (low probability mode) is 10%. /open extension mode) is 50%, and the probability of shifting to a variable gaming state (high probability mode/open extension mode) is 40%.
On the other hand, in the case where the second retention memory is digested, the probability of selecting either the 11th or 12th jackpot pattern is 10%, and the probability of selecting either the 13th or 14th jackpot pattern is 10%. The probability is 50%, and the probability of selecting any of the 15th to 20th jackpot symbol modes is 40%. In other words, even if a jackpot is determined by digesting the second reserved memory, the probabilities of transitioning to the normal gaming state, time-saving gaming state, and variable probability gaming state are the same as when a jackpot is determined by digesting the first reserved memory. It is.

In the subsequent fluctuation pattern determination process of S210, the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number, etc. (the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number in the buffer for jackpot determination, etc.) related to the expired pending memory, and the open extension flag are used. Based on this, the variation time of the special symbol is determined, and the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined in accordance with the variation time. Here, the open extension flag = 1 indicates the above-mentioned open extension mode, and the open extension flag = 0 indicates the above-described non-open extension mode. That is, if the opening extension flag = 1, it is the above-mentioned variable probability gaming state ("high probability mode/opening extension mode") or time-saving gaming state ("low probability mode/opening extension mode"), and the opening extension flag = 0. If so, the game is in the normal gaming state ("low probability mode/non-open extension mode").
In the fluctuation pattern determination process, the fluctuation time of selectable special symbols is determined in advance according to the opening extension flag, and the fluctuation time of the special symbol is determined according to the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern, the reach judgment random number, etc. Ru. In other words, when the open extension flag = 0 (normal gaming state), since it is the non-open extension mode, it is possible to select the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the non-open extension mode, and the variation pattern of the expired pending memory. The fluctuation time of the special symbol is determined by a random number for determination, a random number for reach judgment, etc. On the other hand, if the opening extension flag = 1 (variable probability gaming state or time saving gaming state), the opening extension mode shortens the variation time of special symbols, so select the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the opening extension mode. The fluctuation time is determined by a random number for determining a fluctuation pattern, a random number for determining reach, etc. The reach determination random number is used to determine whether or not to execute various predetermined reach performances (normal reach performance, long reach performance, super reach performance, etc.). Then, when it is decided to execute any of the ready-to-reach effects, the special symbol variation time is determined according to the determined ready-to-win effect.

In the subsequent S215, the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the gaming state after the jackpot game are set according to the jackpot game content determined in the above S205 (see FIG. 5). Here, when transitioning to the normal gaming state after the jackpot game, it is decided to enter the low probability mode and the non-open extension mode. In addition, when shifting to the time-saving gaming state, it is determined to use the low probability mode and the extended opening mode, and the upper limit numerical value of the number of special symbol fluctuations is determined. In addition, when shifting to the probability variable gaming state, it is decided to use the above-mentioned high probability mode and open extended mode, and the upper limit numerical value of the number of special symbol variations is determined. Further, in S215, performance time and performance pattern (performance time and performance pattern between jackpot start performance and jackpot end performance), interval time, etc. related to the jackpot game are also set.
After this S215, the process advances to S250.

In S220, it is determined whether or not there is a small hit based on the determination result in S190 or S195. Here, in the case of an affirmative determination (S220: Yes), the process proceeds to S225, and in the case of a negative determination (S220: No), the process proceeds to S240. In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, it is determined whether or not there is a small hit only when the second pending memory is exhausted, so if the first pending memory is exhausted, the determination is made in S220. A negative determination is made (proceed to S240).

In S225, a small winning symbol is determined based on the random number for determining a jackpot symbol related to the second pending memory, and the process proceeds to S230.
In the fluctuation pattern determination process of S230, similarly to S210, the random number for determining a fluctuation pattern, the random number for reach determination, etc. related to the second pending memory (the random number for determining a fluctuation pattern, the random number for reach determination, etc. in the buffer for determining a jackpot, etc.) The variation time of the second special symbol is determined based on the opening extension flag, and the variation pattern of the second special symbol is determined in accordance with the variation time.
In the following S235, the opening operation pattern of the big prize opening 14 in the small winning game, the performance time related to the small winning game, etc. are set, and the process proceeds to S250.

Furthermore, in S240, which follows from the negative determination of S220, similar to S210, the random numbers for determining the fluctuation pattern and the random numbers for reach determination related to the reserved memory that have been consumed (the random numbers for determining the fluctuation pattern in the buffer for determining the jackpot and the reach determination random numbers, etc. Random numbers, etc.) and the opening extension flag, the fluctuation time and fluctuation pattern of the special symbol are determined. Furthermore, in S240, prior to this, processing is performed to determine losing symbols. In the following S245, processing related to the loss is performed, and the process proceeds to S250.
In addition, in this embodiment, the process of determining a losing symbol is performed in S240, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration may include a process of determining a losing symbol before S240.

In S250, a pending number command indicating the first pending memory number and the second pending memory number after decrementing in S170 and S180, and information on the validity determination result determined in S190 and S195 (big hit, small hit, A command including information on the winning game (or loss) and a fluctuation start command including the jackpot game content determined in S205, the special symbol fluctuation time, the special symbol stop mode, etc. are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. This fluctuation start command includes information indicating whether the digested pending memory is the first pending memory or the second pending memory, information indicating whether to execute various reach effects, and the remaining number of special symbol fluctuations. Contains information. Furthermore, according to the digested pending memory, the first special symbol display device 9 or the second special symbol display device 10 is driven and controlled to start changing the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the validity judgment process is ended. do.
In addition, when the sub-integrated control device 83 receives such a command, the sub-integrated control device 83 receives the information indicated in the command (the number of first pending memories, the number of second pending memories, the fluctuation time of special symbols, the presence or absence of various reach effects, and the result of judgment. , special symbol stopping mode, jackpot game contents, etc.) are stored in a predetermined buffer. Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 transmits a command to the production symbol control device 82 along with the fluctuation start command, and the production symbol control device 82 drives and controls the production symbol display device 6 according to the received command. , a variable stop performance, a reach performance, etc. of the special performance symbol corresponding to the information of the stop symbol mode and the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol are determined, and the determined performance is displayed and controlled on the performance symbol display device 6.

In S260 of FIG. 10, which follows from the affirmative determination of S155 described above, it is determined whether the special symbol variation time has elapsed, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S260: Yes), the process proceeds to S265, and in the case of a negative determination, (S260: No), the validity determination process ends. In S265, the variable display of the special symbol is ended, and the confirmed symbol of the special symbol (that is, the jackpot symbol determined in S205, the small win symbol determined in S225, or the losing symbol determined in S240) is displayed, and A symbol confirmation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 to execute the final display of the performance symbol, and the validity determination process is terminated.

In S300 of FIG. 11, which follows from the affirmative determination of S160 described above, it is determined whether the duration of the final display of the special symbol has ended, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305, where a negative determination is made. In this case (S300: No), the validity determination process ends. In S305, the confirmation display of the special symbol is ended, and the process proceeds to S310. In S310, it is determined whether or not the confirmed and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol mode. In the case of an affirmative determination (S310: Yes), the process proceeds to S315, and in the case of a negative determination (S310: No), FIG. The process advances to S360. In S315, it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is 1 with reference to the high probability flag. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S315: Yes), the process proceeds to S320, and in the case of a negative determination (S315: No), the process proceeds to S325. In S320, the high probability flag is cleared and the process proceeds to S325. In S325, it is determined whether or not the release extension flag is 1 with reference to the release extension flag. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S325: Yes), the process proceeds to S330, and in the case of a negative determination (S325: No), the process proceeds to S335. In S330, the open extension flag is cleared and the process proceeds to S335. In S335, the remaining number of special symbol fluctuations is cleared and the process proceeds to S340.
After that, by sequentially executing the state designation command transmission process (S340), the condition device operation start process (S345), the accessory continuous operation device operation start process (S350), and the jackpot start performance process (S355), the jackpot game mode The jackpot game is started by transmitting a command indicating this, a command instructing the start of the jackpot game, etc. to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the success/failure determination process is ended.
Here, in the state designation command transmission process (S340) of this embodiment, when both the high probability flag and the open extension flag are cleared, information indicating the end of the variable probability gaming state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control. On the other hand, if only the open extension flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the time-saving gaming state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

