JP7376137B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, and is particularly applicable to pachinko gaming machines and the like.

Conventionally, gaming machines have been known in which it is possible to execute a special game that gives a predetermined profit to the player when the display result of a variable display of identification information (for example, a special symbol) is a specific display result (for example, a jackpot). There is. Some gaming machines of this type are configured to generate a fluctuating sound to notify that symbols serving as identification information are being displayed in a fluctuating manner (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-224351

As described in Patent Document 1, the notification by the fluctuating sound starts with the start of the symbol fluctuation (the start of the fluctuating display), and the notification by the fluctuating sound stops with the stop of the symbol fluctuation (the end of the fluctuating display). In this case, the variation sound will not be generated while the symbol variation is not executed. For this reason, when symbol fluctuations are interrupted during a game, the player is likely to get the impression that there is a gap in the game, which may lead to a decrease in interest in the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decline in interest in gaming.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following configuration.

The gaming machine of means 1 is
A special system that starts a variable display of identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and grants a predetermined profit to the player when the display result of the variable display that is derived and displayed when the variable display ends is a specific display result. A gaming machine that allows games to be played,
A performance control means capable of controlling the performance,
A sound output means capable of outputting performance sound,
The effect sound includes a variable effect sound that can be output from the start of the variable display,
The performance control means is
It is possible to start playing the fluctuating performance sound from the beginning with the start of the fluctuating display, and to end the reproduction of the fluctuating performance sound when the fluctuating display ends,
After the reproduction of the fluctuating effect sound is finished with the end of the fluctuating display, it is possible to start the reproduction from the beginning of the fluctuating effect sound even if the next fluctuating display does not start ,
Even if the fluctuating display does not start, if the fluctuating display starts during the playback of the fluctuating performance sound that has started playing, it is possible to start playing from the beginning of the fluctuating performance sound.
The gist is that.

According to such a gaming machine, playback of the variable effect sound is started from the beginning when the variable display of the identification information (also simply referred to as "variable display") starts, and when the variable display ends, the variable effect is started. When the reproduction of the sound ends, the variable effect sound is output during the variable display. Further, even when the next variable display is not started after the reproduction of the variable effect sound is finished with the end of the variable display, the reproduction is started from the beginning of the variable effect sound and the variable effect sound is output. Further, even if the variable display is not started, if the variable display is started during the reproduction of the variable effect sound that has started playing, the playback is started from the beginning of the variable effect sound. Therefore, even if the next variable display does not start immediately after the variable display ends, the player can hear the variable effect sound , making it difficult for the player to get the impression that there is a gap in the game. If the variable display is started during the reproduction of the variable effect sound, the variable effect sound is played from the beginning, so that the player's mood can be refreshed. This makes it possible to suppress a decline in gaming interest.

According to the present invention described above, it is possible to suppress a decline in interest in gaming.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a back view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an enlarged view of the main display shown in FIG. 3, and is a diagram showing displays included in the gaming machine. FIG. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. It is a table showing the correspondence between the type of winning and the opening pattern of the big prize opening. It is a table showing various random numbers obtained by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a hit determination table, (B) is a jackpot type determination table, (C) is a normal symbol hit determination table, and (D) is a regular symbol fluctuation pattern selection table. This is a fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart of main control main processing. It is a flowchart of interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of starting port sensor detection processing. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of starting pitch entry. It is a flowchart of normal figure movement processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol propriety determination processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol fluctuation processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol confirmation processing. It is a flowchart of normal electric accessories processing. It is a flowchart of special figure operation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 propriety judgment processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 propriety judgment processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol fluctuation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol confirmation processing. It is a flowchart of special electric accessory processing 1 (jackpot game). It is a flowchart of gaming state setting processing. It is a flowchart of special electric accessory processing 2 (small winning game). It is a flowchart of specific area sensor detection processing. It is a flowchart of pending ball number processing. It is a flowchart of power-off monitoring processing. It is a flowchart of sub-control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of reception interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of 2ms timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of 10ms timer interrupt processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart of a fluctuating production start process. It is a flowchart of a fluctuating effect sound reproduction process. It is a flowchart of a fluctuating effect sound reproduction process. It is a confrontation reach effect pattern determination table of Example 2. It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the production when the confrontation reach develops in Example 2, (A) is the first production of the production when the confrontation reach develops, (B) is the second production of the production when the confrontation reach develops, (C1), (C2) is the third performance of the confrontation reach development stage performance. FIG. 7 is a list diagram of expectation level images in Example 2. FIG.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine in which the game medium used in the game is a game ball and the game can be progressed by firing the game ball toward the game board surface will be explained as an example. . The pachinko game machine according to the following embodiments performs a symbol variation game (also simply referred to as a "variation game") in which a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole and then stopped. When the jackpot symbol stops being displayed as the variable display of the special symbol ends, the player can play a jackpot game (special game) in which a predetermined amount of gaming profits (for example, prize balls) can be awarded. ” is a gaming machine.

In the following description, the front side (front side) simply refers to the front side (front side) when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, and the side on which the player is positioned during gaming. Moreover, simply the rear side (rear side) refers to the back side when the gaming machine is viewed from the front. Furthermore, simply the upper side (upper side), lower side (lower side), left side (left side), and right side (right side) refer to the upper, lower, left, and right directions when looking at the gaming machine from the front. , for example, refers to the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side in FIGS. 1 and 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment (also referred to as "this pachinko game machine 1") includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2 installed inside the game machine frame 50. It is equipped with The game board 2 is configured to be detachable from the game machine frame 50. FIG. 3 shows the game board 2 removed from the game machine frame 50. The gaming machine frame 50 includes a front frame 51 having a decorative surface, a main frame 52 for mounting the gaming board 2, etc., and an outer frame 53 for mounting the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the island equipment of the hall. The front frame 51, the main body frame 52, and the outer frame 53 are pivoted at one end and are configured to be openable and closable, respectively.

The front frame 51 includes a firing handle 60 for firing the game ball with a firing intensity corresponding to the amount of operation (rotation angle) of the player, and a hitting ball capable of storing game balls and supplying the stored game balls to the firing device side. A supply tray (upper tray) 61 and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the batted ball supply tray 61 are provided. The front frame 51 also includes a first effect button 63a and a second effect button 63b (these two effect buttons are collectively called (also simply referred to as a "performance button 63") is provided. The plurality of performance buttons can be selectively used depending on the type of game performance.

The performance button 63 functions as an input means that allows input by the player, and the performance button to be used can be selectively used depending on the type of game performance. For example, when the first performance button 63a or the second performance button 63b is operated during execution of a game performance, a predetermined operation-corresponding performance is performed based on the operation. Note that the configuration of the production button 63 is not limited to the aspect of this embodiment, and it is sufficient that the player can make an input. For example, it may be a retractable type, a touch sensor type, etc.), or it may be a non-contact type input means (photoelectric type, etc.) that detects the proximity of a part of the player's body and inputs the information. good. Further, the effect button may perform an effect operation such as protruding upward or toward the front or vibrating (movable effect operation means).

In addition, the front frame 51 includes a decorative frame lamp 66 that can emit various lights depending on the gaming situation, and a decorative frame lamp 66 that can output various sounds (sound effects) depending on the gaming situation. A speaker 67 and the like are provided.

The game board 2 has a game area 3 surrounded by a rail member 4, into which game balls shot by operating a shooting handle 60 flow down. A plurality of game nails 16 for guiding game balls are protruded in the game area 3, and a ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the tip of the rail member 4. The ball return prevention piece 6 is for preventing the game ball once guided to the game area from returning to the firing device side. The game board 2 is also provided with a decorative board lamp 5 that can emit various lights depending on the game situation (see FIG. 5).

An image display device 7 capable of displaying images is provided near the center of the gaming area 3. The image display device 7 is also referred to as "image display means" or "effect display means." The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is composed of a liquid crystal panel (liquid crystal screen). That is, the image display device 7 of this embodiment includes a liquid crystal display. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a performance pattern display area 7b (also referred to as a "performance pattern display section") in which performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (also simply referred to as "performance pattern 8") are displayed. , and a background display area 7c in which a background image forming the background of the display screen 7a is displayed.

The effect pattern 8 performs a variable display in synchronization with a variable display of a first special symbol or a variable display of a second special symbol, which will be described later. Variable display modes include, for example, modes of scrolling vertically, horizontally, diagonally, etc. In this embodiment, in principle, scrolling display is performed vertically. The effect pattern display area 7b consists of three pattern display areas, for example, "left," "middle," and "right." The left pattern display area displays the left pattern 8L, and the middle pattern display area displays the medium pattern. A symbol 8C is displayed, and a right production symbol 8R is displayed in the right symbol display area.

The production patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R of this embodiment are each composed of numerical patterns (design types) representing numbers "1" to "9", and the numerical patterns are displayed in order. Specifically, the variable display of the production pattern 8 is performed by scrolling and displaying the numerical patterns in the order of "1" → "2" ... "8" → "9" (ascending order). , when it reaches "9", returns to "1" and repeats the scroll display until the end of the variation (stop display).

Depending on the combination (stop display mode) of the left, middle, and right performance symbols displayed (stop display) in the performance symbol display area 7b, a first special symbol display 41a (also referred to as a "first special symbol display section"), which will be described later, is created. The display result of the variable display of the first special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display 41b (also referred to as the "second special symbol display section") The display result, that is, the result of the special symbol validity determination (also simply referred to as "validity determination") is displayed in a manner that is easy for the player to recognize. In this embodiment, the stop order of the variablely displayed performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is basically "left → right → middle." Note that the production symbol that is first in the stop order (left production symbol 8L in this example) is also referred to as the "first stop symbol", and the production symbol that is second in the stop order (right production symbol 8R in this example) This is also referred to as the "second stop symbol", and the third production symbol in the stop order (medium production symbol 8C in this embodiment) is also referred to as the "third stop symbol" or the "final stop symbol".

Here, any or all of the first special symbol, second special symbol, and production symbol 8 may be simply referred to as "design" or "identification information." In addition, the ordinary design is also called "ordinary design" or "ordinary identification information." Furthermore, either or both of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is also referred to as a "special symbol", the special symbol is also referred to as a "special symbol", and the first special symbol is referred to as a "special symbol 1". ” or “first special pattern,” and the second special pattern is also called “special pattern 2” or “second special pattern.” In addition, it refers to any or all of the image display device 7 that displays the production symbol 8, the first special symbol display 41a that displays the first special symbol, and the second special symbol display 41b that displays the second special symbol. Also referred to as "identification information display means."

The stop display mode of the effect pattern 8 can be determined as follows. For example, if the result of the special symbol validity determination is a jackpot, it is possible to stop display the production symbol with the same three-digit number such as “777” (also referred to as a “jackpot production symbol”). . In addition, in the case of a small hit, a preset chance pattern such as ``135'' or a special pattern such as ``3★3'' (also referred to as a ``small hit effect pattern'') is used to stop displaying the production pattern. is possible. In addition, if the result is a miss, the production pattern is stopped and displayed with a winning pattern (also referred to as a "missing effect pattern") in which at least one of the three symbols such as "637" or "373" is different. Is possible. Thereby, the player can easily grasp the progress of the game by looking at the performance symbols that are stopped and displayed. In other words, the player generally does not directly understand the result of the special symbol validity determination by looking at the special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b, but rather The user sees and understands the performance symbols displayed in the symbol display area 7b.

Note that the left, middle, and right symbol display areas do not need to be provided separately, and may be one symbol display area that displays three performance symbols. In addition, in this embodiment, left, middle, and right effect patterns 8 are displayed, but for example, a matrix-like pattern display area of 3 rows and 3 columns is provided on the display screen to display nine effect patterns. When each symbol is displayed in a stopped state after a fluctuating display, the stopping mode (stopping symbol) of the production symbol can be displayed by the arrangement of each row (symbol combination) in one vertical row, one horizontal row, or one diagonal row, and the symbol display area ( The number of performance symbols and the form of the symbol display area are particularly important, such as dividing the production symbol display area into multiple (for example, four) regions and performing variable display and static display of three production symbols in each region. do not have.

Here, among the stop display modes of the production pattern 8, the stop display mode corresponding to the case where the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot (in this example, the zero) is referred to as a "jackpot mode" or a "specific mode". It is sometimes referred to as a "specific display result", and the stop display mode (in this example, a random result) corresponding to the result of the special symbol validity judgment is referred to as a "missing mode", "non-specific mode", " Sometimes referred to as "non-specific display results." Further, the stop display mode corresponding to the case where the result of the special symbol validity determination is a small win may be referred to as a "small win mode", a "predetermined mode", a "predetermined display result", etc.

On the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, in addition to game performances using the performance symbols 8 as described above (also referred to as "performance symbol game performances"), jackpot game performances (special Game effects), demonstration effects for waiting customers, etc. are displayed. In addition, in various performances such as performance symbol game performance, jackpot game performance, demonstration performance, etc., performance images other than performance patterns such as background images and character images are also displayed in addition to performance designs such as numbers.

In addition, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a first performance reservation display area 9c (first performance reservation display section) that displays a first performance reservation 9a according to the number of stored first special symbol reservations, which will be described later. , a second effect pending display area 9d (second effect pending display section) that displays a second effect pending 9b according to the number of stored second special figures pending, which will be described later. Depending on the display mode (display number) of the first performance hold and second performance hold, the number of stored first special figure holds displayed on the first special figure hold display 43a, which will be described later, and the second special figure hold display The stored number of second special symbols pending displayed in 43b can be clearly shown to the player.

Near the center of the game board 2 (game area 3) and in front of the image display device 7, a center decoration body 10 is provided so as to surround the performance symbol display area 7b. A stage portion 11 having a game ball rolling surface on which game balls can roll is provided at the lower part of the center decoration body 10. Further, a hollow warp portion 12 is provided on the left side of the center decoration body 10. The warp section 12 is provided with a warp entrance and a warp exit, and receives a game ball flowing down the game area 3 from the warp entrance, discharges the game ball from the warp exit, and guides it to the stage section 11. The game ball guided to the rolling surface of the stage part 11 can enter the first starting port 20, which will be described later, with a higher possibility than the game ball not guided to the stage part 11. Further, on the upper part of the center decorative body 10, a decorative member 13 having an illumination member (board lamp 5) such as an LED, which can be turned on depending on the game state, and which is shaped like letters, figures, etc., is arranged. There is.

At the upper part of the center decoration body 10 and behind the decoration member 13, there is provided a movable decoration member 14 that can be operated in accordance with the game performance. In FIG. 3, only a part of the movable decorative member 14 is visible, but for example, when a game performance with a relatively high probability of winning is executed, the movable decorative member 14 falls downward, and the movable decorative member 14 is By covering the front surface of the display screen 7a with the decorative member 14, most of the display screen 7a becomes visible. This increases the player's expectation of winning. A presentation using the movable decorative member 14 is also referred to as a "movable presentation."

A fixed prize winning device 19 including a first starting port 20 is provided below the image display device 7 in the gaming area 3 (below the stage portion 11). The first starting port 20 is a non-variable ball entry port that does not change the ease with which game balls enter the ball. Based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20, a random number etc. for special symbol validity determination is acquired, and when a predetermined condition is established, the validity determination regarding the first special symbol (“first special symbol ) is executed, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and is stopped and displayed based on the result of the validity determination.

A variable prize winning device 22 (also referred to as a "variable starting port") including a second starting port 21 is provided below the first starting port 20. The second starting port 21 is a variable ball entry port that changes the ease with which the game ball enters. Based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21, a random number etc. for determining the validity of the special symbol is acquired, and when a predetermined condition is established, the determination of the validity of the second special symbol ("second special symbol validity") is performed. (Also referred to as "judgment") is executed, the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and is stopped and displayed based on the result of the validity determination.

In other words, the variable display of the first special symbol (first special symbol validity determination) is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20, and the variable display of the second special symbol (second special symbol validity determination) (determination) is executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21. The entry of a game ball into the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 is also referred to as "starting ball entering".

The variable prize winning device 22 includes a movable member 23, and opens and closes the second starting port 21 by the operation of the movable member 23. Through this opening/closing operation, the second starting port 21 can change from the first mode (closed state) to the second mode (open state) in which there is a higher possibility of a game ball entering than the first mode. be. That is, the movable member 23 changes the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 by performing a predetermined operation (opening/closing operation). This movable member 23 is driven by a second starting port solenoid 24 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, a game ball can enter the second starting port 21 only when the movable member 23 is in the open state, and a game ball cannot enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. . In addition, if the second starting port 21 is such that it is more difficult for a game ball to enter the ball when the movable member 23 is in the closed state than when it is in the open state, the second starting port 21 is completely opened when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. It does not have to be something that makes it impossible to enter the ball.

To the right of the first start opening 20 in the gaming area 3, a first big winning device 31 is provided which includes a first big winning opening 30 (also referred to as a "first variable ball entrance"). The first big winning device 31 includes an opening/closing member 32, and opens and closes the first big winning opening 30 by operating the opening/closing member 32. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by the first big prize opening solenoid 33 (see FIG. 5). The first big prize opening 30 is a variable ball entrance that changes the ease of entry of the game ball, and allows the game ball to enter only when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open state. That is, the first grand prize device 31 (first grand prize opening 30) can be switched between an entry-inhibited state (closed state) in which a game ball cannot enter and an entry state in which a game ball can enter, by the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 32. It is possible to change to a ballable state (open state).

Further, above the first grand prize opening 30 in the gaming area 3 and at the lower right of the center decoration body 10, a second grand prize opening 35 (also referred to as a "second variable ball entrance") is provided. Two major prize winning devices 36 are provided. The second big winning device 36 includes an opening/closing member (wing member) 37, and opens and closes the second big winning opening 35 by operating the opening/closing member 37. The opening/closing member 37 is driven by a second large prize opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 5). The second big prize opening 35 is a variable ball entry opening that changes the ease with which the game ball enters, and allows the game ball to enter only when the opening/closing member 37 is in the open state. In other words, the second grand prize device 36 (second grand prize opening 35) operates between an entry-inhibited state (closed state) in which a game ball cannot enter and an entry state in which a game ball can enter, by the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 37. It is possible to change to a ballable state (open state).

The second grand prize winning device 36 is provided with a specific area 39 (also referred to as "V area") through which the game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening 35 can pass. This pachinko game machine 1 generates a high probability state described below based on the detection that at least one of the game balls that entered the second grand prize opening 35 has passed through the specific area 39. It is configured. The high probability state is one of the gaming benefits given to the player apart from the special game. This pachinko gaming machine 1, which determines whether or not to generate a high probability state based on whether or not a game ball passes through the specific area 39, is a so-called "V-probability machine", and the specific area 39 is a variable probability state. It functions as a mouth (variable area). Such a specific area 39 is not provided in the first big prize winning device 31. The second grand prize opening 35 (second grand prize device 36) having the specific region 39 (V region) as a variable probability operation opening is also referred to as a "V attacker". Note that the specific area 39 may be provided in the first grand prize device 31 (first grand prize opening 30) instead of the second grand prize device 36 (second grand prize opening 35).

A gate 28 (also referred to as a "passing port") through which a game ball can pass is provided on the right side of the center decorative body 10 in the game area 3. Based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28, a random number for determining the validity of the normal symbol is obtained, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a normal control is performed to determine whether or not to open the second starting port 21. As the pattern validity determination is executed, the normal symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and are stopped and displayed based on the result of the normal symbol validity determination. When the winning normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the second starting port 21 becomes open.

Furthermore, a plurality of general winning holes 27 are provided at the bottom of the gaming area 3. In this embodiment, four general winning ports 27 are provided, three of which are left general winning ports provided on the left side of the first starting port 20, and one is a left general winning port provided on the left side of the first large winning port 30. There is a general prize opening on the right side. The first starting hole 20, the second starting hole 21, the first big winning hole 30, the second big winning hole 35, and the general winning hole 27 are ball entry holes that serve as triggers for paying out prize balls, and each entering ball When game balls enter the mouth, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out at each ball entry hole. Specifically, the number of prize balls in the first starting hole 20 is "4", the number of prize balls in the second starting hole 21 is "2", and the number of prize balls in the first big winning hole 20 and the second big winning hole 35. is "15", and the number of prize balls in general prize opening 27 is "10".

A game in which a plurality of ball entry openings (first starting opening 20, second starting opening 21, first big winning opening 30, second big winning opening 35, general winning opening 27, gate 28) etc. are arranged in this way. The area 3 can be divided into a left gaming area 3A (first area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right gaming area 3B (second area) on the right side. Firing a game ball so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called "left-handed hitting", and firing a game ball so that it flows down the right gaming area 3B is called "right-handed hitting". .

Here, among the plurality of ball entry ports, the first starting port 20 and the three left general winning ports 27 are provided so that game balls flowing down the left game area 3A of the game area 3 can enter. The second starting hole 21, the first big winning hole 30, the second big winning hole 35, the right general winning hole 27, and the gate 28 are the places where game balls flowing down the right gaming area 3B of the gaming area 3 enter. It is set up so that it is possible. In this pachinko game machine 1, when starting a game, the player, in principle, aims to hit the ball to the left into the first starting hole 20. On the other hand, when the game state changes due to a hit in the judgment based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20, in principle, if the ball hits the right ball, the ball enters the gate 28, the second starting hole 21, the first big winning hole 30 and The aim is to land the ball in the two major prize openings, 35.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a main display 40 is arranged outside the game area 3 (outside the game area) and at the lower right of the game board 2. The main display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41a (first special symbol display section) that variably displays and stops displaying a first special symbol, and a second special symbol that variably displays and stops displaying a second special symbol. It includes a display 41b (second special symbol display section) and a normal symbol display 42 (normal symbol display section) that variably displays and stops displaying normal symbols. In addition, the main display 40 includes a first special symbol reservation display 43a that displays the number of memory determination information (first special symbol reservation) related to the first special symbol, and a first special symbol reservation display 43a that displays the number of memory determination information (first special symbol reservation) regarding the first special symbol; A second special pattern holding display 43b that displays the memory number of the second special pattern holding) and a normal pattern holding display 44 that displays the number of memory of the operation holding (normal pattern holding) of the normal pattern display 42. included. Furthermore, the main display 40 includes a hit indicator 48 that indicates that the result of the first special symbol validity determination or the second special symbol validity determination is a hit, and a hit display 48 that indicates that the result of the first special symbol validity determination or the second special symbol validity determination is a hit, and the first special symbol validity determination or the second special symbol validity determination. A round indicator 45 that indicates the number of rounds of the winning game to be executed when the result is a winning, a game status indicator 46 that indicates that the probability variation function is activated, and a game ball launch direction, that is, a right-handed hit. and a firing direction indicator 47 indicating whether the ball should be hit to the left or the left. These various indicators included in the main display 40 are display-controlled by a main control section, which will be described later.

The variable display of the first special symbol is performed based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is performed based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21. In addition, in the following description, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a "special symbol." Further, the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b may be collectively referred to as a "special symbol display section." Further, the first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b may be collectively referred to as a "special figure holding display section."

In the special symbol display section, the special symbol (identification information) is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time and then stopped, and the special symbol (stop symbol) that is displayed in a stopped manner allows the ball to enter the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21. The results of the lottery (special symbol validity judgment, jackpot lottery) based on the above information will be announced. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols based on the special symbol appropriateness determination. If the stop symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (specific identification information), that is, the manner of stop display of the special symbol (the display result of the fluctuating display of the special symbol) is the winning manner of a jackpot symbol, a small win symbol, etc. In this case, a special game (big win game, small win game) is performed in which the first big winning hole 30 or the second big winning hole 35 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of winning symbol that is stopped and displayed. In addition, the opening pattern of the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 and second big winning hole 35) in the special game will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first special symbol display 41a is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "i to p", and displays a special symbol according to the result of the first special symbol validity determination. In this example, as a result of the first special symbol validity determination, there are four types of jackpots: "15R 1st jackpot", "15R 2nd jackpot", "5R 3rd jackpot", and "2R 4th jackpot", and the first A small win is provided (see FIGS. 6 and 8), and the LED of the first special symbol display 41a can take a display mode depending on each of the jackpot and small win. For example, if the result of the first special symbol validity determination is the first jackpot (15R jackpot), three LEDs of "ijn" will be lit and the rest will be turned off (15R first jackpot symbol), and the In the case of 2 jackpots (15R jackpot), 3 LEDs of "ijk" will be lit and the rest will be turned off (15R 2nd jackpot symbol), and in the case of 3rd jackpot (15R jackpot), " In the case of the fourth jackpot (2R jackpot), the 4 LEDs of "jnop" are lit and the remaining lights are turned off (15R 3rd jackpot symbol). shall be turned off (2R fourth jackpot symbol), and in the case of the first small hit, four LEDs of "mnop" shall be lit and the remaining lights shall be turned off (small winning symbol). Furthermore, if the result of the first special symbol validity determination is a miss, two LEDs of "lo" are turned on and the rest are turned off (a miss symbol).

On the other hand, the second special symbol display 41b is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "a to h", and displays a special symbol according to the result of the second special symbol validity determination. In this example, two types of jackpots, "15R 5th jackpot" and "15R 6th jackpot" are provided as a result of the second special symbol validity determination (see FIG. 8), and the second special symbol display The LED of the device 41b can take a display mode depending on each of the jackpots. For example, if the result of the second special symbol validity determination is the fifth jackpot (15R jackpot), three LEDs of "abd" will be lit and the rest will be turned off (15R fifth jackpot symbol), In the case of a 6 jackpot (15R jackpot), the 3 LEDs of "abc" will be lit and the rest will be turned off (15R 6th jackpot symbol), and in the case of the 2nd small jackpot, the "cdeh" LED will be turned on. It is assumed that four LEDs are turned on and the rest are turned off (second small winning pattern). In addition, if the result of the second special symbol validity determination is a miss, two LEDs of "eh" are turned on and the rest are turned off (a miss symbol).

Note that the stop display mode of the special symbols (stop symbols) is not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily.

Before the special symbols are stopped and displayed, the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time. The manner in which the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner may be, for example, a manner in which each LED lights up so that light repeatedly flows in a predetermined order, such as in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. Further, the first special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41a is maintained in its stopped display mode until the next variable display of the first special symbol is started. Similarly, the second special symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 41b is maintained in its stopped display mode until the next variable display of the second special symbol is started.

The stop display of the special symbol (maintaining the stop display mode) is performed until a predetermined time (also referred to as "stop display time" or "stop display period") has elapsed. The stop display time (stop display period) of the special symbol is also the stop display time (stop display period) of the effect pattern 8. This is because the fluctuating display and stop display of the performance symbols 8 are performed in synchronization with the fluctuating display and stop display of the special symbols. The stop display time of the special symbol is measured by a timer included in the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81), and the stop display time of the production symbol 8 is measured by a timer provided in the sub control board 90 (production control microcomputer 91). be measured. Then, when the stop display time has elapsed, a new variable display (next variable display) can be started.

In this pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21, various information such as a random number for determining the validity of a special symbol ("acquired information") is based on the entering of the ball. ), and the acquired various information is temporarily stored in a special figure reservation storage unit (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control unit. Specifically, if the ball enters the first starting port 20, it is stored in the first special pattern holding storage unit (not shown) as the first special pattern holding (first acquisition information), and the ball enters the second starting port 21. If the ball enters the ball, it is stored as a second special figure reservation (second acquired information) in a second special figure reservation storage unit (not shown). The number of special figure reservations (acquisition information) that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage section is up to a predetermined number, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value is set to "4". These first special symbol reservation storage section and second special symbol reservation storage section are also referred to as "first acquisition information storage means" and "second acquisition information storage means", respectively, and also referred to as "acquisition information storage means" in general.

The special figure reservation stored in the special figure reservation storage unit is consumed when the variable display of special symbols based on the special figure reservation becomes executable (can be started). The extinguishing of the special symbol reservation means to determine the special symbol propriety judgment random number etc. corresponding to the special symbol reservation, and to execute (start) the variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, if the special symbol variation display based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 cannot be performed immediately upon entry, that is, the variation of the special symbol Even when a display is being executed or a special game is being executed, it is possible to reserve the right to judge whether the special symbol is correct or not for the entered ball up to a predetermined number.

Then, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed after the variable display is a missed symbol (non-specific pattern) and special symbol hold is stored at the time of the stop display, the stop display time (stop display period) When , the oldest (earliest) special symbol reservation in the storage order is consumed, and the variable display of the next special symbol is thereby started. In addition, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a missed symbol and special symbol hold is not stored at the time of the stop display, the stop display state of the special symbol will be maintained even after the stop display time has elapsed. be done. On the other hand, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a jackpot symbol (specific mode), when the stop display time has elapsed, it will shift to the opening period of the jackpot game, which will be described later, and after the opening period, the first round of the jackpot game will begin. is started. In addition, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a small winning symbol (predetermined format), when the stop display time elapses, the opening period of the small winning game, which will be described later, will begin, and after the opening period, the small winning game will start. The first opening begins.

