JP7384237B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

Conventionally, there are gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines.

Furthermore, in some gaming machines of this type, when a player operates an operating means, the display mode of the variable display device changes in accordance with the operation (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-81588 (Page 45, Figure 40)

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, the conventional gaming machine has a problem in that it is not possible to further improve the interest of the game using the operating means.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of games using operating means.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the invention according to claim 1:
a success/failure lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not a specific gaming state has occurred based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
A character display effect selected from among a plurality of types of character display effects based on the result of the win/fail lottery performed by the win/fail lottery means, and multiple types of character display information different from the symbol indicating the win/fail lottery result. a display means for displaying a predetermined character display effect including;
An operation means that can be operated by a player;
character display information selection means for selecting predetermined character display information from among the plurality of types of character display information based on an operation mode of the operation means;
The plurality of character display information may include the predetermined character display information selected by the character display information selection means and non-selected character display information that is not selected by the character display information selection means and is displayed in the predetermined character display effect. The effect of the effect is configured according to the difference in display mode between the selected predetermined character display information and the non-selected character display information displayed in the effect. a suggestion content display control means that suggests the likelihood of the specific result display occurring by varying the likelihood of the specific result display being an advantageous result for the player ;
auxiliary effect display control means for displaying an auxiliary effect that makes it easier for a player to recognize a suggestion of the likelihood of the specific result display;
a result display control means for displaying the specific result display in a predetermined manner when the result of the performance including the plurality of types of character display information is the specific result display;
a benefit granting means for granting a predetermined benefit to the player when the specific result display is displayed in the predetermined manner;
This gaming machine is characterized by being equipped with.

[Operations and Effects] According to the invention as set forth in claim 1, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of a game using an operating means.

According to the game machine according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game machine that can improve the interest of games using operating means.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of Example 1 of the present invention. It is a front perspective view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a right view of the pachinko machine. It is a left side view of a pachinko machine. It is a top view of a pachinko machine. It is a bottom view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. It is an explanatory diagram showing display contents of a third pattern display device. It is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows main processing by a main control device. 3 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main controller. It is a flowchart showing the first symbol variation process. It is a flowchart which shows fluctuation start processing. 3 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart showing starting prize winning processing. 3 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing. It is a flowchart showing main processing by the payout control device. It is a flow chart showing payout control processing. It is a flowchart which shows prize ball control processing. It is a flowchart which shows ball rental control processing. 3 is a flowchart showing main processing by a sub-control device. 3 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the sub-control device. It is a flowchart which shows frame button input monitoring and production processing by a sub-control device. 3 is a flowchart showing selection button input monitoring processing by the sub-control device. It is a flowchart which shows OK button input monitoring and production processing by a sub-control device. 3 is a flowchart showing data display processing by the sub-control device. It is a flowchart which shows liquid crystal presentation execution management processing by a sub-control device. 12 is a flowchart illustrating OK button validity determination period setting processing performed by the sub-control device. 3 is a flowchart showing display mode setting processing by the sub-control device. It is a flow chart showing opening/closing mode (jackpot) display setting processing by the sub-control device. 7 is a flowchart showing a variable display mode setting process by the sub-control device. It is a flowchart which shows the variation related process for selection by a sub-control device. 7 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the display control device. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing for switching display modes and the like by the display control device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of various commands. It is a diagram for explaining three types of fluctuations, a prediction fluctuation, a symbol row fluctuation, and a selection fluctuation, as modes of fluctuation display in the third symbol display device. (a) is a diagram showing the display screen of the third symbol display device at the start of a game round in the case of a prediction fluctuation, and (b) is a diagram showing the display screen of the third symbol display device at the end of a game round in the case of a prediction fluctuation. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen. (a) is a diagram showing the appearance of 12 characters, and (b) is an explanatory diagram organized by character type. (a) is a diagram showing the contents of the data display displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device when the player operates the four selection buttons depending on the type of character, and (b) is a diagram showing the contents of the data display displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device. It is a figure which shows the content of the data display displayed on the display screen of a 3rd symbol display device when a player operates only one selection button. In (a), the boss character is “Aa. Figure (b) shows a table for variation in deviation in the case of "Golf", where the boss character is "Db. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table for deviation variation in the case of “ramen noodles”. (a) is a diagram showing the display screen of the third symbol display device in the first game round in the case of selection variation, and (b) is a diagram showing the third symbol display in the first game round in the case of selection variation. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen of the device. (a) is a time chart in which three display effects and a roulette display effect are displayed during the final 16 rounds in a jackpot state, and (b) is a diagram showing a roulette chance image displayed on the display screen. be.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a "pachinko machine") will be described in detail based on the drawings.

The pachinko machine of Example 1 will be explained in detail based on the drawings. 1 to 7 are a front view, a front perspective view, a rear view, a right side view, a left side view, a top view, and a bottom view of the pachinko machine 10, respectively. FIG. 8 is a front view of the game board 30. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the display contents of the third symbol display device 42.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and is fixed to a game island of a gaming hall (hall), and one side of this outer frame 11. The inner frame 12 is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 11 as an opening/closing axis J1 (for example, the left side when viewed from the front), and the opening/closing axis J2 is one side of this inner frame 12 (for example, the left side when viewed from the front). The front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable.

The outer frame 11 is made of wooden boards and has a rectangular shape as a whole when viewed from the front, and each board is assembled using removable fasteners such as machine screws. In this embodiment, for example, the outer frame 11 has an outer dimension in the vertical direction of 809 mm (inner dimension 771 mm) and an outer dimension in the left-right direction of 518 mm (inner dimension 480 mm). Note that the outer frame 11 may be made of resin, light metal such as aluminum, or the like.

Roughly speaking, the inner frame 12 includes a resin base 12a (see FIG. 2) as a main member forming its outer shape, and a game board 30 (see FIG. 8) attached to this resin base 12a. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner frame 12 includes a front frame set 14 that can be opened on one side on the front side of the resin base 12a.

Specifically, the resin base 12a has a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front, and has an opening (the same size as a game area 30a (see FIG. 8) described later) centered approximately at the center of the resin base 12a. It is a plate-like member in which a hole (opening) is formed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable on the left side when viewed from the front, with the vertical opening/closing axis J2 as the axis. Specifically, the front frame set 14 is rotatable forward, with the left side opening and closing the proximal end and the right side opening and closing the distal end when viewed from the front.

The game board 30 (see FIG. 8) is detachably attached to the back side of the resin base 12a with its game area 30a located in the opening of the resin base 12a.

Here, the front frame set 14 will be explained in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the front, the front frame set 14 includes a lower tray section 13 located at the lowest position, an upper tray section 21 located above the lower tray section 13, and this upper tray section. 21, and a large three-dimensional character section 25 located on the right side of the lower tray section 13 and the upper tray section 21.

The lower plate part 13, the upper plate part 21, the glass frame part 23, and the large three-dimensional character part 25 are attached to various locations on the front side of the base plate (not shown), which is a resin molded part of the front frame set 14. A front frame set 14 is constructed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower plate part 13 is a part in which parts forming the lower plate 15 and parts surrounding the part are integrated, and is located at the lowest part of the front frame set 14. , is fixed to the lowest part of the base plate (not shown) when viewed from the front using fasteners such as screws. The lower plate portion 13 includes a lower plate 15 and a ball removal lever 17 on its front side.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower tray 15 serving as a ball tray is provided on the left side of the large three-dimensional character section 25 when the pachinko machine 10 is viewed from the front, and has a size approximately half the width of the front frame set 14. The game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. The ball removal lever 17 is for removing (ejecting) game balls from the lower tray 15. By moving the ball removal lever 17 to the left in FIG. For example, a circular discharge portion 15a (see FIG. 2) formed at a substantially central location is opened, and the game balls stored in the lower tray 15 are passed through the circular discharge portion 15a opened at the bottom of the lower tray 15 to the outside in a downward direction. It can be removed.

The large three-dimensional character section 25 is equipped with a game ball firing handle 18, as shown in FIG. The game ball firing handle 18 is arranged to protrude toward the front on the right side of the lower tray 15. In response to the player's operation of the game ball firing handle 18, a game ball is shot toward the game board 30 (see FIG. 8) by the firing device 229 (see FIGS. 3 and 9).

As shown in FIG. 1, the upper plate part 21 is a component in which a part forming the upper plate 19 and a part surrounding the part are integrated, and the lower part of the front frame set 14 (the above-mentioned lower plate 15 It is fixed to the lower portion of the base plate (not shown) by fasteners such as screws so as to be located at the upper position of the base plate (not shown), and is provided with an upper tray 19 as a receiving tray for game balls. Here, the upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray for temporarily storing game balls and guiding them toward the firing device 229 while arranging them in a line.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the upper tray portion 21 is provided with various operation buttons operated by the player on its upper surface. As shown in FIG. 2, these operation buttons include an OK button 80 provided on the upper surface of the upper plate portion 21 near the ball storage space of the upper plate 19, and a position near the left side of this OK button 80. The left instruction button 81 provided in Examples include four selection buttons 71 to 74 arranged horizontally (operation buttons shaped like a circle, a triangle, a square, and a diamond in plan view as shown in FIG. 6).

The four selection buttons 71 to 74 are not forced to be used by the pachinko machine 10, but can be used freely by the player. Furthermore, the four selection buttons 71 to 74 are provided with, for example, full-color LEDs inside so as to emit light each time they are pressed, and the color of the light emitted from the button changes each time it is pressed. For example, several types of light emission patterns may be prepared for each color, such as white light emission→red light emission→yellow light emission→green light emission→blue light emission→return to the original white light emission.

As shown in FIG. 1, the glass frame section 23 includes a window section 101 formed on the upper side of the upper tray section 21, and various illumination sections (first illumination section 300) provided around this window section 101. , a second illumination section 302 and a third illumination section 304) and a sound output section 24.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sound output unit 24 is provided at two locations on the left and right at the top of the front frame set 14 when viewed from the front, and outputs sound from speakers provided inside or at the back of the front frame set 14. It is formed with multiple output ports for This output port is only partially shown in FIG. 1 and is not shown in its entirety.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 has a gaming area 30a (see FIG. 8) of the gaming board 30 in the center of the glass frame 23 located above the upper tray 21. A window portion 101 having a substantially vertically elongated oval shape is formed so that most of it can be viewed from the outside. Specifically, the window portion 101 has a substantially vertically elliptical shape with a cavity (opening 101a) in the center, and a glass unit (not shown) is installed so that the opening 101a is covered with a glass plate 137 having a substantially vertically elliptical shape. is attached to the back side of the front frame set 14. This glass unit has a double glass structure in which two glass plates 137 are arranged close to each other in the front and back direction. Note that the substantially central portion of the window portion 101 may be formed into a straight line, and the glass plate 137 may also be made to match the shape. Further, the glass plate 137 is not limited to glass, and may be made of any material as long as it is a transparent plate with a predetermined strength.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the glass frame section 23 includes a first illumination section 300, a second illumination section 302, and a third illumination section 304 around the window section 101. To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 has a first illumination section 300 (left side illumination section) with built-in LEDs etc. on the left side around the window section 101 when viewed from the front. ) on the right side around the window 101, a second illumination section 302 (right side illumination section) with a built-in LED etc., and a third illumination section 302 (right side illumination section) with a built-in LED etc. around the window section 101. A decorative portion 304 (upper illumination portion) is provided. These illumination parts play the role of enhancing the performance effect during the game by changing the lighting mode such as lighting or blinking according to changes in the gaming state such as when hitting a jackpot or reaching a predetermined reach.