On the other hand, in S360 of FIG. 12 following the negative determination of S310, the high probability flag is referred to, and if the high probability flag = 1 (S360: Yes), the remaining number of correctness determinations that can be executed in the variable probability gaming state (Remaining number of special figure fluctuations) is referred to (S365). Then, when the remaining number of special symbol variations = 0 (S365: Yes), the high probability flag is cleared (S370) and the process proceeds to S375. On the other hand, in the case of a negative determination in S365 (S365: No), the process advances to S375.
In S375, the release extension flag is referred to, and if the release extension flag = 1 (S375: Yes), the remaining number of correctness judgments that can be executed in the probability variable gaming state or the time saving gaming state (remaining number of special symbol variation numbers) is determined. ) (S380). Then, when the remaining number of special figure fluctuations is 0 (S380: Yes), the opening extension flag is cleared (S385) and the process proceeds to S390. On the other hand, in the case of a negative determination in S380 (S380: No), the process proceeds to S390.

In S390, a status designation command transmission process is executed. In the state designation command transmission process (S390) of this embodiment, when both the high probability flag and the open extension flag are cleared, information indicating the end of the variable probability gaming state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. If only the open extension flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the time-saving gaming state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In the subsequent S395, it is determined whether or not the second special symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is a symbol that will result in a small hit, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S395: Yes), the process moves to S400, and a special electric accessory activation process ( S400), by sequentially executing the small winning start production process (S405), a command indicating the mode of the small winning game, a command instructing the start of the small winning game, etc. is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83, etc. The small winning game is started, and the success/failure determination process is ended. Moreover, in the case of a negative determination in S395 (S395: No), the validity determination process is ended.

Next, the jackpot game process executed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 to 15. This jackpot game process is a process that is executed from the above-described special game process (S70) of the main routine when a jackpot is achieved by the above-described success/failure determination process.

In the jackpot game process, as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (that is, the jackpot game is being executed) (S500). Here, in the case of an affirmative determination (S500: Yes), the process proceeds to S505, and in the case of a negative determination (S500: No), the jackpot game process is ended.

In S505, it is determined whether or not the big prize opening 14 is open, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S505: Yes), the process proceeds to S550 of FIG. 14, and in the case of a negative determination (S505: No), Proceed to S510.

In S510, it is determined whether or not it is during the interval between open rounds in the jackpot game. In the case of an affirmative determination (S510: Yes), the process proceeds to S570 in FIG. 14, and in the case of a negative determination (S510: No), the process proceeds to S515. In S515, it is determined whether or not the end performance of the jackpot game is in progress. In the case of an affirmative determination (S515: Yes), the process advances to S600 in FIG. 15, and in the case of a negative determination (S515: No), the process advances to S520.

In S520, it is determined whether the start performance time in the jackpot game has elapsed. In the case of an affirmative determination (S520: Yes), the process proceeds to S525, and in the case of a negative determination (S520: No), the jackpot game process is ended.

In S525, a big winning hole opening process is executed to open the big winning hole 14. In this big winning hole opening process, in synchronization with the start of opening of the big winning hole 14, the opening time (for example, 30 seconds) that is preset as the maximum opening time of the big winning hole 14 in the opening round is started. . After this jackpot opening processing, the jackpot game processing ends. Here, the open time is calculated by subtracting the open timer. Specifically, the opening timer has a counter value corresponding to the opening time (30 seconds) set in advance, and performs a process of subtracting the counter value every time a jackpot game process is executed (every timer interrupt process). It is assumed that the opening time has elapsed when the counter value becomes 0. Naturally, the means for measuring the open time is not limited to such a subtraction process of the open timer, and other means may also be used.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the big winning hole opening process of S525, when the opening of the big winning hole 14 starts, information indicating the start of the opening round and information indicating that it is the first opening round are sent. It is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

In S550 of FIG. 14, which follows from the affirmative determination of S505, it is determined whether the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 14 has reached 10. In the case of an affirmative determination (S550: Yes), the process proceeds to S560, and in the case of a negative determination (S550: No), the process proceeds to S555. In S555, it is determined whether the open time (30 seconds) has elapsed due to the time expiry of the above-described open timer. Here, in the case of an affirmative determination (S555: Yes), the process proceeds to S560, and in the case of a negative determination (S555: No), the jackpot game process is ended. In S560, a big winning hole closing process is executed to close the big winning hole 14 (end the open round). In the subsequent S565, a jackpot interval process is executed to set an interval between each open round of the jackpot game, and the jackpot game process is ended.

In S570 of FIG. 14, which follows from the affirmative determination of S510, it is determined whether or not the interval time of the jackpot game has elapsed. Here, in the case of an affirmative determination (S570: Yes), the process proceeds to S575, and in the case of a negative determination (S570: No), the jackpot game process is ended. In S575, it is determined whether or not the final round has ended, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S575: Yes), the process proceeds to S580, and in the case of a negative determination (S575: No), the process proceeds to S585.
In S580, a jackpot end performance process is executed to perform a performance when ending the jackpot game. Furthermore, in this embodiment, information indicating that the final open round has ended is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. After this S580, the jackpot game process ends.
In S585, a big prize opening opening process is executed. In this process, the same process as S525 described above is performed, and the big winning hole 14 is opened, and the opening time (30 seconds) is started. Furthermore, as in S525, information indicating the start of an open round and information indicating the number of opened rounds that have been started are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

Further, in S600 of FIG. 15 following the affirmative determination of S515, it is determined whether or not the time for the jackpot end performance has ended. In the case of an affirmative determination (S600: Yes), the process proceeds to S605, and S605 and S610 are sequentially executed, while in the case of a negative determination (S600: No), the jackpot game process is ended. In S605 and S610, the accessory continuous operation device and the condition device are stopped, and the process proceeds to S615. In S615, it is determined whether or not to shift to the variable probability gaming state after the jackpot game. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S615: Yes), the process proceeds to S620, and in the case of a negative determination (S615: No), the process proceeds to S640. In S620, the number of times of validity judgment that can be executed during the variable probability gaming state (the upper limit value of the number of special symbol fluctuations) is set. In subsequent S625 and S630, the high probability flag is set to 1 and the open extension flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S660.
In S640, it is determined whether or not to shift to the time saving gaming state after the jackpot game, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S640: Yes), the process proceeds to S645, and in the case of a negative determination (S640: No), the process proceeds to S660. move on. In S645, the number of times (the upper limit value of the number of special symbol variations) that can be executed during the time-saving gaming state is set. In the following S650, the open extension flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S660.
In addition, the number of times of validity judgment that can be executed in the variable probability gaming state or the time-saving gaming state is determined by referring to the upper limit value of the number of times of special symbol fluctuations determined in S215 of the above-mentioned success/failure determination process, and changing the upper limit value to the remaining number of times of special symbol fluctuations. Set to .

In S660 and S665, a process of transmitting a jackpot end command to end the performance related to the jackpot game and a status designation command sending process are executed to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the jackpot game process is ended. Here, in this embodiment, in S665, a normal gaming state, a time-saving gaming state, or a variable probability gaming state is started according to the high probability flag and the open extension flag set in S625, S630, and S650. The sub-integrated control device 83 transmits information indicating that the sub-integrated control device 83 is to be That is, when the high probability flag = 1 and the open extension flag = 1, information indicating the start of the variable probability gaming state is transmitted, and when the high probability flag = 0 and the open extension flag = 1, the time saving game is transmitted. Information indicating the start of the state is transmitted, and when the high probability flag = 0 and the open extension flag = 0, information indicating the start of the normal gaming state is transmitted. Furthermore, when transmitting information indicating the start of the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state, information on the upper limit numerical value (remaining number) of the number of special symbol fluctuations set in S620 or S645 is also transmitted.