In addition, the stop display time when the stopped and displayed special symbol is a winning symbol (also referred to as "missing stop display time") and the stop display time when the stopped and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol (" (also referred to as "Jackpot stop display time") and the stop display time when the stopped and displayed special symbol is a small hit symbol (also referred to as "Small hit stop display time") are the same time, respectively. It doesn't matter if the times are different. In this embodiment, the miss stop display time, the jackpot stop display time, and the small win stop display time are each set to 0.6 seconds.

The number of special figure reservations stored in the special figure reservation storage section is displayed on the first special figure reservation display 43a and the second special figure reservation display 43b. Specifically, the first special figure reservation display 43a is composed of two LEDs "uv", and by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of first special figures reserved, the first special figure It displays the number of pending items. For example, when the number of reservations is "0", the display format is such that both LEDs are turned off, such as "u□v□" (for example, □: off, ●: red, ▲: green), and the number of reservations is is "1", the display format is "u□v●" and the "u" LED is turned off and the "v" LED is lit in red, and when the number of reservations is "2", "u ●V The display mode may be such that the LED lights up in red, and when the number of reservations is "4 (upper limit number)", both LEDs may light up in green, such as "u▲v▲".

In addition, the second special figure holding display 43b is composed of two LEDs "wx", and by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of second special figures holding, the number of second special figures holding is displayed. For example, if the number of reservations is "0", the display format is such that both LEDs are turned off, such as "w□x□" (for example, □: off, ●: red on, ▲: green on), and the number of pending "1" to "4" are also determined in the same way as the first special figure reservation display 43a.

The fluctuating display of the normal symbols is triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 28. The normal symbol display device 42 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time, then stops displaying them, and uses the stopped and displayed normal symbols (stopped symbols) to indicate the result of the normal symbol validity determination based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28. inform. The normal symbol that is stopped and displayed is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols by the normal symbol validity determination. When the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol (winning normal symbol), an auxiliary game is performed in which the second starting port 21 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current game state. Note that the opening pattern of the second starting port 21 will be described later.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the normal symbol display 42 is composed of two LEDs "st", and depending on the lighting mode thereof, a normal symbol is displayed according to the result of the normal symbol validity determination. be. For example, if the determination result is a win, a normal winning symbol with both LEDs lit is stopped and displayed, such as "s■t■" (for example, ■: lit, □: turned off). If the determination result is a failure, a normal failure symbol such as ``s□t■'' in which only the ``t'' LED is lit is displayed. Note that the out-of-place normal symbol is not a specific normal symbol. Before the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time period, and the manner of the variable display is, for example, in such a manner that both LEDs alternately turn on and off. be.

In this pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, various information (obtained information) such as a random number for determining the validity of normal symbols is obtained based on the passing of the game ball, and the obtained various information is transmitted to the main control unit. It is temporarily stored as a general pattern reservation in a general pattern reservation storage unit (not shown) formed in the RAM of. The number of common symbols that can be stored in the common symbol reservation storage section is limited to a predetermined number, and in this embodiment, the upper limit is set to "4". The common symbol reservation stored in the common symbol reservation storage unit is consumed when the fluctuating display of the ordinary symbol based on the common symbol reservation becomes executable (can be started). The extinguishing of the normal symbol reservation means to determine the random number for normal symbol propriety judgment corresponding to the ordinary symbol reservation, and to execute (start) the variable display of the ordinary symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, when the fluctuating display of the normal symbols based on the passing of the game ball to the gate 28 cannot be executed immediately at the time of the passage, that is, when the fluctuating display of the regular symbols is being executed or the auxiliary game is being executed. Even so, it is possible to reserve the right to judge the validity of normal symbols for the passage of a predetermined number of symbols as an upper limit.

The number of common symbols stored in the common symbol reservation storage section is displayed on the common symbol reservation display 44. Specifically, the Fuzuzu reservation display 44 is composed of two LEDs "qr", and displays the number of Fuzuzu reservations by lighting up the LEDs according to the number of Fuzuzu reservations. be. For example, when the number of reservations is "0", the display format is such that both LEDs are turned off, such as "q□r□" (for example, □: off, ●: lit in red, ▲: lit in green), and the number of pending When is "1", the display mode can be such that the "q" LED is turned off and the "r" LED is lit in red, such as "q□r●". Further, the number of reservations "2" to "4" is also determined in the same manner as the first special figure reservation display 43a.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 2 and 5. The pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has a main control board 80 ("main control section" or "game control section") that controls the game progress and gaming profits, such as special symbol validity determination, normal symbol validity determination, and transition of game states. ), a sub-control board 90 (also referred to as a "sub-control unit", "sub-control unit", or "performance control unit") that controls the production executed as the game progresses, and a payout of game balls. A payout control board 110 (also referred to as a "payout control unit"), an image display device 7, a production display 102, a production first special figure holding display 103a, a production second special figure holding display 103b, etc. It includes an image control board 100 (image control section) that performs display control.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a main control board storage case that stores the main control board 80 is provided approximately at the center of the rear side (back side) of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and above the main control board case. is provided with an image control board storage case that stores an audio control board 106, a lamp control board 107, and an image control board 100, and a sub-control board storage case that stores a sub-control board 90 on the image control board storage case. A case is provided. Further, a payout control board case for storing a payout control board is provided on the lower left side of the main control board case, and a power board case for storing a power supply board 109 is provided on the right side thereof.

The power supply board 109 functions as a power supply means that receives power supplied from the outside and supplies power to the pachinko game machine 1 . Specifically, power is supplied to various electrical components necessary for the operation of the pachinko game machine 1, such as various circuit boards, devices/equipment, sensors, switches, motors, solenoids, etc. shown in the block diagram of FIG. supply. The power supply board 109 is provided with a power switch (not shown) exposed outside the power supply board case. Turning the power switch on starts supplying power, and turning it off starts supplying power. supply will be stopped.

A one-chip microcomputer for game control (also referred to as a "microcomputer for game control") 81 is mounted on the main control board 80, which controls the progress of the game of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 transmits and receives data (information) to and from other boards etc. via an input/output circuit 87 (I/O port section). The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81. Further, the ROM may be externally attached. The RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 is provided with the above-mentioned special symbol reservation storage section (first special symbol reservation storage section and second special symbol reservation storage section) and regular symbol reservation storage section. Further, at a predetermined address of the RAM (main control RAM) of the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81), storage areas for use in various flags and various counting counters are secured.

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the main control board 80, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors include the first starting hole sensor 20a, the second starting hole sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first big winning hole sensor 30a, the second big winning hole sensor 35a, the specific area sensor 39a, and the non-specific sensor. The area sensor 49a and the general winning hole sensor 27a are connected. These various sensors are also referred to as "gaming ball detection means."

The first starting port sensor 20a is provided in the first starting port 20 and detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 20. The second starting port sensor 21a is provided within the second starting port 21 and detects a game ball that has entered the second starting port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28. The first big winning hole sensor 30a is provided in the first big winning hole 30 and detects a game ball that has entered the first big winning hole 30. The second big winning hole sensor 35a is provided in the second big winning hole 35 and detects a game ball that has entered the second big winning hole 35. The specific area sensor 39a is provided in a specific area 39 within the second big prize opening 35, and detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 39. The non-specific area sensor 49a is provided in a non-specific area (not shown) in the second grand prize opening 35, and detects game balls that have passed through the non-specific area among the game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening 35. This is to detect a ball (that is, a game ball that did not pass through the specific area 39). The general winning hole sensor 27a is provided in each general winning hole 27 and detects a game ball that has entered the general winning hole 27.

Further, as the solenoids, a second starting port solenoid 24, a first big winning port solenoid 33, and a second big winning port solenoid 38 are connected. The second starting port solenoid 24 is for driving the movable member 23 of the variable prize winning device 22. The first big prize opening solenoid 33 is for driving the opening/closing member 32 of the first big winning device 31. The second big prize opening solenoid 38 is for driving the opening/closing member 37 of the second big winning device 36.

Furthermore, the main control board 80 includes a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol reservation display 43a, a second special symbol reservation display 43b, and a regular symbol display 42. A hold indicator 44, a round indicator 45, a game status indicator 46, a firing direction indicator 47, and a hit indicator 48 are connected. That is, the display control of these main display devices 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 110 includes a payout device 120 that pays out prize balls and rental balls, and a card unit 135 (installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, which stores information on an inserted prepaid card (gaming value storage medium), etc.). A device that allows ball lending based on information about the ball is connected to the terminal, and a firing device 112 is also connected via a firing control board 111 (also referred to as a "launching control section"). Firing device 112 includes firing handle 60 (see FIG. 1).

The payout control board 110 is mounted with a one-chip microcomputer for payout control (also referred to as a "microcomputer for payout control") 116 that controls the payout of game balls of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The payout control microcomputer 116 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the payout of game balls, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The payout control microcomputer 116 controls the payout motor 121 of the payout device 120 based on the signal from the game control microcomputer 81 and the signal from the card unit 135 connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1 via the input/output circuit 117. It is driven to pay out prize balls or pay out rental balls. The game balls that are paid out are detected by payout sensors 122 and 123 for counting.

When the player operates the firing handle 60 (see FIG. 1), the touch switch 114 detects the player's contact with the firing handle 60, and the firing volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the firing handle 60. do. Then, the firing motor 113 is driven and controlled so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the firing volume 115. In this embodiment, the number of game balls that can be continuously fired by the firing device 112 by driving the firing motor 113 is about 100 in one minute. The touch switch 114 is provided integrally with the firing handle 60 so that it can be touched by the hand (finger) of the player operating the firing handle 60.

Further, the main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a communication direction regulating means.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 90 is equipped with a performance control one-chip microcomputer (also referred to as "performance control microcomputer") 91 that controls the performance of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program. The performance control microcomputer 91 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. . The production control microcomputer 91 sends and receives data to and from other boards etc. via the input/output circuit 95. The input/output circuit 95 may be built in the production control microcomputer 91. Further, the ROM may be externally attached. Furthermore, storage areas for use in various flags and various counting counters are secured at predetermined addresses of the RAM (performance control RAM) of the sub-control board 90 (microcomputer 91 for production control).

An image control board 100, an audio control board 106, and a lamp control board 107 are connected to the sub-control board 90. The sub control board 90 (sub control unit), image control board 100 (image control unit), audio control board 106 (audio control unit), and lamp control board 107 (lamp control unit) are displayed depending on the gaming situation. It functions as a production control means (production execution means) that controls the execution of various productions such as production, sound production, lamp production (light production), movable production, etc. on the corresponding production equipment, members, etc. (production means). It is something.

The production control microcomputer 91 of the sub-control board 90 controls the CPU of the image control one-chip microcomputer (also referred to as "image control microcomputer") 101 of the image control board 100 based on commands received from the main control board 80. , the display control of the image display device 7, the effect display 102, the effect first special figure hold display 103a, and the effect second hold display 103b is performed. The RAM of the image control board 100 is a memory for expanding image data. The ROM of the image control board 100 stores still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 7, specifically characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including performance patterns, reserved patterns, etc.) Image data such as images and background images are stored. The image control microcomputer 101 reads image data from the ROM based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 91. Then, display control is executed based on the read image data.

The production display 102 is composed of two LEDs, and performs a variable display and a stop display in accordance with the variation display and stop display of the production pattern 8, and changes the production pattern 8 by turning on/off the two LEDs or by a combination of colors. It is stopped and displayed in a display mode that shows the display result (result of special symbol validity judgment). In addition, the first special figure holding display 103a and the second holding display 103b are similarly composed of two LEDs. Then, depending on whether the two LEDs are turned on or off or a combination of colors, the performance first special figure reservation display 103a displays the number of reservations displayed in the first performance reservation display area 9c and the first special figure reservation display 43a. The display is controlled in a display mode that shows the same number of pending items as the number of pending items. In addition, the performance second special figure reservation display 103b is displayed in a display mode showing the same number of reservations as the number of reservations displayed in the second performance reservation display area 9d and the number of reservations displayed in the second special figure reservation display 43b. controlled. This can be done by displaying the character pattern on almost the entire display screen 7a (effect pattern display section), or by operating the movable decorative member 14 to cover the effect pattern display area 7b (effect pattern display section) of the display screen 7a. This display device is provided because part or all of the performance symbols, the first performance pending display section, or the second performance pending display section may become invisible. Note that a VDP (Video Display Processor) may be provided in place of or in addition to the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 of the image control board 100.

Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 91 outputs various production sounds such as voices, music, and sound effects from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The speaker 67 is also referred to as "sound output means".

The data of the effect sound output from the speaker 67 (also referred to as "sound data") is stored (stored) in advance in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. In this embodiment, a variable effect sound that can be outputted during the variable display of the special symbols (and the effect pattern 8) is provided as the effect sound, and the sound data of the variable effect sound (also referred to as "variable effect sound data") is provided. ) is stored (stored) in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. A plurality of fluctuating performance sounds (fluctuation performance sound data) are provided depending on the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol, the fluctuating performance pattern of the performance symbol 8, the gaming state when the fluctuating display is executed, etc., which will be described later. Details of the variable effect sound will be described later.

Note that a CPU may be mounted on the voice control board 106, and in this case, the CPU of the voice control board 106 may be caused to execute voice control. Further, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the audio control board 106, and sound data may be stored in the ROM of the audio control board 106. Furthermore, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100 and the image control microcomputer 101 may execute audio control. In this case, the sound data may be stored in the ROM of the image control board 100.

In addition, the performance control microcomputer 91 uses light emission pattern data ("lamp data") that determines lighting modes such as lighting/extinguishing of the panel lamps 5, frame lamps 66, etc., and luminescent colors, based on commands received from the main control board 80. ) is determined from data stored in the ROM, and controls the lighting of lamps (LEDs) such as the board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 via the lamp control board 107. The board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 are also collectively referred to as a "decorative lamp."

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 91 operates the movable decorative member 14 connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on the command received from the main control board 80. As described above, the movable decorative member 14 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the center decorative body 10 (behind the decorative member 13).

The effect control microcomputer 91 determines operation pattern data (also referred to as "drive data") for operating the movable decoration member 14 in a predetermined operation mode from data stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. , controls the movement of the movable decorative member 14 based on the determined movement pattern data. Note that a CPU may be mounted on the lamp control board 107, and in this case, the CPU of the lamp control board 107 may be caused to control the lighting of the lamp and the operation of the movable decorative member 14. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the lamp control board 107, and data (lamp data, drive data) regarding light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM of the lamp control board 107.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 90 has a first button that can detect when the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b (see FIG. 1) is operated (pressed, rotated, pulled, etc.). A production button detection switch 63c and a second production button detection switch 63d are connected. Therefore, when a player performs a predetermined input operation on the first performance button 63a or the second performance button 63b, a signal is outputted from the corresponding performance button detection switch to the sub-control board 90. Note that the first performance button detection switch 63c and the second performance button detection switch 63d are also collectively referred to simply as "performance button detection switch."

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 90 is connected with a touch switch 114 that can detect contact with the firing handle 60 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, when the player's hand (finger) touches the firing handle 60 (touch switch 114), a detection signal is output from the touch switch 114 to the sub-control board 90. For example, the detection signal (also referred to as a "touch signal") from the touch switch 114 is turned ON when the player's hand (finger) touches the firing handle 60 (touch switch 114). ), it turns OFF. Note that the firing handle 60 is also referred to as a "firing operation section" and the touch switch 114 is also referred to as a "contact detection means".

Next, the control (determination means) related to the validity determination in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, the results of special symbol validity determination include "big hit", "small hit", and "miss". When the result of the special symbol validity judgment is "Jackpot", the "Jackpot symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section, and when it is "Small win", the "Small win symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section, and " At the time of "missing", the "missing symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section. When a jackpot or a small win is determined, a "special game" is executed in which the first big winning hole 30 or the second big winning hole 35 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed. A special game that is executed as a jackpot is called a "jackpot game," and a special game that is executed as a small win is called a "small win game."

There are multiple types of hits. As shown in Figure 6, the types of jackpots include "15R (round) 1st jackpot", "15R 2nd jackpot", "15R 3rd jackpot", "2R 4th jackpot", "15R 5th jackpot", and There is a "15R 6th jackpot". In "15R 1st jackpot" and "15R 5th jackpot", the number of openings (number of rounds) of the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) is 15 times, and the first round and This is a jackpot that opens the second grand prize opening 35 in a manner that allows (easily) the passage of the game ball to the specific area 39 (also referred to as "V passage") in the second round. A round in which the game ball aims to pass (V passage) to the specific area 39 is also called a "V round" or a "chance round."

For "15R 2nd jackpot", "15R 3rd jackpot" and "15R 6th jackpot", the number of openings (number of rounds) of the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) is 15 times. However, the opening time of the first and second rounds of the V-round described above is extremely short (instantaneous opening and closing), and it is a jackpot where it is difficult (or even impossible) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39. It is. That is, these jackpots can be said to be jackpots that do not open the second jackpot 35 in a manner that allows (easily) the passing of the game ball to the specific area 39.

"2R 4th jackpot" is the number of openings (number of rounds) of the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35), which is the 1st round and the 2nd round which are V rounds. This is a jackpot that opens the second grand prize opening 35 in a manner that allows the game ball to pass to the specific area 39. However, since the opening time of the second jackpot 35 is 1.8 seconds in the first and second rounds combined, the possibility of the game ball passing through the specific area is lower than in the 15R first jackpot. It has become.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, based on the passage of a game ball to the specific area 39 during a jackpot game, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is shifted to a high probability state to be described later. Therefore, if the result of the special symbol validity determination is a 15R 1st jackpot or a 15R 5th jackpot, the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 in a manner that has an extremely high possibility of passing through the first and second rounds. Since a round is executed, the game state after the jackpot game can be shifted to a high probability state by passing the game ball to the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game. In addition, if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is the 2R 4th jackpot, the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 for 1 round, although it is not as strong as the 15R 1st jackpot or the 15R 5th jackpot. Since the first and second V rounds are executed, if the game ball can be passed through the specific area 39 during execution of the jackpot game, the gaming state after the jackpot game can be shifted to a high probability state. .

On the other hand, if the result of special symbol validity judgment is 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 3rd jackpot, or 15R 6th jackpot, the opening time of the V round of the 1st and 2nd round is 0. Since it is 1 second, it is very difficult to let the game ball enter the second big winning hole, so the possibility of the game ball passing into the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game is extremely low ( There is a very high possibility that the gaming state after the jackpot game will be a normal state (low probability state), which will be described later (it can be said that it will be a low probability state).

On the other hand, the small winning (first small winning, second small winning) is a winning that causes the big winning opening (second big winning opening 35) to open in the apparently same opening pattern as the 2R fourth jackpot. That is, in the case of a small hit, the second big prize opening 35 is opened in a manner that allows the game ball to pass to the specific area 39. However, even if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during execution of the small winning game, the game state after the execution of the small winning game remains unchanged from before the execution of the small winning game. Therefore, if the gaming state before the execution of the small winning game is a normal state (low probability state), the gaming state after the execution of the small winning game will also be the normal state. From the player's point of view, it is not possible to distinguish between the 2R fourth jackpot and the small win even by looking at the opening pattern of the big winning hole (second big winning hole 35). That is, it is difficult for the player to recognize whether the result of the special symbol validity determination is a "2R fourth jackpot" or a "small win." Therefore, even if the game ball that entered the second big prize opening 35 passes through the specific area 39, it is difficult to recognize whether or not the subsequent gaming state will shift to a high probability state. As a result, in the case of a small hit and the 2R fourth jackpot, the game can be played with a sense of expectation that the probability may be high, and the game can be more interesting. In addition, in the case of small winnings, the opening of the big prize opening is not called a round, but simply called an opening.

The opening pattern of the jackpot when a jackpot or small jackpot occurs in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is as shown in FIG. That is, when it becomes the 15R first jackpot (when the 15R first jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41a) and when it becomes the 15R fifth jackpot (when the 15R first jackpot symbol is displayed on the second special symbol display 41b) When the fifth jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the second big winning hole 35 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds in 1R to 2R, and the first big winning hole 30 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds in 3R to 15R. In this case, the opening time of the second big prize opening 35 in the 1st and 2nd rounds is 28 seconds, so there is an extremely high possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 during that round (during the V round). It becomes.

In addition, when it becomes a 15R second jackpot (when the 15R second jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41a), and when it becomes a 15R third jackpot (when the first special symbol display 41a shows the 15R second jackpot symbol), When the 15R 3rd jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed) and when the 15R 6th jackpot is reached (when the 15R 6th jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 41b), in 1R to 2R The second big winning hole 35 is opened for a maximum of 0.1 seconds, and the first big winning hole 30 is opened for a maximum of 28 seconds in 3R to 15R. In this hit, the opening time of the second big prize opening 35 in the 1st round and the 2nd round is extremely short, maximum 0.1 seconds each (instantaneous opening/closing), so the game can be played during that round (during the V round). It is almost impossible for the ball to pass through the specific area 39.

In this way, in this example, the opening patterns for the 15R second, third, and sixth jackpots and the opening patterns for the 15R first and fifth jackpots are compared to the opening patterns for the first and second rounds (V round). The opening mode is different between the two. In the 15R 1st and 5th jackpots, the second big prize opening 35 opens for 28 seconds in the first and second rounds, so in the V round, problems such as ball jamming and game ball firing system do not occur. As far as possible, the game ball will almost certainly enter the second grand prize opening 35 and pass through the specific area 39 with a high probability. On the other hand, in the 15R second, third, and sixth jackpots, the second big prize opening 35 opens for only 0.1 seconds in the first and second rounds. Therefore, it is very difficult for the game ball to enter the second grand prize opening 35. Therefore, the possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game related to the 15R 2nd, 3rd, and 6th jackpots is considerably lower than that for the 15R 1st and 5th jackpots, It can be said that it is virtually impossible to pass.

In addition, a jackpot in which the V round is executed in a manner where the possibility of the game ball passing to the specific area 39 (V passing possibility) is extremely high is also referred to as a "V passing expected jackpot", and the possibility of passing V passing is extremely low. A jackpot in which a V round is executed in this manner is also referred to as a "V non-passing scheduled jackpot."

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, when the 2R 4th jackpot is reached (when the 2R 4th jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41a), the 2nd jackpot from 1R to 2R is opened. 35 is opened for a maximum of 0.9 seconds. In this hit, the total opening time of the second grand prize opening 35 in the 1st and 2nd rounds is 1.8 seconds at maximum, so the game ball is not allowed to enter the second grand prize opening 35 during that round. It is possible to pass through a specific area 39. In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, one game ball is fired in about 0.6 seconds, so if the opening time of the second prize opening 35 is 1.8 seconds, It is fully possible to aim the game ball to pass to the specific area 39 by entering the game ball into the second big prize opening 35. However, in the 2R 4th jackpot, the total opening time of the 2nd jackpot is as short as 1.8 seconds, so it is not possible to expect as many prize balls (gaming profits) as in the other 15R jackpots. In other words, this is a jackpot where you hardly get any prize balls compared to other jackpots.

Also, when it becomes the first small hit (the first small winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41a) and when it becomes the second small hit (the second special symbol display 41b When the second small winning symbol is stopped and displayed), the second big prize opening 35 is opened twice for a maximum of 0.9 seconds. That is, the big winning hole is opened in the same opening pattern as the 2R fourth jackpot. Even in this small hit, since the opening time of the second big prize opening 35 is 1.8 seconds in total, it is possible to let the game ball enter the second big winning hole 35 and pass through the specific area 39. There is. However, as described above, even if the player passes through the specific area 39 in the small winning game, there is no change in the game state before and after the small winning game. Furthermore, in the small winning game, since the total opening time of the big prize opening is as short as 1.8 seconds, it is not possible to expect as many prize balls as in the 2R fourth jackpot. In other words, the small win provides almost no benefits for the player, either in terms of the transition of the gaming state or the prize ball (only the prize ball is awarded by hitting the ball).

In this embodiment, the opening pattern of the second big prize opening 35 is a first opening pattern in which the game ball can pass (pass through easily) the specific area 39 (15 first jackpot, 15R fifth jackpot), and a game ball A second opening pattern in which it is difficult (unable to pass) through the specific area 39 (15R second jackpot, 15R third jackpot, 15R sixth jackpot), and a first opening pattern in which the game ball can pass through the specific area. A third open pattern (2R fourth jackpot) that has a lower probability of passing than the pattern. In addition, as an opening pattern for small winnings, there is a fourth opening pattern in which the game ball can pass through the specific area 39, but even if it passes, no benefits are given (no high probability state occurs). can do. Alternatively, this fourth opening pattern may be an opening pattern that does not allow passage through the specific area 39.

In addition, the allocation probability to each jackpot in the judgment of the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is 40% for the 15R first jackpot, 20% for the 15R second jackpot, 30% for the 15R third jackpot, and 30% for the 15R third jackpot. 4 jackpot is 10% (see the random number column for jackpot type determination in FIG. 6). On the other hand, the jackpot in the judgment of the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is 80% for the 15R 5th jackpot and 20% for the 15R 6th jackpot (the random number for determining the jackpot type in Figure 6). (see column). This distribution probability can be said to represent the probability that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 during a jackpot game, that is, the probability of being in a high probability state, and also represents the high base state in which the release extension function described below operates. It can be said that it represents the probability that .

That is, regarding the probability of being in a high probability state, if a jackpot is achieved in the judgment based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 (first special symbol judgment), the probability is at least 40%, Including the case where the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game related to the 2R fourth jackpot, the probability is 50%. On the other hand, when a jackpot is determined based on the ball entering the second starting port 21 (second special symbol validity determination), the probability is 80%.

In addition, regarding the probability of being in a high base state, if the first special symbol correctness judgment results in a jackpot in a gaming state where the opening extension function is not activated (low base state), the probability is 60%. Including the 2R 4th jackpot in the case where the first special symbol validity judgment results in a jackpot in the high base state, the probability is 70%. On the other hand, if the second special symbol validity determination results in a jackpot, the probability is 100%. When the second special symbol validity determination results in a jackpot, the 2R jackpot that can occur when the first special symbol validity determination results in a jackpot does not occur, but the 15R jackpot always results.

In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, rather than hitting the jackpot in the first special symbol correctness determination (first special symbol jackpot lottery) performed when a game ball enters the first starting port 20, It is more likely that the game ball will hit the jackpot in the second special symbol validity determination (second special symbol jackpot lottery) performed when the game ball enters the second starting port 21 than in the case that it will be a jackpot in the first special symbol validity determination. , the probability of being in a high probability state, the probability of being in a high base state, and the possibility of winning a prize ball worth 15R is high. In other words, it is set so that there is a higher possibility that it will be advantageous for the player if the second special symbol validity determination results in a jackpot than in the case where the first special symbol validity determination results in a jackpot. Displaying the second special symbol in a variable manner is more likely to work advantageously for the player than displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner. Therefore, the player plays the game expecting the ball to enter the second starting port 21. This is particularly noticeable during the operation of the release extension function (high base state) where the frequency of balls entering the second starting port 21 increases. It should be noted that the above-mentioned distribution probability is just an example, and can be arbitrarily set in consideration of gameplay, specifications, etc.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the second special symbol is superior to the first special symbol, if both the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol are executable, that is, , If both the first special symbol reservation and the second special symbol reservation are "1" or more, the variable display of the second special symbol (extinguishment of the second special symbol reservation) is replaced by the variable display of the first special symbol (exhaustion of the second special symbol reservation). 1. Priority will be given to the extinguishment of reserved special drawings. As a result, the high base state in which the frequency of balls entering the second starting port 21 increases is a state in which the fluctuating display of the second special symbol is performed more frequently, so that it is possible for the player to advance the game advantageously. Nevertheless, the variable display of the first special symbol in the high base state puts a damper on the game in the advantageous state (high base state) for the player. Since the variable display of the first special symbol may be disadvantageous compared to the variable display of the second special symbol, it can be said that the variable display of the first special symbol in a high base state is not desirable for the player.

Here, the jackpot symbols that do not trigger the setting of the high base state (15R 3rd jackpot symbol, 2R 4th jackpot symbol in the low base state) are also referred to as the "first specific mode" or "first specific display result." , the jackpot symbols that trigger the setting of the high base state (15R 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th jackpot symbols, 2R 4th jackpot symbol in the high base state) are referred to as "second specific mode" or "second specific mode". Also referred to as "2 specific display results".

In this embodiment, there are two types of jackpots depending on the number of rounds: 2R jackpot and 15R jackpot, but for example, there may be two types of 5R jackpot and 10R jackpot, one type of 7R jackpot, or 3R jackpot. It is possible to provide various types of jackpots, such as three types: jackpot, 6R jackpot, and 10R jackpot. Further, in this embodiment, the maximum number of rounds in the jackpot game is 15R (15R jackpot), but the maximum number of rounds is not limited to this, and may be less than 15R (for example, 10R), for example.

In this pachinko gaming machine 1, special symbol validity determination is performed based on "random numbers for special symbol validity determination (also referred to as "validity determination information")", and a jackpot is determined when the result of special symbol validity determination is a jackpot. The determination of the type is performed based on the "random number for jackpot type determination (also referred to as "random number for symbol determination" or "information for symbol determination")".