In the pachinko machine 10, the first illumination section 300, the second illumination section 302, and the third illumination section 304 function as jackpot lamps, and notify that a jackpot is in progress by lighting or blinking when a jackpot is hit. do. In addition, the first illumination section 300 and the second illumination section 302 of the pachinko machine 10 are equipped with a prize ball lamp 105 that lights up during prize ball payout, and an error display lamp 106 that lights up when a predetermined error occurs. There is.

Further, a small window 107 made of transparent resin is provided at the lower right corner of the periphery of the window portion 101 so that a portion of the surface of the inner frame 12, the surface of the game board 30, etc. can be visually recognized. Since the predetermined portion of the small window 107 is flat, the certificate stamp etc. affixed to the lower right corner of the game board 30 can be suitably read by machine from the flat portion of the small window 107.

Further, a ball rental operation section 120 is disposed in the large three-dimensional character section 25 on the lower right side of the window section 101, and the ball rental operation section 120 is provided with a ball rental button 121 and a return button 122. When the ball rental operation unit 120 is operated with bills, cards (for example, prepaid cards), etc. inserted into a card unit (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, the ball rental unit 120 is operated. Game balls will be available for loan. The ball rental button 121 is operated to obtain rental balls based on information recorded on a card, etc. (recording medium), and the rental balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 as long as there is a balance on the card, etc. be done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. Note that the ball rental operation section 120 may further be provided with a frequency display section (not shown). This frequency display section (not shown) displays information on the balance of the card, etc. Note that the ball lending operation unit 120 is not necessary in a pachinko machine, a so-called cash machine, in which game balls are directly lent to the upper tray from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit. Therefore, a decorative sticker or the like is attached to the installation part of the ball lending operation section 120. This makes it possible to share the ball lending operation section between a pachinko machine using a card unit and a cash machine.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the large three-dimensional character section 25 is provided on the front frame set 14 so as to face the game area 30a, so that the player naturally focuses on the game area 30a. be able to.

The large three-dimensional character section 25 is a character whose size includes at least a part of the game ball firing handle 18, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the game ball firing handle 18 is related to the large three-dimensional character section 25. Since the decoration (for example, decoration with the same color, pattern, shape, etc.) is applied, the game ball firing handle 18 can have a sense of unity with the large three-dimensional character part 25. Furthermore, the pachinko machine (gaming machine) having the large three-dimensional character part 25 of the first embodiment can be clearly distinguished from other pachinko machines (gaming machines) that do not have such a large three-dimensional character part 25, You can make it stand out from the rest.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 is provided with a character portion 26a in the shape of a "scallop" at the upper right corner when the pachinko machine 10 is viewed from the front. This character section 26a is also a light-emitting section that emits light to indicate, for example, a payout abnormality. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a character section 26b shaped like a woman's face (for example, Marine-chan) is provided at the upper left corner of the front frame set 14. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a character part 26c shaped like a "crab" is provided at the right side sound output port 24 and the left side of the front frame set 14, and the left side sound output port 24 of the front frame set 14 24 and the right side portion, a character portion 26d shaped like an “octopus” is provided. Further, the ball removal lever 17 has a shape shaped like a "fish" as shown in FIG. 1.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be explained using FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the game board 30 includes a game board 30b that is made of rectangular wood (for example, plywood) and has both left corners cut off when viewed from the front. The outer portions of the rails 51 and 52) are attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be in contact with the back side of the resin base 12a (see FIG. 2). The game area 30a, which is approximately the central part of the front side of the game board 30, is opened through the glass plate 137 of the window 101 shown in FIG. It is visible from the front outside of the frame set 14.

The game board 30 also includes a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, a starting winning device 33 (for example, an operating chuck), a third starting opening 34 (for example, a through gate), and a variable display unit 35. These general winning opening 31, variable winning winning device 32, starting winning device 33, third starting opening 34, and variable display device unit 35 are arranged in respective through holes formed by router processing on the game board 30. It is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the starting winning device 33 is a single unit in which a first starting port 33a (for example, an operating chucker) and a second starting port 33b (for example, an operating chucker) are arranged vertically from the top. It consists of a winning device. The first starting port 33a on the upper side is provided with an operating port switch (passage detection switch) for the first starting port 33a (not shown), and the entry of the ball into the first starting port 33a is controlled by the first starting port 33a. It is detected by the actuation port switch for the first starting port 33a. Further, the second starting port 33b on the lower side is provided with an operating port switch (passage detection switch) not shown for the second starting port 33b. It is detected by the operating port switch for the second starting port 33b. In either case, when a game ball enters the first starting port 33a on the upper side or enters the second starting port 33b on the lower side, it is a starting prize. There is no difference, and these incoming balls can be detected individually.

In addition, the ball entering the general winning opening 31 is detected by a detection switch (winning opening switch not shown), the ball entering the variable winning device 32 is detected by a detection switch (counting switch not shown), and this Based on the output of the detection switch, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or lower tray 15).

For example, in the case of balls entering the first starting port 33a and the second starting port 33b, three prize balls are paid out. Furthermore, in the case of balls entering the general winning hole 31 and the variable winning device 32, ten prize balls are paid out. Note that the number of these prize balls is arbitrary and may be various numbers.

Note that when a game ball enters the third starting port 34, the entering ball is detected by a detection switch (passage detection switch, not shown), but even if the ball enters the third starting port 34, Payout of game balls is not executed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not entered various winning devices etc. are passed through this out port 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). You will be guided towards the A large number of nails 39 are planted on the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill 37 are also arranged.

As shown in FIG. 8, the variable display device unit 35 variably displays a first symbol (for example, a special symbol) as identification information, triggered by winning in the first starting hole 33a and the second starting hole 33b. A first symbol display device 40, a second symbol display device 41 that variably displays a second symbol (for example, a normal symbol) using passage through the third starting port 34 as a trigger; It is provided with a third symbol display device 42 that variably displays a third symbol (for example, a decorative symbol) using a winning in the starting hole 33b as a trigger.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first symbol display device 40 is, for example, a first segment display that is a segment display (for example, a 7-segment LED display with a decimal point) in which a plurality of segment light emitting parts are arranged in a predetermined manner. A portion 40a is provided. The first segment display section 40a emits variable light based on the ball entering the first starting port 33a or the second starting port 33b. Furthermore, the first symbol display device 40, as shown in FIG. 8, includes a reservation lamp 40c that indicates the number of reservations in the variable display on the first segment display section 40a.

The first segment display section 40a displays a variable display of the first symbol by changing the light emission of each segment light emitting section randomly or sequentially based on the ball entering the first starting port 33a or the second starting port 33b. If a state (in this embodiment, the light emission fluctuation mode of each segment light emitting part) is generated, and the light emission fluctuation stops, for example, if the first symbol (for example, a number or letter) is displayed by light emission, it means a variable jackpot (specific win). However, when the second symbol (e.g. numbers, letters, etc.) is displayed in a luminescent manner, it means a latent and certain variable jackpot (potentially specific win), and when the third symbol (e.g., numbers, letters, etc.) is displayed in a luminescent manner, it means a normal jackpot (non-specific win). If the fourth symbol (for example, a number or letter) is displayed with light, it means a miss. It should be noted that the display of the first to fourth symbols by the first segment display section 40a does not know what the display of the first to fourth symbols means even when a general player looks at them, so if the player just looks at them, he or she may not be able to win the jackpot or hit the jackpot. The display is such that it is unclear (or difficult to understand) whether it indicates a latent probability variable jackpot, a normal jackpot or a miss.

In this way, when a variable probability jackpot (specific win), a latent probability variable jackpot (latent specific win), or a normal jackpot (non-specific win) occurs, the variable prize winning device 32 enters a specific gaming state (for example, a jackpot state), which will be described later.

Note that, as the first symbol display device 40, a single or plural LEDs of a type capable of emitting light of at least two colors or more may be employed. Specifically, taking as an example a case where two LEDs capable of emitting red and blue light are employed as the first symbol display device 40, by alternately changing the emission color of each LED, the first symbol display device 40 A variable display state of the symbol (emission color mode of each LED) is generated. For example, when both LEDs stop emitting red light, it indicates a variable jackpot (specific hit), and when one LED stops emitting red light and the other When the LED goes out, it indicates a latent probability variable jackpot (latent specific win), when both LEDs stop emitting blue light, it indicates a normal jackpot (non-specific win), and when both LEDs stop emitting light of different colors, it is a win. One example is to show the following. Further, at least one of the first segment display section 40a and the hold lamp 40c constituting the first symbol display device 40 may be replaced with another type of display device such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT, or a dot matrix display. It may be configured by, or in particular, may be configured to be displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42. In addition, the patterns displayed on the first pattern display device 40 include a configuration in which multiple types of characters are displayed, a configuration in which multiple types of symbols are displayed, a configuration in which multiple types of characters are displayed, or a configuration in which multiple types of characters are displayed, or a configuration in which multiple types of characters are displayed. A configuration in which colors are displayed may be considered.

The second symbol display device 41 includes a display section 41a on which, for example, "○" is drawn for the second symbol, a display section 41b on which, for example, "x" is drawn for the second symbol, and a hold lamp 41c. For example, each time the game ball passes through the third starting port 34, the displayed symbols (normal symbols) on the display sections 41a and 41b change, and when the fluctuating display stops at a predetermined symbol, the lower part The starting port 33b of No. 2 is configured to be in an operating state (open) for a predetermined period of time. The number of times the game ball has passed through the third starting port 34 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of times the game ball has passed through the third starting port 34 is displayed by lighting on the hold lamp 41c. The display sections 41a and 41b have LEDs (light emitting diodes) therein, and are configured to display a variable display by switching the light emission of the LEDs (or lighting of lamps). Further, at least one of the second symbol display device 41 and the hold lamp 41c may be configured by other types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT, or a dot matrix display, and in particular, It may also be configured to be displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42.

In the third symbol display device 42, a variable display and a predetermined display (stop display) of the first symbol are performed on the first symbol display device 40 based on winnings in the first starting hole 33a and the second starting hole 33b. When the third symbol is displayed, a variable display and a predetermined display (stop display) of the third symbol are performed accordingly. In addition, the third symbol display device 42 not only displays a display triggered by winning the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b, but also displays during a specific gaming state that changes after winning a jackpot. There will be performances, etc.

The third symbol display device 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and its display contents are controlled by a display control device 45, which will be described later. The third symbol display device 42 displays three decorative symbol rows L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. Each of the decorative symbol rows L, M, and R is composed of a plurality of decorative symbols, and these decorative symbols are variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42 so as to be scrolled for each decorative symbol row L, M, and R. Ru. In this embodiment, the third symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) includes, for example, a large 11-inch liquid crystal display. A center frame 47 is disposed in the variable display unit 35 on the front side of the third symbol display device 42 so as to substantially surround the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is employed as the third pattern display device 42, but other types of image display devices (for example, PDP: plasma display panel, EL: electroluminescence display, organic EL, etc.) may be adopted.