Next, the big winning hole entry process executed by the main controller 80 will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. 16. This big winning hole entry process is a process for counting the number of balls entering the big winning hole 14 opened by the jackpot game process described above, and is a subroutine called in the winning confirmation process (S60) of the main routine described above. one of.

In the jackpot ball entry process, it is determined in S700 whether or not a jackpot game is being played. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S700: Yes), the process proceeds to S705, and in the case of a negative determination (S700: No), the big winning hole entry process is ended. In this embodiment, the period from the start of the execution of the jackpot start performance by the above-mentioned propriety determination process to the end of the execution of the jackpot end performance by the jackpot game process is defined as the jackpot game being played.

In S705, it is determined whether the big prize opening 14 is open or not, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S705: Yes), the process proceeds to S710, and in the case of a negative determination (S705: No), the process proceeds to S730.

In S710, it is determined whether the ball has entered the grand prize opening 14, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S710: Yes), the process proceeds to S715, and in the case of a negative determination (S710: No), the ball has entered the grand prize opening 14. Finish sphere processing. In S715, a ball entering count process is executed. In this ball entry counting process, each time a ball enters the jackpot hole 14, the total number of balls entered during the jackpot game is counted, and the number of balls entered in each open round is counted.

In the following S720, incoming number data transmission processing is executed. In this ball entry data transmission process, information indicating the total number of balls entered and the number of balls entered in each open round counted in the ball entry counting process is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. Furthermore, in this ball entry data transmission process, each time a ball enters the big winning a prize opening 14, a signal indicating the ball entry is transmitted to the payout control device 81.
It should be noted that the payout control device 81 executes a process of paying out a predetermined number (13) of prize balls each time it receives a signal indicating that a ball has entered the big winning hole 14.

On the other hand, in S730 following the negative determination in S705, it is determined whether or not the last open round has ended, and in the case of an affirmative determination (S730: Yes), the process proceeds to S735, and in the case of a negative determination (S730: No), The grand prize opening ball entry process ends. In S735, entry data clear processing is executed. In this ball entry data clearing process, the total number of balls entered and the number of balls entered for each open round are cleared.

Next, main parts of the present invention will be explained.
In this embodiment, during a jackpot game, information related to the jackpot game is displayed on the first information display section 21 set on the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 (see FIG. 22), and the time-saving game state is and variable probability gaming states, information related to each gaming state is displayed on the second information display section 22 set on the display screen 6a (see FIGS. 23 and 24). Here, in this embodiment, the information related to the jackpot game includes the number of rounds in which the jackpot 14 is opened, the total number of balls that entered the jackpot 14 during the jackpot game, and each opening. The number of balls entering the big winning hole 14 in a round is set. On the other hand, as the information related to the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state, in this embodiment, the remaining number of the above-mentioned special symbol fluctuation times is set.

As shown in FIG. 17, the first information display section 21 for displaying information related to the jackpot game is provided at the lower right of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6, and is used to display information related to the time-saving game state and the variable probability game state. A second information display section 22 for displaying information is provided directly above the first information display section 21. In this way, on the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6, the first information display section 21 and the second information are displayed in the right half area (hereinafter referred to as the right side display area) which is obtained by dividing the display screen 6a into left and right halves. The display sections 22 are arranged vertically. As a result, a player who is gazing at the left downstream region 3a of the gaming area 3 during a jackpot game, in a variable probability gaming state, and in a time-saving gaming state can receive information displayed on the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22. is easy to visually recognize. In particular, in this embodiment, since the first information display section 21 is provided at the part closest to the big prize opening 14 (the lower right part of the display screen 6a), during the jackpot game, the first information display section 21 is provided at the part closest to the big winning opening 14. A player watching the ball entering the ball can visually recognize the first information display section 21 without moving his/her line of sight. Similarly, since the second information display section is provided at the part closest to the normal electric accessory 13 (the right middle part of the display screen 6a), the second starting port 12 is A player watching the ball entering the ball can visually recognize the second information display section 22 without moving his/her line of sight.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 that operate in front of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 and the respective performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are activated. accessory drive devices 33 and 34 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 17, the first performance movable accessory 31 is shaped like a sword, and has a waiting position (FIG. 17A) hidden behind the right side of the center case 5 and a performance symbol display device. The accessory driving device 33 performs a positional conversion operation to an advancing position (FIG. 17(B)) in which it advances to the front of the right display area of the display screen 6a of No. 6. Here, the first performance movable accessory 31 operates in front of the right side display area of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 by changing the position between the standby position and the advanced position. It passes directly in front of the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 in the right display area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17(B), when the first performance movable accessory 31 operates to change its position, the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 are blocked, making it difficult for the player to visually recognize them. Become. In addition, since the standby position of the first performance movable accessory 31 is hidden behind the right side of the center case 5, the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 of the display screen 6a are does not overlap.

The second performance movable accessory 32 is shaped like a shield, and has a standby position hidden behind the left side of the center case 5 (FIG. 17(A)) and a display screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6. The accessory driving device 34 performs a positional conversion operation to an advanced position (FIG. 17(B)) in which the object is advanced to the left side of the front surface of the object. Here, the second performance movable accessory 32 is moved to the left half area (hereinafter referred to as the left side display It operates in front of the area). Therefore, even if the second performance movable accessory 32 operates to change its position, the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 are not obstructed, so that the player can easily see them. In addition, since the standby position of the second performance movable accessory 32 is hidden behind the left side of the center case 5, the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 of the display screen 6a are does not overlap.

The accessory driving device 33 that changes the position of the first performance movable accessory 31 is composed of a stepping motor and a gear (not shown), and the rotation of the stepping motor is transferred to the first performance movable accessory 31 through the gear. The first performance movable accessory 31 is changed in position between the standby position and the advancing position. Further, the accessory drive device 34 that operates to change the position of the second performance movable accessory 32 is composed of a stepping motor and a gear (not shown), and the rotation of the stepping motor is transferred to the second performance movable role via the gear. By transmitting the information to the object 32, the position of the second performance movable accessory 32 is changed between the standby position and the advanced position.
Note that the details of these accessory drive devices 33 and 34 will be omitted because those having a conventionally known configuration can be applied.

The operation of the first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 is controlled by the sub-integrated control device 83. That is, each stepping motor of the accessory drive devices 33 and 34 is connected to a sub-integrated control device 83 (see FIG. 3), and the sub-integrated control device 83 drives and controls each stepping motor. The performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 are operated to change their positions, respectively.

In this embodiment, the position changing operation of the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 described above is executed as a reach performance of the special symbol. Specifically, when execution of the ready-to-win effect is determined by the above-mentioned validity judgment process, the ready-to-reach effect image is displayed on the display screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6 while the special symbol is changing, and along with the display, Then, the position conversion operation of the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 is executed (see FIGS. 21, 23, and 24). By displaying the ready-to-win performance image and changing the positions of the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32, the player's feelings of expecting a jackpot can be effectively heightened, and the player's interest can be improved.

The position changing operation between the first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 is performed according to a predetermined operation pattern. In this embodiment, two types of operation patterns, a first operation pattern and a second operation pattern, are set, and the sub-integrated control device 83 selects one of them and performs position conversion according to the selected operation pattern. activated. Here, the first operation pattern is a pattern in which the operation of changing the positions of the first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 to their respective standby positions and advancing positions is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the operation according to this first operation pattern, the first performance movable accessory 31 is operated to change its position. The information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 become difficult to visually recognize (see FIGS. 24B and 24E). On the other hand, the second operation pattern is a pattern in which the operation of changing the position of the second performance movable accessory 32 between the standby position and the advanced position is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the second operation pattern, the first performance movable accessory 31 is held at the standby position and the position change operation is not performed. In the operation according to this second operation pattern, only the second performance movable accessory 32 is operated to change its position, so as described above, the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 are not obstructed and can be visually recognized. (See FIG. 23(C)).