As shown in FIG. 7(A), the random number for determining the validity of the special symbol takes a value in the range from 0 to 629, and the random number for determining the jackpot type takes a value in the range from 0 to 99. In addition, the random numbers (acquired information) acquired based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 include, in addition to the random numbers for determining the validity of special symbols and the random numbers for determining the type of jackpot, "fluctuation pattern random numbers (Also referred to as ``fluctuation pattern information.'')''. The fluctuation pattern random number is a random number for determining a fluctuation pattern including a fluctuation time, and takes a value in the range of "0 to 198". Furthermore, the random numbers acquired based on passage through the gate 28 include "normal symbol validity determination random numbers" shown in FIG. 7(B). The normal symbol validity determination random number is a random number for determining whether or not to perform an auxiliary game that opens the second starting port 21 (normal symbol lottery), and takes a value in the range of "0 to 240".

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. The gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a gaming state in which variable display of symbols (identification information) is possible (also referred to as a "variable gaming state"), and a gaming state in which variable display of symbols (identification information) is possible, and a gaming state in which variable display of symbols (identification information) is possible, and a gaming condition in which changing display of symbols (identification information) is possible. It is broadly divided into a gaming state (also referred to as a "special gaming state") in which it is possible to enter a game ball. Among these, as a variable game state, there are multiple game states depending on the combination of the probability variation function for special symbols, the probability variation function for normal symbols, the variation time shortening function, and the opening extension function being activated or inactive. are doing. The state in which the probability variation function is activated for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is also referred to as the "high probability state", and the state in which it is not activated is also referred to as the "normal state" or "low probability state". .

In the high probability state, the probability that the special symbol is determined to be a jackpot is higher than in the normal state. In other words, in the normal state, a hit/fail judgment table for the normal state is used to make a win/fail judgment, and in a high probability state, the number (range) of special symbol correct/fail judgment random values that are judged to be a jackpot is larger (larger) than in the normal state. ) A success/failure determination is made using a hit determination table for a high probability state (see FIG. 8(A)). In other words, when the special symbol probability variation function is activated, the probability that the display result of the special symbol variation display will be a jackpot (the stopped symbol will become a jackpot symbol) becomes higher than when it is not activated.

Further, the state in which the variable time reduction function is activated for the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is referred to as a "time reduction state", and the state in which it is not activated is referred to as a "non-time reduction state". In the time-saving state, the average value of the fluctuation time of the special symbols (time from the start of the fluctuation display to the time of final display) is shorter than the average value of the fluctuation time of the special symbols in the non-time-saving state. That is, in the time-saving state, the fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that is determined so that a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 9). . As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the special figure reservation is consumed becomes faster, and effective ball entry into the starting port (ball entry that can be stored as special figure reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, players can aim for a jackpot while the game progresses smoothly.

The probability variation function and the variation time reduction function for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) may operate at the same time, or only one of them may operate. The probability variation function and variation time reduction function for the normal symbols operate in synchronization with the variation time reduction function for the special symbols. That is, the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal symbol operate in the time saving state of the special symbol, and do not operate in the non-time saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the probability of winning in normal symbol validity determination is higher than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, normal symbol correctness determination (normal symbol determination) is performed using a normal symbol hit determination table in which the value of the normal symbol random number (hit random number) that is determined to be a hit is larger than the normal symbol hit determination table used in the non-time saving state. (See FIG. 8(C)). In other words, when the probability variation function for normal symbols is activated, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal symbols will be a hit (the stopped symbol will become a normal winning symbol) will be higher than when it is not activated.

Also, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. In this embodiment, the variation time of the normal symbol is 30 seconds in the non-time saving state, but is 1 second in the time saving state (see FIG. 8(D)). Further, in the time-saving state, the opening time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 (second starting port 21) is activated, and the opening time of the second starting port 21 in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In addition, in the time-saving state, the function of increasing the number of openings of the variable prize winning device 22 is activated, and the number of openings of the second starting port 21 in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, when the result of normal symbol validity determination is a hit in the non-time saving state, the movable member 23 of the variable winning device 22 (second starting port 21) performs one opening operation for 0.2 seconds, and the time saving state When the result of the normal symbol validity determination is a hit, the movable member 23 of the variable winning device 22 (second starting port 21) performs an opening operation of 2.0 seconds three times.

Under the situation where the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function for normal symbols, and the opening time extension function and opening number increase function of the variable winning device 22 are operating, compared to when these functions are not operating. As a result, the second starting port 21 is opened frequently, and the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 21 increases (also referred to as a "high frequency state"). As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls, increases. Therefore, a state in which these functions are activated is also referred to as a "high base state", and a state in which they are not activated is also referred to as a "low base state". In a high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have.

The high base state (high frequency state) does not require that all of the above functions operate. In other words, by operating at least one of the probability variation function and variation time shortening function for normal symbols, and the opening time extension function and opening number increase function of the variable winning device 22, it is possible to increase the probability from when that function is not activated. It is sufficient that the second starting port 21 is easily opened (the ball enters the ball more frequently). Further, the high base state may be controlled independently without accompanying the time saving state of the special symbol. A function that generates such a high base state can also be referred to as a "high base generation function."

Furthermore, as a game state (fluctuating game state) when the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the game state (low base state) in which the opening extension function does not operate is also referred to as the "first gaming state", and the opening extension function operates. The gaming state (high base state) is also referred to as a "second gaming state."

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game when the 15R first and fifth jackpots are reached is special if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game. It becomes a high probability state of the symbol, a time saving state of the special symbol, and a high base state (see FIG. 6). This gaming state is also referred to as a "high-accuracy, high-base state." The high probability/high base state ends when the special symbol is displayed in a predetermined number of times (100 times in this example) or when a jackpot is hit and a jackpot game is executed. Note that the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is a "fluctuating gaming state."

In addition, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game in the case of the 15R 2nd and 6th jackpot is the normal state of the special symbol because it is extremely difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game. In addition to this, there is a special symbol time saving state and a high base state (see FIG. 6). This gaming state is also referred to as a "low probability high base state". In the low-probability/high-base state, a jackpot is achieved before the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this example) or before the variable display of the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this example). The game ends when the player wins and a special game (jackpot game) related to the jackpot is executed. Although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game related to the 15R 2nd and 6th jackpots, the gaming state after the jackpot game will be "high probability". "high base state". Also, although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game related to the 15R 1st and 5th jackpots, the game state after the jackpot game is "Low certainty high base state".

In addition, in the case of the 15R third jackpot, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be the normal state of the special symbol, since the possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game is extremely low. In addition to this, the special symbol becomes a non-time saving state and a low base state (see FIG. 6). This gaming state is also referred to as a "low probability low base state". The low probability low base state is the basic gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1, that is, the initial gaming state. Although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game related to the 15R 3rd jackpot, the gaming state after the jackpot game ends will be the same as the "high probability" described below. "low base state".

In addition, in the low probability low base state, if the 2R 4th jackpot occurs, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is such that if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game, the probability of a special symbol is high. It becomes a state and a special symbol non-time saving state and a low base state (see FIG. 6). This gaming state is also referred to as a "high-accuracy/low-base state." The high probability/low base state ends when the special symbol is displayed in a predetermined number of times (100 times in this example) or when a jackpot is hit and a jackpot game is executed.

This high probability low base state is a state in which a high probability state is latent, that is, a state in which it is difficult for the player to recognize that it is a high probability state. In other words, the high-probability-low base state is a so-called "latent probability variable state" (also referred to as a "probability non-reporting state"). On the other hand, the above-mentioned high probability high base state is a state where it is clear to the player that it is a high probability state. In other words, the high probability high base state is a so-called "probability variable gaming state."

In addition, in the high base state, if the 2R 4th jackpot occurs, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be a "high probability high base state" if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game. (See Figure 6). That is, the time saving function and base state of the special symbol are the same as the state before the jackpot game is executed.

In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the right game area 3B by hitting right. In the high base state, the second starting port 21 is opened more easily than in the low base state, and it is easier for the ball to enter the second starting port 21 than to enter the first starting port 20. This is because Therefore, in the high base state, by hitting the game ball to the right to enter the second starting port 21 while passing the game ball through the gate 28, which is the trigger for determining whether the symbol is correct or not, it is better to hit the game ball to the left. You can also get many starting balls (opportunities to judge the validity of special symbols). In this state, the firing direction indicator 47 is controlled to light up in a predetermined manner to notify that the firing direction should be fired to the right gaming area.

On the other hand, in a low base state such as a high-probability low-base state or a low-probability low-base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the left game area 3A by hitting the ball to the left. In the low base state, the second starting port 21 is more difficult to open than in the high base state, and it is easier for the ball to enter the first starting port 20 than to enter the second starting port 21. This is because Therefore, in a low base state, by hitting the game ball to the left to make the ball enter the first starting port 20, you can obtain more starting balls (opportunities to judge the validity of special symbols) than by hitting to the right. can. In this state, the firing direction indicator 47 is lit (displayed) controlled in a predetermined manner to notify that the firing direction should be fired to the left gaming area.

Specifically, the firing direction indicator 47 is composed of two LEDs "yz", and indicates the firing direction by lighting the LEDs according to the game state. For example, in the low base state, it is possible to notify that the light should be emitted to the left gaming area as a display mode that turns off both LEDs, such as "y□z□" (for example, □: off, ■: on). can. In addition, in the high base state, it is possible to notify that the light should be emitted to the right gaming area as a display mode in which both LEDs are turned on, such as "y z ■" (for example, □: off, ■: on). can.

As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the low-probability low base state in which no small hit game or jackpot game is performed is the standard, this low-probability low base state is the "normal game state" or It can be regarded as a "normal state", and a game in which special symbols are displayed variably in this state can be regarded as a "normal game".

The jackpot game is a game that can be executed by displaying special symbols in a variable manner and stopping displaying the jackpot symbol. Since it is an advantageous game in which a large amount of prize balls can be obtained by entering the game ball into the opening 35), the jackpot game can be regarded as a "special game", and the game state in which the jackpot game is played. can be regarded as a "special gaming state."

Also, although the small winning game is not as good as the jackpot game, it is possible to get a prize ball by entering the game ball into the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30, second big winning hole 35). can be said to be a game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game. Therefore, the small winning game can also be regarded as a "special game", and the gaming state in which the small winning game is played can also be considered as a "special gaming state". In addition, in order to distinguish between a special game as a jackpot game and a special game as a small win game, a special game as a small win game can also be regarded as a "small profit special game".

[Game control]
Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 (control processing by the main control section) will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 to 38. Note that in this specification, "S" in S100 and the like ("S" in the flowchart) means a step. Further, counters, flags, statuses, buffers, timers, etc. shown in the operation description of the game control microcomputer 81 below are provided in the RAM of the main control board 80.

[Main control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided in the main control board 80 reads out the main control main processing program shown in FIG. 10 from the ROM of the main control board 80 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the main control main processing, initial settings are first performed (S101). Initial settings include, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU settings of the main control board 80, SIO, PIO, and CTC (interrupt time controller) settings, and reset of various flags, status, and counters. etc. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initial setting (S101) is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

Following the initial setting (S101), interrupts are prohibited (S102), and normal symbol/special symbol main random number update processing (S103) is executed. In the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S103), the values of the various random number counters shown in FIG. 7 are updated by adding one. When the value of each random number counter reaches the upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. The updated random number counter value is sequentially stored in a predetermined update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the main control board 80.

When the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S103) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S104). While interrupts are enabled, interrupt processing (S105) can be executed. The interrupt process (S105) is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the CPU of the main control board 80, for example, at a 4 ms cycle. Then, after the interrupt processing (S105) ends and until the next interrupt processing (S105) starts, the updating processing of various counter values by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number updating processing (S103) is repeated. executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU while the interrupt is disabled, the interrupt processing (S105) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is enabled (S104).

[Interrupt processing]
Next, interrupt processing (S105) will be explained. As shown in FIG. 11, in the interrupt processing (S105), output processing (S201) is first executed. In the output process (S201), commands (control signals) etc. set in the output buffer provided in the RAM of the main control board 80 in each process described below are output to the sub control board 90, payout control board 110, etc. . The commands and the like outputted here include information regarding the gaming state, the result of special symbol validity determination, symbols as jackpot types, fluctuation patterns, and the like. Note that the command consists of, for example, 2 bytes of information. The upper 1 byte is information regarding the type of command, and the lower 1 byte is information regarding the contents of the command.

In the input process (S202) that is performed next to the output process (S201), various sensors provided in the pachinko game machine 1 (first starting hole sensor 20a, second starting hole sensor 21a, first big winning hole sensor 30a, second big winning hole sensor 35a, general winning hole sensor 27a, etc. (see FIG. 5)) are read and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as prize ball information. In addition, when the first starting hole sensor 20a or the second starting hole sensor 21a detects a game ball, the starting ball entry command corresponding to each starting hole is sent to the output buffer of the RAM by the starting ball entering process (S205) described later. to be memorized. Furthermore, a detection signal from the lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 62 is full is also taken in and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as lower tray full data.

The normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S203) performed next to the input process (S202) is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S103) performed in the main control main process of FIG. That is, the updating process of the various random number counter values (including the normal symbol random number counter value) shown in FIG. This is performed both during the period until the next interrupt processing (S105) is started).

Following the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S203), the starting port sensor detection process (S204), the starting ball entry process (S205), the regular symbol movement process (S206), and the special pattern movement process (S207), which will be described later. , a specific area sensor detection process (S208), a pending ball count process (S209), and a power outage monitoring process (S210). In addition, other processes (not shown) necessary for progressing the game are executed, and the interrupt process (S105) is ended. Then, until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU of the main control board 80, the game control microcomputer 81 repeatedly executes the main control main processing from S102 to S104 (see FIG. 10), When this occurs (after about 4 msec), the interrupt processing (S105) is executed again. In the output process (S201) of the interrupt process (S105) that is executed again, the commands etc. set in the output buffer of the RAM in the previous interrupt process (S105) are output.

[Starting port sensor detection processing]
As shown in FIG. 12, in the starting port sensor detection process (S204), first, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the gate 28, that is, whether the game ball has been detected by the gate sensor 28a (S301). . If the game ball has not passed through the gate 28 (NO in S301), the process moves to S305, and if the game ball has passed through the gate 28 (YES in S301), the number of normal symbol pending balls (normal pattern pending It is determined whether or not the number (specifically, the value of a counter provided in the RAM that counts the number of regular drawings) is less than 4 (S302).

If the number of normal symbols reserved balls is not less than 4 (NO in S302), the process moves to S305. On the other hand, if the number of normal symbols reserved balls is less than 4 (YES in S302), "1" is added to the number of normal symbols reserved balls (S303), and the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304) is performed. In the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304), the value (label -TRND-H) of the random number counter for normal symbol validity determination stored in the update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM is acquired, and the acquired random number value is (Acquired information) is stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of normal symbol reserved balls in the regular symbol reserved storage section provided in the RAM of the main control board 80.

Next, in S305, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second starting port 21, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the second starting port sensor 21a (S305). If the game ball has not entered the second starting port 21 (NO in S305), the process moves to S309, and if the game ball has entered the second starting port 21 (YES in S305) , the number of special figure 2 reserved balls (the number of second special figure reserves, specifically the value of the counter that counts the number of second special figure reserves provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80) is less than 4 (upper limit number) It is determined whether or not (S306). If the number of reserved balls for special figure 2 is not less than 4 (NO in S306), the process moves to S309, and if the number of reserved balls for special figure 2 is less than 4 (YES in S306), the process proceeds to S309. 2 Add 1 to the number of pending pitches (S307).

Next, special figure 2 related random number acquisition processing (S308) is performed. In the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the random number counter for determining the validity of special symbols (label -TRND-A) stored in the update value storage area of the RAM (not shown), the random number for determining the jackpot type Obtain the value of the counter (label-TRND-AS) and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) (that is, obtain the random number value shown in FIG. 7(A)), and obtain the obtained random number value (obtain information) is stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of special figure 2 reserved balls in the second special figure reservation storage section 85b.

Next, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the first starting port 20, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the first starting port sensor 20a (S309). If the game ball has not entered the first starting port 20 (NO in S309), the process is finished, and if the game ball has entered the first starting port 20 (YES in S309), the special map 1 Whether the number of reserved balls (the number of first special symbols reserved, specifically the value of a counter that counts the number of first special symbols reserved in the RAM of the main control unit 80) is less than 4 (upper limit number). (S310). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special figure 1 is not less than 4 (NO in S310), the process is finished, and if the number of reserved balls in special figure 1 is less than 4 (YES in S310), the number of reserved balls in special figure 1 is "1" is added to (S311).

Next, special figure 1 related random number acquisition processing (S312) is performed. In the special figure 1 related random number acquisition process (S312), similarly to the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the special symbol validity determination counter stored in the update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM (Label-TRND-A), the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type (Label-TRND-AS), and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (Label-TRND-T1) (that is, the random number shown in FIG. 7(A) is obtained. The acquired random numbers are stored in an address space corresponding to the current number of special figure 1 reserved balls in the first special figure reservation storage section.

[Processing at the time of starting ball entry]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the starting ball entering process (S205) following the starting opening sensor detection process (S204). As shown in FIG. 13, in the starting ball entry process (S205), first, it is determined whether the number of special map 2 reserved balls has increased by "1" (S315). Then, when it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 has increased by "1" (YES in S315), the process moves to S316. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls in special drawing 2 in S307 in the starting port sensor detection process (S204) based on the game ball entering the second starting port. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of special figure 2 reserved balls has not increased (NO in S315), the process moves to S319.

In S316, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) acquired in the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) in the immediately preceding starting port sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit is read ( S316). Next, the obtained random number value related to the read second special symbol is determined (S317). In S317, among the read random numbers, the value of the random number counter for special symbol validity determination (random number value for special symbol validity determination) is determined to be a jackpot depending on the current gaming state (low probability state or high probability state). If the result of the determination is a jackpot, the type of jackpot is further determined. The process of S317 corresponds to a preliminary determination (so-called "pending look-ahead") performed prior to the validity determination (S1303, S1309) in the special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202), which will be described later.

In addition, the prior judgment of whether or not it is a jackpot is based on the jackpot judgment table (see FIG. 8(A)), that is, if it is a high probability state, it is a jackpot judgment table for a high probability state, and a jackpot judgment table for a normal state (low probability state). If so, this can be done by determining whether or not it matches the jackpot determination value based on the jackpot determination table for the normal state. In addition, as other aspects of preliminary determination, there are two fluctuation pattern information determination tables for normal states (low probability states) and one for high probability states (high probability states) that can determine fluctuation pattern information. ) and a variation pattern information determination table. In the preliminary determination, the fluctuation pattern information is selected based on the obtained random number value (the value of the random number counter for special symbol validity determination, etc.) and the fluctuation pattern information determination table according to the gaming state, and the selected fluctuation pattern From the information, identify the result of the special symbol validity determination (whether it is a jackpot or not), the jackpot type, and whether a game performance with a high jackpot expectation level (also simply referred to as "expectation level") will be executed, etc. is possible.

Next, in S318, game information (prior determination information) related to the result of the preliminary determination in S317, specifically, information indicating whether or not the random number value for special symbol validity determination matches the jackpot determination value (validity information); , command data including information indicating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type (random value for determining the jackpot type), information indicating the value of the fluctuating pattern random number counter (fluctuation pattern random value), etc. and sets the command in the RAM output buffer (S318). In addition, as the special figure 2 starting ball entry command, part or all of the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number read out in S316 may be sent as is to the sub-control board, or the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number Instead of transmitting as is, game information (for example, the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern information, etc.) acquired based on the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number may be transmitted.

By analyzing the special chart 2 starting ball entry command sent from the main control unit 80 by the sub-control unit 90, it is possible to determine whether the information is related to a jackpot, what type of jackpot it is, and what the fluctuation pattern is. etc., can be identified by the sub-control unit 90. In addition to this, in this embodiment, by analyzing the special chart 2 starting ball entry command, it is possible to determine whether or not the acquired special chart 2 acquisition random number will be a jackpot when determined in a high probability state, and whether or not it will be a jackpot in a low probability state. It is possible to specify whether or not it will be a jackpot when judged by . As a result, the sub-control unit 90 stores the received special figure 2 starting ball entry command as pending (production pending information), pre-determines the production pending information at a specific timing, and if it is determined to be correct or not in a low probability state. It becomes possible to determine whether performance suspension information that is determined to be a jackpot is stored.

In addition, from the perspective of fraud prevention, among the acquired random values read in S316, the random value for determining the validity of the special symbol is not sent as is to the sub-control unit, but the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type (the value of the other random number counter for determining the jackpot type) Generate command data as a special chart 2 starting ball entry command, including information indicating the random number value for type determination), the value of the variation pattern random number counter (variation pattern random number value), and information indicating the result of preliminary determination. It is possible to set

Next, in S319, similarly to the process related to the above-mentioned special figure 2, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for special figure 1 has increased by "1" (S319). Then, when it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 has increased by "1" (YES in S319), the process moves to S320. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls of special map 1 in S311 in the starting port sensor detection process (S204) based on the game ball entering the first starting port. On the other hand, if it is determined in S319 that the number of special map 1 reserved balls has not increased (NO in S319), the process ends as is.

In S320, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON (S320), and when it is determined that the time saving flag is ON, that is, the high base state is established (YES in S320), this process is directly ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in S320 that the time saving flag is OFF, that is, in a low base state (NO in S320), processing related to preliminary determination from S321 onwards is performed.

The processing in S321 to S323 is similar to the processing in S316 to S318 described above for the special figure 1. That is, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) acquired in the special figure 1 related random number acquisition process (S312) in the starting opening sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit is read out (S321), A preliminary determination is made regarding the read random number value (S322). Then, command data including game information related to this preliminary determination is generated as a special chart 1 starting ball entry command, and the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S323). Note that the preliminary determination (pending pre-reading) in S322 is performed prior to the validity determination (S1603, S1609) in the special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207), which will be described later.

Here, in the high base state, the release extension function that increases the frequency of balls entering the second starting port 21 is activated, and it is a state in which it is easy to judge the validity of the special figure 2 (see Fig. 8 (B)). It has become. In addition, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the extinguishment of the special pattern 2 reservation (fluctuating display of the second special symbol) is executed with priority over the extinguishment of the special symbol 1 reservation (fluctuating display of the first special symbol). . For this reason, in this embodiment, the preliminary judgment regarding special figure 1 reservation (special figure 1 preliminary determination) is performed in the low base state where the fluctuation display of the first special symbol is mainly performed, and the special figure 2 reservation The prior determination (special figure 2 prior determination) is performed regardless of whether it is a low base state or a high base state. In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment, as will be described later, during the jackpot game the game ball is controlled to a low probability low base state, but during the jackpot game the game ball enters the first starting port 20 and Even if the number of reserved balls in FIG. 1 increases by "1", the processes of S321 to S323 (special figure 1 preliminary determination process) are not performed.

[General figure movement processing]
The game control microcomputer 81 performs the normal figure operation process (S207) shown in FIG. 14 following the starting ball game process (S206). In the normal pattern movement process (S207), the process regarding the normal pattern display 42 and the variable winning device 22 is divided into four stages, and the normal pattern movement statuses "1" to "4" are assigned to each of these stages. Then, if the normal pattern movement status is "1" (YES in S401), normal pattern standby processing (S402) is performed, and if the normal pattern movement status is "2" (NO in S401, S403 YES), perform the normal symbol fluctuation process (S404), and if the regular symbol movement status is "3" (NO in both S401 and S403, YES in S405), perform the regular symbol confirmation process (S406). , when the normal figure operation status is "4" (NO in all of S401, S403, and S405), normal electric accessories processing (S407) is performed. Note that the normal figure action status is "1" in the initial setting.

[Normal symbol standby processing]
As shown in FIG. 15, in the normal symbol standby process (S402), it is first determined whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" (S501), and if it is "0" (YES in S501). , this process ends. On the other hand, if it is not "0" (NO in S501), a normal symbol propriety determination process to be described later is performed (S502), and then a normal symbol variation pattern selection process is performed (S503).

In the normal symbol variation pattern selection process (S503), with reference to the normal symbol variation pattern selection table shown in FIG. Select a pattern. On the other hand, if the gaming state is a non-time saving state, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern in which the normal symbol fluctuation time is 30 seconds is selected. After finishing the normal symbol variation pattern selection process (S503), the below-described normal symbol random number shift process (S504) is performed, then the normal symbol variation start process (S505) is performed, and this process ends.

In the normal symbol variation start process (S505), the variable display of the normal symbol is started based on the normal symbol variation pattern selected in S503, and the normal operation status is set to "2". In addition, in the normal symbol variation start processing (S505), a normal symbol variation start command is set in order to notify the sub-control board 90 of the start of variation of the normal symbols.

[Normal symbol validity determination process]
As shown in FIG. 16, in the normal symbol validity determination process (S502), first, the value (label-TRND-H) of the random number counter for normal symbol validity determination stored in the regular symbol reservation storage unit is read (S601). Next, it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON (that is, whether the gaming state is in the time saving state) (S602). In S602, if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON, that is, the time-saving state is determined (YES in S602), the table for the time-saving state among the normal symbol hit determination tables shown in FIG. 8(C) (the hit determination value is "0" to "239"), it is determined whether or not it is a hit (S604), and the process moves to S605. That is, it is determined whether the read value of the random number counter for normal symbol validity determination (label -TRND-H) matches any of the hit determination values. On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the time-saving flag is not ON, that is, it is in a non-time-saving state (NO in S602), the table for the non-time-saving state of the normal symbol hit determination table shown in FIG. It is determined whether it is a hit or not by a low probability normal pattern correctness judgment based on the judgment value "0", "1") (S603), and the process moves to S605. Then, in S605, it is determined whether or not the result of the normal pattern correctness determination (S603, S604) is a hit (normal pattern hit) (S605), and if it is determined that it is not a hit (a loss) (NO in S605). ), determines a normal symbol (ordinary symbol) to be stopped and displayed (S606), and ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined in S605 that it is a hit (ordinary figure hit) (YES in S605), the winning normal symbol (ordinary figure per symbol) to be stopped and displayed is determined (S607), and the ordinary figure hit flag is turned ON (S608). ), this process ends.

[Normal pattern random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 17, in the normal symbol random number shift process (S504), first, the number of normal symbol reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S701). Next, the storage location of each common symbol reservation in the common symbol reservation storage unit is shifted by one position from the current position to the side from which it is read (S702). Then, the address space, which is the storage location of the highest level of pending memory in the general pattern holding storage section, is made empty ("0"), that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth pending general pattern is cleared to 0 (S703 ), this process ends. In this way, the reservations for common maps are cleared in the order of reservation.

[Normal symbol fluctuation processing]
As shown in FIG. 18, in the normal symbol fluctuation processing (S404), first, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time of the normal symbol has elapsed (S801), and if it has not elapsed (NO in S801), this processing ends. . On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S801), the normal symbol fluctuation stop command is set (S802), and the normal symbol movement status is set to "3" (S803). Then, perform other processing such as stopping the fluctuating display of the normal symbol at the display result (hit normal symbol or missed normal symbol) according to the judgment result of the random number for normal symbol validity judgment (S804), and then perform this processing. Finish.

[Normal pattern confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 19, in the normal symbol determination process (S406), first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol hit flag is ON (S901). If the ordinary figure flag is not ON (NO in S901), the ordinary figure operation status is set to "1" (S905), and this process ends. On the other hand, if the normal map per flag is ON (YES in S901), then it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON, that is, whether or not the time saving state is in progress (S902). If it is in the time saving state (YES in S902), the opening pattern in the time saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable prize winning device 22 (second starting port 21) (S903). The opening pattern during the time saving state is, as described above, an opening pattern in which opening for 2.0 seconds is repeated three times. Therefore, the second starting port opening counter that counts the number of times the second starting port 21 is opened is set to "3".

On the other hand, if it is in the non-time saving state (NO in S902), the opening pattern in the non-time saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable prize winning device 22 (second starting port 21) (S906). The opening pattern during the non-time saving state is, as described above, an opening pattern in which opening is performed once for 0.2 seconds. Therefore, the second starting port opening counter is set to "1". Then, following the setting of the opening pattern (S903, S906), the normal pattern operation status is set to "4" (S904), and the present process ends.

[Normal electric accessory processing]
As shown in FIG. 20, in the normal electric accessory processing (S407), first, it is determined whether or not the common figure per end flag is ON (S1001). The common symbol winning end flag is a flag indicating that the opening of the second starting port 21 has ended in the auxiliary game executed as a winning result.