The variable winning device 32 shown in FIG. 8 is normally in a closed state in which game balls cannot win (or may be in a closed state in which it is difficult to win), and in an open state in which game balls are likely to win in the event of a jackpot. It is operated repeatedly between the closed state and the closed state. In this way, the state in which the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly operated between the open state and the normal closed state when winning a jackpot is called a specific gaming state (for example, a jackpot state), and the variable winning device 32 is operated repeatedly between the open state and the normal closed state. A ball enters the ball (wins a prize) and a large amount of game balls are paid out in response to the winning, making the game situation advantageous for the player. In other words, in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the number of game balls thrown in (the number of game balls fired into the gaming area 30a by the firing device 229) is higher than the number of game balls paid out (general prize opening 31, variable The normal game state (game ball consumption state) and the prize of game balls are larger than the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of game balls into the winning device 32, the first starting port 33a, the second starting port 33b, etc. The state can be changed to a specific game state (for example, a jackpot state) in which the number of balls paid out is greater than the number of game balls thrown in.

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b, the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 is displayed in a variable manner, and the first segment after the variation stops is displayed. A specific gaming state occurs when the display on the display section 40a stops at a preset symbol. For example, when the first symbol is displayed in a stopped state, it means that you have won a specific game state of a probability variable jackpot (specific win), and when the second symbol is displayed in a stopped state, it means that you have won a specific game state of a probability variable jackpot (potential specific win). If the third symbol is displayed in a stopped state, it means that the player has won a specific gaming state that is usually a jackpot (non-specific win), and if the fourth symbol is displayed in a stopped state means a failure (failed to win a specific game state).

When a specific gaming state occurs, the variable winning device 32 is configured so that the big winning hole 32a is opened to a predetermined state, and the game ball is in a state where it is easy to win a prize (jackpot state). Specifically, the big prize opening 32a of the variable prize winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds), with the elapse of a predetermined time or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes in the open state as one round. Further, the number of times the game ball passes through the first starting port 33a and the second starting port 33b is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of times the game ball is held is displayed on the holding lamp 40c. Note that the hold lamp 40c may be configured to be held and displayed on a part of the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, two rails 51 and 52 are attached to the game board 30 for guiding the game balls fired from the firing device 229 (see FIG. 3) to the upper part of the game board 30. The game balls fired with the rotational operation of the game ball firing handle 18 are guided to a predetermined game area 30a through a ball guide path 49, which will be described later, of two rails 51 and 52. The two rails 51 and 52 are elongated metal band members made of stainless steel, and are attached to the game board 30 on both the inner and outer sides. When the game board 30 is viewed from the front, the inner rail 51 is formed in the shape of a substantially vertical ellipse, excluding the portion extending clockwise from the diagonally upper left to the diagonally lower right. The outer rail 52 is formed so that a portion (mainly the left side) faces the inner rail 51. In such a case, the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 constitute a guide rail, and the ball guide path 49 is formed by the portion where these rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval (the portion on the left side when facing the ball). . The ball guide passage 49 is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape with the front side open.

A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail 51 (upper left in FIG. 8). This prevents the game ball from returning to the ball guide path 49 once guided to the upper part of the game board 30 from the ball guide path 49 between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52. In addition, when the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12, the position corresponding to the maximum flying part of the game ball on the outer rail 52 (the upper right part of FIG. 8: the part corresponding to the tip of the outer rail 52) , the return rubber 54 is located. Therefore, a game ball shot with a force exceeding a predetermined value hits the return rubber 54 and is bounced back. Since the outer rail 52 is an elongated stainless steel metal band, the flight of the game ball can be made smoother, that is, the frictional resistance of the game ball can be reduced. As shown in FIG. 8, the area from the tip of the outer rail 52 (upper right in FIG. 8) to the right tip of the inner rail 51 (lower right in FIG. 8) is the gaming area on the first symbol display device 40. The gaming area 30a is partitioned by the position of the wall 56 on the 30a side and a wall 55 (shown by broken lines in FIG. 8) formed on the inner frame 12.

As shown in FIG. 8, the lower right corner of the game board 30 is a space for pasting a seal SL (which may be a plate) such as a certificate stamp (for example, a serial number is written on it). By pasting a seal SL such as a certificate stamp on the lower right corner of the game board 30, uniqueness can be given between the game board 30 and the certificate stamp.

Next, the game area 30a of the game board 30 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 8, the game area 30a is defined by the inner circumferences (inner and outer rails) of an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 into a substantially vertically oblong circular shape. The game area 30a divided on the board surface is large.

In this embodiment, the gaming area 30a is defined as an area surrounded by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, excluding the area of the guide rail which is the parallel portion of the inner and outer rails 51 and 52. This is an area where Therefore, since the guide rail portion is not included in the gaming area 30a, the left-hand limit position of the gaming area 30a is specified not by the outer rail 52 but by the inner rail 51. Further, the right side limit position of the gaming area 30a is specified by the wall portion 55 (a part of the inner frame 12). Further, the lower limit position of the gaming area 30a is specified by the inner rail 51. Further, the upper limit position of the gaming area 30a is specified by the outer rail 52.

Although detailed drawings will not be disclosed, game balls are supplied to the firing device 229 one by one from an unillustrated ball outlet of the front frame set 14 (a ball outlet leading from the most downstream part of the upper tray 19). .

Next, the configuration of the back side of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 3, on the back of the pachinko machine 10 (actually, on the back of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30), various control boards are arranged vertically and horizontally, and predetermined control boards are stacked front and back ( For example, the payout control board 311a in FIG. 9, which will be described later, is on the front side when viewed from the rear, and the power supply control board of the power supply device 313 and the launch control board of the launch control device 312 are located on the back side of the payout control board 311a. Furthermore, a game ball supply device (dispensing mechanism section 352) for supplying game balls, a protective cover 353 made of resin, etc. are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are mounted separately on a plurality of (three) mounting bases 230 to 232 shown in FIG. It is attached to the back of the game board 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the main control device 261 is mounted on the mounting base 230, the sub-control device 262 is mounted on the mounting base 232 to form a unit, and the dispensing control device 311 and the firing control device 312 and a power supply device 313 are mounted on a mounting base 231 to form a unit.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the payout mechanism section 352 has various parts (a tank 355, a tank rail 356, a case rail 357, a payout device 358, and a power switch board 382, which will be described later) upside down when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10. The dispensing mechanism section 352 and the protective cover 353 are also integrated as one unit, and this unit is sometimes referred to as the back pack, so here we refer to it as the "back pack". Pack unit 203".

The back pack unit 203 is configured so that it can be attached and detached unit by unit without using any tools, and in addition, a part of the back pack unit 203 is provided with a support shaft so that it can be attached to and detached from the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. It has a structure that can be opened and closed. This is also a contrivance to make it possible to easily check hidden structures etc. even if the back pack unit 203 and other structures are arranged one on top of the other.

Further, on the back side of the game board 30, there is provided a winning detection mechanism for detecting passage of game balls such as various winning holes. Specifically, a winning hole switch (not shown) is provided on the front side of the game board 30 at a position corresponding to the general winning hole 31, and the variable winning device 32 is provided with a count switch (not shown). The count switch is a switch that counts winning balls. Further, at positions corresponding to the first starting port 33a and the second starting port 33b, there is an operating port switch (not shown) for the first starting port 33a and an operating port switch (not shown) for the second starting port 33b. (omitted) (not shown) are respectively provided, and entry of game balls into the first starting port 33a and the second starting port 33b is detected by the respective operating port switches. A gate switch is provided at a position corresponding to the third starting port 34, and passage of the game ball to the third starting port 34 is detected by the gate switch.

The winning opening switch (not shown) of the general winning opening 31 and the gate switch of the third starting opening 34 are connected to a board connection board (not shown) through electrical wiring (not shown), and this board connection board also controls the main control described later. It is connected to the main control board 261a (see FIG. 9) in the device 261. Further, the count switch of the variable winning device 32 is connected to a big winning opening relay terminal board (not shown), and this big winning opening relay terminal board is also connected to the main control board 261a. On the other hand, each operating port switch of the first starting port 33a and the second starting port 33b is directly connected to the main control board 261a without using a relay board.

Although other illustrations are omitted, the variable winning device 32 is provided with a big winning opening solenoid for opening the big winning opening 32a, and a second starting opening 33b on the lower side is provided for opening an electric accessory. An operating port solenoid is provided.

The detection results detected by the above-mentioned winning detection mechanism are taken into the main control board 261a in the main control device 261, which will be described later, and the main control board 261a sends a payout command (game ball) according to the winning situation each time. The number of payout pieces) is transmitted to the payout control board 311a. Then, a predetermined number of game balls are put out based on the output of the payout control board 311a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main control device 261 is mounted on the lower mounting base 230 of the pachinko machine 10 when viewed from the rear, and the sub-control device 262 is mounted on the upper mounting base 232 of the pachinko machine 10 when viewed from the rear. has been done. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the main control device 261 includes a CPU 501 that performs main control, a ROM 502 that stores game programs, a RAM 503 that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, and various devices. The main control includes an input/output port 505 for communication, a random number generator (not shown) used in various lottery drawings, and a clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) used for time counting and synchronization. The main control board 261a is housed in a board box 263 (enveloping means) made of a transparent resin material or the like. Note that the substrate box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. These box base and box cover are unopenably connected by a sealing unit 261c, thereby sealing the substrate box 263.

Further, the sub-control device 262 includes, for example, a CPU 551 that controls audio and lamp displays and controls the display control device 45 in accordance with instructions from a main control board 261a in the main control device 261, a ROM 552, a RAM 553, a bus line 554, and the like. It is equipped with a sub-control board 262a including an input/output port 555, etc., and this sub-control board 262a is housed in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. Power supplied from a power supply board, which will be described later, is output to the display control device 45 via the sub-control device 262.

As shown in FIG. 3, a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a power supply device 313, and a card unit connection board 314 are mounted on a mounting base 231. The payout control device 311 includes a CPU serving as the center of control, and a control board including ROM, RAM, various ports, and the like. Further, the launch control device 312 includes a launch control board. Further, the power supply device 313 includes a power control board. The payout control board 311a of the payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls. Further, the launch control board of the launch control device 312 controls the launch device 229 (see FIG. 9) according to the player's operation of the game ball launch handle 18, and the power supply board of the power supply device 313 controls various control devices, etc. A required predetermined power supply voltage is generated and output. The firing device 229 of this embodiment employs a solenoid-type firing component that strikes and fires a game ball with a firing mallet (not shown) that can move forward and backward according to energization/de-energization of a firing solenoid (not shown). In addition, there are various other types of launching devices 229, such as mechanical launching parts that fire game balls by hitting them with a firing pestle that operates according to the drive of a firing motor, and electromagnetic firing parts that fire game balls by generating an electromagnetic field. You may also adopt the type of The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball rental operation section 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front of the pachinko machine and the card unit (not shown), and receives commands for ball rental operations from players and transfers them to the payout control device 311. This is what is output to. Note that the card unit connection board 314 is not necessary in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper tray 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

The payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board 314 are each housed in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the dispensing control device 311, similarly to the main control device 261 described above, a box base and a box cover that constitute the substrate box 311b (enveloping means) are unopenably connected by a sealing unit (sealing means). The board box 311b is sealed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 311c. For example, when the status recovery switch 311c is pressed when a dispensing error occurs, such as a ball clogging in the dispensing motor section, the dispensing motor 358a (see FIG. 9) is slowly rotated in the forward direction to eliminate the ball jam (return to normal state). ) is planned.