The sub-integrated control device selects the first operation pattern in the normal game state, and selects the second operation pattern in the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state. As a result, when the second information display section 22 of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 is displaying information related to the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state, the first performance movable accessory 31 is in the standby position. Since the information is held, it is easy to visually recognize the information displayed on the second information display section 22 (see FIG. 23). In addition, in the normal gaming state, since the information is not displayed on the second information display section 22, even if the first performance movable accessory 31 performs a position change operation according to the first operation pattern, the second information display section 22 does not display the second information to the player. There is no disadvantage caused by the part 22 becoming difficult to visually recognize.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state, the first performance movable accessory 31 is operated to change its position according to the first operation pattern that is not normally selected, thereby digesting the unused pending memory. Foretells the occurrence of a jackpot. Specifically, in the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state, before being digested by the above-mentioned right/fail judgment process, the jackpot determination random numbers in the unused first starting memory and second starting memory are read in advance to determine whether or not to hit the jackpot. If a jackpot is determined based on the pre-reading, the position conversion operation of the first and second performance movable accessories 31, 32 is performed according to the first operation pattern in the ready-to-reach performance. In this way, in the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state, normally, in the reach performance, the first performance movable accessory 31 does not operate and the second information display section 22 is easily visible, but the suspended memory before consumption is When a jackpot is determined by looking ahead, the first performance movable accessory 31 operates to change its position in a ready-to-reach performance to make the second information display part 22 difficult to visually recognize, thereby giving a jackpot notice. That is, in the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state, the position change operation of the first performance movable accessory 31 (and the second performance movable accessory 32) is a performance that foretells that a jackpot will be hit with unexploited retained memory. ing.

Next, an information display process (FIG. 18) in which information is displayed on the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 of the display screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6 described above, and the pending memory before consumption is read in advance. The pre-reading process (FIG. 19) and the accessory operation control process (FIG. 20) that controls the operation of the performance movable accessories 31 and 32 will be described below. Here, the information display processing and accessory operation control processing are processing executed by the sub-integrated control device 83, and the pre-reading processing is processing executed by the main control device 80.

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of the information display processing. This information display process is a process that is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 (for example, a timer interrupt process with a 2ms cycle), and is transmitted from the main control device 80 by the above-described validity judgment process and jackpot game process. Executes according to commands and information.

In the information display process, in S800, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game is being played. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S800: Yes), the process advances to S805, and in the case of a negative determination (S800: No), the process advances to S830. Here, whether or not a jackpot game is in progress is determined based on a jackpot game start command sent from the main control device 80 by the above-mentioned propriety determination process and a jackpot end command sent from the main control device 80 by the jackpot game process. Make a judgment.

In S805, it is determined whether information indicating a ball entering the big winning hole 14 has been received from the main control device 80. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S805: Yes), the process advances to S810, and in the case of a negative determination (S805: No), the process advances to S815. Here, the information indicating the number of balls entering the grand prize opening 14 is information indicating the total number of balls entered in the above-described grand prize opening ball entry processing and information indicating the number of balls entering each open round.

In S810, entering ball information update display processing is executed. In this ball entry information update display process, the total number of balls entered and the number of balls entered for each open round stored in a predetermined buffer are calculated based on the latest total number of balls entered and the number of balls entered for each open round received from the main controller 80. The total number of balls entered is updated and stored, and the total number pattern 127 (see FIG. 22) showing the latest total number of balls entered and the number of balls entered pattern 126 (see FIG. 22) showing the number of balls entered in each open round are updated. A command for displaying is sent to the production pattern control device 82. By transmitting this command, the sub-integrated control device 83 displays the total number symbol 127 and the ball entering number symbol 126 on the first information display section 21 of the display screen 6a of the production symbol display device 6 via the production symbol control device 82. The display is controlled (see FIG. 22). In this way, in the entering ball information update display process, each time the information on the total number of balls entering and the number of entering balls is received from the main controller 80, the information is rewritten to the latest data, and the total number of symbols and the number of balls are entered according to the latest data. The number of pitches is displayed.

In S815, it is determined whether information on an open round has been received from the main controller 80. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S815: Yes), the process proceeds to S820, and in the case of a negative determination (S805: No), the information display process is ended. Here, the information on the open round is information transmitted from the main controller 80 by the above-described jackpot game process, and includes information indicating the start of the open round, information indicating the number of opened rounds that have been started, and information indicating the number of open rounds that have been started. Information indicating the end of the round is included.

In S820, round information update display processing is executed. In this round information update display process, when the information indicating the start of the open round and the information indicating the number of open rounds are received, a command for displaying a round number symbol indicating the number of open rounds that has started is issued according to these information. , is transmitted to the production symbol control device 82. By sending this command, the sub-integrated control device 83 displays the round number symbol 125 (see FIG. 22) on the first information display section 21 of the display screen 6a of the production symbol display device 6 via the production symbol control device 82. Control display. In this round information update display process, each time information indicating the start of the open round and information indicating the number of open rounds is received, the round number symbol 125 is displayed according to the latest information. Furthermore, in the round information update display process, when information indicating the end of the final open round is received, a command is sent to the effect pattern control device 82 to hide the round number symbol 125, the total number symbol 127, and the number of balls entered symbol 126. The information is transmitted, and the display on the first information display section 21 of the effect pattern display device 6 is erased.

Further, in S830 following S800 described above, it is determined whether or not the normal gaming state is present. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S830: Yes), the information display process is ended, and in the case of a negative determination (S830: No), the process proceeds to S835. Here, whether or not the normal gaming state is determined depends on the gaming state information transmitted from the main control device 80 through the jackpot game processing and the jackpot game start information transmitted from the main control device 80 through the win/fail determination processing. Judgment based on

In S835, it is determined whether the remaining number information of the number of special symbol fluctuations has been received. Here, the remaining number information of the number of special symbol fluctuations is transmitted from the main control device 80 through the above-described win/fail determination process and jackpot game process.

In S840, remaining number information update display processing is executed. In this remaining number information update display process, a command is produced to display a remaining number pattern 129 (see FIGS. 23 and 24) indicating the remaining number according to the remaining number information of the number of special symbol fluctuations received from the main controller 80. It is transmitted to the symbol control device 82. By sending this command, the sub integrated control device 83 controls the display of the remaining number symbols 129 on the second information display section 22 of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 via the performance symbol control device 82. In this remaining number information update display process, each time the remaining number information of the number of special symbol fluctuations is received, the remaining number symbols 129 are displayed according to the latest remaining number information. In addition, when the sub-integrated control device 83 receives a command indicating the start of a jackpot game in the time-saving gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state, it hides the remaining number symbols 129.

Next, the above-mentioned prefetch processing will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. 19. This pre-reading process is a process executed in the variable probability gaming state and the time-saving gaming state, and is one of the subroutines called in the winning confirmation process (S60) of the main routine executed by the main controller 80.

In the pre-reading process, it is determined in S900 whether the variable probability gaming state or the time saving gaming state has been started. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S900: Yes), the process advances to S905, and in the case of a negative determination (S900: No), the process advances to S915. Here, whether or not the variable probability game state and the time saving game state have been started is determined according to the high probability flag and the open extension flag set by the jackpot game process.

In S905, the prefetch valid flag is set to 1, and the process advances to S910. Here, when the prefetch valid flag=1, it indicates that the game is in a variable probability gaming state or a time saving gaming state.
In S910, it is determined whether there are unconsumed first pending memory and second pending memory. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S910: Yes), the process proceeds to S940, and in the case of a negative determination (S910: No), the prefetch process is ended. Here, in the case of an affirmative determination, it is shown that there is an unused pending memory that occurred before the start of the variable probability gaming state or the time saving gaming state.

In S915 following the negative determination in S900, it is determined whether the prefetch valid flag=1. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S915: Yes), the process proceeds to S920, and in the case of a negative determination (S915: No), the prefetch process is ended.