If the normal pattern hit end flag is not ON (NO in S1001), it is determined whether the second starting port 21 is open (S1002). If it is not opened (NO in S1002), it is determined whether the timing for opening the second starting port 21 has come (S1003), and if it has not been opened (NO in S1003), the process is completed and the timing is reached. If there is one (YES in S1003), the second starting port 21 is opened (S1004), and this process ends. On the other hand, if the second starting port 21 is open (YES in S1002), it is determined whether or not it is time to close the second starting port 21 (that is, after opening the second starting port 21, a predetermined timing is determined). It is determined (S1005) whether or not the specified opening time has elapsed, and if the opening time has not elapsed (NO in S1005), the process is completed, and if the opening time has elapsed (YES in S1005), the second starting port 21 is closed (closed). ) (S1006).

Then, following the closing process of the second starting port 21 (S1006), the value of the second starting port opening counter is decremented by 1 (S1007), and it is determined whether the value of the second starting port opening counter is "0" or not. (S1008). If it is not "0" (NO in S1008), the process is finished in order to open the second starting port 21 again. On the other hand, if it is "0" (YES in S1008), a normal pattern per end process is performed to end the auxiliary game (S1009), a normal pattern per end flag is set (S1010), and this process ends. In addition, the second starting port opening counter becomes "0" when the second starting port 21 is opened (opening operation of the movable member 23) three times if the time saving state is in progress, and if it is in the non-time saving state, the second starting port opening counter becomes "0". When the second starting port 21 is opened once, it becomes "0".

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1001 that the normal pattern hit end flag is ON (YES in S1001), the opening operation of the second starting port 21 has been completed the number of times set in S903 or S906, so it is normal. The figure completion flag is turned off (S1011), the ordinary figure flag is turned OFF (S1012), the ordinary figure operation status is set to "1" (S1013), and this process is finished. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the normal symbol standby process (S402) will be executed again as the normal symbol operation process (S206).

[Special figure movement processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the special figure operation process (S207) following the regular figure operation process (S206). As shown in FIG. 21, in the special symbol operation process (S207), the processing related to the special symbol display 41 and the grand prize device (first grand prize device 31 and second grand prize device 36) is divided into five stages. A special figure operation status of "1" to "5" is assigned to each stage. Then, if the special pattern movement status is "1" (YES in S1101), special pattern standby processing (S1102) is performed, and if the special pattern movement status is "2" (NO in S1101, S1103 YES), perform special symbol fluctuation processing (S1104), and if the special symbol operation status is "3" (NO in both S1101 and S1103, YES in S1105), perform special symbol confirmation processing (S1106). , If the special figure operation status is "4" (NO in S1101, S1103, S1105 and YES in S1107), special electric accessory processing 1 (S1108) as a jackpot game is performed, and the special figure operation status is If it is "5" (NO in all of S1101, S1103, S1105, and S1107), special electric accessory processing 2 (S1109) as a small winning game is performed. In addition, the special figure operation status is "1" in the initial setting.

[Special symbol standby processing]
As shown in FIG. 22, in the special symbol standby process (S1102), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the second starting port 21 (i.e., the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2) is "0" (S1201) . When the number of reserved balls in special figure 2 is "0" (YES in S1201), that is, when there is no memory of the random number counter value obtained based on the ball entering the second starting port 21, the first starting It is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the mouth 20 (namely, the number of reserved balls on special map 1) is "0" (S1206). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special figure 1 is also "0" (YES in S1206), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value obtained based on the ball entering the first starting port 20, the image It is determined whether a standby screen (not shown) is being displayed on the display device 7 (display screen 7a) (S1211), and if it is being displayed (YES in S1211), special symbol standby processing (S1102) is performed. If the screen is not displayed (NO in S1211), a standby screen setting process is executed to display the standby screen (S1212).

The standby screen is a state in which the variable display of the special symbol (identification information) can be executed (can be started) but the variable display is not executed (started) (also referred to as the "variable stop state") for a predetermined period of time (for example, 20 seconds to This is the screen (so-called demo screen for waiting for customers) that is displayed when the customer waits for about 30 seconds). In the standby screen setting process (S1212), when the fluctuation stop state continues for a predetermined period of time (that is, when the standby screen display start condition is met), a standby screen designation command for displaying the standby screen on the image display device 7 is stored in the RAM. Set to output buffer. The set standby screen designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 through output processing (S201).

If it is determined in S1201 that the number of reserved balls for special map 2 is not "0" (NO in S1201), that is, there is one or more memory of the random number counter value obtained based on the ball entering the second starting port 21. In this case, the following special figure 2 validity judgment process (S1202), special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), and special figure 2 variation start process (S1205) are performed in this order. . In addition, if the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), that is, the random number counter value related to the second starting port 21 is There is no memory, but if there is memory of one or more random number counter values acquired based on the ball entering the first starting port 20, the special figure 1 validity judgment process (S1207) described later, the special figure 1 fluctuation Pattern selection process (S1208), special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), and special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S1210) are performed in this order. As described above, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is performed only when the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls is "0" (YES in S1201). That is, the extinguishment of the second special symbol reservation (fluctuating display of the second special symbol) is executed with priority over the extinguishment of the first special symbol retention (fluctuating display of the first special symbol). In this embodiment, the judgment based on the second special figure reservation is more likely to result in a jackpot that is profitable for the player than the judgment based on the first special figure reservation (Fig. 8(B) ).

[Special figure 2 validity judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 23, in the special figure 2 validity judgment process (S1202), first, as a judgment value, the lowest area of the special figure reservation storage section of the RAM (i.e., the RAM corresponding to the first of the second special figure reservation) The value (label -TRND-A) of the special symbol validity judgment random number counter (the oldest memory) stored in the area (area) is read out (S1301). Next, it is determined whether the probability change flag is ON, that is, whether or not the state is high probability (S1302). If it is not a high probability state (NO in S1302), that is, if it is a normal state, the normal state hit judgment table (with a jackpot judgment value of "3") of the hit judgment table (see FIG. 8(A)) , "397") to determine the validity (S1303). On the other hand, if it is in a high probability state (YES in S1302), a judgment is made based on a jackpot judgment table for a high probability state among the hit judgment tables (see FIG. 8(A)) (S1309). In the jackpot judgment table for high probability states, the jackpot judgment values are "3", "53", "113", "173", "227", "281", "337", "397", "449", It is said to be "503".

If the result of the judgment (S1303, S1309) is determined to be a jackpot (YES in S1304), the value of the random number counter for jackpot type determination (label -TRND-AS) is read out, and the jackpot shown in FIG. 8(B) is read out. The jackpot type is determined based on the type determination table (S1310), the jackpot symbol is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the jackpot type (S1311), the jackpot flag is turned ON (S1312), and this processing is finished. In addition, in the case of judgment regarding the first special symbol, the jackpot type is judged using the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol, and in the case of the judgment regarding the second special symbol, the jackpot type is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol. The jackpot type is determined using the jackpot type determination table. If it is determined that the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is a jackpot, it will be considered as one of the 15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, or 2R 4th jackpot, and the second special symbol (special symbol 2) will be determined as a jackpot. ), if it is determined to be a jackpot, it is determined to be a 15R fifth jackpot or a 15R sixth jackpot (see FIG. 8(B)).

Corresponding to this, in this embodiment, as a jackpot flag, a long hit flag is turned ON when the type of jackpot is 15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 5th jackpot, or 15R 6th jackpot. , and a short hit flag that is turned ON when it is the 2R 4th jackpot. Then, when the 2R 4th jackpot occurs and the short hit flag is turned on, the 2R lamp (see Figure 4) on the round indicator 45 lights up at the timing when the 2R 4th jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed. be done. Specifically, the display mode is "2R▲15R△" (for example, ▲: lights on, △: lights off). Also, when the long hit flag is turned on due to any of the 15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 5th jackpot, and 15R 5th jackpot, the 15R lamp will be displayed at the timing when the corresponding jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed. (See FIG. 4) is displayed lit. Specifically, the display mode is "2R△15R▲".

Here, the jackpot judgment (special symbol correctness judgment) and the jackpot type determination judgment may be referred to as "judgment", respectively, or the "judgment" may include the judgment of jackpot and which jackpot symbol will be obtained. good. Further, these results may also be referred to as "judgment results."

On the other hand, if it is determined that the result of the success/failure determination (S1303, S1309) is not a big hit (NO in S1304), it is determined whether or not it is a small hit (S1305). That is, it is determined whether the value of the random number counter for special symbol validity determination (label -TRND-A) matches any of the small hit determination values "101" to "105" (FIG. 8(A) ). Then, if it is determined that it is not a small hit (NO in S1305), a missed symbol is determined (S1308), and this process ends. In other words, if the result of the judgment (S1303, S1309) is neither a jackpot nor a small hit, the result is a loss. On the other hand, if the result of the small hit determination (S1305) is determined to be a small hit (YES in S1305), the small hit symbol is determined (S1306), the small hit flag is turned ON (S1307), and this process ends. . Note that the random number for determining whether or not it is a small hit may be provided separately from the random number for determining the validity of the special symbol.

It can be said that the game control microcomputer 81 that executes the above special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202) functions as a "determination means".

[Special figure 2 variation pattern selection process]
In the special symbol standby process (S1102), following the special symbol 2 validity determination process (S1202), the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process is performed (S1203). As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, in the special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), first, it is determined whether the gaming state is a time saving state (whether the time saving flag is ON or not) (S1401) . Then, if it is not in a time-saving state (NO in S1401), that is, in a non-time-saving state, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1402), and if it is ON (YES in S1402), it is in a non-time-saving state. With reference to the medium jackpot table (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that is in a non-time saving state and corresponds to a jackpot), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1). S1403). Note that once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. In addition, in this embodiment, the table for jackpots in the non-time-saving state is divided depending on whether the jackpot is a long hit (15R jackpot) or a short hit (2R jackpot) (see FIG. 9). However, this process is a variation pattern selection process for the special figure 2, and there is only the 15R fifth jackpot (long hit) among the jackpots won in the lottery of the special figure 2 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the location referred to in this process is always the long hit location, and the variation pattern P1 or P2 is selected. It should be noted that the table for jackpots in the non-time saving state does not need to be divided into long wins and short wins. This also applies to the table for jackpot during the time saving state, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1402), it is determined whether the small hit flag is ON (S1405). Then, if the small hit flag is ON (YES in S1405), the fluctuation is A variation pattern is selected based on the pattern random number counter value (S1409). Specifically, in this embodiment, the variation pattern P4 is always selected.

Also, if the small hit flag is not ON (NO in S1405), it means that it is neither a jackpot nor a small hit, and in this case, the number of reservations for the second special symbol is "1" or "2". It is determined whether or not (S1406). The number of pending memories here refers to the number of memories including information that determines the fluctuation pattern through this process, so the number of pending memories is set to any value from "1" to "4". Then, in S1406, if it is determined that the number of reservations is "1" or "2" (YES in S1406), the table for removing the first reservation number during the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving among the fluctuation pattern tables shown in FIG. 9) A variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the part corresponding to the state, the error, and the number of reserved pitches "1, 2" (S1407). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P5 to P8 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1406 that the number of reservations is not "1" or "2", that is, it is "3" or "4" (NO in S1406), the table for removing the second reservation number during the non-time saving state (Fig. 9), the part corresponding to the non-time-saving state and out-of-time state and the number of reserved pitches "3, 4") is used to create a fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1). Select (S1408). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P9 to P12 is selected. Here, the first table for losing the number of reservations during the non-time saving state is set to have a higher possibility of selecting a fluctuation pattern with a relatively long fluctuation time than the second table for losing the number of reservations. Moreover, the shortest selectable variation time (12000 ms) is also longer than that of the second reservation number removal table (4000 ms). In other words, when you miss, the function of shortening variation according to the number of balls held is activated, and when the number of balls held in the special symbol is "3" or "4", the number of balls held in the special symbol is "3" or "4". A variation pattern with a shorter variation time than when the number is 1 or 2 is selected.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned S1401, when it is determined that the gaming state is the time saving state (YES in S1401), it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1410 in FIG. 25). Then, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1410), the variation pattern is A fluctuation pattern is selected based on the random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1411). As mentioned above, this process is a variation pattern selection process for special figure 2, and since there is only the 15R fifth jackpot (long hit) among the jackpots won in the lottery of special figure 2 (see Figure 6). ), in S1411, the fluctuation pattern P13 or P14 corresponding to the long hit is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1410 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1410), it is determined whether the small hit flag is ON (S1412). Then, if the small hit flag is ON (YES in S1412), the variable pattern random number is A variation pattern is selected based on the counter value (S1416). Specifically, in this embodiment, the variation pattern P16 is always selected.

Further, if it is determined in S1412 that the small hit flag is not ON (NO in S1412), that is, in the case of a miss, it is determined whether or not the number of reservations of the second special symbol is "1" (S1413). The number of reservations here is also the same as described above, and the number of reservations is set to any value from "1" to "4". If it is determined that the number of pending balls is "1" (YES in S1413), the table for the third pending number out of the time saving state (out of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 1) and selects a variation pattern based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1414). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P17 to P20 is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1413 that the number of reservations is not "1", that is, the number of reservations is any one of "2" to "4" (NO in S1413), the table for removing the number of reservations from the 4th reservation during the time saving state (The part of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state, the out-of-time state, and the number of reserved pitches "2 to 4"), the fluctuation pattern is determined based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1). Select (S1415). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P21 to P24 is selected.

In this way, in the variation pattern table during the time saving state (the part of the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time saving state), the shortening variation function according to the number of balls held at the time of a miss is changed to the number of balls held "2". ” to “4”, it works. Further, when a long hit is won among the jackpots, a variation pattern with a shorter variation time is more likely to be selected than during a non-time saving state. In other words, the variation pattern table during the time saving state is such a table that the average value of the variation time of the special symbol is shorter than the variation pattern table during the non-time saving state. As a result, in the time-saving state, the speed at which special symbols are reserved is faster (the game progresses more quickly during the time-saving state) than in the non-time-saving state (normal state).

After selecting a variation pattern as described above, other processing (S1404) shown in FIG. 24 is performed, and the present processing ends. In addition, in other processing (S1404), a variation pattern designation command (variation pattern designation command corresponding to special figure 2) corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM. The set variation pattern designation command is included in a variation start command, which will be described later, and is transmitted to the sub control board 90 through output processing (S201).

[Special figure 2 random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 26, in the special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), first, the number of reserved balls in the special figure 2 is decremented by 1 (S1501). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the second special figure reservation storage section is set to one level lower (for example, if the second special figure reservation storage section consists of an address space corresponding to addresses "0000" to "0003", the address (S1502). Then, set "0" in the highest address space of the second special figure reservation storage section, that is, (if the upper limit number has been stored), the RAM area corresponding to the fourth of the second special figure reservation. is cleared to 0 (S1503), and this processing ends.

After executing the special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (S1205) in the special symbol standby process (S1102) shown in FIG. 22 is executed. In the special figure 2 variation start process (S1205), the special figure operation status is set to "2", a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM, and the variation display of the second special symbol is started.

In addition, in the special symbol standby process (S1102) in FIG. 22, if the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2 is "0" and the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206) To do this, special figure 1 validity judgment processing (S1207), special figure 1 variation pattern selection processing (S1208), special figure 1 random number shift processing (S1209), and special figure 1 variation start processing (S1210) are performed in this order.

[Special figure 1 validity judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 27, in the special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207), processing (S1601 to S1612) is performed in the same flow as the special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202) shown in FIG. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process will be omitted.

However, since this process is related to special figure 1, in S1601, it is stored in the lowest area of the first special figure reservation storage section of RAM (that is, the RAM area corresponding to the first of the first special figure reservation). The random number counter value (label -TRND-A) for determining the validity of the special symbol is read out. Further, in the jackpot type determination in S1610, there is a possibility that it will be determined as any of the 15R first jackpot, 15R second jackpot, 15R third jackpot, and 2R fourth jackpot (see FIG. 8(B)). As shown in the column of the first special symbol (special symbol 1) in Figure 8(B), the distribution ratio of each jackpot is 40% for the 15R first jackpot, 20% for the 15R second jackpot, and 20% for the 15R third jackpot. is 30%, and 2R 4th jackpot is 10%. If the type of jackpot is determined to be one of the 15R first jackpot, 15R second jackpot, and 15R third jackpot, the long hit flag is turned ON as the jackpot flag in S1612. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is the 2R fourth jackpot, a short hit flag is turned on as a jackpot flag in S1612.

It can be said that the game control microcomputer 81 that executes the special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207) functions as a "determination means".

[Special figure 1 variation pattern selection process]
As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the special figure 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208) follows the same flow as the special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203) shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 (S1701 to S1720). )I do. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process will be omitted.

However, since this process is related to special map 1, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON in S1702 (YES in S1702), the jackpot type is 15R jackpot (15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot). It is determined whether it is one of the three jackpots (S1703). If it is a 15R jackpot (long hit) (YES in S1703), refer to the table for 15R jackpot in a non-time saving state (the part of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to a non-time saving state and a long winning). Then, a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1704). Specifically, variation pattern P1 or P2 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1703 that it is not a 15R jackpot (NO in S1703), that is, if it is a 2R 4th jackpot (short hit), the 2R jackpot table (of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9) during the non-time saving state A variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1706). Specifically, variation pattern P3 is selected.

In addition, in this special figure 1 fluctuation pattern selection process, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON in S1712 (YES in S1712), the jackpot type is 15R jackpot (15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 3rd jackpot). ) (S1713). If it is a 15R jackpot (long hit) (YES in S1713), refer to the table for 15R jackpot during the time saving state (the part of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time saving state and long winning). , a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (S1714). Specifically, variation pattern P13 or P14 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1713 that it is not a 15R jackpot (NO in S1713), that is, if it is a 2R fourth jackpot (short hit), the table for 2R jackpot (among the fluctuation pattern tables shown in FIG. (S1715) and selects a variation pattern based on the variation pattern random number counter value. Specifically, variation pattern P15 is selected.

In this special figure 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), after selecting a variation pattern, other processes (S1705) are performed and this process is finished. In other processing (S1705), a variation pattern designation command (variation pattern designation command corresponding to special figure 1) corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM. The set variation pattern designation command is included in a variation start command, which will be described later, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 through output processing (S201).

[Special figure 1 random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 30, in the special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), first, the number of reserved balls in the special figure 1 is decremented by 1 (S1801). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the first special figure reservation storage section is shifted to the lower side by one (S1802). Then, set "0" in the highest address space of the first special figure reservation storage unit, that is, (if the upper limit number is stored), the RAM area corresponding to the fourth of the first special figure reservation. is cleared to 0 (S1803), and this processing ends.

After executing the special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S1210) shown in FIG. 22 is executed. In the special figure 1 variation start process (S1210), the special figure operation status is set to "2", a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM, and the variation display of the first special symbol is started.

[Special symbol fluctuation processing]
As shown in FIG. 31, in the special symbol fluctuation processing (S1104), first, the fluctuation time of the special symbol (the fluctuation time determined according to the fluctuation pattern selected in S1203 or S1208 of FIG. 22, see FIG. 9) has elapsed. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S1901). If it is determined that the variable time has not elapsed (NO in S1901), the process ends. As a result, the variable display of the special symbols is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in S1901), a fluctuation stop command is set (S1902). Then, it is determined whether the probability variation flag is ON (S1903), and if it is ON (YES in S1903), the probability variation counter is subtracted by 1 (S1904), and whether the value of the probability variation counter is "0" or not is determined. (S1905). If it is determined in S1905 that the probability variation counter is "0", the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1906), and the process proceeds to S1907. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variation flag is not ON (NO in S1903) or if it is determined that the probability variation counter is not "0" (NO in S1905), the process directly proceeds to S1907.

In S1907, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON (S1907), and if it is determined that the time saving flag is ON (YES in S1907), the number of times the special symbol change display executed during the time saving state is counted. The value of the time saving counter is decremented by 1 (S1908), and it is determined whether the value of the time saving counter is "0" or not (S1909). If it is "0" (YES in S1909), the time saving flag is turned OFF ( S1910), the process moves to S1911. Further, if it is determined that the time saving flag is not ON (NO in S1907) or if it is determined that the value of the time saving counter is not "0" (NO in S1909), the process directly proceeds to S1911.

In S1911, the special figure operation status is set to "3" (S1911). Then, other processes such as stopping the variable display of the special symbols according to the results of the determination of the special symbol propriety determination random numbers and jackpot type determination random numbers are performed (S1912), and the present process is ended.

[Special design confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 32, in the special symbol confirmation process (S1106), first, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S2001). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S2001), then check whether the type of jackpot is a 15R jackpot (15R 1st jackpot, 15R 2nd jackpot, 15R 3rd jackpot, or 15R 5th jackpot). Determine (S2002). Then, if it is a 15R jackpot (that is, if the long hit flag is ON), the round to be executed during the jackpot game (in the mode of opening once per round, one round is from opening to closing of the jackpot) The value of the round counter that counts the number of times is set to "15", and the opening pattern of the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) is set to 15R first If it is a jackpot, the opening pattern is for 15R 1st jackpot, if it is 15R 2nd jackpot, it is the opening pattern for 15R 2nd jackpot, if it is 15R 3rd jackpot, it is the opening pattern for 15R 3rd jackpot, 15R 5th jackpot. If so, set the opening pattern for the 15R fifth jackpot, and if the 15R sixth jackpot, set the opening pattern for the 15R sixth jackpot (S2003).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2002 that it is not a 15R jackpot (that is, if the short hit flag is ON), the jackpot type is 2R 4th jackpot, so the value of the round counter is set to "2", and the jackpot is set to "2". As the opening pattern of the winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35), the opening pattern for 2R fourth jackpot (see FIG. 6) is set (S2004).

After completing the processing in S2003 or S2004, set the jackpot opening command to start the jackpot game (S2005), start the opening period of the jackpot game (S2006), and set the special figure operation status to "4". (S2007).

Further, when it is determined in S2001 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S2001), it is determined whether the small hit flag is ON (S2008). As a result, if the small win flag is ON (YES in S2008), the value of the small win opening counter that counts the number of openings of the big winning hole (second big winning hole 35) during the small winning game is set to "2". At the same time, a small winning opening pattern (see FIG. 6) is set as the opening pattern of the big winning hole (second big winning hole 35) (S2009). Then, in order to start the small winning game, the small winning opening command is set (S2010), the opening period of the small winning game is started (S2011), and the special figure operation status is set to "5" (S2012) . Note that if it is determined in S2008 that the small hit flag is not ON (NO in S2008), neither the jackpot game nor the small win game will be started, so the special figure operation status is set to "1" and this process is finished.

[Special electric accessory processing 1 (jackpot game)]
As shown in FIG. 33, in the special electric accessory processing 1 (S1108), it is first determined whether or not the variable probability flag is ON (S2101), and when it is determined that it is ON (YES in S2101), the variable probability flag is turned off (S2102). Further, it is determined whether or not the time saving flag is ON (S2103), and when it is determined that it is ON (YES in S2103), the time saving flag is turned OFF (S2104). In other words, while the jackpot game is being executed, the control is made to a low probability state and a non-time saving state. In this embodiment, since the non-time saving state is always in the low base state, the low probability low base state is also controlled during the execution of the jackpot game.

Next, it is determined whether the jackpot end flag is ON (S2105). The jackpot end flag is a flag indicating that all the jackpot openings (the first jackpot 30 and the second jackpot 35) have been opened (the jackpot game has ended) in the jackpot game. If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2105), it is determined whether the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) is open (S2106). If it is not open (NO in S2106), whether or not the time (timing) to open the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) has arrived, that is, the opening time of the jackpot (opening period) has elapsed and it is time to start the first round, or the interval time between rounds (interval period) has elapsed and it is time to start the next round (next opening). Determine (S2107). This is determined based on the jackpot opening pattern set for each jackpot type described above. For example, if it is before the start of the first round, the determination is made based on whether the opening period has ended and it is now the timing to execute the first opening process of the first round. If the first round has already started, the determination is made based on whether the previous round has ended and the predetermined interval period has ended. Note that a round is also simply referred to as "R" and also referred to as a "round game."

If the determination result in S2107 is NO, the process ends immediately. On the other hand, if the determination result in S2107 is YES, it is determined whether the round to be executed corresponds to either the first round or the second round, that is, whether it is a V round (S2108 ). This may be determined using the value of a round counter for each type of jackpot, or may be determined by separately providing a round counter that counts the number of rounds to be executed. If the round to be executed is not the V round (NO in S2108), that is, if it is any of the 3rd to 15th rounds, the process moves to S2110, and the round is executed according to the opening pattern (see Figure 6) according to the type of jackpot. The first big winning device 31 is operated to open the first big winning opening 30. On the other hand, if it is determined that the round to be executed is the V round (first round or second round) (YES in S2108), the V validity period setting process (S2109) is performed, and then the process moves to S2110, and the jackpot is reached. The second grand prize winning device 36 is operated in order to open the second grand prize opening 35 according to the opening pattern (see FIG. 6) according to the type. Further, when opening a big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35), that is, when starting a round, a round start command for the corresponding round is set. For example, a round start command that can specify the round to be started is set, such as a "1R start command" for the start of the first round, and a "2R start command" for the start of the second round. The set round start command is sent to the sub-control unit 90 through the output process in S201.

In the V validity period setting process (S2109), a few seconds during the opening of the second grand prize opening 35 and after the closing of the second grand prize opening 35 in the V round (one round or two rounds in this embodiment) are set to a specific area. It is set to a period (also referred to as a "valid period" or "first period") in which the detection of game balls by the sensor 39a is determined to be valid. In addition, in this embodiment, periods other than this (including during small winnings and when special games are not executed) are periods in which detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be invalid ("invalid period" or "invalid period"). (Also referred to as "Second Period.") Here, determining that the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is valid means turning on the V flag based on the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a (from S2401 of the specific area sensor detection process described later). (See S2403), and determining that the detection of a game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is invalid means that the V flag will not be turned ON even if a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a. .

Here, at the timing when the game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a and the V flag is turned ON, the game state display 46 is set to a predetermined display mode, and the game state after the end of the jackpot game becomes a high probability state. Notify. Specifically, the game status display 46 is composed of three LEDs "a1a2a3". In this embodiment, in the normal state (low probability state), the display mode is "a1□a2□a3□" (for example, □: off, ■: on). Further, when a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during a jackpot game and the V flag is turned on, the display mode is set to "a1■a2■a3■". Then, when the jackpot game ends and the game state is set to a high probability state, the display mode is set to "a1□a2□a3□". In addition, the lighting control timing of the game status display 46 is not limited to this timing, and during the jackpot game, the display mode of "a1□a2□a3□" remains even if the game ball passes through a specific area. , it may be displayed as "a1 ■ a2 ■ a3 ■" at the timing of transitioning to the high probability state after the end of the jackpot game, and "a1 □ a2 □ a3 □" at the timing of transitioning from the high probability state to the low probability state. .

That is, in the specific area sensor detection process (S208), which will be described later, the V flag is turned ON only when V passage (passing of a game ball to the specific area 39) during the V valid period is detected, and the The V flag is not turned on when V passing is detected (middle). Note that when the V flag is ON, the probability change flag is turned ON, that is, the gaming state after the jackpot game is set to a high probability state (see the gaming state setting process described below). By doing this, the V flag is prevented from being turned on based on V passing due to fraudulent activity, that is, it is prevented from being set to a high probability state fraudulently.

In addition, if there is a V pass in the V round (1R or 2R) of a jackpot game, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be set to a high probability state, but even if there is a V pass during a small win game, If the gaming state before the small winning game is a normal state, the gaming state after the small winning game is also a normal state, and if the gaming state before the small winning game is a high probability state, the gaming state after the small winning game is finished. The game state is also a high probability state. In other words, the winning/failure determination probability is not changed before and after the small winning game.

In this embodiment, in the V validity period setting process (S2109), even in the case of the 15R second and third jackpots, the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be valid during the period (first period). However, as another aspect, in the case of the 15R second and third jackpots, the first period may not be set in the V round. That is, in the case of the 15R second and third jackpots, the V round may be set in the second period. In the jackpot games related to the 15R second and third jackpots, the opening time of the second grand prize opening 35 is set to an extremely short time of 0.1 seconds, so the game ball enters the second grand prize opening 35. Although the possibility is extremely low, if it is set in the second period, the V flag will not be turned on even if a ball hits the ball. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the V flag from being turned on illegally or from being turned on due to rare ball hits. In addition, in this embodiment, the first round and the second round are defined as V rounds, and the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is effective in the V rounds, but the location of the V rounds does not have to be limited to this.

If it is determined in S2106 that the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) is open (YES in S2106), the number of balls entering the big winning hole in that round is the specified maximum. It is determined whether the number of balls entered (in this embodiment, 10 balls per round) has been reached (S2111). If the specified number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2111), check whether the time (timing) to close the grand prize opening has come, that is, the predetermined opening time after opening the grand prize opening (see Figure 6). It is determined whether or not the period has elapsed (S2112). Then, if the opening time of the big prize opening has not elapsed (NO in S2112), this process ends.