Further, a RAM erase switch 323 is provided on the power supply monitoring board 261b. The pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, and even in the event of a power outage, it can maintain the state at the time of the power outage, and upon recovery from the power outage (power restoration), it can return to the state at the time of the power outage. Therefore, if you turn off the power in the normal procedure (for example, at the end of the hall's business hours), the state before power off will be retained in memory, so if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while holding down the RAM erase switch 323. We are planning to invest in it.

Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 203 is a unit that integrates a resin-molded protective cover 353 and a game ball payout mechanism section 352.

The back pack unit 203 is provided with a tank 355 that opens upward at the top thereof, and this tank 355 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment (game island equipment) of the game hall. A tank rail 356 is connected below the tank 355 and has, for example, two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and gently slopes downward toward the downstream side, and further downstream of the tank rail 356 is a vertical case rail 357. are connected. A payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out as appropriate using a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor 358a. The game balls put out by the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper tray 19 through a payout passage (not shown) or the like.

Further, the tank rail 356 is provided with a vibrator 360 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356. For example, the vibrator 360 is fastened and attached to the tank rail 356 with, for example, two screws. Furthermore, the vibrator 360 does not make surface contact with the tank rail 356, but contacts the two screws, and the vibrations caused by the vibrator 360 are transmitted to the tank rail 356 more effectively. Therefore, even if a ball jam occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven to eliminate the ball jam.

The payout mechanism section 352 is equipped with a payout relay board (not shown) that relays a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in main power from the outside. is set up. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, AC 24V main power via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

The dispensing mechanism section 352 from the tank 355 to the dispensing passage (not shown) is all molded from a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polycarbonate resin), and a part of it is grounded (earthed). . This suppresses the generation of noise due to charging of the game ball.

As shown in FIG. 3, an inner frame open detection switch 388 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12 to detect that the inner frame 12 is opened relative to the outer frame 11. When the inner frame 12 is opened, an output is output from the inner frame open detection switch 388 to the computer for use in the hall (inside the pachinko parlor).

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained using FIG. 9. The pachinko machine 10 includes a main control device 261, a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a sub-control device 262, a display control device 45, a power supply device 313, and the like. Each of these devices will be described in detail below.

The main control device 261 of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the CPU 501, and a memory that temporarily stores various data etc. when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 502. A certain RAM 503 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission/reception circuit are built-in.

The RAM 503 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by being supplied with backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. It has memory and area.

In other words, when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 executes normal processing to the end, so the RAM 503 is It is only necessary to memorize and hold the contents of the counter buffer and the reserved ball storage area, and when the power is turned on again, the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be restored to the state before the power was turned off. Specifically, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated backup area in the RAM 503 for storing the values of each register, I/O, etc. regarding game information during normal processing when the power is turned off. The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power outage signal S1 output from a power outage monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, when the power is cut off due to a power outage, etc. Upon occurrence, power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed.

An input/output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 containing the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 505 includes a RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a sub-control device 262, a first symbol display device 40, a second symbol display device 41, and other switch groups not shown. etc. are connected. The main control device 261 also has a function of controlling the variable display of the first symbol on the first symbol display device 40 and the variable display of the second symbol on the second symbol display device 41.

Like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 described above, the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by being supplied with backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. , the RAM 513 includes memory and areas for temporarily storing various data and the like.

The RAM 513 stores and holds information regarding the state of the pachinko machine 10 when the power is turned off in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power was turned off when the power is turned on again when the power is turned off due to a power outage or the like. In other words, memory retention in the RAM 513 is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process and the second half of the payout control process, and conversely, restoration of the information stored in the RAM 513 is executed in the power recovery process when the power is turned on. .

An input/output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 containing the ROM 512 and RAM 513 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 515 is connected to the main control device 261, the firing control device 312, the dispensing motor 358a, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 9, the firing control device 312 allows or prohibits the firing device 229 from firing game balls, and the firing device 229 is permitted to be driven when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the launch control device 312 receives the card unit connection signal S4 from the payout control device 311 (which is a signal output when the aforementioned card unit is connected to the pachinko machine 10) and the player's A touch detection signal S5 is output when the game ball firing handle 18 is touched, and a touch detection signal S5 is output when the firing stop switch 18a provided on the game ball firing handle 18 for stopping firing is not operated. The firing permission signal S7 is output to the main controller 261 on the condition that all of the firing sustaining signals S6 and the firing sustaining signal S6 are input. Further, a volume signal S10 corresponding to the operation amount of the game ball firing handle 18 is input from the game ball firing handle 18 to the firing control device 312, and the firing control device 312 outputs this volume signal S10 to the main controller 261. do.

That is, the period when the firing permission signal S7 is ON (high level) is the firing permission state, and the period when the firing permission signal S7 is OFF (low level) is the firing disallowed state. In other words, the main controller 261 controls the firing control signal S8 (pulse signal) that controls the firing solenoid (not shown) that fires the game ball and the firing rail during the period when the input firing permission signal S7 is ON. A ball sending control signal S9 (pulse signal) for controlling a ball sending solenoid that sends game balls is repeatedly output to the launch control device 312 at a predetermined repetition period. The amplitude value of the firing control signal S8 (pulse signal) is determined in the main controller 261 based on the volume signal S10. ) becomes larger. The firing control device 312 drives and controls the firing device 229 based on the firing control signal S8 and the ball feeding control signal S9, and the game ball is fired with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation of the game ball firing handle 18. Conversely, the main controller 261 does not output the launch control signal S8 and the ball feeding control signal S9 to the launch control device 312 during the period when the input launch permission signal S7 is OFF, and the game ball is not outputted by the launch device 229. is never fired.

The display control device 45 controls the variable display of the third symbol (decorative symbol) on the third symbol display device 42. This display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530, 531. It is equipped with The output of the sub-control device 262 is connected to the input of the input port 527, and the CPU 521, ROM 522, work RAM 523, and image controller 526 are connected to the output of the input port 527. Further, an output port 529 is connected to the image controller 526 via a bus line 531, and the third symbol display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is connected to the output of the output port 529.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the decorative pattern display on the third pattern display device 42 based on various commands sent from the main control device 261 that are edited by the sub-control device 262 and transmitted. The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. This is the memory for.

The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the third symbol display device 42, and by rewriting the contents of this video RAM 524, the display contents of the third symbol display device 42 are changed. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as decorative symbols displayed on the third symbol display device 42. The image controller 526 adjusts the timing of each of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the output port 529 to intervene in reading and writing of data, and also reads display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing and outputs the third It is displayed on the symbol display device 42.

Further, the power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each part of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply section 541 supplies necessary operating power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, etc. through a power path (not shown). As an overview, the power supply section 541 takes in 24 volt AC power supplied from the outside and generates +12 V power for driving various switches and motors, +5 V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. Then, these +12V power supply, +5V power supply, and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, and the like. Note that operating power (+12V power, +5V power, etc.) is supplied to the firing control device 312 via the payout control device 311.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main control device 261 includes a main control board 261a and a power monitoring board 261b separate from the main control board 261a, in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. . The power monitoring board 261b includes a power outage monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to power outage, etc., and a RAM erasure switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erasure switch 323.

The power outage monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power outage signal S1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 when the power is cut off due to an occurrence of a power outage or the like. The power outage monitoring circuit 542 monitors the AC 24 volt voltage in the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power outage (power cutoff) has occurred if this voltage is less than 22 volts for more than 20 milliseconds, for example. , outputs a power outage signal S1 to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. By outputting this power outage signal S1, the main control device 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute a power outage process (NMI interrupt process).

Note that even after the time period during which the AC 24 volts monitored by the power supply unit 541 becomes less than 22 volts exceeds 20 milliseconds, the power supply unit 541 continues to perform the power outage process for a sufficient time to execute the power outage process. It is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, at a normal value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power outage process.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit for taking in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clearing backup data in the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs the RAM erase signal S2 to the main control board 261a. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 323 being pressed (including turning on the power after a power outage is resolved), the data in the RAM 503 is cleared in the main control device 261, and the payout control device 311 is switched on as the main control device. Upon receiving the initialization command from H.261, the data in the RAM 513 is cleared.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 10, the third symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) is set with three decorative symbol rows L, M, and R on the left, middle, and right, and the decorative symbol rows L, Three decorative patterns, ie, a top decorative pattern, a middle decorative pattern, and a bottom decorative pattern, are displayed in a variable manner for each of M and R. In the present embodiment, the series of patterns is composed of a main decorative pattern SZ with numbers "0" to "9" attached to each, and a sub-decorative pattern FZ consisting of a diamond-shaped pictorial pattern. Main decorative patterns SZ are displayed in ascending or descending order, and sub-decorative patterns FZ are arranged between each main decorative pattern SZ to form a series of decorative pattern rows L, M, R. The main decorative pattern SZ and the secondary decorative pattern FZ are displayed periodically from top to bottom.

In such a case, in the left decorative pattern row L, the above-mentioned series of decorative symbols are displayed in descending order (that is, in the order in which the number of the main decorative pattern SZ decreases), and in the middle decorative pattern row M and the right decorative pattern row R, the above series of decorative symbols are displayed in the same order. The above-mentioned series of decorative symbols are displayed in ascending order (that is, in order of increasing number of main decorative symbols SZ). Then, the variable display stops in the order of left decorative pattern row L→right decorative pattern row R→middle decorative pattern row M, and when it stops, the five active lines on the third symbol display device 42, namely the upper line L1, the middle line If the main decorative patterns SZ are aligned in a jackpot pattern combination (in this embodiment, a combination of the same main decorative patterns SZ) on any of L2, lower line L3, right-up line L4, and left-up line L5, it will be special as a jackpot. A game video will be displayed.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be explained.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses the random numbers related to the actuation of the accessory and other random numbers used for the game to draw the lottery (jackpot lottery: first lottery) of the first symbol display device 40. jackpot lottery of symbols) and symbol display settings, lottery (second symbol winning lottery) and symbol display settings of the second symbol display device 41, decorative symbols (third symbol) of the third symbol display device 42, etc. We are planning to conduct a lottery regarding variable display and its settings.

Specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for jackpot lottery on the first symbol display device 40 and the first A jackpot symbol counter C2 used for selecting a jackpot symbol on the symbol display device 40, an initial value random number counter CINI1 used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a second symbol counter CINI1 used for the winning lottery on the second symbol display device 41. A two symbol random number counter C4 and an initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 used for initial value setting of the second symbol random number counter C4 are used.