In S920, it is determined whether the jackpot game (jackpot start effect) has been started. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S920: Yes), the process proceeds to S925, and in the case of a negative determination (S920: No), the process proceeds to S930. In S925, the prefetch valid flag is set to 0. After that, the prefetching process ends.
In S930, it is determined whether or not new unconsumed first and second pending memories have occurred. judge). Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S930: Yes), the process proceeds to S940, and in the case of a negative determination (S930: No), the prefetch process is ended.

In S940, which follows from the affirmative determination in S910 or the affirmative determination in S930, a prefetch determination process is executed. In this look-ahead determination process, it is determined whether or not the random number for determining a jackpot is a jackpot by referring to the random number for determining a jackpot contained in each of the unconsumed first pending memory and second pending memory. Here, in the case where the execution is made based on the affirmative determination in S910 (at the start of the variable probability gaming state or the normal gaming state), it is determined whether or not the jackpot is the jackpot for all of the unused first and second pending memories. On the other hand, in the case where the determination is made in the affirmative at S930, the determination as to whether or not it is a jackpot is executed only for the newly generated unconsumed first and second pending memories. Further, in the variable probability gaming state (high probability flag = 1), determination is made using the above-mentioned variable probability table, and in the normal gaming state (high probability flag = 0), determination is made using the above-described normal table.

In S945, it is determined whether or not a jackpot was determined in S940. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S940: Yes), the process proceeds to S950, and in the case of a negative determination (S940: No), the prefetching process is ended.
In S950, prefetch information transmission processing is executed. In this look-ahead information transmission process, jackpot preview information indicating that there is a jackpot in the unconsumed pending memory is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the accessory operation control process. This accessory operation control process is a process that is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 (for example, a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle), and is a process that is transmitted from the main control device 80 by the above-described propriety determination process and pre-reading process. It is executed according to the commands and information provided.

In the accessory operation control process, it is determined in S1000 whether or not a ready-to-win performance has been started on the performance symbol display device 6. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S1000: Yes), the process advances to S1005, and in the case of a negative determination (S1000: No), the process advances to S1050. Here, the reach performance is a performance that is executed together with the variable performance of the special performance symbols 101a to 101c on the performance symbol display device 6 according to the information transmitted from the main control device 80 by the above-mentioned validity determination process, and when the information is received It is controlled by the sub-integrated control device 83 via the effect pattern control device 82. The sub-integrated control device 83 makes an affirmative determination in S1000 when the start timing of the ready-to-reach effect comes.

In S1005, it is determined whether or not the aforementioned jackpot notice information has been received from the main control device 80. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S1005: Yes), the process advances to S1010, and in the case of a negative determination (S1005: No), the process advances to S1015. Here, the jackpot preview information is transmitted from the main control device 80 through the above-described pre-reading process.

In S1010, the advance notice flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S1025. On the other hand, in S1015, it is determined whether the advance notice flag=1. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S1015: Yes), the process proceeds to S1025, and in the case of a negative determination (S1015: No), the process proceeds to S1020.
In S1020, it is determined whether or not the game is in a normal gaming state. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S1020: Yes), the process proceeds to S1025, and in the case of a negative determination (S1020: No), the process proceeds to S1030.

In S1025, the first operation pattern described above is enabled, and in S1030, the second operation pattern described above is enabled.
In the following S1035, accessory operation processing is executed. In this accessory actuation process, when the first operation pattern is enabled in S1025, the accessory driving devices 33 and 34 are drive-controlled and the first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 are activated. are repeatedly operated to change the positions between the respective standby positions and advanced positions. On the other hand, when the second operation pattern is enabled in S1030, the accessory driving device 34 is drive-controlled to repeatedly position change the second performance movable accessory 32 between the standby position and the advanced position. In this case, the accessory driving device 33 is not driven, and the first performance movable accessory 31 is held at the standby position. Through such accessory activation processing, in the normal gaming state, a production is executed in which the first and second production movable accessories 31 and 32 operate in front of the display screen 6a of the production symbol display device 6 as the reach production is executed. (See Figure 21). On the other hand, in the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state, when there is no unused pending memory that has been determined to be a jackpot by the pre-reading process, only the second performance movable accessory 32 is displayed on the display screen with the execution of the reach performance. 6a (see Figure 23). Here, since the second performance movable accessory 32 operates in front of the left display area of the display screen 6a, the first period remaining number symbol 129 displayed on the second information display section 22 in the right display area Not hinder. In addition, in the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state, if there is an unused pending memory that has been determined to be a jackpot by the pre-reading process, the first and second performance movable accessories 31, 32 are A performance is executed in which the is operated in front of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 (see FIG. 24). Here, since the first performance movable accessory 31 operates in front of the right display area of the display screen 6a, the first period remaining number pattern 129 displayed on the second information display section 22 of the right display area become difficult to see. In this way, in the variable probability game state and the time-saving game state, a jackpot notice is given by operating the first performance movable accessory 31 in front of the second information display section 22. In addition, the position conversion operation of the first and second performance movable accessories 31, 32, which is repeated by the accessory operation process of S1035, stops at the respective standby position and ends the operation with the end of the ready-to-reach performance. controlled.

In S1050, which follows from the negative determination in S1000, it is determined whether a jackpot game has started. Then, in the case of an affirmative determination (S1050: Yes), the process proceeds to S1055, and in the case of a negative determination (S1050: No), the accessory operation control process is ended. Here, information indicating the start of the jackpot game is transmitted from the main control device 80 through the above-mentioned win/fail determination process. In S1055, the advance notice flag is set to 0, and the accessory operation control process is ended.

Next, we will discuss the display mode displayed on the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22 of the display screen 6a of the above-mentioned performance symbol display device 6, and the display mode of the first and second performance movable accessories 31, 32. The operating mode will be explained using FIGS. 21 to 24.

For example, in the normal gaming state, when the player hits the ball to the left and enters the first starting port 11, a first pending memory is generated, and by digesting the first pending memory, the first special symbol starts to fluctuate. . Then, on the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6, special performance symbols 101a to 101c are displayed in a variable manner as shown in FIG. 21(A) as the first special symbol changes. Here, in the normal gaming state, the symbol indicating the variable probability gaming state and the message symbol 102 (see FIG. 23) indicating the time-saving gaming state are not displayed on the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6, so that the normal gaming state This indicates to the player that the

Then, when execution of the ready-to-win effect is determined in the validity judgment process by digesting the first suspended memory, the special effect symbols 101a and 101c are stopped in a predetermined ready-to-reach pattern as shown in FIG. A message pattern 105 indicating reach is displayed. When the ready-to-reach performance is executed in this way, as shown in FIG. Repeat (operation according to the first operation pattern). By operating the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32, it is possible to effectively stimulate the emotions of the player who expects the occurrence of a jackpot.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21(D), when the special effect symbols 101b are stopped varying and all the special effects symbols 101a to 101c are displayed in a predetermined jackpot pattern, the jackpot is confirmed. Along with this, on the display screen 6a of the production pattern display device 6, a message pattern 106 indicating jackpot confirmation is displayed.

When the jackpot game starts, on the display screen 6a of the production pattern display device 6, as shown in FIG. 22(A), a message pattern 121 and a character pattern 122 indicating that the jackpot game is in progress are displayed. , a message pattern 123 urging the player to play right is displayed. Further, in the first information display section 21 of the display screen 6a, a round number pattern 125 indicating the number of open rounds being executed, a number of entered balls pattern 126 indicating the number of balls entered in the open round, and a number of balls entered during the jackpot game. A total number pattern 127 indicating the total number of balls entered is displayed. For example, when three game balls enter the jackpot 14 in the first open round of a jackpot game, the round number pattern 125 displays "1st R" and the ball entry pattern 126 displays "3". The total number pattern 127 displays "3". Thereafter, as the jackpot game progresses, the round number symbol 125, the number of entered balls symbol 126, and the total number symbol 127 are updated and displayed, as shown in FIGS. 22(B) to 22(D). For example, when three balls enter the grand prize opening 14 in the second open round, the round number pattern 125 displays "2nd R" and the number of balls entered pattern 126 displays "2nd R" as shown in FIG. 23(C). "3" is displayed, and the total number pattern 127 displays "13".