On the other hand, if the specified number of balls has been reached (YES in S2111), or if the opening time of the big prize opening has elapsed (YES in S2112), either of the two round end conditions is met. If so, the grand prize opening (first grand prize opening 30 or second grand prize opening 35) is closed (S2113). Then, the value of the round counter is decremented by 1 (S2114), and it is determined whether the value of the round counter is "0" (S2115). If it is determined that it is not "0" (NO in S2115), this process ends in order to start the next round. Furthermore, when closing the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35), that is, when ending a round, a round end command for the corresponding round is set. For example, a round end command that can specify the round to end is set, such as a "1R end command" for the end of the first round and a "2R end command" for the end of the second round. This set round end command is sent to the sub-control unit 90 through the output process in S201. Note that the round end command is transmitted at the end of the round except the final round of the jackpot game, that is, when it is determined in S2115 that the value of the round counter is not "0". For example, if the number of rounds of the jackpot game to be executed is a 15R jackpot game, the round end command is transmitted until the end of 14R, but not when the round ends 15R. This is because at the end of the final round, an ending command that is set in the process of S2116, which will be described later, is transmitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the round counter is "0" (YES in S2115), a jackpot ending command is set as a jackpot ending process to end the jackpot game (S2116), and a jackpot ending period is started. (S2117). Then, the jackpot end flag is set (S2118), and this process ends. In addition, if it is a long hit (15R jackpot), the round counter becomes "0" when the big winning hole is opened 15 times, and if it is a short hit (2R jackpot), the big winning hole is opened twice. When executed, it becomes "0".

Also, if it is determined in S2105 that the jackpot end flag is ON (YES in S2105), the final round has ended, so it is determined whether the jackpot ending period (ending time) has elapsed (S2119). , if it has not passed (NO in S2119), this process ends. On the other hand, if the ending period (ending time) has elapsed (YES in S2119), after turning off the jackpot end flag (S2120), the game state setting process (S2121) to be described later is performed. Then, the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2122), the special figure operation status is set to "1" (S2123), and this process ends. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the special symbol standby process (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation process (S207). It can be said that the game control microcomputer 81 that executes the above special electric accessory processing 1 (S1108) functions as a "special game execution means".

[Game status setting process]
As shown in FIG. 34, in the gaming state setting process (S2121), it is first determined whether the V flag is ON (S2201). If the V flag is ON (YES in S2201), turn on the probability variation flag (S2202), set "100" to the probability variation counter (S2203), turn OFF the V flag (S2204), and process S2205. to move to. On the other hand, if the V flag is not ON (OFF) (NO in S2201), the process proceeds to S2205 without turning on the probability variation flag. That is, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, it is determined whether or not to set the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game to a high probability state based on whether or not the V flag is turned on in this gaming state setting process. .

In S2205, it is determined whether the finished jackpot game (the jackpot game executed this time) is a 15R jackpot. Then, if it is determined that it is a 15R jackpot (YES in S2205), it is determined whether the 15R jackpot is a 15R third jackpot (S2206), and if it is a 15R third jackpot (YES in S2206), it remains as is. After completing the process, if it is not the 15R 3rd jackpot, that is, it is any of the 15R 1st, 2nd, or 5th jackpot (NO in S2206), the time saving flag is turned ON (S2207), and the time saving counter is set to ``100''. " is set (S2208), and this processing ends. Here, if the current jackpot game is related to the 15R 1st jackpot or the 15R 5th jackpot, the game ball passes through the specific area 39 (passes V) during the jackpot game and the V flag is turned ON. Since there should be one (YES in S2201), the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game in this case will be a high probability high base state. Also, if the current jackpot game is related to the 15R second jackpot, the V flag should not have been turned on without passing V during the jackpot game (NO in S2201), so after the jackpot game ends in this case. The gaming state of is a low probability high base state. Also, if the current jackpot game is related to the 15R third jackpot, the V flag should not have been turned on without passing V during the jackpot game (NO in S2201), so after the jackpot game ends in this case. The gaming state of is a low probability low base state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2205 that the finished jackpot game (the jackpot game executed this time) is not a 15R jackpot, that is, it is a 2R 4th jackpot (NO in S2205), the game state before the start of the current jackpot game, i.e. It is determined whether the gaming state at the time of the 2R fourth jackpot was in a time-saving state (S2209), and if it is determined that it was not in a time-saving state (NO in S2209), the game is played without turning on the time-saving flag. Finish processing. As a result, if the V flag does not turn ON in this jackpot game (NO in S2201), the gaming state after the jackpot game ends will be a low probability low base state, and the V flag will turn ON in this jackpot game. In the case (YES in S2201), the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be a high probability low base state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2209 that the gaming state at the time of the 2R fourth jackpot was a time-saving state (YES in S2209), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2207), and the time-saving counter is set to "100". (S2208), and this processing ends. As a result, if the V flag does not turn ON in this jackpot game (NO in S2201), the gaming state after the jackpot game ends will be a low probability high base state, and the V flag will turn ON in this jackpot game. In the case (YES in S2201), the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game becomes a high probability high base state.

In addition, the high-accuracy, high-base state, low-accuracy, high-base state, and high-accuracy, low-base state are all subject to one of the following conditions: the special symbol is displayed fluctuating 100 times, and the next jackpot occurs. Ends when established.

In addition, the processing (S2209) to determine whether the gaming state before the start of the jackpot game related to the 2R 4th jackpot is a time saving state is performed by checking the operating state of the time saving function and high base function before and after the jackpot game. This is to make the state (conditions) the same as when a small hit occurs. If these operating states are different between the 2R 4th jackpot and the small win, even if it is difficult to recognize which win is due to the opening pattern of the big winning hole, the subsequent gaming state (time saving function and This is because depending on the operating state of the high base function, it becomes easy to determine which one is the hit. This makes it difficult to distinguish between the 2R fourth jackpot and the small win by the opening pattern of the big winning opening, and also by the operating states of the subsequent time saving function and high base generation function.

[Special electric accessory processing 2 (small winning game)]
As shown in FIG. 35, in the special electric accessory processing 2 (S1109), it is first determined whether the small hit end flag is ON (S2301). The small winning end flag is a flag indicating that opening of all the second large prize openings 35 in the small winning game has been completed. If the small winning end flag is not ON (NO in S2301), it is determined whether the second big prize opening 35 is open (S2302). If it is not open (NO in S2302), it is determined whether the time (timing) to open the big winning hole (first big winning hole 30 or second big winning hole 35) has arrived, that is, the opening time of the small win ( Whether the opening period) has elapsed and it is time to start the first opening, or whether the interval time between multiple openings (interval period) has passed and it is time to start the next opening. (S2303).

If the determination result in S2303 is NO, the process ends immediately. On the other hand, if the determination result in S2303 is YES, the V invalid period setting process (S2304) is performed, and then the process moves to S2305, and the second big prize opening 35 is opened according to the small winning opening pattern (see Figure 6). The second grand prize winning device 36 is activated in order to win the prize.

In the V invalid period setting process (S2304), the detection of game balls by the specific area sensor 39a is invalidated during the opening of the second big prize opening 35 in the small winning game and for several seconds after the second big prize opening 35 is closed. Set to the period for determination (second period). Further, in this embodiment, a period other than the period defined as the valid period in the above-mentioned V valid period setting process (S2109) is set as an invalid period (second period). Therefore, in this V invalid period setting process, it is checked whether the V invalid period has reached the valid period, that is, whether the V invalid period has been set. Specifically, it is checked whether the V timer, which counts down the elapse of the V valid period, is set to "0" (that is, a state in which there is no valid period). If the V timer is not "0", set the V timer to "0".

Note that the V timer may be set to "0" without checking whether the V timer is "0" or not, that is, the V timer may be set to have no valid period. Thereby, even if V passes during a small winning game, if the gaming state before the small winning game starts is a normal state, the gaming state after the small winning game ends does not shift to a high probability state. Note that in this embodiment, a period other than the period defined as the valid period in the above-mentioned V valid period setting process (S2109) is an invalid period, so the process of S2304 may be omitted.

If it is determined in S2302 that the second big prize opening 35 is open (YES in S2302), the number of balls that entered the second big prize opening 35 during the two openings, that is, the number of balls that entered the second big winning opening 35 during the two openings. It is determined whether the total number of all game balls has reached the prescribed maximum number of balls (10 in this embodiment) (S2306). If the specified number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2306), it is determined whether the time has come to close the second grand prize opening 35, that is, the predetermined opening time after opening the second grand prize opening 35 (FIG. 6 ) has elapsed (S2307). Then, if the opening time of the second big prize opening 35 has not elapsed (NO in S2307), this process ends.

On the other hand, if the number of balls entering the second grand prize opening 35 during the two openings has reached the specified number of balls entering (S2306: YES), the second grand prize opening 35 is closed (S2314). , the process moves to the small hit end process of S2311. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2307 that the opening time of the second grand prize opening 35 has elapsed (YES in S2307), the second grand prize opening 35 is closed (S2308). Then, the value of the small win opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2309), and it is determined whether the value of the small winning opening counter is "0" (S2310). If it is determined in S2310 that it is not "0" (NO in S2310), the process ends as it is in order to start the next release. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2310 that it is "0" (YES in S2310), the process moves to the small hit ending process in S2311.

In S2311, a small winning ending command is set as a small winning ending process to end the small winning game (S2311), and a small winning ending period is started (S2312). Then, a small hit end flag is set (S2313), and this process is finished. In addition, the small winning opening counter becomes "0" when the second big winning opening 35 is opened twice.

If it is determined in S2301 that the small hit end flag is ON (YES in S2301), the two openings have been completed, so it is determined whether the small winning ending period (ending time) has elapsed ( S2315), if it has not elapsed (NO in S2315), this process ends. On the other hand, if the ending period (ending time) has elapsed (YES in S2315), the small hit end flag is turned off (S2316), the small hit flag is turned off (S2317), and the special figure operation status is changed. It is set to "1" (S2318) and this processing ends. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the special symbol standby process (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation process (S207).

Note that the probability change flag and time saving flag are not switched from ON to OFF at the start of the small winning game. Furthermore, when the small winning game ends, the game state setting process (S2121) is not performed. That is, in this pachinko game machine 1, the game state is not changed before and after the execution of the small winning game. It can be said that the game control microcomputer 81 that executes the above special electric accessory processing 2 (S1109) functions as a "small profit special game execution means".

[Specific area sensor detection processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a specific area sensor detection process (S208) following the special figure operation process (S207). As shown in FIG. 36, in the specific area sensor detection process (S208), it is first determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a (S2401), and if it is determined that there is no detection (NO in S2401). , ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a (YES in S2401), it is determined whether or not the V validity period is in effect (S2402). The V valid period is a period set in the V valid period setting process (S2109) in the above-mentioned special electric accessory process 1 (S1108). In this embodiment, the V validity period is set for the first round and the second round in the jackpot game.

In addition, if it is determined in S2402 that the V validity period is in progress (YES in S2402), the V flag is turned ON (S2403), and whether or not the currently running jackpot game is a 2R jackpot (2R 4th jackpot) is determined. (S2404). Then, if it is determined that it is not a 2R jackpot (NO in S2404), that is, if it is a 15R jackpot, a 1st V passing command is set (S2405) and this process is finished. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a 2R jackpot (YES in S2404), a 2nd V passing command is set (S2406), and this process ends. Further, if it is determined in S2402 that the V is not valid (NO in S2402), the third V passing command is set without turning on the V flag (S2407), and this process ends.

The CPU of the main control board 80 transmits the V pass command set in S2405, S2406, or S2407 to the sub control board 90 at a predetermined timing. Here, the first V passing command is a command for causing the sub control board 90 to perform V passing notification control. On the other hand, the second V passing command and the third V passing command are commands for preventing the sub-control board 90 from performing notification control of V passing in principle. The game control microcomputer 81 executes such specific area sensor detection processing (S208) and V valid period setting processing (S2109), thereby providing a means (specific (area state switching means).

[Held pitch count processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a reserved ball number process (S209) following the specific area sensor detection process (S208). As shown in FIG. 37, in the reserved ball number processing (S209), first, the number of special symbol 1 reserved balls, the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls, and the number of normal symbol reserved balls stored in the RAM of the main control board 80 is read ( S2501). Next, data on the number of held balls (a held ball number command for transmitting the held ball number information to the sub-control board 90, etc.) is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S2502). The data related to the number of pending pitches (number of pending pitches command) is output by the output process (S201) in the next interrupt processing (S105), and the data related to the number of pending pitches (number of pending pitches command) is output for each interrupt processing. Setting to the output buffer (S2502) and output processing (S201) are performed sequentially.

When the sub-control unit 90 that has received the held ball number command determines that there has been an increase or decrease in the number of special figure held balls based on the received held ball number command, the sub-control unit 90 adjusts the effect on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 accordingly. The display contents of the pending display area (first performance pending display area 9c, second performance pending display area 9d) are updated. Specifically, for example, when the number of special figure 1 reserved balls increases by 1 from "3" to "4", the first effect reserved 9a corresponding to the increased number of special figure 1 reserved balls "4" is set. It is additionally displayed in the first effect pending display area 9c. In addition, when the number of special figure 1 reserved balls decreases by 1 from "2" to "1" (in other words, when the first special figure reservation is exhausted), the left end of the first effect reservation display area 9c (special figure 1 reservation Either erase the first performance hold 9a displayed in the area corresponding to the number of pitches "1" (see FIG. 3), or move and display it in the relevant variable hold display area (not shown), and accordingly. , moves (shifts) the first performance hold 9a displayed in the first performance hold display area 9c to the left. On the other hand, the display content of the second performance reservation 9b (second special figure reservation) can be updated in the same way as the first performance reservation 9a (first special figure reservation).

In addition, regarding the data of the number of special pattern held balls when the number of special pattern held balls is added, that is, the data of the number of special pattern held balls due to the occurrence of starting balls (starting winnings), please use the above-mentioned starting ball entering command. Alternatively, a number of reserved balls command indicating the number of special pattern reserved balls after addition (after starting balls entered) may be set in the output buffer together with the starting balls command. In addition, regarding the data of the number of reserved balls when the number of reserved balls of special symbols is subtracted, that is, the data of the number of reserved balls of special symbols accompanying the start of fluctuation of special symbols (expiration of special symbol reservation), use the above-mentioned fluctuation start command. Alternatively, a pending ball count command indicating the number of special figure pending balls after subtraction (after the special figure pending consumption) may be set in the output buffer together with the fluctuation start command.

[Power-off monitoring processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a power-off monitoring process (S210) following the pending ball count process (S209). As shown in FIG. 38, in the power-off monitoring process (S210), first, it is determined whether or not a power-off signal is input (S2601), and if there is no input (NO in S2601), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a power-off signal input (YES in S2601), the current state of the gaming machine (whether it is fixed or not, whether it is playing a winning game or not, how many balls are on hold, and how many remaining fluctuations in fixed and time saving are there? etc.) in the RAM (S2602), turns on the power-off flag (S2603), and thereafter performs loop processing without returning to interrupt processing (S105).

[Production control]
Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 (control processing by the sub-control unit) will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 39 to 47. Note that the counters, flags, statuses, buffers, timers, etc. shown in the operation description of the production control microcomputer 91 below are provided in the RAM of the sub-control board 90.

[Sub control main processing]
When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the production control microcomputer 91 provided in the sub-control board 90 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in FIG. 39 from the ROM of the sub-control board 90 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the sub-control main processing, CPU initialization processing is first performed (S4001). In the CPU initialization process (S4001), stack settings, constant settings, CPU 92 settings, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller) settings, and various flags, status, and counter resets are performed.

Next, in S4002, it is determined whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are normal (S4002). If the result of this determination is NO (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003), and the process moves to S4004. On the other hand, if the determination result is YES (YES in S4002), the process proceeds to S4004 without initializing the RAM of the sub control board 90. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized. If the power-off signal is turned ON but the contents of the RAM are maintained normally (YES in S4002), the RAM is not initialized. When the RAM is initialized, various flags, statuses, and counter values are reset.

Note that the processes in S4001 to S4003 are executed only once after the power is turned on (when the power is turned on), and are not executed thereafter. In addition, in this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 91 also performs the same process as the power failure monitoring process (S210) by the gaming control microcomputer 81 shown in FIG. When this happens, the data related to the effect control at that time is stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90. In other words, data related to performance control in the event of a power outage such as a power outage is backed up. For this reason, unless the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003) when the power is turned on after recovering from a power outage such as a power outage (returning from a power outage), the effect will be controlled by the effect control microcomputer 91. The state returns to the state before the power failure occurred.

Following the processing in S4003, interrupts are prohibited (S4004), and random number seed update processing is executed (S4005). In the random number seed updating process (S4005), the values of various performance determining random number counters are updated. The updated random number counter value is sequentially stored in a predetermined update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the sub control board 90. In addition, the random number for performance determination includes a random number for determining a variable performance that determines the mode of performance symbol game performance to be executed (variable performance pattern), a random number for determining a preview performance that determines a preview performance, and a performance pattern determination that determines a performance pattern. There are random numbers etc. The random number updating method can be the same as the random number updating process performed by the main control board 80 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of being added by 1. The random number for performance determination is acquired at a predetermined timing. This timing may be, for example, when the main control board 80 sends a control signal (starting ball command) notifying that a starting ball has arrived, or when the main control board 80 sends a control signal (starting ball entering command) notifying the start of fluctuation. This can be done when a variation start command (variation start command) is sent, or when a variation effect pattern (to be described later) is determined. The acquired random number for effect determination is stored in a predetermined random number counter value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the sub-control board 90.

Following the random number seed update process (S4005), command transmission process is executed (S4006). In the command transmission process (S4006), various commands (control signals) stored in the output buffer (also referred to as "sub output buffer") in the RAM of the sub control board 90 are sent to the image control board 100 and the audio control board. 106 and lamp control board 107. Each control board (each control unit) that has received the command uses various presentation devices (image display device 7, speaker 67, panel lamp 5, frame lamp 66, movable decorative member 14, etc.) to perform various operations according to the received command. Execute the performance.

Following command transmission processing (S4006), interrupts are enabled (S4007), and thereafter, S4004 to S4007 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, reception interrupt processing (S4008), 2ms timer interrupt processing (S4009), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4010) can be executed. By executing these control processes, it becomes possible to control various effects (effect control) using the image display device 7 (display screen 7a), the movable decorative member 14, the speaker 67, the decorative lamp, etc.

[Reception interrupt processing]
As shown in FIG. 40, in the reception interrupt processing (S4008), it is determined whether the strobe signal (STB signal) is ON or not. It is determined whether or not it has been input to the section (S4101). If it is determined that the strobe signal is not ON (NO in S4101), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the strobe signal is ON (YES in S4101), various commands sent from the main control board 80 are stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (S4102), and this processing ends. This reception interrupt process (S4008) is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4009, S4010).

[2ms timer interrupt processing]
The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) is a process that is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 2 msec period is input to the sub control board 90. As shown in FIG. 41, in the 2ms timer interrupt processing (S4009), first, input processing is performed to create switch data (edge data and level data) based on detection signals from the production button detection switches 63c and 63d (S4201). . Next, a lamp data output process (S4202) that outputs lamp data for causing the decorative lamp to emit light, and a drive data output process (S4203) that outputs drive data for operating the movable decorative member 14 (electrical drive source). and do it. Lamp data and drive data are created by 10ms timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. Then, watchdog timer processing is performed to reset the watchdog timer (S4204).

[10ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) is a process that is executed every time an interrupt pulse of 10 msec period is input to the sub control board 90. As shown in FIG. 42, in the 10ms timer interrupt process (S4010), first, received command analysis process (S4302) and variable effect sound reproduction process (S4303), which will be described later, are performed. Next, a switch state acquisition process is performed in which the switch data created in the 2ms timer interrupt process is stored in the RAM of the sub control board 90 as switch data for the 10ms timer interrupt process (S4304), and the switch data stored in the switch status acquisition process is Switch processing is performed to set the display contents of the display screen 7a based on the data (S4305). Next, other processes such as creating lamp data and drive data and updating random numbers for effect determination are executed (S4306).

[Received command analysis processing]
As shown in FIG. 43, in the received command analysis process (S4302), it is first determined whether or not a starting ball entering command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4395), and it is determined that a starting ball entering command has not been received. If so (NO in S4395), proceed to the process of S4401, and if it is determined that the starting ball entry command has been received (YES in S4395), perform the production pending information storage process (S4400) and proceed to the process of S4401. .

The production pending information storage process (S4400) stores various information (pre-judgment results, jackpot type determination error) included in the starting ball command (special chart 1 starting ball command or special chart 2 starting ball command) received in S4395. (game information such as numerical values, random fluctuation pattern values, etc.) according to the type of special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) and the number of special symbol pending balls at the time of sending and receiving the starting ball entry command (when generating the command) , is stored in a predetermined effect pending information storage area of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 in a shift memory format. For example, if the received starting ball command is a special chart 1 starting ball command that corresponds to the number of reserved balls of special chart 1 "4", the preliminary judgment result and hit type included in the special chart 1 starting ball command This information is stored as special figure 1 performance pending information in an area corresponding to the number of reservations 4 in the special figure 1 performance pending information storage area. The performance pending information stored in this manner can be used to execute various performances such as a variable performance, a preview performance, a performance mode, etc., which will be described later. The storage contents (performance pending information) of the production pending information storage area in the sub-control board 90 are stored in the special figure pending storage section (first special figure pending storage section, second special figure pending storage section) in the above-mentioned main control board (main control section) 80. This matches the stored content (obtained information) of the reserved storage unit). From this, the performance pending information storage area of the sub-control board 90 can also be said to be an "acquired information storage means."

Next, in S4401, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4401), and if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has been received (YES in S4401), a fluctuation production start process (S4402) to be described later is performed. If it is determined that the fluctuation start command has not been received (NO in S4401), the processing moves to S4406 without performing the fluctuation effect start processing.

In S4406, it is determined whether a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4406), and if it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has been received (YES in S4406), the effect pattern 8 is stopped and displayed, and the fluctuation effect is produced. Performs variable performance end processing to end (S4407). In the fluctuating performance end process (S4407), a fluctuating performance end command for stopping and displaying the performance symbol 8 and ending the fluctuating performance is set in the sub output buffer. When the set variable effect end command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 changes the effect pattern 8 that was being displayed in a variable manner on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The display is stopped and the variable performance (performance symbol game performance) is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4406 that the fluctuation stop command has not been received (NO in S4406), the process proceeds to S4408 without performing the fluctuation production end process.

Incidentally, the variable performance refers to various performances that are performed in accordance with the variable display of the special symbols, and includes not only the variable display of the production symbol 8 (performance symbol game production) but also the variable display accompanying the variable display of the production symbol 8. It includes various effects such as sound output (sound effect), light emission from decorative lamps (light effect), and operation of the movable decorative member 14 (movable effect).

Next, in S4408, it is determined whether a jackpot game related command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4408). Here, the jackpot game-related commands are commands sent from the main control board 80 when executing the jackpot game, and in this embodiment, the opening commands sent at the start of the jackpot game (occurrence of jackpot), This includes a round start command that is sent when a round starts, a round end command that is sent when a round ends, and an ending command that is sent when a jackpot game ends. In S4408, it is determined whether any of these jackpot game-related commands have been received, and if they have been received (YES in S4408), jackpot game-related performance processing (S4409) is performed, and the process moves to S4412. However, if it has not been received (NO in S4408), the process proceeds to S4412 without performing the jackpot game related performance process (S4409).

In the jackpot game related performance processing (S4409), for example, if the received command is an opening command, an opening performance command that specifies an opening performance according to the type of jackpot specified based on the command is set in the sub output buffer. If it is a round start command, it sets a round effect command that specifies a round effect according to the round specified based on the command in the sub output buffer, and if it is an ending command, it sets the round effect command that specifies the round effect according to the round specified based on the command, and if it is an ending command, it sets the round effect command that specifies the round effect according to the round specified based on the command. An ending effect command that specifies an ending effect according to the type is set in the sub output buffer. When the various performance commands related to the set jackpot are sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 immediately updates the progress of the jackpot game based on the received commands. Performances related to the jackpot game, such as opening performances and round performances, are executed on a display screen 7a of an image display device 7.

Next, as shown in FIG. 44, in S4412, it is determined whether the first V passing command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4412), and if it is determined that the first V passing command has been received (YES in S4412). , V passing notification command is set in the sub output buffer (4413), and the process moves to S4414. Note that the 1st V passing command is a command that notifies the sub-control board 90 from the main control board 80 that a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the V validity period in the 15R 1st and 5th jackpots. . When the V passage notification command is sent to the image control board 100 (image control unit) etc. by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads predetermined image information from the ROM of the image control board 100, Characters such as "V passed!" are displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. This notifies the player that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 and that the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be in a high probability state. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first V passing command has not been received (NO in S4412), the process proceeds to S4414 without setting the V passing notification command.

Note that displaying the characters "V passing!" is one of the V passing notification modes, and other display contents (for example, displaying an object image imitating the character "V" or "certain change GET") The passage of V may be notified by displaying the characters (for example, by displaying the characters ``V''). This makes it possible to notify the player that the gaming state after the jackpot game (special game) being executed will be a high probability state.

Next, in S4414, it is determined whether the second V passing command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4413), and if it is determined that the second V passing command has not been received (NO in S4414), the process moves to S4415. Then, it is determined whether the third V passing command has been received (S4415). Then, in both cases where it is determined that the 2nd V passing command has been received (YES in S4414) and when it is determined that the 3rd V passing command has been received (YES in S4415), the V passing non-notification command is sub-outputted. Set it in the buffer (S4416) and move on to the process of S4417. On the other hand, if it is determined that the third V passing command has not been received (NO in S4415), the process proceeds to S4417 without setting the V passing non-notification command.

Here, the 2nd V passing command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 from the main control board 80 that a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the V valid period in the 2R 4th jackpot. Further, the third V passing command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 from the main control board 80 that a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the V invalid period such as during a small hit.

When the V passing non-notification command is sent to the image control board 100 etc. in the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 changes the display content on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 to "V passing!" The display is controlled to a screen where there is no display of characters indicating that the vehicle has passed the V (that is, there is no notification that the vehicle has passed the V). In other words, the V passing non-notification mode is set. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 in the 2R fourth jackpot or small win, the player is not notified of this fact.

Note that the command set in the specific area sensor detection process (S208) described above may be only the first V passing command, and the second V passing command and the third V passing command may not be set. In this case, in the received command analysis process (S4302), the above-mentioned steps S4414 to S4416 are not executed. Even with this configuration, it is possible to provide a pachinko game machine that notifies the player only when a V passes during the V validity period in the 15R first and fifth jackpots. In other words, if no performance is to be made to notify of V passing, it is not necessary to set a command (V passing non-notifying command). However, it is possible to increase the stability of image control by setting a command and controlling the image control board 100 based on the command as in this embodiment.

Next, in S4417, it is determined whether a standby screen designation command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4417). The standby screen designation command is a command sent by the above-described standby screen setting process (S1212). If it is determined that the standby screen designation command has not been received (NO in S4417), the process proceeds to S4420 without performing the processes in S4418 and S4419.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the standby screen designation command has been received (YES in S4417), the standby state flag is turned ON (S4418), and the standby screen display command is set in the sub output buffer (S4419). When the set standby screen display command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads the image data of the standby screen from the ROM, and reads the image data of the standby screen from the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. Display the standby screen.

As mentioned above, the standby screen is a screen (demonstration screen for waiting for customers) that is displayed when the variable stop state continues for a predetermined period of time. This standby screen display is a so-called demonstration effect. The display of the standby screen (demonstration effect) is performed until a predetermined standby screen display time (in other words, demonstration effect execution time) has elapsed. In this embodiment, the standby screen display time is approximately 10 seconds.

The standby state flag is a flag indicating that the fluctuation stop state continues for a predetermined period of time or more (also referred to as a "standby state"), and is a flag that indicates that the fluctuation stop state continues for a predetermined period of time or more (also referred to as a "standby state"). After turning on, it turns off when the variable display of special symbols starts.

Finally, the process of S4420 is performed to end this process. In S4420, as other processing, for example, processing based on other received commands (for example, normal symbol fluctuation start command and normal symbol fluctuation stop command) other than the various commands described above is performed.

[Variable effect start processing]
Next, the variable effect start process (S4402) executed in the received command analysis process (S4302) will be described. As shown in FIG. 45, in the variable performance start process (S4402), first, in S4501, the performance control microcomputer 91 uses various performance determination random numbers such as a variable performance determination random number, a preview performance determination random number, a performance symbol determination random number, etc. Random number processing for effect determination (S4501) is performed to obtain . In this embodiment, the process of S4501 is performed at the timing when the fluctuation start command is received from the main control unit 80, and a predetermined value (acquisition information) is acquired from each random number. Based on the obtained value, the mode of the variable performance to be executed, the preview performance, the performance pattern to be stopped and displayed, etc. are determined.