In addition, in this pachinko machine 10, as shown in FIG. 11, other random numbers used in the game are used to roughly specify the type of the variation pattern when selecting the variation pattern of the decorative symbols on the third symbol display device 42. A stop pattern selection counter C3 used to select a stop pattern, a variation type counter CS1, CS2, CS3 used to select a variation pattern of decorative symbols on the third symbol display device 42, and a missed symbol on the second symbol display device 41. A second symbol off symbol counter C5 used for selection is used. Each of the above-mentioned counters is configured by a program executed by the CPU 501.

For example, "Stop pattern 0" indicates a completely out-of-reach variation pattern group consisting of multiple types of completely out-of-reach variation patterns, and "Stop pattern 1" indicates a group of out-of-order reach variation patterns consisting of multiple types of out-of-order reach variation patterns. , "Stop pattern 2" indicates a group of reach fluctuation patterns other than front and rear outliers consisting of multiple types of reach fluctuation patterns other than front and rear outliers, and "Stopping pattern 3" is a group of reach fluctuation patterns other than front and rear outliers, and "Stopping pattern 3" is a group of reach fluctuation patterns other than front and back outliers. "Stop pattern 4" indicates a group of probability variable jackpot variation patterns consisting of a plurality of types of probability variable jackpot variation patterns.

For all these counters C1 to C5, CINI1 to CINI2, and CS1 to CS3, each time they are updated, "1" is added to the previous value (hereinafter referred to as "update"), and after reaching the maximum value, it becomes "0". It is a loop counter that returns. Each counter is updated periodically, and the updated value is stored as appropriate in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. 11. Further, the RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area consisting of one execution area and four holding areas (holding areas 1 to 4), and each of these areas has a first starting port 33a. , the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are stored in chronological order according to the winning history of game balls entered into the second starting opening 33b.

Each of the above-mentioned counters will be explained in detail below using FIG. 11. The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to increment sequentially by 1 within the range of, for example, "0" to "599", and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "599"). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 completes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. In addition, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 16), which will be described later, and the normal processing, which will be described later. (See FIG. 13) is repeatedly updated within the remaining time. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated regularly (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 16) described later), and the game ball enters the first starting hole 33a and the second starting hole 33b. The ball is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the appropriate timing.

The winning value of the jackpot random number counter C1, that is, the number of random number values that result in a jackpot, is set in two types for low probability and high probability, and the number of random number values that result in a jackpot when the probability is low is 2. The value is "150,450", and the number of random number values that result in a jackpot when the probability is high is 4, and the values are "50,150,350,450". That is, when the probability is low, the jackpot probability is 1/300, and when the probability is high, the jackpot probability is 1/150. In addition, high probability times refer to, for example, times when a predetermined probability fluctuating pattern results in a jackpot, and the subsequent jackpot probability increases as an added value, the so-called "certain change" time, and is different from normal times (low probability times). refers to the time when there is no such definite change state. Further, the high probability state (variable probability state) continues until the next jackpot after the end of the variable probability jackpot or the latent probability variable jackpot (after the jackpot 32a of the variable winning device 32 has been opened for 16 rounds, for example).

The jackpot symbol counter C2 is the symbol at the time when the fluctuation of the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 stops (in this embodiment, the final display symbol after the fluctuation display of the first segment display section 40a) at the time of a jackpot. ). In this embodiment, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is configured such that, for example, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is sequentially incremented by 1 within the range of "0" to "9", and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "9"). There is. The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 16) to be described later) as in the case of the jackpot random number counter C1 described above, and the game ball is placed in the first starting hole 33a, the first The ball is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the ball enters the starting hole 33b of No. 2. In addition, when the above-mentioned jackpot random number counter C1 is a hit and the values of the jackpot symbol counter C2 are "1", "4", "7", the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 stops at the third symbol, indicating a low-probability jackpot, a so-called normal jackpot (non-specific win). Further, when the aforementioned jackpot random number counter C1 is a hit and the values of the jackpot symbol counter C2 are "0", "2", "5", or "8", the first The segment display section 40a stops at the first symbol, indicating a high probability jackpot, a so-called probability variable jackpot (specific win). In addition, when the aforementioned jackpot random number counter C1 is a hit and the values of the jackpot symbol counter C2 are "3", "6", or "9", the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 stops at the second symbol, indicating a latent high probability jackpot, a so-called latent probability variable jackpot (potential specific hit). In addition, when the jackpot random number counter C1 is a loss, the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 stops at the fourth symbol to indicate a loss, regardless of the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2. In other words, the distribution of jackpot types is set as probability variable: latent probability variable: normal = 4:3:3.

Further, the stop pattern selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, "0" to "238", and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (ie, 238). In this embodiment, the stop pattern selection counter C3 selects a "front/back off reach" in which the final stop decorative pattern is shifted by one position before or after the reach decorative pattern on the third symbol display device 42 after the reach of the decorative pattern occurs. '', similarly, after a reach occurs, the final stop decorative pattern stops at a position other than before or after the reach decorative pattern, ``reach except before or after'', and ``completely off'', in which reach does not occur. For example, C3=0 to 201 corresponds to a completely off reach, C3=202 to 208 corresponds to a reach that is out of front and back, and C3=209 to 238 corresponds to a reach that is not out of front and back. In addition, the content of the lottery (drawing of reach) of the stop pattern selection counter C3 depends on whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a low probability state or a high probability state, or if the fluctuation time shortening function of the first symbol display device 40 is not activated. It may be set individually depending on whether it is active or active, how many balls are active and pending when the first symbol starts to fluctuate, and the like. The stop pattern selection counter C3 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 16) described later), and is stored in the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball enters the first starting port 33a or the second starting port 33b. The ball will be stored in the reserved ball storage area.

Further, among the three variation type counters CS1 to CS3, the variation type counter CS1 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of "0 to 198", and after reaching the maximum value (that is, "198"), the variation type counter CS1 is "0". For example, the variation type counter CS2 is configured to be incremented by 1 within the range of "0 to 240" and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (that is, "240"). For example, the variation type counter CS3 is configured to be incremented one by one within the range of "0 to 162" and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (ie, "162"). In the following description, the fluctuation type counter CS1 will also be referred to as the "first fluctuation type counter," the fluctuation type counter CS2 as the "second fluctuation type counter," and the fluctuation type counter CS3 as the "third fluctuation type counter," as appropriate. .

The first variation type counter CS1 determines a general variation pattern group of decorative symbols, such as the so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., of the reach type of the decorative symbol (third symbol), and the completely missed type. . Here, for example, it is assumed that the stop pattern selection counter C3 is a value indicating "stop pattern 1" (that is, a value indicating a group of out-of-front reach variation patterns), and the first variation among the group of out-of-front reach variation patterns is assumed. It is assumed that the variation pattern of the normal reach group (consisting of a plurality of different types of normal reaches) is determined by the type counter CS1.

Subsequently, one further variation pattern is determined by the second variation type counter CS2 from among the variation pattern group thus determined by the first variation type counter CS1. Here, for example, it is assumed that one type of normal reach is determined from the normal reach group by the second variation type counter CS2. Note that a plurality of different types of normal reaches can be realized by providing differences such as different elapsed times until the final stop decorative pattern (for example, a medium decorative pattern in this embodiment) stops after the occurrence of a reach. can be mentioned.

Subsequently, the third variation type counter CS3 determines to which time the variation time is to be added in one variation pattern determined by the second variation type counter CS2. For example, as for this additional time, when the decorative pattern (third pattern) of the medium decorative pattern row on the third pattern display device 42 slides and stops, the decorative pattern of the medium decorative pattern row slides and then stops. An example is the additional time, which is the time until the image is stopped and displayed. In this way, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 can determine more detailed decorative pattern variation modes. In other words, by combining these variation type counters CS1 to CS3, it is possible to easily realize a wide variety of variation patterns.

In addition, it is possible to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1, to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2, or to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol. It is also possible to determine the pattern variation mode in the same way by combining with the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2 and the stopped symbols.

The variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated once each time a normal process (described later) is executed, and are repeatedly updated within the remaining time within the normal process. Then, when the first symbol display device 40 determines a variation pattern at the start of variation of the first symbol, the buffer values of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, since the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired when the first symbol display device 40 starts to fluctuate the first symbol, there is no need to store them in the reserved ball storage area. , it is only necessary to update and store it in the counter buffer one by one.

Note that the size and range of each counter described above are merely examples and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the sizes of the jackpot random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are all different prime numbers, and are not synchronized in any case.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a second symbol random number counter C4 is used to draw the second symbol on the second symbol display device 41. The second symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is sequentially incremented by 1 within the range of, for example, "0" to "250" and returns to "0" after reaching the maximum value (ie, 250). The second symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 16) to be described later), and is acquired when the game ball passes through the second starting port 34 on either the left or right side. There are 149 random number values that will win, and the range is from 5 to 153.

In particular, when the second symbol random number counter C4 completes one round, the initial value of the second symbol random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4. The initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is a loop counter similar to the second symbol random number counter C4 (value = 0 to 250), and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 16), which will be described later. , is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing (see FIG. 13), which will be described later. The second symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 16) described later), and the second symbol random number counter C4 is updated at the timing when the game ball passes the second starting port 34. 2 is stored in the symbol retention storage area.

In other words, the RAM 503 also has a second symbol holding storage area which is a separate area from the holding ball storage area, and includes one execution area for the second symbol and four holding areas for the second symbol (the second A second symbol retention storage area is provided, which consists of symbol retention areas 1 to 4 (retention areas 1 to 4), and each of these areas has a number Each value of the two-symbol random number counter C4 is stored in chronological order.

In addition, the second symbol out-of-design symbol counter C5 is updated once every time the second symbol control process of the normal process in FIG. When the second symbol random number counter C4 is updated to the buffer and stored in the second symbol holding ball storage area, the second symbol random number counter C5, which is updated and acquired to the second symbol random number counter C4, is also updated to the second symbol random number counter C5. It is stored in the reserved ball storage area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, when the value of the second symbol random number counter C4 is a failure, an "x" is drawn based on the value of the second symbol missed symbol counter C5 in the second symbol reserved ball storage area. The displayed display section 41b is displayed by lighting. Note that the second symbol variation display result may be performed based only on the second symbol random number counter C4 without providing the second symbol out-of-character symbol counter C5. In other words, if the second symbol random number counter C4 wins, the display section 41a with an "O" drawn on it lights up, and if it loses, the display section 41b with an "X" drawn on it lights up.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 to 22. The processing of the CPU 501 can be roughly divided into main processing that is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (with a 2 msec cycle in this embodiment), and power failure to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is an NMI interrupt process that is activated by the input of a signal, and for convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be explained first, and then the main process will be explained.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing, and this processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, for example, every 2 msec.

In FIG. 16, first in step S601, a process of reading various winning switches is executed. That is, it reads the states of various switches (excluding the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main control device 261, determines the states of the switches, and stores detection information (winning detection information).

After that, in step S602, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value ("599" in this embodiment), it is cleared to "0", and the initial value second symbol random number counter is incremented. CINI2 is incremented by one and cleared to "0" when the counter value is incremented by one after reaching the maximum value ("250" in this embodiment). Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503 (see FIG. 11).