In this manner, during the jackpot game, the round number symbols 125 and the like are displayed on the first information display section 21 of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6. Here, since the first information display section 21 is set at the lower right part of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 as described above, the player who watches the big prize opening 14 during the jackpot game can The information displayed on the first information display section 21 can be easily viewed without moving the user's line of sight. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, since the operation of the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 is a reach performance, the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are operated during the jackpot game. is held at each standby position. Therefore, during the jackpot game, the first information display section 21 displaying the round number symbol 125 etc. is not obstructed by the first performance movable accessory 31 and can be easily recognized as described above. In other words, in this embodiment, by not operating the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 as a performance of a jackpot game, the player can easily read the information displayed on the first information display section 21. It can be said that it is controlled so as to make it visible.

When the time-saving game state is entered after the end of such a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. A message pattern 123 is displayed urging the user to hit the ball to the right. Furthermore, in the time-saving game state, a remaining number pattern 129 indicating the remaining number of special symbol fluctuations that can be executed in the time-saving game state is displayed on the second information display section 22 of the display screen 6a. This remaining number of symbols 129 is updated and displayed every time the special symbol changes in the time saving game state. Here, as mentioned above, since the upper limit of the number of special symbol fluctuations that can be executed in the time-saving gaming state is set at 100, for example, if the remaining number of special symbol fluctuations is 81, As shown in FIG. 23(A), in the remaining number symbol 129, "81G" indicating the remaining number of special symbol fluctuations is displayed. Thereafter, each time the special symbol changes in the time-saving game state, the number of games decreases by one and is updated and displayed in the remaining number symbol 129.

In the time saving game state, as the special symbols change, special effect symbols 101a to 101b are displayed in a variable manner as shown in FIG. 23(A). Then, when execution of the reach effect is determined by the success/failure determination process, as shown in FIG. Display. In the time-saving game state, when the reach effect is executed, as shown in FIG. operation). As described above, the position changing operation of the second performance movable accessory 32 moves only in the left display area of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6, so the remaining number displayed on the second information display section 22 Do not pass in front of the symbol 129. Therefore, even during the ready-to-win performance, the player can easily visually check the remaining number symbols 129 on the second information display section 22. After this, when the special effect pattern 101b stops and the special effect patterns 101a to 101c stop in a losing pattern as shown in FIG. 23(D), a message pattern 107 indicating a loss is displayed and the loss is confirmed. do.

In addition, in the time-saving gaming state, as mentioned above, unexploited pending memories are judged to be valid or not through pre-reading processing, and if there is a jackpot among the unused pending memories, this jackpot notice information is sent to the sub-integrated control. It is sent to device 83. In this way, if there is something that will become a jackpot in the unused pending memory, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 24(B), the operation of changing the positions of the first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 to their respective standby positions and advanced positions is repeated (the operation according to the first operation pattern ). Here, since the first performance movable accessory 31 moves in the right display area of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6, the first performance movable accessory 31 passes in front of the second information display section 22 and the second The remaining number pattern 129 displayed on the information display section 22 becomes difficult to visually recognize. In this way, when there is something that will be a jackpot in the unused pending memory in the time-saving game state, the jackpot is announced by the position changing operation of the first performance movable accessory 31. In addition, in the time-saving game state, if there is no jackpot in the unused pending memories (if all the unused pending memories are losses), only the second performance movable accessory 32 is played as described above. Position conversion is activated (see Figure 23).

After such a ready-to-win performance, as shown in FIG. 24(C), when the special performance symbols 101a to 101c are stopped and displayed in a losing pattern mode, the loss is confirmed. After this, in the same way, the special effect symbols 101a to 101c are displayed in a variable manner and in a stopped manner as the special symbols change. Then, when a jackpot is determined by the success/failure determination process, the special effect symbols 101a and 101c that are variably displayed stop in the ready-to-reach symbol mode, as shown in FIGS. 24(D) and (E). A reach performance and a jackpot notice are performed by position changing operations of the two performance movable accessories 31 and 32. After this, as shown in FIG. 24(F), the special effect symbols 101a to 101c are stopped and displayed in a jackpot pattern to confirm the jackpot.
When the jackpot is confirmed, on the display screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6, the first information display section 21 displays the number of rounds 125, number of balls entered 126, and total number 127 in the same manner as described above (see FIG. 22). ). Incidentally, once the jackpot is confirmed, the time-saving gaming state ends.

In addition, in the variable probability gaming state, a message symbol (not shown) indicating the variable probability gaming state is displayed on the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6, and as in the time-saving gaming state described above, the display screen 6a The remaining number pattern 129 is displayed on the second information display section 22 of. Furthermore, as in the time-saving gaming state, if there is no jackpot in the unexploited pending memory, a reach effect is executed in which only the first performance movable accessory 31 is operated to change the position, while the unused pending memory is executed. When there is a jackpot, a ready-to-win performance is performed in which the first and second performance movable accessories 31, 32 are moved to change their positions, and a jackpot is announced.

Next, the features of this embodiment will be explained.
As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, during a jackpot game in which the player hits right, the first information display section 21 set at the lower right of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 opens the A round number pattern 125 showing the number of rounds, a number of balls entered pattern 126 showing the number of balls entered in each open round, and a total number pattern 127 showing the total number of balls entered in the jackpot game are displayed. Furthermore, in the time-saving gaming state and variable probability gaming state in which the player plays right-handed, the remaining number of special symbol variations that can be executed in each of these gaming states is displayed on the second information display section 22 set in the middle right part of the display screen 6a. A remaining number pattern 129 indicating the number is displayed.
In such a configuration, during a jackpot game, the game ball flows down the right downstream region 3b of the gaming area 3 and flows into the jackpot 14 due to the player's right hit. A player who is watching the ball enter can visually recognize the information displayed on the first information display section 21 without moving his/her line of sight. As a result, the player can easily and easily check information related to the jackpot game (number of open rounds, number of balls entered, total number of balls entered) while visually confirming the ball entering the jackpot hole 14 during the jackpot game. You can definitely know it.
To be more specific, if the information is displayed in the left display area of the display screen 6a, when the user is watching the ball entering the big winning hole 14, the user moves his/her line of sight to view the information. There is a need. If you take your eyes off the big winning hole 14, you may miss the ball entering the big winning hole 14, or conversely, you may miss the information because you are too focused on the ball entering the big winning hole 14. there were. In particular, in recent years, the display screens of performance image display devices have tended to become larger, making it difficult to visually recognize both the ball entering the grand prize opening and the display of the information. In order to solve this problem, the configuration of this embodiment is such that, as described above, the information is displayed on the first information display section 21 provided at the lower right of the display screen 6a. Both the sphere and the information display are easily visible. Here, in this embodiment, since the first information display section 21 is provided at the lower right part of the display screen 6a closest to the grand prize opening 14, the ball entering the grand prize opening 14 must be watched carefully. At the same time, the information displayed on the first information display section 21 can be more easily viewed.

Similarly, the configuration of this embodiment is such that in the time saving game state and the variable probability game state, the game ball flowing down the right flow region 3b due to the player's right hit reaches the normal electric accessory 13, so that the second start opening A player who is watching the ball enter the ball 12 can visually recognize the information displayed on the second information display section 22 without moving his/her line of sight. As a result, the player can visually confirm the entry of the ball into the second starting port 12 in the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state, and easily read information related to these gaming states (remaining number of special symbol fluctuations). And it can be learned with certainty. Here, since the second information display section 22 is provided in the middle right part of the display screen 6a, which is closest to the normal electric accessory 13, while watching the ball entering the second starting port 12, The information displayed on the second information display section 22 can be viewed more easily.