Next, in S4502, the fluctuation start command determined to have been received in S4401 described above is analyzed (S4502). The fluctuation start command includes a fluctuation pattern designation command (information that designates a fluctuation pattern) that designates the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern selection process of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The information specifying the variation pattern includes the variation pattern information (P1 to P24) shown in FIG. The determination result, symbol information specifying the winning type, etc. are included (see FIG. 8). In addition, since there are two types of variation pattern specification commands, one corresponding to the first special symbol and the other corresponding to the second special symbol, by analyzing the variation pattern specification command, the variation performance to be started this time can be changed to the special symbol. It becomes possible to determine whether the item is related to 1 or 2. It should be noted that these variable pattern information, game state information, symbol information, etc. can also be used in other processes other than the variable performance start process to be executed thereafter.

Next, in S4503, the current mode status is referred to (S4503). The mode status is for determining the production mode to be executed. The mode status is any value from "1" to "5", and each value is assigned to the production mode A to E. Specifically, mode status "1" corresponds to production mode A, mode status "2" corresponds to production mode B, mode status "3" corresponds to production mode C, and mode status "4" corresponds to production mode C. The mode status "5" corresponds to the production mode D, and the mode status "5" corresponds to the production mode E. By referring to the current mode status, it is possible to specify the current production mode.

Here, the performance mode is a performance mode on the image display device 7, and when the performance mode is different, part or all of the performance mode of the game performance such as the advance notice performance and the reach performance will be different. Specifically, the images displayed on the image display device 7 can be different, such as the characters, items, and background images that appear, and the variable effects can also be executed in a manner according to the effect mode. Further, when providing a plurality of game effects (such as a preview effect and a reach effect), different game effects may be executed depending on the effect mode.

In this embodiment, production mode A (mode status 1) is executed when controlled to a low-accuracy low base state, and production mode B (mode status 2) is executed when controlled to a low-accuracy high base state. The production mode C (mode status 3) is executed when controlled to a high-accuracy, high-base state. Therefore, by confirming which of the performance modes A to C is in effect, the player can grasp the current gaming state. Furthermore, production mode D (mode status 4) and production mode E (mode status 5) are executed when controlled to a high-accuracy low base state or a low-accuracy low base state. Therefore, when the performance mode is D or E, even if the player confirms the performance mode, the player cannot grasp whether the probability state of the special symbol validity judgment is in the high probability state or the low probability state (normal state). It is difficult to do so. In that sense, production modes D and E can be said to be probability non-notification modes.

In addition, in this example, after the end of the jackpot game related to the 15R first jackpot and the 15R fifth jackpot, the mode becomes production mode C, and after the end of the jackpot game related to the 15R second jackpot and the 15R sixth jackpot, the production mode becomes B. , after the end of the jackpot game related to the 15R third jackpot, the production mode is set to A, and after the end of the jackpot game related to the 2R fourth jackpot, and after the end of the small win game related to the first small win and the second small win, the effect is It becomes mode D or E.

Next, in S4504, a variable effect pattern (not shown) is determined to determine an execution pattern of a variable effect (also referred to as a "variable effect pattern") to be performed using the image display device 7, board lamp 5, movable decorative member 14, speaker 67, etc. Set the decision table (S4504). Specifically, the variable effect pattern determination table to be used is set based on the mode status (current effect mode) referred to in S4503 and the variable pattern designation command received from the main control unit 80. For example, if the variation pattern information specified by the received variation pattern designation command is "P1 (variation pattern P1)" (see FIG. 9), the variation effect pattern determination table will include the winning time variation corresponding to the current production mode. A performance pattern determination table is set. In this embodiment, since a plurality of variable effect pattern determination tables corresponding to the effect mode (mode status) are stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90 in advance, in S4504, from among these variable effect pattern determination tables, The table corresponding to the mode status (current production mode) referenced in S4503 is selected and set. The variable effect pattern determination table is mainly for determining the execution mode of the variable display of the effect pattern 8 (also referred to as "variation mode"), and the plurality of variable effect pattern determination tables are stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. is stored in advance. In S4504, any one of the plurality of variable performance pattern determination tables is set.

Next, in S4505, based on the random number for determining the variable effect obtained in S4501 and the variable effect pattern determination table set in S4504, a variable effect pattern that matches the specified variable pattern is selected and set (S4505 ).

The variable production pattern includes an execution mode of the variable display (production symbol game production) of the production pattern 8 displayed in the production pattern display area 7b, and the execution mode is set in S4505. As a result, the performance contents when performing a reach performance in a performance symbol game performance (variable performance) (also referred to as a "reach performance symbol game performance") and when a reach performance is not executed ("no reach performance symbol game performance"). The details of the performance symbol game performance, such as the content of the performance (also referred to as "."), are set (determined).

In addition, the reach effect is, for example, a display mode of the effect pattern 8 when the result of the special symbol validity judgment indicates a jackpot, in which three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are all the same (double number). In the case where a mode (jackpot mode, specific mode) is provided, two of the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped and displayed (temporarily stopped) at the symbols (same symbol) that constitute the jackpot mode. (This is also referred to as "reach establishment".) This is a production that indicates whether or not the remaining production symbol will be stopped and displayed as a symbol that completes the jackpot while the remaining one continues to be displayed in a fluctuating manner. Say something.

Further, the variable production pattern includes an execution mode (sound production pattern) of a sound production that outputs a variable production sound from the speaker 67 in conjunction with the variable display of the production pattern 8, and the execution mode is set in S4505. . The execution mode of the sound production represents the type, playback time, playback volume, etc. of the variable performance sound (variable performance sound data) to be reproduced (output). Thereby, the details of the variable effect sound to be outputted in conjunction with the variable display of the effect pattern 8 are set (determined).

In addition, in S4505, based on the random number for effect design determination obtained in S4501 and a stop pattern determination table (not shown), the effect pattern 8 to be stopped and displayed (also referred to as "stop effect pattern") is determined and set. Types of stop display include temporary stop display (temporary stop) and confirmed stop display (determined stop). Temporary stop means that the scrolling display (fluctuating display) of the production design is temporarily stopped (temporarily stopped), and the production design is displayed at a predetermined stop position on the display screen (for example, production design display area 7b), and the number, character, etc. This means that the object is displayed in a state where it moves slightly enough to be recognizable. A state of slight movement is also called "sway fluctuation." On the other hand, a fixed stop means that the scrolling display (fluctuating display) of the production symbols is completed, and the numbers, characters, etc. are recognized when the production symbols reach a predetermined stop position on the display screen (for example, production symbol display area 7b). It means that it is displayed completely stopped when possible. When the performance symbol is fixed and stopped after being fluctuated, the display result of the fluctuating display (result of the fluctuating performance) is definitively displayed (determined display) (derived display). Therefore, the temporary stop of the performance symbols can be performed once or multiple times until the final stop is reached.

The stop effect symbols determined (selected) in S4505 are a symbol that temporarily stops (also referred to as a "temporary stop symbol") and a symbol that permanently stops (also referred to as a "determined stop symbol"). Then, the effect pattern 8 (determined stop pattern) that is stopped and displayed (confirmed stop) as a result of the effect pattern game effect is the result of the special symbol correctness judgment of the 15R 1st and 5th jackpot (that is, the V passing planned jackpot). In the case of a 15R 2nd, 3rd, or 6th jackpot (in other words, a jackpot that is not expected to pass V), it is a zero with an odd numbered symbol such as ``777,'' for example, and in the case of a 15R 2nd, 3rd, or 6th jackpot (in other words, a jackpot that is not expected to pass V), it is a zero with an even numbered symbol such as ``666''. It is considered as an eye. In addition, when there is a reach or miss, one of the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R, such as "787", has a different variation from the other production symbols 8L and 8R ("787", etc.). ), and when it is out of reach, at least one of the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R, such as "635", has a different performance symbol ("635"). (Also called "completely unbalanced.")

Further, when the result of the special symbol validity determination is a 2R fourth jackpot or small win, a predetermined chance number such as "135" or a special symbol such as "3☆3" may be stopped and displayed, for example. That is, the same effect pattern is stopped and displayed for the 2R fourth jackpot and the small hit. Therefore, the player cannot determine whether the player has won the 2R fourth jackpot or the small hit just by checking the performance symbols that are stopped and displayed.

In addition, the production pattern 8, which is temporarily stopped in the middle of the variable display before reaching the fixed stop, that is, the temporary stop pattern, is basically a number other than the above-mentioned double (jackpot mode) (out of reach, complete It is said to be an outlier, etc.). However, for example, in the case of a variable performance pattern in which the so-called "re-lottery" is executed in which the performance symbol 8 is stopped at the zero number and then displayed again in a variable manner, the temporarily stopped symbol is set to the number zero (jackpot mode). In this case, the temporary stop symbol is an outcome corresponding to a relatively less advantageous jackpot (for example, a V non-passing scheduled jackpot having a lower advantage than a V passing scheduled jackpot). In addition, the fixed stop symbol after the re-lottery can again be an outcome corresponding to a jackpot with a relatively low advantage, or an outcome corresponding to a jackpot with a relatively high advantage. Furthermore, since the production pattern 8 is temporarily stopped immediately before the fixed stop after the fluctuating display ends, the production pattern 8 that temporarily stops immediately before the fixed stop is also a temporary stop pattern. The stopping symbol will be the same as the confirmed stopping symbol. It should be noted that the stop display mode of the effect pattern 8 shown in this embodiment is just an example, and what is to be stopped and displayed as the stop effect pattern can be set as appropriate.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has normal reach A, normal reach B, normal reach C, super reach (also referred to as "SP reach") A, super reach B, and super reach C as reach production modes of the production pattern 8. In S4505, based on the variable effect pattern determination table, it is determined which of these ready-to-reach effects are to be performed or which are not to be performed. When a ready-to-win performance symbol game performance is executed, any ready-to-win performance is set based on the variable pattern designation command and the variable performance pattern determination table. Here, when a super reach performance (any of SP reach A to C in this example) is executed as a performance symbol game performance, a normal reach performance (any of normal reach A to C in this example) is executed. The setting is such that the possibility of hitting the jackpot (the degree of expectation that the display result of the variable display is the specific display result) is higher than when the display result is a specific display result. In other words, it can be said that the super reach performance is a game performance in which the expectation of a jackpot (the possibility of a jackpot) is higher than that of the normal reach performance. In addition, the super reach performance is executed after the reach is established, after the normal reach performance, and is a special reach performance that develops from the normal reach performance.

Normal reach A is a normal reach performance that can be executed in a low base state (low probability low base state, high probability low base state), normal reach B is a normal reach production that can be executed in a low probability high base state, and normal reach C is a high probability reach performance. This is a normal reach performance that can be executed in a high base state. SP reach A to C are SP reach effects that can be executed in both the low base state and the high base state. Regarding the normal reach, a normal reach performance that can be executed in any gaming state (regardless of the gaming state) may be provided. Further, regarding the SP reach, an SP reach effect may be provided whose execution is determined depending on the gaming state.

In this embodiment, a reach effect is set (executed) when a variation pattern designation command is received that specifies a variation pattern with a variation time of 30000 ms or more (see FIG. 9). In other words, the presence or absence of the reach effect is determined by the selection of the special symbol variation pattern performed in the main control unit 80 (gaming control microcomputer 81), and the special symbol variation pattern includes the "reach variation pattern". This means that there is a "fluctuating pattern with no reach". In this example, a variation pattern with a variation time of 30000 ms or more is a reach variation pattern, and a 12000 ms variation pattern, a 4000 ms variation pattern, and a 2000 ms variation pattern are non-reach variation patterns (see FIG. 9). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the normal reach effect is executed when a variation pattern with a variation time of 30,000 ms is selected, and the SP reach effect is executed when a variation pattern of 45,000 ms and a variation pattern of 75,000 ms are selected. It is assumed that this will be carried out.

Here, the fluctuation pattern with reach is also referred to as a "specific fluctuation pattern," and the fluctuation pattern without reach is also referred to as a "normal fluctuation pattern." In addition, the fluctuating display of symbols based on the fluctuation pattern with reach (specific fluctuation pattern) is also referred to as "specific fluctuation" or "reach fluctuation", and the fluctuating display of symbols based on the fluctuation pattern without reach (normal fluctuation pattern) is also referred to as "specific fluctuation" or "reach fluctuation". Also called "normal fluctuation."

In this embodiment, the types of reach effects are three types of normal reach effects, normal reach A to C, and three types of super reach effects, SP reach A to C. However, the types (number) of reach effects are The present invention is not limited to this, and more reach effects may be provided.

The variable display of the effect pattern 8 is basically performed as follows. After the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start to fluctuate, the fluctuation speed of all the symbols becomes almost constant at high speed, and then, when a predetermined period of time (for example, 9 seconds) has elapsed, the first stop symbol (main) is displayed. In the example, the fluctuation speed of the left performance symbol 8L) decreases and the first stop symbol stops (temporarily stops). Next, the fluctuation speed of the second stop symbol (in this example, the right effect symbol 8R) decreases, the second stop symbol stops (temporary stop), and finally the third stop symbol (in this example, the middle effect symbol 8C) The fluctuation speed decreases and the third stop symbol stops (temporarily stops). Thereafter, the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fixed and stopped, and the display result of the variable display is derived and displayed, and one variable display ends with this. Normal fluctuations, reach effects, etc. are performed based on the flow from the start to the end of such a fluctuation display.

Specifically, for example, when the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function according to the number of special symbols reserved balls or the game state is not activated (when the fluctuation time shortening function is not activated, low base state), three production symbols When 8L, 8C, and 8R start fluctuating display, the left production symbol 8L (first stop symbol) stops (temporarily stops) at the timing when a predetermined time (for example, 9 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation, and then The right production symbol 8R (second stop symbol) stops (temporarily stops). At this time, if the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R stop (temporarily stop) at the same number symbols (ready-to-reach mode), a ready-to-win performance is established, and thereafter, a normal ready-to-reach performance and a SP ready-to-reach performance are executed. On the other hand, if the reach is not established (in other words, if it is a normal fluctuation), the right effect symbol 8R (second stop symbol) stops (temporary stop), and then the middle effect symbol 8C (third stop symbol) stops ( temporary stop). In this example, the time required from the start of the variable display of the effect pattern 8 due to normal variation to the stop (temporary stop) of the third stop pattern (medium effect pattern 8C in this example) is approximately 11 to 12 seconds. There is. However, in the normal variation when the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the time it takes from the start of the variation display until the left production symbol 8L (first stop symbol) stops (temporary stop) is normally (variation The time taken for the right effect symbol 8R (second stop symbol) and middle effect symbol 8C (third stop symbol) to stop (temporary stop) is also shorter than the time reduction function (when the time reduction function is not activated). Becomes shorter.

In addition, depending on the variable performance pattern set in S4505 and the preview performance pattern set in S4506 described later, for example, after the start of the variable display of the performance pattern 8, the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R may be displayed at the same time. The order and timing of the stop display of production symbols, such as stopping all at once (temporary stop), or all symbols continuing to fluctuate even after a predetermined time (for example, 9 seconds) until the first stop symbol stops, etc. may differ from the aspect described above.

Next, in S4506, a preview performance setting process related to the setting of a preview performance is performed (S4506). In this embodiment, various preview effects can be executed, such as a preview effect based on the preliminary determination result (pending advance preview) and a preview effect related to the current special figure variation display (variable effect). Therefore, in S4506, for each preview performance, an execution pattern (notice performance pattern) of the preview performance including whether or not to execute (execution/non-execution) is set. Specifically, the preview performance pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the preview performance acquired in S4501, the preview determination table stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, the storage contents of the performance pending information storage area (performance pending information), etc. are determined and set, including whether or not the preview performance is to be executed.

Next, in S4507, a variable performance start command for starting a variable performance (variable display of performance pattern 8, reach performance, preview performance, etc.) based on the variable performance pattern set in S4505 and the preview performance pattern set in S4506 is sub-subjected. It is set in the output buffer (S4507) and the variable effect start process is completed. When the variable effect start command set in S4507 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 transmits the variable effect pattern specified based on the variable effect start command, that is, S4505 The predetermined image data for variable presentation corresponding to the variable presentation pattern set in S4506 and the predetermined preview presentation image corresponding to the preview presentation pattern specified based on the variable presentation start command, that is, the preview presentation pattern set in S4506. The data is read from the ROM of the image control board 100, and effect displays (such as variable display of effect symbols and display of preview images) based on the read image data are executed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In addition, a variable display (blinking display) using two LEDs on the performance display 102 is also performed.

[Fluctuating sound playback processing]
Next, the variable effect sound reproduction process (S4303) executed in the 10ms timer interrupt process (S4010) will be explained. As shown in FIG. 46, in the variable effect sound reproduction process (S4303), it is first determined whether the current gaming state (variable gaming state) is a low base state (S4601). As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the low base state includes a low probability low base state and a high probability low base state, so in S4601, it is determined whether the low base state is the low probability low base state or the high probability low base state. Determine. Note that if there is no high-probability low base state, it is determined whether the low-probability low base state is present. The determination in S4601 can be made, for example, with reference to the mode status described above. In this embodiment, if the mode status is "1", "4" or "5", it is a low base state, and if it is "2" or "3", it is a high base state.

If it is determined in S4601 that it is not in a low base state (NO in S4601), that is, if the current gaming state is in a high base state, the process moves to S4619, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is in the low base state (YES in S4601), it is determined whether the standby state flag is ON (S4602).

As mentioned above, the standby state flag is turned ON based on the reception of the standby screen designation command from the main control board 80, and when the standby state flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the standby state ( This means that the fluctuation stop state continues for a predetermined period of time or longer. In this case, there is a possibility that there is no player attached to the pachinko game machine 1 (the pachinko game machine 1 is not in operation).

If it is determined in S4602 that the standby state flag is not ON (OFF) (NO in S4602), the process proceeds to S4605 without performing the processes in S4603 and S4604. On the other hand, if it is determined that the standby state flag is ON (YES in S4602), whether or not the touch signal output from the touch switch 114 (see FIG. 5) of the firing handle 60 has changed from OFF to ON (i.e. , whether or not the touch signal has changed from OFF to ON (S4603).

Here, when the player is not touching the firing handle 60 (touch switch 114) (not operating the firing handle 60), the touch signal is OFF, and when the player is touching the firing handle 60 (touch switch 114) (not operating the firing handle 60), the touch signal is OFF. When the handle 60 is being operated), the touch signal is turned ON. Therefore, the touch signal changes from OFF to ON at the timing when the touch switch 114 detects the player's contact with the firing handle 60, that is, when the player operates the firing handle 60 (launching the game ball). It can be said that this corresponds to the timing when it started.

If it is determined in S4603 that the touch signal has not changed from OFF to ON (NO in S4603), that is, if the touch signal is OFF or is already ON (remains ON), S4604 The process proceeds to S4605 without performing the process. In this case, either the player is not operating the firing handle 60 (there is no player attached to the pachinko machine 1, the pachinko machine 1 is not operating, etc.), or the player has already started operating the firing handle 60. It is considered that the game balls are being fired (the pachinko game machine 1 is in operation).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the touch signal has changed from OFF to ON (YES in S4603), that is, if the player starts operating the firing handle 60 (launching the game ball), the Start playing the variable performance sound (S4604). As a result, the speaker 67 outputs the normal variable effect sound.

Here, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a normal variable effect sound (also referred to as a "first variable effect sound") and a reach variable effect sound (also referred to as a "second variable effect sound") as variable effect sounds. , a development variation effect sound (also referred to as a "third variation effect sound") are provided.

The normal variation effect sound basically corresponds to the variation display when the special symbol (and production symbol 8) is displayed based on the no-reach variation pattern (in other words, when the normal variation is executed). This is a variable effect sound that is played (output) from start to finish. In addition, when the variable display of the special symbol (and production symbol 8) is executed based on the variation pattern with reach, the first stop symbol (left production symbol 8L) and the second stop symbol (right production symbol The normal variation effect sound is played (output) even until the symbol 8R) stops (temporarily stops) with the same symbol (until the reach is established). The normal variation effect sound is configured as a music piece that matches the variation time (for example, 12 seconds) of the non-reach variation pattern (normal variation).

The reach variation effect sound is a variation effect sound that is played (output) from the reach establishment until before the SP reach development when the variable display of the special symbol (and the effect symbol 8) is executed based on the reach variation pattern. If the reach effect executed in the variable display is a normal reach effect, and the variable display ends without developing into the SP reach effect (this is also referred to as "normal reach variation"), the reach variation effect is terminated by the end of the variable display. Sound playback (output) ends. In other words, the reach variation performance sound is a variation performance sound corresponding to the normal reach performance. If the fluctuation display of the special symbol (and effect pattern 8) based on the reach fluctuation pattern is normal reach fluctuation, the normal fluctuation effect sound is played (output) from the start of the fluctuation display until the reach is established, and the fluctuation display is changed from the start of the fluctuation display to the formation of the reach. The reach variation effect sound is played (output) until the end of. The reach variation performance sound is configured as a piece of music that matches the performance time and content of the reach performance.

The development variation performance sound is a variation performance sound that is played (output) from the SP reach development to the end of the variation display when the variation display of the special symbol (and production symbol 8) is executed based on the variation pattern with reach. be. In other words, the development variation performance sound is a variation performance sound corresponding to the SP reach performance (super reach performance). If the reach effect executed with the variable display of the special symbol (and effect pattern 8) based on the variable pattern with reach is the SP reach effect (this variable display is also referred to as "SP reach variation"), the start of the variable display. The normal variation effect sound is played (output) from the time when the reach is established until the reach is established, the reach variation effect sound is played (output) from the time when the reach is established until the SP reach is developed, and the development variation effect sound is played (output) from when the SP reach is developed until the end of the variation display. output). The development fluctuation performance sound is configured as a piece of music that matches the performance time and content of the SP reach performance.

In addition, the normal fluctuation performance sound (normal fluctuation performance sound data), the reach fluctuation performance sound (reach fluctuation performance sound data), and the developed fluctuation performance sound (developmental fluctuation performance sound data) are respectively used for low base state, high base state, etc. One or more types can be provided depending on the variable game state and variable performance pattern. In this embodiment, the normal variable effect sound is a variable effect sound that can be reproduced (outputted) in a low base state.

In this embodiment, one type of variation effect sound created in accordance with a variation display with a variation time of 12000 ms (also referred to as "12 second variation") is provided as the normal variation effect sound in the low base state. In S4604, the reproduction of the normal variation effect sound of this 12 second variation is started. In addition, in S4604, playback is started from the beginning of the normal variation effect sound data. In other words, the normal variable performance sound is played from the beginning.

By starting the playback of the normal variation effect sound through the process of S4604, the normal variation effect sound is output from the speaker 67 even if the variation display of the identification information (special symbol, effect symbol 8) is not executed (started). Ru. Therefore, the player can hear the normal variable performance sound from the time he or she starts operating the firing handle 60. In other words, after the game ball starts firing, the normal variable performance sound can be heard even before the first starting ball occurs.

Next, in S4605, it is determined whether it is the start timing (variation start timing) of changing display of the identification information (S4605). This determination can be made based on whether or not a fluctuation start command is received from the main control board 80 (see S4401), and when a fluctuation start command is received, it can be determined that it is the timing to start changing the identification information. can.

If it is determined in S4605 that it is the timing to start changing the identification information (YES in S4605), the reproduction of the normal fluctuation effect sound is started in conjunction with the start of the changing display of the identification information (S4606). In S4606, playback is started from the beginning of the normal variation effect sound data. In other words, the normal variable performance sound is played from the beginning. Furthermore, even if playback of the normal variation effect sound is started in S4604 and variable display of the identification information is started during the playback, playback is started from the beginning of the normal variation effect sound data in S4606. In other words, the normal variable effect sound is played again from the beginning. Further, after the reproduction of the normal variation effect sound is started in S4604, the normal variation effect sound is repeatedly reproduced (loop playback) even if the variable display of the identification information is not started.

Note that even if the variation time (variation pattern) of the variation display of the identification information started in the low base state is less than 12,000 ms (for example, 4,000 ms), the reproduction of the normal variation effect sound of 12 seconds variation is started in S4606. In this case, through the process of S4612, which will be described later, the reproduction of the normal variable effect sound is terminated midway along with the end of the variable display.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4605 that it is not the timing to start changing the identification information (NO in S4605), the process proceeds to S4607 without performing the process in S4606.

Next, in S4607, it is determined whether or not the identification information is currently being displayed in a variable manner, and the variable display is at the reach establishment timing (the start timing of the normal reach effect) (S4607). This determination can be made based on the progress (elapsed performance time, performance scene, etc.) of the variable performance (fluctuating display of the performance symbols 8, etc.) based on the variable performance pattern set in S4505 described above. This also applies to the processes of S4609, S4624, and S4626, which will be described later.

If it is determined in S4607 that it is the timing to establish a reach (YES in S4607), playback of the reach fluctuation effect sound is started in conjunction with the establishment of a reach (start of normal reach effect) (S4608). At this time, the reproduction of the normal variation effect sound ends, and the reach variation effect sound is output from the speaker 67. In S4608, playback of reach variation performance sound corresponding to the type (performance pattern) of the normal reach performance to be started (executed) is started. This also applies to the process of S4625, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4607 that it is not the reach establishment timing (NO in S4607), the process proceeds to S4609 without performing the process in S4608.

Next, in S4609, it is determined whether or not the identification information is currently being displayed in a variable manner, and the variable display is the timing to develop into the SP reach effect (start timing of the SP reach effect) (S4609). As a result, if it is determined that it is the development timing (YES in S4609), playback of the development variation effect sound is started in conjunction with the development to the SP reach effect (start of the SP reach effect) (S4610). At this time, the reproduction of the reach variation effect sound is finished, and the speaker 67 outputs the development variation effect sound. In S4610, playback of development variation performance sound corresponding to the type (performance pattern) of the SP reach performance to be started (executed) is started. This also applies to the process of S4627, which will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4609 that it is not the development timing (NO in S4609), the process proceeds to S4611 without performing the process in S4610.

Next, in S4611, it is determined whether it is the end timing of the fluctuation display of the identification information (variation end timing) (S4611). This determination can be made based on whether or not a fluctuation stop command is received from the main control board 80 (see S4406), and when a fluctuation stop command is received, it can be determined that it is the timing to end the fluctuation of the identification information. can. It is also possible to measure the elapsed time from the start of the fluctuation and perform the measurement based on the elapsed time. In this case, it can be determined that it is the end timing of the variation of the identification information at the timing when the elapsed time from the start of the variation becomes the variation time specified by the variation pattern (variation performance pattern) of the special symbol. The method for determining the end timing of the variation is the same for S4628, which will be described later.

If it is determined in S4611 that it is the timing to end the variation of the identification information (YES in S4611), the reproduction of the variation effect sound is ended (stopped) at the end of the variation display (S4612). As a result, the speaker 67 no longer outputs the variable effect sound. At this time, no performance sound is played back (output), resulting in a silent state. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the timing to end the variation of the identification information (NO in S4611), the process proceeds to S4613 without performing the process in S4612.

Next, in S4613, it is determined whether the identification information is being stopped and displayed (variation is stopped) (S4613). As a result, if it is determined that the display is stopped (YES in S4613), it is determined whether the stop display time has elapsed (S4614). This determination can be made with reference to a timer for measuring stop display time provided in the RAM of the sub control board 90.

If it is determined in S4614 that the stop display time has elapsed (YES in S4614), it is determined whether the current number of reserved special figure balls is "0 (zero)" (S4615). The number of reserved balls for the special figure here refers to both the number of reserved balls for the special figure 1 and the number of reserved balls for the special figure 2 (total), and the determination in S4615 is based on the number of reserved balls for the effect held in the sub-control board 90. This can be done based on whether or not the effect pending information is stored. When no performance suspension information is stored in the performance suspension information storage area, it can be determined that the number of special figure suspension balls is "0 (zero)".

If it is determined in S4615 that the number of special figure reserved balls is "0 (zero)" (the special figure reserved is not stored) (YES in S4615), the reproduction of the normal variable effect sound is started (S4616). The process in S4616 is similar to the process in S4604 described above. That is, in S4616, the reproduction of the normal fluctuation effect sound is started even if the fluctuation display of the identification information is not started. As a result, even if the next variable display does not start immediately (continuously) after the previous variable display ends, the normal variable effect sound is output from the speaker 67, and the player receives the normal variable effect sound. It becomes audible. Note that in S4616 as well, playback is started from the beginning of the normal variation effect sound data (the normal variation effect sound is played from the beginning). Further, after the reproduction of the normal variation effect sound is started in S4616, the normal variation effect sound is loop-played even if the display of the identification information does not start.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4613 that the identification information is not being stopped and displayed (NO in S4613), the process proceeds to S4617 without performing the processing in S4614 to S4616, and in S4614 the stop display time has elapsed. If it is determined that there is no one (NO in S4614), the process moves to S4617 without performing the processing in S4615 and S4616, and in S4615, the number of reserved special figure balls is not "0 (zero)" (the number of reserved special figures is not memorized). (NO in S4615), the process proceeds to S4617 without performing the process in S4616.