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, in the subsequent step S603, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and the counter values are set to the maximum values (in this embodiment, "599", "9", and "9", respectively). Each increment by one after reaching "250") is cleared to "0". Then, the updated values of each counter C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503 (see FIG. 11).

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16, in step S604, a starting prize winning process is executed in response to a winning to the first starting hole 33a and the second starting hole 33b. This starting winning process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17. In step S701, it is determined whether the game ball has won the first starting opening 33a or the second starting opening 33b based on the detection information of the operating opening switch. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the first starting hole 33a and the second starting hole 33b, in the following step S702, the number N of balls pending operation of the first symbol display device 40 is set to the upper limit value (in this embodiment Then, it is determined whether it is less than 4). On the condition that there is a prize in the first starting port 33a and the second starting port 33b, and the number of active pending balls N<4, the process proceeds to step S703, and the active pending ball number N is incremented by one.

Further, in the subsequent step S704, a random number related to winning or losing of the first symbol is acquired. Specifically, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot symbol counter C2, and stop pattern selection counter C3 updated in step S603 are stored in the first free storage area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. Store it in the area.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, in the subsequent step S605, a firing control process is executed. Specifically, in the firing control process, as shown in FIG. 9, when the firing permission signal S7 from the firing control device 312 is ON, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 controls the firing control signal S8 and the ball feeding control. The signal S9 is output to the firing control device 312, and the game ball firing control by the firing device 229 is performed. After performing the firing control process in this manner, the CPU 501 temporarily ends this timer interrupt process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing, and this processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power of the Pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like. This NMI interrupt causes the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off to be stored in the backup area of the RAM 503.

That is, when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power outage or the like, a power outage signal S1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing shown in FIG. The NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 18 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main controller 261. For a predetermined time after the power outage signal S1 is output, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the main controller 261 can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing is executed within this predetermined time.

In the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 18, in step S801, power-off occurrence information is set in a backup area. In this embodiment, a flag is set for information on the occurrence of power outage, and the information is stored in the backup area.

Next, main processing will be explained.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261, and this main processing is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

First, in step S101, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes initial setting processing upon power-on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer. In addition, in step S102, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 waits for about 1 second, for example, for the sub-side control devices (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operational. Execute. In the following step S103, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 permits RAM access.

Thereafter, data backup processing is executed regarding the RAM 503 within the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power monitoring board 261b is pressed down (ON), and if it is OFF, the process advances to step S105; If so, the process advances to step S113. In the subsequent step S105, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether the power-off occurrence information flag is set). Further, in step S106, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates a RAM judgment value, and in the subsequent step S107, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates whether the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved when the power was turned off. In other words, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Note that it is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup based on whether the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 are correctly saved.

As described above, in this pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, such as when the hall starts business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on, the process moves to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S113, etc.). In addition, if power-off occurrence information is not set or if a backup abnormality is confirmed based on the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the used RAM area is cleared and the RAM 503 initialization process (step S113 etc.). That is, in step S113, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 clears the used area of the RAM 503 to "0" and executes the initialization process of the RAM 503.

In the following step S114, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a payout initialization command. In this way, the payout initialization command is output to the payout control device 311 when the main control device 261 is initialized.

Further, in step S115, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a power-on command to the sub-control board 262a. Since this power-on command includes a command for determining the model of the pachinko machine, the model can be determined on the sub side such as the sub-control board 262a or the display control device 45 based on the content of the command. .

Further, in step S116, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes initial setting of a CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit). In step S117, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets interrupt permission, and shifts to normal processing (see FIG. 13), which will be described later.

On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, on the condition that the power-off occurrence information is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal, when the power is restored, Execute processing (processing at power-off recovery). That is, in step S108, the power-off occurrence information is cleared. In step S109, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a payout return command to the payout control device 311, and instructs the payout control device 311 to start payout control. Although details will be described later, when the payout control device 311 receives a payout return command from the main control device 261, it returns and starts payout control.

In step S110, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sends a command to cause the sub-side control device to return to the gaming state at the time of power-off. /Timer Circuit). Furthermore, in step S112, interrupt permission is set, and the process then proceeds to normal processing (see FIG. 13), which will be described later. For example, even if a power outage occurs in the middle of normal processing, the power will be turned off after the last step of the normal processing (the "RAM access prohibited" step shown in Figure 13) is executed, so after the power is restored, is executed from step S201, which is the first step of normal processing.

Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. As an overview, the processing in steps S201 to S207 is executed as a periodic process with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing in steps S210 and S211 is executed in the remaining time.

In FIG. 13, first, in step S201, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 performs an external output process of transmitting output data such as commands updated in the previous process to each sub-side control device. Specifically, it is determined whether there is winning detection information, and if there is winning detection information, a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls is transmitted to the payout control device 311. In addition, in conjunction with the first symbol fluctuation display of the first symbol display device 40 (the fluctuation display of the first segment display section 40a), the third symbol display device 42 also displays the decorative symbol (third symbol) in a fluctuating manner. However, when the first symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the first symbol display device 40, a variable pattern designation command, a decorative design designation command, a full stop command (confirmation command), etc. are transmitted to the sub-control device 262 in external output processing.

In addition, in this pachinko machine 10, when the first symbol starts to fluctuate, the external output of normal processing is performed in the order of fluctuation pattern designation command → production command (command for designating change of fluctuation time, etc.) → decorative symbol designation command. A predetermined number (for example, three) of commands are sent each time a process is performed (that is, three every 4 msec), and an all-stop command is sent at the timing of a variable time elapse. In addition, after the first symbol starts to fluctuate, a predetermined number (for example, 3) are output each time the external output processing of the normal process is performed in the order of fluctuation pattern designation command → production command → decorative design designation command (i.e., 3 every 4 msec). ) command may be sent, and the all-stop command may be sent at the timing of a variable time elapse.

The variation pattern designation command is a command for specifying the variation pattern of the decorative pattern (third pattern) that is variably displayed on the third pattern display device 42. The variation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262, and from the sub-control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 to display and execute the variation pattern of decorative symbols based on the transmitted variation pattern designation command.

The decorative pattern designation command allows the variable display performance of the decorative pattern (third pattern) on the third pattern display device 42 to be a variable probability jackpot (specific hit), a latent probability variable jackpot (potential specific hit), or a normal jackpot (non-specific hit). This is a command for specifying whether it is , out or out. The decorative design designation command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262, and from the sub-control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 displays the display results of the fluctuating patterns of the decorative patterns according to the transmitted decorative pattern designation command (probable variable jackpot (specific hit), latent probability variable jackpot (potential specific hit), normal jackpot (non-specific hit). The third symbol display device 42 is controlled to display a hit) or a miss).

The all stop command is a command for instructing to stop the variation pattern of decorative symbols (third symbols) that are variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42. The all-stop command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262, and from the sub-control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 to stop displaying the variation pattern of decorative symbols based on the transmitted all stop command.

In addition, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sends a variation pattern designation command and a production command (a command for specifying a change in variation time, etc.) to the sub-control device 262 in the external output process (step S201) of the normal process. I may send it. That is, based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, it is determined which time is to be added to the variation time (the additional time due to the sliding effect of the decorative pattern described above), and such addition time is appropriately sent to the sub-control device 262. Direction commands are used to give instructions. Therefore, after the first symbol starts to fluctuate, a predetermined number (for example, 3) are output each time the external output process is performed in the normal process in the order of fluctuation pattern designation command → performance command → decorative design designation command (i.e., 3 at every 4 msec). ) command is sent, and an all-stop command may be sent at varying timing.

Next, in step S202, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 updates the variation type counters CS1 to CS3. Specifically, each of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 is incremented by 1, and each increment of 1 after the counter value reaches the maximum value (198, 240, 162 in this embodiment) is set to "0". ” to be cleared. Then, the updated values of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG.

In the subsequent step S203 of FIG. 13, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 reads the prize ball count signal, the payout abnormality signal, and the lower tray full signal received from the payout control device 311. After that, in step S204, a first symbol variation process is executed to perform a variable display of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 40. Through this first symbol variation processing, jackpot determination and setting of the first symbol variation pattern are performed. However, details of the first symbol variation process will be described later.

After that, in step S205, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes a big winning hole opening/closing process for opening or closing the big winning hole 32a of the variable winning device 32 in the case of a jackpot state. That is, the big winning hole 32a is opened every round in the jackpot state, and for each round, it is checked whether the maximum opening time of the big winning hole 32a has elapsed or whether a specified number of game balls have entered the big winning hole 32a. judge. When any of these conditions is satisfied, the opening of the big prize opening 32a in that round is stopped and closed, and if there are remaining rounds, the opening of the big winning hole 32a is repeatedly executed for the number of remaining rounds.

Moreover, in step S206, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes display control of the second symbol by the second symbol display device 41. Briefly, on the condition that the game ball passes through the second starting port 34, the second symbol random number counter C4 is acquired each time, and the second symbol random number counter C4 is displayed on the display sections 41a and 41b of the second symbol display device 41. A variable display of the second symbol is performed. Then, the second symbol is drawn according to the value of the second symbol random number counter C4, and when the second symbol is in a winning state, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 selects the second symbol on the lower side as shown in step S207. A second starting port 33b opening process is performed to open the starting port 33b for a predetermined period of time. Although the explanation has been omitted, the second symbol random number counter C4 is also updated by the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 16, like the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3. ing.

Further, in step S208, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether the power-off occurrence information flag is set). If the power-off occurrence information is not set, the process advances to step S209, and if the power-off occurrence information is set, the process advances to step S212.

Thereafter, in step S209, it is determined whether the execution timing of the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the initial value random number counter CINI1, the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2, and the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are repeatedly updated (steps S210, S211 ). That is, in step S210, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by one, and cleared to "0" when the counter value is incremented by one after reaching the maximum value ("599" in this embodiment). Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. Similarly, the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is incremented by 1, and cleared to 0 when incremented by 1 after the counter value reaches the maximum value (in this embodiment, 250). do. Then, the updated value of the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

Furthermore, in step S211, the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated (same as step S202). Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are incremented by 1, and the value is incremented by 1 after the counter values reach their maximum values (in this embodiment, "198", "240", and "162"). Clear each to "0" when the time comes. Then, the updated values of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

Here, since the execution time of each process in steps S201 to S207 changes depending on the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 using the remaining time, the initial value random number counter CINI1 (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) and the initial value The value of the second symbol random number counter CINI2 (ie, the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4) can be updated randomly.

Further, in step S208, if power-off occurrence information is set and the process advances to step S212, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 sets interrupt prohibition. Subsequently, in step S213, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been quickly cut off to other control devices. Subsequently, in step S214, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 stops outputting the control signal. Subsequently, in step S215, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates the RAM judgment value and stores it in the backup area. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Subsequently, in step S216, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 prohibits RAM access. After that, it enters an infinite loop in case the power is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

Next, the first symbol variation process in step S205 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14.