In addition, the configuration of this embodiment is to perform a position conversion operation of the first and second performance movable accessories 31, 32 as a reach performance, and in the time-saving game state and the variable probability game state, the first stage second information display section The position changing operation of the second performance-enabled accessory 32 that does not pass in front of the stage 22 is executed as a reach performance. Then, in the time-saving gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state, if there is a jackpot by pre-reading the unexploited pending memory, in addition to the position conversion operation of the second performance movable accessory 32, the second information By performing a position conversion operation of the first performance movable accessory 31 passing in front of the display section 22, the above-mentioned reach performance and jackpot notice are performed.
In such a configuration, since the first performance movable accessory 31 is held at the standby position in the time-saving game state in which the remaining number symbols 129 are displayed on the second information display section 22 and in the variable probability game state, the second The remaining number pattern 129 can be easily recognized without obstructing the information display section 22. On the other hand, when the first performance movable accessory 31 is operated to change its position in the time-saving game state and the probability-changing game state, it becomes difficult for the player to visually recognize the remaining number symbols 129 on the second information display section 22; Since the position changing operation of the first performance movable accessory 31 is a jackpot notice, the player can obtain more advantageous information (jackpot notice). In this way, by combining the reach performance by the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 with the jackpot notice, it is possible to provide a varied and interesting game, and to dramatically improve the interest.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are executed as a reach performance, and during the jackpot game, the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are placed on standby, respectively. held in position. In other words, during a jackpot game in which the round number symbol 125 and the like are displayed on the first information display section 21, the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are deliberately stopped at the standby position. By stopping the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 during the jackpot game in this way, the effect is that it is easier for the player to visually recognize the round number symbol 125 etc. displayed on the first information display section 21. is also played.

The following describes the correspondence between the terms used in the embodiments described above and the terms described in the claims. The pachinko machine 1 corresponds to an example of a pinball game machine according to the present invention. The special effect symbols 101a to 101c, the message symbols 102, 105 to 107, 121, and 123, and the character symbol 122 correspond to examples of the effect symbols according to the present invention. The sub-integrated control device 83 and the effect pattern control device 82 correspond to an example of effect display control means according to the present invention. Determining a jackpot through the success/failure determination process corresponds to an example of the jackpot condition according to the present invention.
The jackpot game corresponds to an example of the special game operation according to the present invention, and the jackpot game processing corresponds to an example of the special game control means according to the present invention. The number of open rounds (round number pattern 125), the number of balls entered in each open round (number of balls entered pattern 126), and the total number of balls entered in the jackpot game (total number pattern 127) are specified according to the special game operation according to the present invention. This corresponds to an example of information. The first information display section 21 corresponds to an example of an information display section according to the present invention. The information display process executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 corresponds to an example of the information display control process according to the present invention. The second starting port 12 of the ordinary electric accessory 13 corresponds to an example of the variable ball entry port according to the present invention. A win with a normal symbol corresponds to an example of the opening condition according to the present invention, and the main control device 80 that drives and controls the normal electric solenoid 13a corresponds to an example of the opening control means according to the present invention. The time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state, which are in the open extension mode, correspond to an example of the advantageous gaming state according to the present invention. The remaining number of special symbol fluctuations (remaining number pattern 129) corresponds to an example of specific information related to the advantageous gaming state according to the present invention. The first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 correspond to an example of the performance movable accessory according to the present invention. The accessory operation control process executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 corresponds to an example of the accessory operation control means according to the present invention.

Another example of the embodiment described above will be described below.
In the embodiment, the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 has a first information display section 21 and a second information display section 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. An information display section may be provided in the display area, and the number of rounds symbol 125, the number of pitches entered symbol 126, the total number symbol 127, and the remaining number symbol 129 may be displayed on this information display region.

Further, in the embodiment, the ordinary electric accessory 13 and the grand prize opening 14 are arranged in the right downstream area 3b of the gaming area 3, but the invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to have a configuration in which both of the two are provided in the left downstream area 3a, or one is provided in the right downstream area 3b and the other is provided in the left downstream area 3a. In the former case, a first information display section and a second information display section are set on the left side of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6. Specifically, a configuration in which a first information display section is set at the lower left of the display screen 6a and a second information display section is set at the middle left of the display screen 6a is suitable. Further, for example, in a configuration in which the big prize opening 14 is provided in the right downstream region 3b and the normal electric accessory 13 is provided in the left downstream region 3a, the first information display section is set at a right side portion of the display screen 6a. and a second information display section is set on the left side. Furthermore, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the normal electric accessory 13 is provided in the right downstream area 3b and the big prize opening 14 is provided in the left downstream area 3a. In this configuration, the first information is provided on the left side of the display screen 6a A display section is set, and a second information display section is set on the right side.

In addition, in the embodiment, the number of open rounds, the number of entered balls in each open round, and the total number of entered balls are set as the information related to the jackpot game displayed on the first information display section, but this is not limited to this, and various information can be displayed. It is possible to set. For example, the number of open rounds and the number of balls entered in each open round may be displayed on the first information display section, or the number of prize balls and the remaining time of each open round (maximum remaining time of 30 seconds) may be displayed. It may be displayed as the information.
Similarly, in the embodiment, the remaining number of special symbol fluctuations is set as the information related to the time-saving gaming state and the probability-changing gaming state displayed on the second information display section, but various information can be set without being limited to this. is possible. For example, the number of balls entering each starting hole in the time saving game state and the variable probability game state, the number of prize balls in each game state, the number of fluctuations between the first special symbol and the second special symbol, etc. are displayed on the second information display. It may also be displayed in sections.

Further, in the embodiment, during the small winning game, information related to the small winning game may be displayed on the display screen 6a (first information display section) of the performance symbol display device 6. Here, as the information related to the small winning game, the number of balls entering the big prize opening 14 and the number of prize balls during the small winning game are preferably set. In this case, the small winning game corresponds to the special game operation according to the present invention, and the information regarding the small winning game corresponds to the specific information regarding the special game operation according to the present invention.

Further, in the embodiment, two types of operation patterns are provided for changing the positions of the first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32, but the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more types of operation patterns are provided. It is also possible to have a configuration with an actuation pattern. The three or more types of operation patterns include an operation pattern that does not pass in front of the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22, and an operation pattern that does not pass in front of the first information display section 21 and the second information display section 22. The operating pattern is selected when a jackpot is not determined by pre-reading processing in a time-saving gaming state and a variable probability gaming state.

In addition, although the embodiment has a configuration that includes two movable performance accessories 31 and 32, the structure is not limited to this, and for example, a structure that includes one movable performance accessory or a configuration that includes three movable performance accessories. It is also possible to have a configuration including a different number of performance movable accessories from the example.
Here, in a configuration including one performance movable accessory, for example, the first operation pattern in which the performance movable accessory passes in front of the first information display section and the second information display section, and the first information It is equipped with a second operation pattern that does not pass in front of the display section and the second information display section, and when a jackpot is not determined by the above-mentioned pre-reading processing in the time-saving game state and the probability-changing game state, the production movable accessory is activated by the second operation pattern. On the other hand, when a jackpot is determined in the pre-reading process, the operation of the performance movable accessory is controlled according to the first operation pattern, and a jackpot is announced.
Or, in a configuration including one performance movable accessory, the performance movable accessory only has an operation pattern in which the performance movable accessory passes in front of the first information display part and the second information display part, and the time-saving gaming state and the probability change If a jackpot is not determined by the pre-reading process in the gaming state, the performance movable accessory is stopped at a standby position, while if a jackpot is determined by the pre-reading process, the performance movable accessory is controlled to operate according to the operation pattern, It can be used to predict the jackpot. In addition, in this configuration, the production movable accessory may be operated as a reach effect in the normal gaming state, or the production movable accessory may be operated only for jackpot notice without operating in the normal gaming state. .