Next, in S4617, it is determined whether it is the timing to start displaying the standby screen (S4617). As described above, the standby screen is a screen (demonstration screen) that is displayed on the image display device 7 based on reception of the standby screen designation command transmitted from the main control board 80 when the fluctuation stop state continues for a predetermined period of time. . The determination in S4617 can be made based on whether or not the standby screen designation command is received, and if the standby screen designation command is received, it can be determined that it is time to start displaying the standby screen. This also applies to the process of S4630, which will be described later.

If it is determined in S4617 that it is the timing to start displaying the standby screen (YES in S4617), the reproduction of the normal variable effect sound is ended (stopped) with the start of displaying the standby screen (S4618), and the present process ends. If the fluctuation display of the identification information does not start and the fluctuation stop state continues after the normal fluctuation performance sound starts playing through the processing of S4604 and S4616 described above, the normal fluctuation performance sound will be played in a loop, so the standby screen will be displayed. When the display start timing arrives, the normal variable effect sound is being played. The reproduction of this normal variation effect sound is ended (stopped) by the process of S4618. As a result, the reproduction of the normal variable performance sound ends with the start of displaying the standby screen, that is, with the transition to the standby state. Note that while the standby screen is being displayed (during the demonstration production), that is, in the standby state, it may be a silent state in which no production sound is played (output), or a predetermined production may be performed depending on the content displayed on the standby screen. It may be configured to reproduce (output) sound (also referred to as "standby performance sound" or "demonstration performance sound").

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4617 that it is not the timing to start displaying the standby screen (NO in S4617), the process ends without performing the process in S4618.

The above processing up to S4618 is the processing when the gaming state is controlled to the low base state among the variable effect sound reproduction processing (S4303). On the other hand, if it is determined in the above-mentioned S4601 that it is not in the low base state (NO in S4601), that is, if the gaming state is controlled to the low probability high base state or the high probability high base state, S4619 shown in FIG. Perform subsequent processing.

As shown in FIG. 47, in S4619, it is determined whether the standby state flag is ON (S4619). If it is determined that the standby state flag is ON (YES in S4619), it is determined whether the touch signal output from the touch switch 114 (see FIG. 5) of the firing handle 60 has changed from OFF to ON. (S4620). These processes in S4619 and S4620 are similar to the processes in S4602 and S4603 described above. Note that the standby state flag turns ON in the high base state, for example, after the jackpot game ends and the gaming state becomes the high base state, the fluctuation stop state remains for a predetermined period of time due to the player taking a break, etc. It is possible that this may continue.

If it is determined in S4620 that the touch signal has changed from OFF to ON (YES in S4620), playback of the special variable effect sound among the plurality of variable effect sounds is started (S4621). As a result, the special variable performance sound is output from the speaker 67 before the start of the variable display of the identification information (before the first starting pitch occurs).

Here, the special fluctuation performance sound is a performance sound that is played (output) when the gaming state is controlled to the high base state, and when the fluctuation display of the identification information is not being executed (variation stop state), It is reproduced (output) during the normal fluctuation of the identification information and until the reach is established due to the reach fluctuation (specific fluctuation). In other words, it is continuously played from the fluctuation stop state until the reach is established. Further, the special variable effect sound is composed of one or more pieces of music, and when it is composed of one piece of music, it is played in a loop, and when it is composed of a plurality of pieces of music, it is played continuously one by one.

In this embodiment, the special variation production sounds include a special variation production sound (also referred to as "first special variation production sound") corresponding to the low-accuracy high base state (production mode B) and a high-precision high base state (production mode B). A special variable effect sound (also referred to as "second special variable effect sound") corresponding to mode C) is provided. In S4621, playback of a special variation performance sound (first special variation performance sound or second special variation performance sound) corresponding to the current gaming state (low probability high base state or high probability high base state) is started. Also, in S4621, playback is started from the beginning of the special variation effect sound data. In other words, the special variable effect sound is played from the beginning.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4619 that the standby state flag is not ON (OFF) (NO in S4619), the process moves to S4622 without performing S4620 and S4621, and the touch signal is changed from OFF to ON in S4620. If it is determined that there is no change (NO in S4620), the process proceeds to S4622 without performing S4621.

Next, in S4622, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the high base state (low probability high base state or high probability high base state). Here, when the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is set by the above-mentioned gaming state setting process (S2121), a gaming state designation command indicating the set gaming state is directed from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. will be sent. Therefore, in S4622, it is possible to determine whether or not it is the start timing of the high base state based on whether or not the gaming state specifying command is received. When the gaming state is a low probability high base state or a high probability high base state, it can be determined that it is the start timing of the high base state.

If it is determined in S4622 that it is the start timing of the high base state (YES in S4622), the reproduction of the special variation effect sound is started in conjunction with the start of the high base state (S4623). In S4623, similarly to S4621, playback of a special variable effect sound (first special variable effect sound or second special variable effect sound) corresponding to the current gaming state (high base state started this time) is started. In this way, the reproduction (output) of the special variation effect sound is started with the start of the high base state. Then, it is reproduced (continuously reproduced) until a reach is established in the variable display of the identification information. From this, it can be said that the special variable performance sound is BGM (background music) with a high base.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4622 that it is not the start timing of the high base state (NO in S4622), the process proceeds to S4624 without performing the process in S4623.

Next, in S4624, it is determined whether or not the identification information is currently being displayed in a variable manner, and the variable display is at the reach establishment timing (the start timing of the normal reach effect) (S4624). The processing in S4624 is similar to S4607 described above. Then, when it is determined that it is the ready-to-reach timing (YES in S4624), the reproduction of the ready-to-reach variation effect sound is started in conjunction with the ready-to-reach (start of normal reach effect) (S4625). At this time, the volume of the special variation performance sound that has been reproduced up to that point is set to zero (mute) and the reproduction of the special variation performance sound is continued, and the reach variation performance sound is reproduced at an audible volume (audible sound). As a result, the reach variation effect sound is output from the speaker 67 at an audible volume, and the player can hear the reach variation effect sound.

In addition, the volume of the special variation effect sound is set to zero (mute) based on the volume of the special variation effect sound at the timing when the reach variation (specific variation) ends and the winning symbol is stopped and displayed (determined stop). This is to make the player continuously hear the special variation effect sound by returning it from mute to audible sound, thereby giving the player an impression of the continuation of the high base state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4624 that it is not the reach establishment timing (NO in S4624), the process proceeds to S4626 without performing the process in S4625.

Next, in S4626, it is determined whether or not the identification information is currently being displayed in a variable manner, and the variable display is at the timing of development to the SP ready-to-reach effect (starting timing of the SP ready-to-reach effect) (S4626). The processing in S4626 is similar to S4609 described above. Then, when it is determined that it is the development timing (YES in S4626), the reproduction of the development variation effect sound is started in conjunction with the development to the SP ready-to-reach effect (start of the SP ready-to-reach effect) (S4627). At this time, the reproduction of the reach variation effect sound is finished, and the speaker 67 outputs the development variation effect sound. At this time as well, the special variation performance sound is played back at zero volume (mute), and the advanced variation performance sound is played back (output) at an audible volume. As a result, the player can hear the development variation performance sound.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4626 that it is not the development timing (NO in S4626), the process proceeds to S4628 without performing the process in S4627.

Next, in S4628, it is determined whether it is the end timing of the variation display (specific variation) of the identification information based on the reach variation pattern (S4628). As a result, if it is determined that it is the end timing of the specific variation (YES in S4628), the reproduction of the reach variation effect sound or the development variation effect sound is ended (stopped) with the end of the variation display (S4629). As a result, the reach variation effect sound or development variation effect sound is no longer output from the speaker 67, and the special variation effect sound that was played muted from the start of the reach effect to the end of the specific variation returns to its original volume (audible volume). is output. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the end timing of the specific variation (NO in S4628), the process proceeds to S4630 without performing the process in S4629.

Next, in S4630, it is determined whether it is the timing to start displaying the standby screen (S4630). This determination is similar to the process of S4617 described above. If it is determined that it is the timing to start displaying the standby screen (YES in S4630), the reproduction of the special variation effect sound is ended (stopped) along with the start of displaying the standby screen (S4631), and the present process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the timing to start displaying the standby screen (NO in S4630), the process ends without performing the process in S4631.

[Effects of Example 1]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment described above, when the gaming state (variable gaming state) is controlled to the low base state (low probability low base state or high probability low base state), the identification information changes. When the display starts, the playback of the normal variation performance sound starts with the start of the variation display, and the playback of the variation production sound (normal variation production sound, reach variation production sound, or advanced variation production sound) occurs when the variation display ends. sound) ends. That is, the variable effect sound is output from the speaker 67 from the start to the end of the variable display of the identification information (during the variable display). Furthermore, even if the next variable display does not start after the playback of the variable effect sound ends with the end of the variable display of the identification information, the playback of the normal variable effect sound is started (S4616) and the speaker 67 Normally variable performance sound is output. Therefore, even if the next variable display does not start immediately after the variable display ends, the player can hear the normal variable effect sound. As a result, even if the fluctuating display of identification information is interrupted during a game in a low base state (during firing of game balls), it is difficult to give the impression to the player that there is a blank space in the game (symbol fluctuating game). This makes it possible to suppress a decline in gaming interest. In particular, in the low base state, the frequency of starting balls occurring is lower than in the high base state, and the fluctuating display of identification information is likely to be interrupted (the number of reserved balls on special charts often becomes 0), so the next It is effective to start playing the variable effect sound (in this embodiment, the normal variable effect sound) even if the variable display has not started, in order to prevent the player from feeling a gap in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state (fluctuating gaming state) is controlled to a high base state (low probability high base state or high probability high base state), when the reach is established from the variable stop state Special fluctuating sound effects are played continuously. Therefore, during the high bass state, the variable performance sound can be heard without interruption. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to get the impression that there is a gap in the game (symbol variation game) even when playing in a high base state (while the game ball is being fired), which in turn reduces the interest in the game. It becomes possible to suppress the decrease.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, after the fluctuating display of the identification information ends in the low base state, when the stop display time (predetermined time) of the identification information has elapsed, the next fluctuating display can be started. It is configured. Under such a configuration, after the playback of the fluctuating effect sound ends with the end of the fluctuating display of the identification information, even if the next fluctuating display does not start, the fluctuating display ends (in other words, the fluctuating performance sound ends). When the stop display time (predetermined time) has elapsed since the end of the sound reproduction, the reproduction of the normal variable effect sound is started (S4612 to S4616). Therefore, depending on whether the previous fluctuating display and the next fluctuating display are executed consecutively or not (if the next fluctuating display does not start immediately), the fluctuating effect sound is It becomes possible to make the timing at which playback starts to be the same. Thereby, even if the fluctuating display of the identification information is interrupted during the game in the low base state, it is possible to suppress the rhythm of the game from being disrupted.

In addition, the special fluctuating performance sound is played continuously even in the high base state, including when the fluctuation is stopped, so even if the fluctuating display of the identification information is interrupted while playing in the high base state, the rhythm of the game will not be disrupted. It becomes possible to suppress the

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the variable display of the identification information is not being executed and the variable effect sound is not being played (output) (that is, in the standby state), the player can fire the When the user touches the firing handle 60 (touch switch 114) to start firing game balls by operating the handle 60, the reproduction of the variable effect sound is started and the variable effect sound is output from the speaker 67. At this time, if the gaming state is in the low base state, the playback (output) of the normal variable effect sound is started (S4604), and if the game state is in the high base state, the playback (output) of the special variable effect sound is started. (S4621). For this reason, after the game ball starts firing (in other words, the game), but before the game ball enters the starting hole (before the first starting ball occurs), the player can hear the fluctuating effect sound. become. Thereby, it becomes possible to liven up the player's mood from the beginning of the game ball launch (the beginning of the game). Furthermore, even if the variable display of the identification information does not start for some time after the game balls start firing (after the game starts), it is possible to make it difficult for the player to get the impression that there is a gap in the game.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the reproduction of the normal variable effect sound is started in the low base state, the normal variable effect sound is played from the beginning (top) each time it starts. . Therefore, after the end of the fluctuating display of the identification information, regardless of whether the next fluctuating display starts immediately or not, it is possible to refresh the player's mood by starting to play the normal fluctuating effect sound. . This makes it possible for the player to be less likely to get bored with the game.

In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the content of the fluctuation effect sound reproduction process (S4303) was different between the low base state and the high base state, but the normal fluctuation sound reproduction process is performed in the high base state as well as in the low base state. It may also be possible to perform playback processing of sounds, reach variation effect sounds, and development variation effect sounds. That is, even in the high base state, the processes of S4602 to S4618 shown in FIG. 46 may be performed. As a result, the same effects as those related to the reproduction (output) of the variable performance sound in the low base state described above can be achieved also in the high base state.

Next, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a second embodiment will be explained. Below, parts that are different from Example 1 will be mainly explained, and descriptions of parts that are common with Example 1 (configuration, function, effect, etc.) will be omitted. Further, in the following description, the same reference numerals, number of control steps, etc. as in the first embodiment will be used for configurations common to the first embodiment.

The pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment described above is provided with normal reach A to C and SP reach A to C as the reach performance modes of the performance symbols 8. On the other hand, the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with confrontation reach A to C as the reach performance modes of the performance symbols 8 when the game state (variable game state) is controlled to the low base state. Showdown reach A to C are all types of SP reach performances, and are game performances with higher expectations for jackpots than normal reach performances. The normal reach performance is also referred to as "normal reach performance" or "normal performance", and the confrontation reach performance and SP reach performance are also referred to as "special reach performance" or "special performance".

Showdown Reach is an SP Reach production that includes a production display depicting a confrontation between an ally character (also referred to as "ally character") and an enemy character (also referred to as "enemy character"), and if the ally character wins, 15R jackpot (long hit) (the performance pattern 8 is stopped and displayed in a jackpot manner), and if the ally character is defeated (the enemy character wins), it becomes a loss (the performance pattern 8 is stopped and displayed in a loss manner).

In this embodiment, when executing (starting) the variable display of the special symbol in the low base state, a variation pattern (P1, P5 or P9) with a variation time of 75000 ms is selected in the above-mentioned special symbol 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208). When selected (set) (see S1704, S1709, and S1710 in FIGS. 9 and 28), the variable effect pattern of the effect pattern 8 corresponding to the variable display (variable pattern P1, P5, or P9) of the confrontation reach The performance pattern (also referred to as the "confrontation reach performance pattern") can be selected (set) in the above-mentioned S4505. The selection of the confrontation reach performance pattern is performed using, for example, the random number for determining the variable performance obtained in the above-mentioned S4501 (for example, a random number that takes a value in the range of "0 to 99") and the confrontation reach performance pattern determination table shown in FIG. 48. This can be done based on.

Here, as shown in FIG. 48, the confrontation reach effect pattern of this embodiment includes a "basic pattern" and a "chance up pattern" for each of the confrontation reaches A to C. Confrontation Reach A to C have different types of enemy characters that are the opponents of the friendly characters. In Confrontation Reach A, enemy character A (enemy character A) and in Confrontation Reach B, enemy character B (enemy character A). Character B) becomes enemy character C (enemy character C) in confrontation reach C.

In addition, there are two types of ally characters that appear in Showdown Reach A to C: ally character A (ally character A) and ally character B (ally character B).The basic pattern is ally character A, and the chance-up pattern is ally character B. This is character B. In other words, the basic pattern of confrontation reach A is an SP reach performance in which ally character A and enemy character A face off, and the chance-up pattern of confrontation reach A is an SP reach performance in which ally character B and enemy character A face off. The basic pattern of confrontation reach B is an SP reach performance in which ally character A and enemy character B face off, and the chance-up pattern of confrontation reach B is an SP reach performance in which ally character B and enemy character B face off. Furthermore, the basic pattern of confrontation reach C is an SP reach performance in which ally character A and enemy character C face off, and the chance-up pattern of confrontation reach C is an SP reach performance in which ally character B and enemy character C face off.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 48, when the special symbol variation pattern (also referred to as "special symbol variation pattern") is P1 (15R jackpot), the selection rate of confrontation reach C is the highest. (45%), followed by confrontation reach B (35%), confrontation reach A (20%), and the random numbers for determining the variable effects are assigned so that the selection rate decreases in that order. On the other hand, when the special pattern fluctuation pattern is P5 or P9 (missing), contrary to the case of P1 (15R jackpot), the selection rate of confrontation reach A is the highest (55%), and hereafter, confrontation reach B (30%) and confrontation reach C (15%), the random numbers for determining the variable effects are assigned so that the selection rate decreases in this order. In other words, the random value for determining the variable performance is assigned such that the expectation level of the jackpot in the confrontation reach is highest for the confrontation reach C, and then decreases in the order of confrontation reach B and confrontation reach A.

Furthermore, for each of the confrontation reaches A to C, the chance-up pattern selection rate will be higher when the special pattern fluctuation pattern is P1 (15R jackpot) than when it is P5 or P9 (miss). A random value for determining the variable performance is assigned. That is, when the chance-up pattern is selected, the random number value for determining the variable effect is assigned so that the expectation of a jackpot is higher than when the basic pattern is selected.

Next, the performance display of the variable performance based on the confrontation reach performance pattern will be explained with reference to FIGS. 49 and 50. The variable effect pattern set in S4505 mentioned above is a confrontation reach effect pattern, and when a variable effect start command specifying the effect pattern is sent to the image control board 100, the effect pattern is displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. 8 starts to be displayed. Then, when the left effect pattern 8L and the right effect pattern 8R stop (temporarily stop) in the variable display and reach is established, a normal reach effect (not shown) is started on the display screen 7a. The normal reach performance is, for example, a performance display in which the middle performance pattern 8C continues to be displayed in a variable manner while the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R maintain the display mode (reach mode) when the reach is established.

After that, when the timing for developing SP reach effect (here, "confrontation reach") arrives in the variable display, as shown in FIG. It is displayed (reduced display) smaller than usual (see Figure 3) on the left and right upper portions (corners) of 7a, and almost the entire display screen 7a (display area), including the center, is used to display the showdown reach development effect (SP reach development effect). ) is started. The performance when the confrontation reach develops (the performance when the SP reach develops) is also called the "development performance".

The confrontation reach development stage performance is roughly divided into three stages shown in FIGS. 49(A) to (C1) or (C2), and is performed in order from FIG. 49(A). FIG. 49(A) shows the first stage performance display (also referred to as "first performance" or "first stage performance") of the performance during confrontation reach development, and FIG. 49(B) shows confrontation reach development display. 49 (C1) and (C2) show the second stage performance display (also referred to as "second stage performance" or "second stage performance") of the time performance. Shows stage performance display (also referred to as "third performance" or "third stage performance").

The first performance of the showdown reach development stage is composed of "showdown reach title display (also referred to as "title display performance")" and "expectation level notification (also referred to as "expectation level notification performance")." .

The showdown reach title display (title display effect) displays an image (also referred to as a "title image") that shows the title (title) of the showdown reach. The title image (title of the confrontation reach) is provided for each of the confrontation reaches A to C, and the image data is stored in the ROM of the image control board 100.

As shown in FIG. 49(A), in the first performance of the confrontation reach development stage, a title image corresponding to the confrontation reach performance pattern (that is, any of confrontation reach A to C) set in S4505 is displayed. Ru. In addition, below, the title image corresponding to confrontation reach A is referred to as "title image A," the title image corresponding to confrontation reach B is referred to as "title image B," and the title image corresponding to confrontation reach C is referred to as "title image A." It is called "Image C". Through the title image displayed on the display screen 7a, the player can check the type of confrontation reach that will be executed (started) from now on in the currently executed variable display (the relevant variable display), that is, the enemy character's character in the current confrontation reach. Be able to understand the types. Specifically, when title image A is displayed, confrontation reach A in which enemy character A is the opponent is started (executed), and when title image B is displayed, enemy character B is the opponent. When a certain confrontation reach B is started (executed) and the title image C is displayed, a confrontation reach C in which the enemy character C is the confrontation opponent is started (executed).

The expectation level notification (expectation level notification performance) is an expectation level image 701 that informs (suggests) the level of expectation of the jackpot of the confrontation reach that will be executed (started) in the variable display (that is, the level of expectation of the jackpot of the variable display). is displayed. The expectation level image 701 is provided for each of the confrontation reaches A to C, and the image data is stored in the ROM of the image control board 100. In other words, the expected level of jackpot is determined in advance for each of the competition reaches A to C.

FIG. 50 shows an example of the expectation level image 701 (expectation level notification) corresponding to each of the confrontation reaches A to C. In this embodiment, the expected level of jackpot in the confrontation reach is reported in five levels from "1 to 5". Corresponding to this, the expectation image 701 of this embodiment includes five star shapes as shown in FIG. 50, and is configured to indicate the expectation of a jackpot depending on the display mode thereof. In this example, five star shapes included in the expectation level image 701 are displayed in a predetermined color (for example, red) and a star shape that is not displayed in a predetermined color (displayed in a color other than the predetermined color). The more star shapes are displayed in a predetermined color, the higher the expectation of a jackpot. In FIG. 50, black (★) indicates that the star figure is displayed in a predetermined color, and white (☆) indicates that it is not displayed in the predetermined color.

Here, as described above, the confrontation reach effect pattern of this embodiment includes a basic pattern and a chance-up pattern for each of confrontation reaches A to C (see FIG. 48). Corresponding to this, the expectation level image 701 is also provided with a display mode (display pattern) corresponding to the basic pattern and a display mode (display pattern) corresponding to the chance-up pattern, as shown in FIG. ing. The expectation level of a jackpot is indicated by the display mode of the star figure included in each expectation level image 701. Specifically, the expectation level of the jackpot for the confrontation reach A is "expectation level 2" for the basic pattern and "expectation level 2.5" for the chance up pattern. Moreover, the expectation level of the jackpot for the confrontation reach B is ``expectation level 3'' for the basic pattern and ``expectation level 3.5'' for the chance-up pattern. Furthermore, the expectation level of the jackpot for the confrontation reach C is ``expectation level 4'' for the basic pattern and ``expectation level 4.5'' for the chance-up pattern. The configuration (display mode) of the expectation level image 701 is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and the configuration is not particularly limited as long as it allows the player to recognize the level of expectation of a jackpot.

As shown in FIG. 49(A), in the first performance of the confrontation reach development stage, an expectation image 701 according to the basic pattern of the confrontation reach performance pattern (any of confrontation reach A to C) set in S4505. is displayed. Here, the expectation level image 701 of the basic pattern is displayed regardless of whether the confrontation reach effect pattern set in S4505 is the basic pattern or the chance-up pattern. Note that FIG. 49 shows a case where the confrontation reach effect pattern (confrontation reach type) is confrontation reach B.

In this way, in the first performance of the showdown reach development time, the title (title image) of the showdown reach that will be executed (started) after this and the expectation level of the jackpot (expectation level image 701) are displayed in the variable display. . The first performance (first stage performance) of the performance at the time of confrontation reach development can be said to be a performance executed in the first period during the fluctuating display of the performance pattern 8. That is, during the first period during the fluctuating display of the performance symbols 8, an expectation level notification performance (also referred to as "first expectation level notification performance") is executed to notify the expectation level of the jackpot of the variable display. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49(A), a title image (showdown reach title display) is displayed approximately in the center of the display screen 7a, and an expectation image 701 is displayed below it.

The second performance of the performance when the confrontation reach is developed includes "ally character silhouette display (also referred to as "ally character appearance promotion performance")" and "expectation level notification (expectation level notification performance)."

The expectation level notification (expectation level notification performance) in the second performance of the confrontation reach development stage is to display the expectation level image 701 (see FIG. 49(A)) displayed in the first performance described above at the bottom of the display screen 7a. It is displayed in a smaller size (reduced display), and the same expectation level as the jackpot expectation level reported in the first performance is notified. In other words, the expectation level notification performance that was executed (started) in the first performance of the confrontation reach development performance is continued while the display size of the expectation level image 701 is changed (reduced here).

The ally character silhouette display (ally character appearance promotion effect) displays the ally character's silhouette ( It displays an image (also referred to as a "silhouette image") representing a silhouette (shadow picture).

Here, as mentioned above, there are two types of ally characters that appear in confrontation reaches A to C, ally character A and ally character B, and the confrontation reach production pattern of each confrontation reach is the basic pattern (Figure 48 ), ally character A will appear, and if it is a chance-up pattern (see FIG. 48), ally character B will appear. Therefore, the ally character silhouette display is an effect display for clarifying whether or not the confrontation reach executed (started) in the variable display is a chance-up pattern (whether the chance is increased or not). In other words, before the showdown reach of the title displayed in the first production described above is executed (started), it suggests whether or not the expectation level of the jackpot of the showdown reach increases (whether the expectation level increases). It is a staged display. This effect display (ally character silhouette display, effect promoting the appearance of an ally character) is also referred to as a "specific effect."

In the second performance of the confrontation reach development stage, the expectation level image 701 is displayed smaller (reduced) than in the first performance to draw the player's attention to the ally character silhouette display and increase the expectation level of the jackpot. This is to more effectively arouse the players' expectations for an increase (increased chances). As a result, it is possible to enhance the performance effect of the second performance (performance during confrontation reach development).

In addition, in the second performance of the confrontation reach development time performance, the expectation level image 701 may not be displayed (the expectation level notification performance may not be executed). That is, the second performance of the performance when the confrontation reach development may be configured not to include the expectation level notification (expectation level notification performance). This is because even if the expectation level image 701 is not displayed, the effect of drawing the player's attention to the ally character silhouette display (the ally character appearance promotion effect) can be obtained.

The third performance of the performance when the confrontation reach is developed includes "ally character display (also referred to as "ally character appearance performance")" and "expectation level notification (expectation level notification performance)."

The ally character display (ally character appearance effect) displays an image (also referred to as an ``ally character image'') showing an ally character that appears in the confrontation reach. As mentioned above, the ally characters that appear in the confrontation reach include ally character A, which corresponds to the basic pattern, and ally character B, which corresponds to the chance-up pattern. Corresponding to this, the ally character images include an ally character image A indicating the ally character A and an ally character image B indicating the ally character B.

Here, ally character A (ally character A) is also referred to as a "normal ally character (normal ally character)" or "first ally character (first ally character)", and ally character B (ally character B) is also referred to as a "special ally character (special ally character)" or "second ally character (second ally character)." In addition, the ally character image is also referred to as a "specific image," the ally character image A is also referred to as a "normal specific image" or a "first specific image," and the ally character image B is also referred to as a "special specific image" or It is also referred to as a "second specific image." Note that character image is an abbreviation for "character image."

The third performance of the confrontation reach development performance is a performance display depending on whether the confrontation reach performance pattern set in S4505 is the basic pattern (see Figure 48) or the chance-up pattern (see Figure 48). The contents are different.

When the confrontation reach effect pattern is the basic pattern, ally character A (ally character image A) is displayed as shown in FIG. 49 (C1). This display may be, for example, a production display depicting a scene in which ally character A appears. Furthermore, when the expectation level image 701 displayed (reduced) in the second effect described above (see FIG. 49(B)) along with the display of ally character A (ally character image A) is in the first effect. (See FIG. 49(A)) is enlarged and displayed (enlarged display). At this time, the expectation level of the jackpot indicated by the expectation level image 701 is displayed (enlarged) in a manner that does not change compared to the second performance (and the first performance). That is, the expectation level of the jackpot indicated by the enlarged and displayed expectation level image 701 is the same as that in the second effect (and the first effect).

In this way, when the confrontation reach performance pattern is the basic pattern, the expectation level notification (expectation level notification performance) in the third performance of the confrontation reach development stage performance is the same as the above-mentioned first performance and second performance (Figure 49 (A) , (B))), the same expectation level as the jackpot expectation level (for example, expectation level 3) is reported.

On the other hand, if the confrontation reach performance pattern (any of confrontation reach A to C) set in S4505 is a chance up pattern (see Figure 48), as shown in Figure 49 (C2), ally character B (ally Character image B) is displayed. This display may be, for example, an effect display depicting a scene in which ally character B appears. Furthermore, when the expectation level image 701 displayed (reduced) in the second effect described above (see FIG. 49(B)) along with the display of ally character B (ally character image B) is in the first effect. (See FIG. 49(A)) is enlarged and displayed (enlarged display), and when the expectation level of the jackpot indicated by the expectation level image 701 is the second effect (and the first effect). It is displayed in such a manner that it increases compared to the actual value.

In this way, when the confrontation reach performance pattern is a chance-up pattern, the expectation level notification (expectation level notification performance) in the third performance of the confrontation reach development performance is the same as the above-mentioned first performance and second performance (Fig. 49 (A ), (see (B))), the expectation level (for example, expectation level 3.5) is higher than the expectation level (for example, expectation level 3) of the jackpot announced.