In FIG. 14, in step S401, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not there is currently a jackpot. Incidentally, during the jackpot, the period during the special game displayed on the third symbol display device 42 at the time of the jackpot and during the predetermined time after the end of the special game is included. In the following step S402, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the first symbol display device 40 is currently displaying the first symbol in a variable manner. Then, if the jackpot is not in progress and the first symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, the process advances to step S403, and the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether the number of pending balls N of the first symbol display device 40 is greater than "0" or not. Determine whether or not. At this time, if there is a jackpot or if the number of pending balls N is "0", the process is immediately terminated.

Further, if neither the jackpot nor the first symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, and the number of pending balls N>0, the process advances to step S404. In step S404, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 subtracts "1" from the number N of pending balls. In step S405, processing for shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift processing is a process that sequentially shifts the data stored in the first to fourth pending areas of the pending ball storage area to the execution area side, such as the first pending area → the execution area, the second pending area → The data in each area is shifted in the following order: first reserved area, third reserved area → second reserved area, fourth reserved area → third reserved area.

After that, in step S406, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes a fluctuation start process. Here, to explain the fluctuation start process in detail using the flowchart of FIG. 15, in step S501, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 changes the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. Based on this, it is determined whether it is a jackpot or not. Specifically, whether or not it is a jackpot is determined based on the relationship between the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the mode at the time (whether it is a variable probability state or a normal state), and as mentioned above, in normal low probability cases, Among the numbers "0" to "599" of the jackpot random number counter C1, "150,450" is the winning value (2 pieces), and when the probability is high, "50,150,350,450" is the winning value (4 pieces). be.

When the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines that it is a jackpot, in step S502, the jackpot symbol corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area, that is, the first symbol display One of the first to third symbols to be displayed on the first segment display section 40a of the device 40 is determined. In other words, based on a table (not shown) representing the correspondence between the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the symbols, the jackpot symbol (“specific winning symbol”, “latent specific winning symbol” or ``Non-specific winning symbols'').

Next, in step S503, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines a fluctuation pattern (jackpot performance pattern) at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 inputs the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 without using the stop pattern selection counter C3. Check them in order and determine the fluctuation pattern.

In other words, based on the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2, whether the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is displayed in “stop pattern 3” for a normal jackpot (non-specific hit) or whether the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 is It is determined whether the decorative pattern is to be displayed in "stop pattern 4" with a probability-variable jackpot (specific win). The type of "stop pattern 3" or "stop pattern 4" thus determined is further determined based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. That is, a rough variation pattern group of decorative symbols is determined, such as the reach type of the decorative symbol (third symbol) such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and the like. Subsequently, one variation pattern is determined from among the rough decorative pattern variation patterns determined in this way based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, a more detailed decorative pattern may be created, such as setting the elapsed time until the final stop decorative pattern (medium decorative pattern in this embodiment) stops after a reach occurs as a predetermined time. Determine the variation mode. In addition, in the case of a jackpot, the following relationships, that is, the relationship between the numerical value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the numerical value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1 and the fluctuation pattern, and the numerical value of the second fluctuation type counter CS2 The relationship with the stop symbol time is predefined by a jackpot table or the like.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that it is not a jackpot, in step S504, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 displays a missed symbol, that is, the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 with the fourth symbol. Set the stop symbol to display the stop symbol.

Next, in step S505, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines a variation pattern at the time of deviation (deviation effect pattern), and sets the deviation variation pattern as a variation pattern designation command. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 checks the values of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 in that order, and determines the variation pattern. decide.

That is, based on the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3, after the reach of the decorative symbol on the third symbol display device 42 occurs, the final stop decorative symbol is shifted by one position before and after the reach decorative symbol and stops. ", "Stop pattern 1" is a "reach other than the front and back", in which the final stop decorative pattern stops at a position other than before and after the reach decorative pattern after a reach occurs, and "stop pattern 2" is a "reach other than the front and back", and "completely off" in which a reach does not occur. ”, which is “stop pattern 0”, is determined. For example, if the determined stop pattern is "stop pattern 1" which is a reach that is out of front and back, normal reach, super reach, A rough variation pattern group of decorative symbols is determined, such as a variation pattern in which the reach type of a decorative symbol (third symbol) such as , etc. is specified. It is assumed here that normal reach is determined. Subsequently, one further variation pattern is determined from the group of normal reach variation patterns of the general decorative symbols determined in this way based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, a more detailed decorative pattern may be created, such as setting the elapsed time until the final stop decorative pattern (medium decorative pattern in this embodiment) stops after a reach occurs as a predetermined time. Determine the variation mode. In addition, the following relationships in the case of failure, that is, the relationship between the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1 and the fluctuation pattern, and the value of the second fluctuation type counter CS2 The relationship between each symbol and the stop symbol time is predefined by a table for losing, etc.

In the present embodiment, one of the above-mentioned tables for losing is set at the time when the first symbol starts to fluctuate, for example, when the probability is low and the first symbol display device 40 is in the state of the fluctuation time shortening function. There is one that is adopted when the number of pending operations of the first symbol is "0", and when the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is "0 to 201", it corresponds to no reach (completely missed), and " 202 to 208" correspond to a reach that is off front and back, and "209 to 238" correspond to a reach other than a reach that is off front and back.

Subsequently, in step S506, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines the addition of the performance time, that is, the decision to add the performance time of the jackpot variation pattern determined in step S503 or the loss variation pattern determined in step S505. conduct. More specifically, based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, the performance time increases due to the decorative pattern (third pattern) of the medium decorative pattern row on the third pattern display device 42 sliding to a stop (the corresponding medium decoration A variation pattern including an increase in the time it takes for the decorative symbols in the symbol row to slide and stop and be displayed is determined.

Further, in step S507, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 issues a variation pattern specification command corresponding to the jackpot variation pattern determined in step S503 or a variation pattern specification command corresponding to the losing variation pattern determined in step S505. Set.

Subsequently, in step S508, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 selects the jackpot symbol (“specific winning symbol” or “non-win symbol”) of the first symbol display device 40 determined in step S502, if steps S502 and S503 have been passed. If a decorative symbol designation command corresponding to a specific winning symbol) is set and steps S504 and S505 have been passed, a decorative symbol designation command corresponding to a winning symbol of the first symbol display device 40 determined in step S504 is set. Set.

Subsequently, in step S509, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a performance time addition designation command corresponding to the performance time addition determined in step S506, and ends this process.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 14, if step S402 is YES, that is, if the first symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the process proceeds to step S407, and the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 determines whether the first symbol's variation time has elapsed or not. Determine whether The fluctuation time of this first symbol is determined based on the fluctuation pattern and performance time addition determined as described above with reference to FIG. A fluctuation time is determined, and when this fluctuation time has elapsed, an affirmative determination is made in step S407. If the variation time has not elapsed, the process advances to step S408, and if the variation time has elapsed, the process advances to step S409.

Then, in step S408, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 updates the variable display of the first symbol on the first symbol display device 40. That is, the variable display of the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 is continued, and this process is ended.

On the other hand, in step S409, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 stops the variable display of the first symbol and sets the stop symbol of the first symbol to the display symbol. That is, when the jackpot symbol (probable variable jackpot) is determined in step S502 of FIG. 15, after the variable display of the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40, Stop and display with a symbol (means a definite hit (specific hit)). If the jackpot symbol (latent probability variable jackpot) is determined in step S502 of FIG. It will stop and display at (meaning a latent certain strange jackpot (latent specific hit)). If the jackpot symbol (usually jackpot) is determined in step S502 of FIG. 15, after the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 displays the variable, the first segment display section 40a is displayed with a third symbol. Stop and display (usually means a jackpot (non-specific win)). If it is determined in step S504 in FIG. 15 that the symbol is out, the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 stops displaying the fourth symbol after the variable display on the first segment display section 40a ( (means out).

Subsequently, in step S410, the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 sets a full stop command for instructing to stop the variation pattern of the decorative symbols (third symbols) that are variably displayed on the third symbol display device 42, After that, this process ends.

Next, the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be explained. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the payout control device 311, and this main processing is started upon resetting when the power is turned on.

First, in step S901, an initial setting process is executed when the power is turned on. Specifically, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets the stack address and interrupt mode. Further, in step S902, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 permits RAM access, and in step S903, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets an external interrupt vector.

Thereafter, in step S904, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 513. In addition, in step S905, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 calculates a RAM judgment value, and in the subsequent step S906, determines whether or not the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power-off, that is, the validity of the backup. Determine gender. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 513. Note that it is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup based on whether the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly saved.

Subsequently, in step S907, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 performs initial settings of the RAM 513 at the time of power restoration. Specifically, when the main control device 261 is initialized, a payout initialization command is sent from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 receives the initial payout command from the main control device 261. When the command is received, the RAM 513 is initialized at step S907 when the power is restored. That is, the RAM area is initialized and control of payout of game balls is started.

Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed (ON) when the power is turned on, the main control device 261 is initialized, and a payout initialization command is sent from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311. Therefore, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 initializes the RAM 513 based on the payout initialization command from the main control device 261.

Subsequently, in step S908, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 initializes the peripheral devices of the CPU 511. Specifically, the CPU peripheral device is a timer control device called CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit), and this CTC is set to a predetermined value to generate a timer interrupt every 2 milliseconds (ms).

Subsequently, in step S909, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets interrupt permission, and shifts to payout control processing to be described later.

On the other hand, in the case where the power-off occurrence information is not set in step S904, or in the case where an abnormality in the backup is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) in step S906, the dispensing control device 311 The CPU 511 clears the entire area of the RAM 513 to "0" (step S910), and performs initialization processing (step S911).

Next, the flow of the payout control process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20.

In FIG. 20, in step S1001, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 acquires and stores a command from the main control device 261. Here, the commands to be stored include 15 types of prize ball commands (15 types of prize ball commands for instructing the payout of 1 to 15 balls) and instructions to start payout control to the payout control device 311. There are a total of 17 types of commands, including a dispensing return command for dispensing and a dispensing initialization command for instructing the dispensing control device 311 to initialize dispensing.

In step S1002, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether the payout permission has been received. That is, it is determined whether or not a payout return command or a prize ball command has been received. Further, in step S1003, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 checks a state return switch (not shown) and executes the state return operation when it is determined that the state return operation has started.

Thereafter, in step S1004, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 executes setting of the lower tray full state or the lower tray full release state in accordance with the change in the state of the lower tray 15. That is, the full state of the lower tray 15 is determined based on the detection signal of the lower tray full switch, and when the lower tray is full, the lower tray full state setting is executed, and when the lower tray is no longer full. , execute the setting for the lower tray full release state.

Further, in step S1005, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 executes setting of a tank ball no state or a tank ball no release state according to a change in the state of the tank ball. In other words, the no-tank-bulb state is determined based on the detection signal of the no-tank-bulb switch, and when there is no tank bulb, the no-tank bulb status is set, and when there is no tank bulb, the no-tank bulb release status is set. Run the settings.

Thereafter, in step S1006, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not there is a state to be notified, and if there is a state to be notified, the 7 segment LED provided in the payout control device 311 gives the notification.