In addition, in the embodiment, only when it is determined that the unexploited pending memory is a jackpot through pre-reading processing in the time-saving gaming state and the variable probability gaming state, the position of the performance movable accessory is operated according to the first operation pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even when it is determined that an unconsumed pending memory is lost, a configuration may be adopted in which the position conversion operation is performed according to the first operation pattern. That is, the operation of changing the position of the performance movable accessory according to the first operation pattern is not limited to 100% foretelling the occurrence of a jackpot, but can be foretelling a jackpot with a probability of 60%, 80%, or the like.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, unexploited pending memory is determined by look-ahead processing in the time-saving gaming state and variable probability gaming state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and unused pending memory is determined by look-ahead processing in the normal gaming state as well. It can be configured to do this. In this way, the prefetch process may be executed in all gaming states. Here, in the normal gaming state, since information is not displayed on the first and second information display sections, the jackpot preview is announced by operating the performance movable accessory using a special operation pattern different from the first and second operation patterns. It is preferable to execute the jackpot notice or to execute the jackpot notice by means of a production other than the production movable accessory (for example, a production display for jackpot notice). Alternatively, even in the normal game state, similarly to the time-saving game state and the variable probability game state, only when a jackpot is determined by pre-reading processing, the position change operation of the performance movable accessory may be performed according to the first operation pattern. In this case, the position changing operation of the performance movable accessory according to the first operation pattern becomes a jackpot notice.

Further, in the embodiment, the position conversion operation between the first performance movable accessory 31 and the second performance movable accessory 32 is executed as a reach performance, but this is not limited to this, and the performance during a jackpot game. As a result, the positions of the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 may be changed. For example, in each open round during a jackpot game, the second performance movable accessory 32 is operated to change its position according to the second operation pattern, and during the interval, the first and second performance movable accessory 31 are operated according to the first operation pattern. , 32 are operated to change their positions. According to this configuration, in each opening round of the jackpot game, the display on the first information display section 21 is not hindered by the position change operation of the first performance movable accessory 31, so the first information display section 21 can be easily displayed. can be visually recognized. On the other hand, during the interval, although the display on the first information display section 21 is obstructed by the first performance movable accessory 31, the information displayed on the first information display section 21 is not updated, making it difficult to see. I can say that there is no problem.
Alternatively, the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 may be operated to change their positions, respectively, according to the first operation pattern during at least one of the start performance and the end performance of the jackpot game.

Furthermore, the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are operated to change their positions as a performance during the above-mentioned jackpot game, and the first and second performance movable objects are movable in the first operation pattern during a specific opening round. By operating the accessories 31 and 32 to change their positions, a notice of transition to a time-saving gaming state or a variable probability gaming state may be given after the jackpot game. For example, when the transition to the time-saving gaming state is determined by the win/fail judgment process, the special effect symbols 101a to 101c are stopped and displayed in a predetermined jackpot pattern mode indicating the transition to the normal gaming state, and a specific release during the jackpot game is performed. In a round, the first and second performance movable accessories 31, 32 are operated to change their positions in the first operation pattern, thereby foretelling the transition to the time-saving game state. Alternatively, in a specific open round, the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 are operated to change their positions in the first operation pattern, thereby foretelling the transition to the variable probability gaming state. In addition, the transition notice to the fixed-variable gaming state can be either stopped and displayed using the jackpot pattern that indicates the transition to the normal gaming state, or stopped and displayed using the jackpot pattern that indicates the transition to the time-saving gaming state. It is preferable to select and implement this.
Alternatively, a structure may be adopted in which a notice of transition to a gaming state that is more advantageous than the one immediately before the jackpot game is given by changing the position of the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32 in the first operation pattern. . In this case, when the jackpot is confirmed or during the jackpot game, it is notified that the gaming state after the jackpot game will shift to either the time-saving gaming state or the variable probability gaming state, and then the first and second performances are announced. By operating the movable accessory objects 31 and 32 to change their positions in the first operation pattern, it is possible to give advance notice of the transition to the most advantageous probability-changing gaming state. Here, whether to shift to the time-saving gaming state or the variable probability gaming state is notified by the display on the display screen 6a in addition to the position conversion operation of the first and second performance movable accessories 31 and 32. is also possible. For example, after the first performance movable accessory 31 changes its position to the advanced position and passes in front of the first information display section (or second information display section), the display section displays the time-saving gaming state or the variable probability gaming state. It is possible to display a warning pattern that foretells the transition to .
Incidentally, similar to the jackpot notice described above, the notice based on the first operation pattern is not limited to 100% notice, but may be less than 100% notice (for example, 60%, 80%, etc.).

In addition, there is another configuration in which the first and second performance movable accessories 31, 32 are operated to change their positions as a performance during a jackpot game, and the configuration is provided with three or more types of operation patterns described above. You can also do that.

Further, although the embodiment has a configuration in which one big winning opening 14 is provided at the lower right side of the center case, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration including a plurality of big winning openings is also possible. For example, it is possible to have a structure in which two big prize openings are arranged vertically or horizontally in the lower right part of the center case. In this case, no matter which jackpot game (or small win game) is opened, the specific information related to the jackpot game is displayed on the first information display section of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6. (Information such as number of open rounds and number of balls entered) is displayed.

In addition, in the embodiment, during the jackpot game, in the time-saving game state, and in the variable probability game state, the respective specific information is displayed on the information display sections 21 and 22 of the display screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6. In addition to this, even in the normal gaming state, information related to the normal gaming state may be displayed in the left display area of the display screen 6a. Here, in the above-mentioned embodiment, since the player plays left-handed in the normal gaming state, by displaying information related to the normal gaming state in the left display area, the player can see the left-hand downstream area of the gaming area. It is easy to visually recognize the information while viewing the information. Alternatively, in the normal gaming state, information related to the normal gaming state may be displayed at the lower part of the display screen 6a (a portion located directly above the first starting port 11). Incidentally, as the information related to the normal game state, for example, the number of changes of special symbols in the normal game state, the number of balls entering the first starting hole 11, the number of prize balls, etc. can be set.

1 Pachinko machine (gaming machine)
3 Game area 3a Left flow lower area 3b Right flow lower area 6 Production symbol display device 6a Display screen 12 Second starting port (variable ball entry port)
14 Big prize opening 21 First information display section (information display section)
22 Second information display section (information display section)
31 First performance movable accessory (performance movable accessory)
32 Second performance movable accessory (performance movable accessory)

Claims (1)

A production pattern display device including a display screen on which production patterns are displayed;
Effect display control means for controlling the display of the effect symbols;
A gaming area formed on the left side of a display screen of a performance symbol display device and comprising a left downstream region where a game ball can flow down, and a right downstream region formed on the right side of the display screen and where a game ball can flow down. and,
a grand prize opening that is disposed in either the left flow lower area or the right flow lower area and is converted into an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which a ball cannot enter;
A variable ball entrance opening that is arranged in the same downstream area as the big prize opening and that is converted between an open state and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter;
A special game control means that executes a special game operation that repeats a predetermined number of opening rounds to open the big prize opening when a predetermined jackpot condition is met; and a special game control means that opens the variable ball opening when a predetermined opening condition is met. A pinball game machine comprising an opening control means for opening the ball, a state conversion control means for changing the state from a normal game state to an advantageous game state in which a ball enters the variable ball opening more easily than the normal game state. In,
The effect pattern display device is configured to display specific information related to the special game operation in an area of the display screen on the big winning opening side , which is arranged in a downstream area that is one of the left and right halves of the display screen. 1 information display section and an area of the display screen on the variable ball entrance side disposed in the downstream region that is one of the left and right halves of the display screen, and a region different from the first information display section; a second information display section on which specific information related to an advantageous gaming state is displayed;
The first information display section displayed on the display screen is displayed at a position closer to the big prize opening than the second information display section, and the second information display section displayed on the display screen is closer to the first information display section than the second information display section. displayed at a position closer to the variable ball entrance than the information display section,
The effect display control means controls the display of the specific information on a first information display portion of the display screen during execution of the special game operation, and displays a second information on the display screen during the advantageous game state. 1. A pinball game machine, further comprising an information display control process for controlling display of the specific information in a part.

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