In this way, in the third performance of the showdown reach development, the ally character (ally character image A or B) that will appear in the showdown reach that will be executed (started) after this in the variable display and the expectation level of the jackpot of the showdown reach. (Expectation level image 701) is displayed again (the expected level of jackpot is confirmed). The third performance (third stage performance) of the performance during the development of the confrontation reach can be said to be a performance executed in the second period after the first period during the fluctuating display of the performance pattern 8. That is, during the second time period during which the performance symbols 8 are being displayed in a variable manner, an expectation level notification performance (also referred to as a "second expectation level notification performance") is executed to definitively notify the expectation level of the jackpot in the variable display. In addition, the expectation level notification performance (the expectation level notification performance included in the first performance of the performance at the time of confrontation reach development) that is executed in the first period during the fluctuating display of the performance pattern 8 indicates the expectation level of the jackpot of the fluctuating display. It can be said that this performance is a tentative announcement.

Here, in the third performance of the showdown reach development stage, the expectation image 701 is displayed larger (enlarged) than in the second performance because the showdown reach that will be executed (started) after this in the variable display. This is to inform the player in an easy-to-understand manner that the expectation level of the jackpot (the expectation level of the jackpot of the variable display) is fixed (confirmed). Thereby, it becomes possible to enhance the performance effect of the third performance (performance at the time of confrontation reach development).

Note that if the expectation level image 701 is not displayed in the second performance of the confrontation reach development stage, the expectation level will be displayed in the third performance of the confrontation reach development stage as the ally character (ally character image A or B) is displayed. The image 701 is configured to be displayed again in the same size as in the first presentation (see FIG. 49(A)).

In addition, the size (display size) of the expectation image 701 displayed in the third performance of the confrontation reach development stage does not have to be the same as that in the first performance, and is larger than that in the first performance. It is also possible to do so. In this way, it becomes easier for the player to understand that the display of the expectation level image 701 in the third performance of the showdown reach development time is the final notification of the expectation level related to the current showdown reach (the variable display). becomes possible.

As described above, after the start of the variable display (variable effect) of the effect pattern 8 based on the showdown reach effect pattern, the showdown reach development time effects (1st effect to 3rd effect) are performed at the duel reach development timing during the said variable display. When the performance at the time of the development of the confrontation reach is completed, the confrontation reach (SP reach performance) is subsequently executed (started). In this confrontation reach, a performance display (confrontation performance) depicting a confrontation scene between an ally character (ally character A or B) and an enemy character that was displayed (appeared) in the third performance of the performance when the confrontation reach develops is displayed on the display screen 7a. will be displayed. In other words, a performance display is displayed that corresponds to the type of ally character image (specific image) displayed in the third performance of the confrontation reach development stage performance. Then, after the victory scene or defeat scene of the ally character is displayed as a result of the confrontation reach (SP reach effect), the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode or a miss mode, thereby causing the corresponding character to win or lose. The variable display ends.

[Effects of Example 2]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment described above, a confrontation reach is provided as the SP reach performance of the performance pattern 8, and when the confrontation reach performance pattern is set as a variable performance pattern (S4505), the performance pattern A confrontation reach is executed as an SP reach performance during the variable display of the performance pattern 8 based on. Under such a configuration, after the start of the fluctuating display of the effect pattern 8 based on the confrontation reach performance pattern, when the development timing for the confrontation reach arrives in the variable display, the confrontation reach development time production is started, and the said confrontation From the start to the end of the reach development performance, the first performance, second performance, and third performance are executed in this order (see FIGS. 49(A) to (C1) and (C2)). The first performance, the second performance, and the third performance all include an expectation notification performance that notifies the expectation level of a jackpot in the confrontation reach, and in the expectation notification performance, an expectation level image 701 indicating the expectation level of a jackpot is displayed. It is displayed on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a).

Then, the expectation level shown by the expectation level image 701 (see FIG. 49(A)) displayed in the expectation level notification performance in the first performance of the confrontation reach development stage performance (the first period during the fluctuation display) (see FIG. 49(A)) is There is a possibility that it will increase with the display of the ally character image (specific image) in the third effect of the reach development effect (second period during the variable display) (see Figures 49 (C1) and (C2)) . Therefore, from the first performance to the third performance (from the first period to the second period during the fluctuating display of the performance pattern 8) of the confrontation reach development performance, the player's interest is increased during the confrontation reach development performance (expectation level notification performance). ). Thereby, it is possible to enhance the performance effect when the expectation level notification performance is executed during the variable display of the performance symbols 8, and to improve the interest in the game.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, in the first performance of the confrontation reach development performance (see FIG. 49(A)), that is, in the first period during the variable display of the performance symbol 8 based on the confrontation reach performance pattern. After the expectation image 701 is displayed, one of the two types of ally character images (ally character image A or B) is displayed in the third production of the confrontation reach development production (in the second period during the variation display). ) is displayed (see FIGS. 49(C1) and (2)). The expectation level shown by the expectation level image 701 displayed in the first performance of the showdown reach development may increase depending on the type of ally character image displayed in the third performance of the showdown reach development. be taken as a thing. For this reason, after the expectation image 701 is displayed in the first performance of the showdown reach development stage (during the first period during the fluctuating display of the performance pattern 8), it is displayed in the third performance of the showdown reach development time. It becomes possible to attract the player's interest in the types of ally character images (specific images) that are available. Thereby, it is possible to maintain the interest from the first effect to the third effect (the interest after the expectation level image 701 is displayed) of the effect during the confrontation reach development.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, the ally character image (specific image) displayed in the third performance of the confrontation reach development stage (in the second period during the fluctuating display of the performance pattern 8) is the ally character image A. (first specific image) but ally character image B (second specific image), the expectation level image 701 displayed in the first production of the confrontation reach development production (during the first period of the variable display) The expectation level indicated by increases as the ally character image B is displayed (see FIGS. 49(A) and (C2)). For this reason, after the expectation level image 701 is displayed in the first performance of the confrontation reach development performance, the player does not know which of the ally character images A and B will be displayed in the third performance of the confrontation reach development performance. It is possible to attract the interest of Thereby, it is possible to increase expectations for the display of the ally character image B (increased chances) and to maintain interest.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, the expectation level image 701 is displayed in the first performance of the performance when the confrontation reach develops (at the first period during the fluctuating display of the performance pattern 8), and then when the confrontation reach develops. Whether or not the expectation level indicated by the expectation level image 701 increases until the ally character image is displayed (the ally character appears) in the third performance (during the second period of the variable display). An ally character appearance inciting production (specific production) that suggests this will be performed. For this reason, after the expectation level image 701 is displayed in the first performance of the confrontation reach development performance, the player's attention is drawn to whether or not the expectation level indicated by the expectation level image 701 increases, and the expectation level increases. It is possible to arouse a sense of expectation. As a result, it is possible to increase interest from the time when the expectation level image 701 is displayed in the first performance of the confrontation reach development performance until the ally character image is displayed in the third performance of the confrontation reach development performance. Become.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the variable display of the effect pattern 8 is executed based on the confrontation reach effect pattern, that is, during the variable display of the effect pattern 8, the effect of confrontation reach (SP reach effect, special reach effect) ) is executed, before the start of the showdown reach (before development) during the variable display, a showdown at the time of development of the showdown reach including the expectation level notification effect (display of the expectation level image 701) is executed. Then, after the ally character image is displayed (after the expected level of jackpot is confirmed) in the third performance of the showdown reach development, a showdown reach is executed in which the ally character indicated by the ally character image appears. For this reason, the expectation level of the jackpot notified by the expectation notification performance included in the performance when the confrontation reach develops is the expectation level when the production pattern 8 is stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode after the confrontation reach, that is, the expectation level of the jackpot of the confrontation reach. It can be said that it is a level of expectation. This makes it possible to effectively raise expectations for the reach of the confrontation.

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 2, the expectation level of the jackpot notified when the first performance of the showdown reach development time is executed (the first period during the variable display) is the first performance of the showdown reach development time. Although the configuration is such that it can increase when the 3 effects are executed (second period during variable display), it may be configured that it can decrease conversely. In this case, for example, a chance down pattern is provided as a showdown reach production pattern in addition to the aforementioned basic pattern and chance up pattern, and a showdown reach based on the chance down pattern is performed between a predetermined ally character and an enemy corresponding to the chance down pattern. This will be an SP reach effect where characters (also referred to as ``special enemy characters'') will face off against each other. Then, when an enemy character image indicating a special enemy character is displayed in the third performance of the showdown reach development time, the expectation level of the jackpot announced in the first performance of the showdown reach development time is increased by a predetermined amount (for example, 0 .5) Can be configured to decrease. In other words, the expectation level of the jackpot indicated by the expectation level image displayed in the first period during the variable display of the effect pattern 8 is the same as that of the character image (specific image) in the second period after the first period during the variable display. It can be configured to change (increase or decrease) along with the display. In this way, by configuring the structure so that the expectation level of a jackpot that is once notified while the performance symbol 8 is being displayed in a variable manner can not only increase but also decrease after the notification, the expectation level during the variable display can be notified. It is possible to enhance the effect of the performance.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, one chance up pattern is provided for each of confrontation reaches A to C (see FIG. 48), and one type of special ally character (ally character B) is provided as an ally character corresponding to the chance up pattern. However, a plurality of chance-up patterns may be provided, and a plurality of special ally characters (for example, ally characters B, C, and D) may be provided corresponding to each of the plurality of chance-up patterns. In this case, for example, when ally character image B (second specific image) indicating ally character B is displayed in the third effect of the above-mentioned showdown reach development time effect (see FIG. 49 (C2)), the expectation level When the expectation level indicated by the image 701 increases by 0.5 compared to the basic pattern and the ally character image C (third specific image) indicating the ally character C is displayed, the expectation level indicated by the expectation level image 701 becomes the basic pattern. When the ally character image D (fourth specific image) that increases by 1.0 compared to the pattern and shows the ally character D is displayed, the expectation level shown by the expectation level image 701 increases by 1.5 compared to the basic pattern. It can be configured to rise. In other words, when the expectation level shown by the expectation level image 701 displayed in the first performance of the confrontation reach development performance is increased along with the display of the ally character image in the third performance of the confrontation reach development performance, the increase The amount can be configured to vary depending on the type of ally character image displayed in the third performance. Even with such a configuration, after the expectation image 701 is displayed in the first performance of the confrontation reach development performance, which of the plurality of ally character images is displayed in the third performance of the confrontation reach development performance. It is possible to attract the interest of players and improve their enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, a confrontation reach is shown as an SP reach performance in which expectation level notification (expectation level notification performance) is executed using the expectation level image 701, but a reach performance accompanied by expectation level notification is not limited to a confrontation reach. , the content of the reach performance does not particularly matter.

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 2, during the variable display of the performance symbol 8 and at a predetermined time (predetermined period) before the start of the SP reach performance (before development), the expectation level image 701 notifies the expectation level (expectation level notification performance). However, the timing to perform the expectation level notification need not be before the start of the SP ready-to-reach performance (before development), but may be performed at any time as long as the performance symbols 8 are being displayed in a variable manner. For example, the expectation level notification performance may be executed at a predetermined time (predetermined period) during the SP reach performance, or the expectation level notification performance may be executed from before the reach is established during the fluctuating display of the production pattern 8 to during the reach performance after the reach is established. The execution timing (execution period) of the expectation level notification performance is arbitrary, such as executing the expectation level notification performance at a predetermined time (predetermined period) from the start of variation of the production pattern 8 to the establishment of a reach, and the execution time (execution period) of the expectation level notification performance is arbitrary. The present invention is applicable to the case where the expectation level notification effect is executed at any timing.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned Example 2, the expectation level of the jackpot indicated by the expectation level image 701 displayed in the first period during the variable display of the effect pattern 8 is the same as that in the second period after the first period during the variable display. Although it is assumed that the height can rise as the character image is displayed, the image that triggers the rise, that is, the specific image, is not limited to the character image. For example, various images can be used as specific images, such as an image representing a predetermined item (item image), an image showing a predetermined message, comment, or line (text image), a cut-in image forming a cut-in effect, etc. is possible. This means that when the structure is configured such that the expectation level of a jackpot indicated by the expectation level image displayed during the first period during the variable display may decrease as a specific image is displayed during the second period during the variable display. The same applies to

Although Examples 1 and 2 have been described above as embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope stated in each claim. However, it is possible for a person skilled in the art to easily replace them, and to appropriately add improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, depending on the length of the opening time of the second big prize opening 35 (V attacker) in the V round, the possibility of passing V may be high (easy) or low (substantially impossible). (possible) cases were set. That is, when the opening time of the second grand prize opening 35 in the V round is relatively long, it becomes easy for the game ball to enter the second grand prize opening 35, and the game ball enters the second major prize opening 35. At least one of the entered game balls will almost certainly pass through the specific area 39, and on the other hand, if the opening time of the second grand prize opening 35 in the V round is relatively short, the second grand prize will be It becomes difficult (virtually impossible) for the game ball to enter the mouth 35, and as a result, the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39. Instead, a movable piece that opens and closes a specific area is provided, and the movable piece is operated based on the number of balls entering the second big prize opening 35 in the V round (the counted value by the number of entering balls counting means). , the possibility of passing V may vary depending on its operation mode. For example, when a movable piece is operated based on the first predetermined number (for example, the first ball) entering the second big prize opening 35 in the V round, the operation mode of the movable piece is determined based on the possibility of passing through the V. When the movable piece is operated based on a second predetermined number of balls (for example, any one of the second to predetermined number) entering the ball, the movable piece's The operation mode is set to a mode that increases the possibility of passing V. Then, a jackpot in which the movable piece operates only in a manner with a low possibility of passing through the V in the V round, that is, a jackpot in which the movable piece operates only based on the first predetermined number of balls entering the second big prize opening 35. A jackpot that operates in a manner with a low possibility of passing V and in a manner with a high possibility of passing V, that is, the first predetermined jackpot to the second big prize opening 35 A jackpot in which the movable piece operates based on the number of balls that enter the ball and the second predetermined number of balls that enter the ball may be referred to as a "V-passing scheduled jackpot." With such a configuration, it is also possible to determine whether or not the probability variation function is activated (whether or not a high probability state occurs) based on whether or not a game ball passes through a specific area, similarly to the above-described embodiments.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the player is given a gaming benefit of generating a high probability state based on the game ball passing through the specific area 39 in the V round during the jackpot game (during the special game). , but the benefit is not limited to the occurrence of a high probability state. For example, a high base state that increases the frequency of game balls entering the starting slot, a shortened fluctuation time state (time saving state) that shortens the fluctuation time of identification information than usual, etc. provide some kind of benefit to the player. If so, the content (type) of the benefit does not matter. Further, one or more benefits may be provided based on the game ball passing through a specific area.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (so-called "V-koku machine") having a specific area 39 as a variable probability opening, but the present invention is not limited to this. It also applies to gaming machines of the type that determine whether or not to grant a high probability state based on the result of special symbol validity judgment (the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed) without having The present invention is applicable. Further, the present invention is also applicable to a type of gaming machine that does not have a probability variation function. In addition, a specific area (V area) is provided in the big winning hole where the ball can be entered when the result of the special symbol correctness judgment becomes a small hit, and the game ball that enters the big winning hole during a small winning game. The present invention is also applicable to type 1 and type 2 pachinko gaming machines in which a jackpot is achieved when a specific area is passed (V passed), and a jackpot game is executed based on the V passing.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a control process (so-called special pattern 2 priority However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control process (so-called special figure 1 priority variation) in which the first special figure reservation is prioritized over the second special figure reservation may be adopted. Alternatively, without setting a priority for extinguishing the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation, the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation are consumed in order from the oldest memorized one. Control processing (so-called variation in the order of ball entry (storage order)) may be employed. In addition, a control process (so-called special figure 1, 2 (simultaneous variation) may be adopted.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the jackpot probability can be set to a low probability (first probability) or a high probability (second probability) by deactivating or activating the probability fluctuation function, but the type (number) of the jackpot probability is It is not limited to this, and for example, it is possible to set three or more types of probabilities, such as a medium probability (third probability) that is higher than a low probability (first probability) and lower than a high probability (second probability). good. Furthermore, the first low probability and the first high probability (first probability condition), the second low probability and the second high probability (second probability condition), the third low probability and the third high probability (third probability condition), etc. , multiple types of probability conditions that define the relationship between low and high probabilities are provided, and any one of the multiple types of probability conditions can be arbitrarily set (selected), for example, when the gaming machine is powered on. Good too.

[others]
Hereinafter, inventions related to the embodiments (examples) disclosed in this specification will be disclosed as reference inventions.

(Reference invention 1)
Conventionally, gaming machines have been known in which it is possible to execute a special game that gives a predetermined profit to the player when the display result of a variable display of identification information (for example, a special symbol) is a specific display result (for example, a jackpot). There is. Some gaming machines of this type are configured to generate a fluctuating sound to notify that symbols serving as identification information are being displayed in a fluctuating manner (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-224351). ).

As described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-224351, notification by a fluctuating sound is started with the start of symbol fluctuation (start of fluctuating display), and notification by fluctuating sound is started with the stop of symbol fluctuation (end of fluctuating display). When the notification is stopped, the variation sound will not be generated while the symbol variation is not executed. For this reason, when symbol fluctuations are interrupted during a game, the player is likely to get the impression that there is a gap in the game, which may lead to a decrease in interest in the game.

This Reference Invention 1 has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decline in interest in gaming.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is
A special system that starts a variable display of identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and grants a predetermined profit to the player when the display result of the variable display that is derived and displayed when the variable display ends is a specific display result. A gaming machine that allows games to be played,
A performance control means capable of controlling the performance,
A sound output means capable of outputting performance sound,
The effect sound includes a variable effect sound that can be output during the variable display,
The performance control means is
It is possible to start playing the fluctuating effect sound with the start of the fluctuating display, and to end the playback with the end of the fluctuating display,
After the playback ends with the end of the fluctuating display, it is possible to start playing the fluctuating effect sound even if the next fluctuating display does not start.

According to such a gaming machine, the reproduction of the variable effect sound is started with the start of the variable display of the identification information (also simply referred to as "the variable display"), and the playback of the variable effect sound is started with the end of the variable display. When the playback ends, the variable effect sound is output during the variable display. Further, even when the next variable display is not started after the reproduction of the variable effect sound is finished with the end of the variable display, the reproduction of the variable effect sound is started and the variable effect sound is output. Therefore, even if the next variable display does not start immediately after the variable display ends, the player can hear the variable effect sound. Thereby, even if the variable display is interrupted during a game, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to feel that there is a gap in the game, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in interest in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 mentioned above,
When a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the fluctuating display, the next fluctuating display can be started,
The performance control means is
If the reproduction of the variable effect sound is to be started even if the next variable display does not start after the playback is finished with the end of the variable display, the change of the variable effect sound is performed based on the elapse of the predetermined time. It is characterized by starting playback.

According to such a gaming machine, after the end of the fluctuating display, the next fluctuating display can be started after a predetermined time has elapsed, and after the reproduction of the fluctuating effect sound is finished with the end of the fluctuating display, Even if the next variable display is not started, the reproduction of the variable effect sound is started when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the end of the variable display (in other words, the end of the reproduction of the variable effect sound). Therefore, depending on whether the previous fluctuating display and the next fluctuating display are executed consecutively or not (if the next fluctuating display does not start immediately), the fluctuating effect sound is It becomes possible to make the timing at which playback starts to be the same. Thereby, even if the variable display is interrupted during the game, it is possible to prevent the rhythm of the game from being disrupted.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 or 1-2,
a firing operation unit that can be operated by a player to fire a game ball;
Contact detection means capable of detecting contact with the firing operation part,
The variable display can be started based on the fired game ball entering a predetermined ball entrance,
The performance control means is
Playing the fluctuating effect sound based on the contact detection means detecting contact with the firing operation part when the fluctuating display is not being executed and the fluctuating effect sound is not being played. It is characterized by starting.

According to such a gaming machine, when the variable display is not being executed and the variable effect sound is not being played or output, the player operates the shooting operation section to start shooting the game ball. When the user touches the firing operation part, the reproduction of the variable effect sound is started and the variable effect sound is output. For this reason, after the game ball starts firing (that is, the game), the player can hear the fluctuation effect sound even before the fired game ball enters the ball entry hole, which is the trigger for the start of the fluctuation display. become. Thereby, it becomes possible to liven up the player's mood from the beginning of the game ball launch (the beginning of the game). Furthermore, even if the variable display does not start for some time after the start of firing the game balls (after the start of the game), it is possible to make it difficult for the player to get the impression that there is a blank space in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 is the gaming machine of any one of the aforementioned Reference Inventions 1-1 to 1-3,
The production control means is characterized in that when starting the reproduction of the variation production sound, the production control means plays the variation production sound from the beginning.

According to such a gaming machine, each time the reproduction of the variable effect sound is started, the variable effect sound is played from the beginning. Therefore, regardless of whether the next variable display starts immediately after the variable display ends, it is possible to refresh the player's mood. This makes it possible for the player to be less likely to get bored with the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-5 is
A special system that starts a variable display of identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and grants a predetermined profit to the player when the display result of the variable display that is derived and displayed when the variable display ends is a specific display result. A gaming machine that allows games to be played,
a storage means capable of storing acquired information acquired based on establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition;
determination means capable of executing determination of the acquired information read from the storage means;
A performance control means capable of controlling the performance,
A sound output means capable of outputting performance sound,
The fluctuation display is made executable based on the result of the determination by the determination means,
The effect sound includes a variable effect sound that can be output during the variable display,
The performance control means is
If the acquired information is not stored in the storage means when the fluctuating display ends, the fluctuating display will continue even if the next fluctuating display does not start after the playback ends with the fluctuating display ending. It is characterized in that it is possible to start playing the performance sound.

According to such a gaming machine, the reproduction of the fluctuating effect sound is started when the fluctuating display of the identification information starts, and the reproduction of the fluctuating performance sound is finished when the fluctuating display ends. A variable sound effect is output. In addition, if the acquired information is not stored in the storage means when the fluctuating display ends, even if the next fluctuating display does not start after the fluctuating effect sound ends playing with the end of the fluctuating display, Playback of the variable effect sound is started, and the variable effect sound is output. Therefore, even if the next variable display does not start immediately after the variable display ends, the player can hear the variable effect sound. Thereby, even if the variable display is interrupted during a game, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to feel that there is a gap in the game, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in interest in the game.

According to Reference Invention 1 described above, it is possible to suppress a decline in gaming interest.

(Reference invention 2)
Conventionally, gaming machines have been known in which it is possible to execute a special game that gives a predetermined profit to the player when the display result of a variable display of identification information (for example, a special symbol) is a specific display result (for example, a jackpot). There is. In this type of gaming machine, there are multiple types of reach effects that can be executed while displaying symbol fluctuations, each with a set reliability (expectation level) for hitting the jackpot, and each reach effect has a reliability level (expectation level). There is a technique that performs an effect of notifying the player by the number of stars or the like when the reach develops during symbol fluctuation display (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-161589).

However, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-161589, the performance that indicates the expected level of reach performance using the number of stars, etc. is uniform, and there is still room for further improvement in order to improve the enjoyment of the game. be.

This Reference Invention 2 has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to realize a mode of notification that can attract the interest of players with respect to the performance that informs the level of expectation, and to improve the game. The purpose is to increase interest.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is
A gaming machine capable of executing a special game that grants a predetermined profit to a player when a display result of a variable display of identification information is a specific display result,
an image display means capable of displaying an image;
A performance control means capable of controlling the performance,
The performance includes a notification performance that notifies an expectation that the display result of the fluctuation display is the specific display result during the fluctuation display of the identification information,
When the performance control means executes the notification performance,
displaying an expectation level image showing the expectation level during a first period during the fluctuation display;
displaying a specific image at a second period after the first period during the variable display;
The expectation level indicated by the expectation level image displayed in the first period can be increased as the specific image is displayed.

According to such a gaming machine, when the display result of the variable display is a specific display result and the notification effect is executed to notify the expectation level while the identification information is being displayed in a variable manner, the expectation level image indicating the expectation level is executed. The specific image is displayed during the first period during the fluctuating display, and then displayed during the second period during the fluctuating display. It is assumed that the expectation level indicated by the expectation level image displayed in the first period may increase as the specific image is displayed in the second period. For this reason, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the notification effect from the first period during which the identification information is being displayed in a variable manner (display of the expectation level image) to the second period in which the variable display is in question (display of a specific image). becomes possible. Thereby, it is possible to enhance the performance effect when the notification performance is executed while the identification information is being displayed in a variable manner, and to improve the interest in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 mentioned above,
There are multiple types of specific images,
The performance control means is
displaying any one of the plurality of types of specific images at the second time;
The expectation level indicated by the expectation level image displayed in the first period can be increased depending on the type of the specific image displayed in the second period.

According to such a gaming machine, after the expectation level image is displayed in the first period while the identification information is being displayed in a variable manner, one of the plurality of specific images is displayed in the second period in which the identification information is being displayed in a variable manner. Ru. The expectation level indicated by the expectation level image displayed in the first period may increase depending on the type of specific image displayed in the second period. Therefore, after the expectation level image is displayed during the first period during the variable display of the identification information, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest in the type of specific image displayed during the variable display. This makes it possible to maintain interest after the expectation level image is displayed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 mentioned above,
The plurality of types of specific images include a first specific image and a second specific image,
The effect control means increases the expectation level indicated by the expectation level image displayed in the first period in accordance with the display of the second specific image among the first specific image and the second specific image. It is characterized by

According to such a gaming machine, if the specific image displayed in the second period during the variable display of the identification information is not the first specific image but the second specific image, the specific image is displayed in the first period during the variable display. The expectation level indicated by the expected expectation level image is assumed to increase as the second specific image is displayed. Therefore, after the expectation level image is displayed during the fluctuating display of the identification information, it is possible to attract the player's interest in which of the first specific image and the second specific image is displayed during the fluctuating display. It becomes possible. Thereby, it is possible to increase expectations for the display of the second specific image and maintain interest.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-4 is the gaming machine of any one of the aforementioned Reference Inventions 2-1 to 2-3,
The effect control means is configured to control, between the first period and the second period during the variable display, a specific effect that suggests whether or not the expectation level indicated by the expectation level image displayed in the first period has increased. It is characterized by carrying out the following.

According to such a gaming machine, the expectation level image is displayed at the first period during the fluctuating display of the identification information until the specific image is displayed at the second period during the fluctuating display. A specific effect indicating whether or not the expectation level indicated by the expectation level image will increase is executed. For this reason, after the expectation level image is displayed while the identification information is being displayed as a variation, the player is made to pay attention to whether or not the expectation level indicated by the expectation level image will increase, thereby stimulating a sense of expectation for the expectation level to increase. becomes possible. This makes it possible to increase interest from the time when the expectation level image is displayed during the first period during the variable display of the identification information until the specific image is displayed during the second period during the variable display.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-5 is the gaming machine of any one of the aforementioned Reference Inventions 2-1 to 2-4,
The production includes a reach production that can be executed during the fluctuating display,
The reach performance includes a normal reach performance and a special reach performance in which the expectation level is higher than the normal reach performance,
The effect control means is capable of executing the notification effect when executing the special ready-to-reach effect during the variable display, and executes the special ready-to-reach effect after executing the notification effect and displaying the specific image. It is characterized by

According to such a gaming machine, when a special reach effect with higher expectations than a normal reach effect is executed during a fluctuating display, a notification effect can be executed during the fluctuating display, and the notification effect When executed, the special reach effect is executed after the specific image is displayed (after the second period). Therefore, the expectation level notified by the notification performance can be said to be the expectation level that the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result after the special reach performance, that is, the expectation level of the special reach performance. This makes it possible to effectively increase expectations for the special reach performance.

According to the second reference invention described above, it is possible to improve the interest in gaming.

1 Pachinko gaming machine, 2 Game board, 3 Playing area, 7 Image display device, 7a Display screen, 7b Production pattern display area, 8 Production pattern, 10 Center decoration, 19 Fixed winning device, 20 First starting port, 21 No. 2 starting hole, 22 variable winning device, 30 first big winning hole, 31 first big winning device, 35 second big winning hole, 36 second big winning device, 40 main display, 41a first special symbol display, 41b Second special symbol display, 67 Speaker, 80 Main control board, 81 Game control microcomputer, 90 Sub-control board, 91 Production control microcomputer, 100 Image control board, 101 Image control microcomputer, 106 Audio control board, 701 Expectation level image.

Claims (1)

A special system that starts a variable display of identification information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and grants a predetermined profit to the player when the display result of the variable display that is derived and displayed when the variable display ends is a specific display result. A gaming machine that allows games to be played,
A performance control means capable of controlling the performance,
A sound output means capable of outputting performance sound,
The effect sound includes a variable effect sound that can be output from the start of the variable display,
The performance control means is
It is possible to start playing the fluctuating performance sound from the beginning with the start of the fluctuating display, and to end the reproduction of the fluctuating performance sound when the fluctuating display ends,
After the reproduction of the fluctuating effect sound is finished with the end of the fluctuating display, it is possible to start the reproduction from the beginning of the fluctuating effect sound even if the next fluctuating display does not start ,
Even if the fluctuating display does not start, if the fluctuating display starts during the playback of the fluctuating performance sound that has started playing, it is possible to start playing from the beginning of the fluctuating performance sound.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images