In steps S1007 to S1009, a prize ball payout process is executed. In this case, if the prize balls are not in a disable state and the total number of prize balls stored in step S1001 is not "0" (NO in both steps S1007 and S1008), the process advances to step S1009, and the prize ball control process ( 21) to be described later is started. Further, if the prize ball cannot be paid out or the total number of prize balls is 0 (YES in either step S1007 or S1008), the process shifts to the process of paying out rental balls.

After that, in steps S1010 to S1012, a process of paying out a loan ball is executed. In this case, if the rental ball is not in a state where it is not possible to pay out the rental ball, and if a rental ball payout request is received from the card unit (step S1010 is NO, S1011 is YES), the process advances to step S1012, and the ball rental control process (described later) is performed. Figure 22) is started. Further, if the rental ball cannot be put out or a rental ball delivery request has not been received (YES in step S1010 or NO in S1011), the subsequent vibration motor control (step S1013) is executed.

In step S1013, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 controls the vibrator 360 (see FIG. 3) (vibrator motor control). After that, in step S1014, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether a power outage has occurred. If a power outage has occurred, the process advances to step S1015; otherwise, the process returns to step S1001. In step S1015, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets power-off occurrence information, and in step S1016, creates a RAM determination value. After that, it enters an infinite loop in case the power is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

Here, in the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 21, in step S1101, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the payout of the prize ball. In the following step S1102, it is determined whether the rotation of the dispensing motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the dispensing rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process advances to step S1103, where the payout motor 358a is driven to perform a retry process and a process to stop the payout motor 358a, and then returns to the payout control process in FIG. 20.

Further, if the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process advances to step S1104, and it is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch whether or not the counting of game balls is being performed normally. If the count of game balls is not normal, the process advances to step S1105, where the payout motor 358a is driven to perform a retry process and a process to stop the payout motor 358a, and then returns to the payout control process in FIG.

Further, if the counting of game balls is normal, the process advances to step S1106, and it is determined whether the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch has reached the total number of prize balls and the payout is completed. If the payout has been completed, a process to stop the payout motor 358a is executed in step S1107, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 20.

Further, in the ball rental control process shown in FIG. 22, in step S1201, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the payout of the rental ball. In the following step S1202, it is determined whether the rotation of the dispensing motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the dispensing rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process advances to step S1203, where the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process, and a process to stop the payout motor 358a is executed, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG.

Further, if the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process advances to step S1204, and it is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch whether or not the game balls are being counted normally. If the count of game balls is not normal, the process advances to step S1205, where the payout motor 358a is driven to perform a retry process and a process to stop the payout motor 358a, and then returns to the payout control process in FIG.

Further, if the counting of game balls is normal, the process advances to step S1206, and it is determined whether the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch has reached a predetermined number of rental balls (25 balls) and the payout has been completed. If the payout has been completed, a process to stop the payout motor 358a is executed in step S1207, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 20.

The above NMI interrupt process is similarly executed by the payout control device 311, and the state of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like is stored in the backup area of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. Similarly, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 for a predetermined time after the power outage signal S1 is output so that the processing of the payout control device 311 can be executed. That is, when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal S1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. Then, the NMI interrupt processing shown in FIG. 18 is started. The contents are as explained in FIG. 18.

Next, main processing and normal processing of the sub-control device 262 will be explained using FIGS. 23 and 24. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a main process executed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262, and this main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of normal processing executed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262.

First, in step S1301, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 executes initial setting processing upon power-on. Specifically, port settings (port I/O switching and initial value output), timer settings (1 millisecond interval timer, LCD command strobe output timer), and interrupt settings (subcommand strobe interrupt) are performed. .

Further, in step S1302, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether the power-off process is incomplete. Specifically, it is checked whether the various lamps (ring-shaped illumination section 102, central illumination section 103, etc.) of the front frame set 14 of the pachinko machine 10 are all turned off, and whether the speaker is in a muted state. Discern. If the power-off process is not completed, the process advances to step S1304; otherwise, the process advances to step S1303.

Subsequently, in step S1303, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the RAM of the sub-control device 262 is destroyed. If it is destroyed, the process proceeds to step S1304; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1307. . In step S1304, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a read/write check on the RAM area of the sub-control device 262. Then, in step S1305, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether the RAM of the sub-control device 262 is normal. If the RAM of the sub-control device 262 is normal, the process advances to step S1306, and if it is abnormal, the process advances to step S1312. In step S1306, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 writes RAM destruction check data for each area of the RAM 553, and sets RAM destruction check data for determining that the area is destroyed if there is an abnormality in reading.

Then, in step S1307, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether the power is turned on after the power was turned off. If the power is turned on after the power has been turned off, the process advances to step S1308; otherwise, the process advances to step S1309.

In step S1308, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 clears the RAM areas other than the unprocessed RAM area. Specifically, the unprocessed RAM area is an area for storing information that would cause problems in the system if the data is cleared, and is an area for information that is desired to remain except when the RAM area is destroyed. Examples include subcommand reception buffers and power-on information. When the main control device 261 is powered off and the sub-control device 262 is reset (when a power-off notification command is received from the main control device 261), the RAM areas other than the unprocessed RAM area are cleared.

In step S1309, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets interrupt permission. In step S1310, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the initial value of the RAM of the sub-control device 262. In step S1311, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the effect initialization flag to "1" and shifts to normal processing shown in FIG. 24.

Note that in step S1312, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 issues a RAM abnormality notification and enters an infinite loop. For example, a notification may be made such as turning on a predetermined lamp unconditionally.

As shown in FIG. 24, in step S1401, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether 1 ms or more has passed since the start of normal processing. If 1 ms or more has elapsed, the process advances to step S1402; if not, the process advances to step S1410.

In step S1402, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs lamp output processing. Specifically, the lamp output is performed in accordance with the variation pattern presentation of the decorative pattern (third pattern) on the third pattern display device 42.

In step S1403, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 issues a power-on notification. Specifically, notification is performed for 30 seconds using a power-on command.

In step S1404, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a customer waiting effect. Specifically, title/still image switching is performed. In other words, a so-called demo screen is displayed.

In step S1405, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a process of updating the pending number display of the first symbol variation. Specifically, this pending number display update process is a process for performing a display corresponding to the pending lamp 40c of the first symbol display device 40 on the third symbol display device 42, as shown in FIG. 39 described later. , Hold display 90 (up to 4 pieces like the hold lamps 40c) corresponding to the hold lamps 40c of the first symbol display device 40 is also displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42. In FIG. 39, one pending display 90 is displayed in response to one pending lamp 40c of the first symbol display device 40 being lit. That is, there is one hold display 90 as shown by a solid line in FIG. 39, and the remaining three hold displays 90 are off as shown by broken lines. Note that this process is not necessary in the case of a pachinko machine that displays only the hold lamp 40c of the first symbol display device 40.

In step S1406, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs frame button input monitoring/presentation processing. Specifically, this frame button input monitoring/presentation processing is performed on a pachinko machine equipped with frame buttons that can be pressed by the player (for example, the four selection buttons 71 to 74, the OK button 80, etc. shown in FIG. 2). This is for performing model-specific effects by pressing the frame button. Therefore, this process is not necessary in a pachinko machine that does not have such a frame button.

In step S1407, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs lamp editing processing. Specifically, processing is performed to edit a lamp lighting pattern that corresponds to (synchronizes with) the fluctuating pattern presentation of decorative symbols on the third symbol display device 42.

In step S1408, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs sound editing/output processing. Specifically, a process is performed to make a sound (sound, music, sound effect, etc.) corresponding to (synchronized with) the variation pattern performance of the decorative pattern on the third pattern display device 42.

In step S1409, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs liquid crystal presentation execution management processing. Specifically, time management is performed to synchronize the lamp, the sound, and the liquid crystal display (variable pattern display of decorative symbols on the third symbol display device 42).

In step S1410, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a process of updating the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern of the decorative symbols to be performed on the third symbol display device 42 and the effect of the sound lamp. Specifically, this random number may take a value from "0" to "32767", for example, and return to "0" when the upper limit value "37268" is reached.

In step S1411, when the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 receives commands from the main control device 261, it performs processing corresponding to each command.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, when the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 receives a fluctuation pattern designation command from the main control device 261, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs display control using a display command obtained by converting this fluctuation pattern designation command into a command. The information is transmitted to the device 45. Note that the fluctuation pattern designation command may be output as is. Further, as shown in FIG. 37, when the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 receives a decorative pattern designation command from the main control device 261, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sends a stop display command obtained by converting this decorative design designation command to the display control device 45. Send to. Further, in the command conversion of the decorative design designation command, if a preview command is generated in addition to the stop display command, the preview command is also transmitted to the display control device 45. This advance notice command includes, for example, the presence or absence of a school of fish as a notice. Furthermore, when the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 receives an all-stop command (determined command) from the main control device 261, it transmits the all-stop command as is to the display control device 45.

In step S1412, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs command output processing to output a command to the display control device 45 or the like. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 transmits various commands, such as the above-mentioned display command and stop display command, to the display control device 45, for example.

In step S1413, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether the RAM of the sub-control device 262 has been destroyed. If the RAM is not destroyed, the process returns to step S1401, and if it is destroyed, an infinite loop is entered.

In addition, the display control device 45 selects the decorative patterns to be performed on the third pattern display device 42 based on each command (variation pattern designation command, decorative pattern designation command, advance notice production command, all stop command) from the sub-control device 262. Image generation control of the fluctuation pattern is performed. Specifically, the display control device 45 executes image generation processing for the decorative symbol variation pattern on the third symbol display device 42, and generates an image at a frame rate of 30 (30 images per second), for example. By storing those generated images in the video RAM 524 (for example, a frame buffer) and displaying them on the third symbol display device 42 as appropriate, variable display of decorative symbols on the third symbol display device 42 is realized. ing.

Below, each process by the sub-control device 262 will be explained using FIGS. 25 to 34, and the process by the display control device 45 will be explained using FIGS. 35 and 36. For the sake of simplicity, the characteristic schematic configuration of the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment will first be explained using FIGS. 37 to 43.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the flow of various commands. FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining three types of fluctuations as modes of fluctuation display in the third symbol display device 42: prediction fluctuations, symbol row fluctuations, and selection fluctuations. FIG. 39(a) is a diagram showing the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 at the start of the game round in the case of prediction fluctuation, and FIG. 39(b) is a diagram showing the display screen 42a at the end of the game round in the case of prediction fluctuation. It is a diagram showing a display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42. FIG. 40(a) is a diagram showing the appearance of 12 characters, and FIG. 40(b) is an explanatory diagram organized by character type. FIG. 41(a) is a diagram showing the contents of the data display displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 when the player operates the four selection buttons 71 to 74 depending on the type of character. 41(b) is a diagram showing the contents of the data display displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 when the player operates only one selection button 71. In FIG. 42(a), the boss character is “Aa. FIG. 42(b) is a diagram illustrating the deviation variation table in the case of "Golf", where the boss character is "Db. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table for deviation variation in the case of “ramen noodles”. FIG. 43(a) is a diagram showing the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 in the first game round in the case of selection fluctuation, and FIG. 43(b) is a diagram showing the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 in the first game round in the case of selection fluctuation. It is a figure which shows the display screen 42a of the 3rd symbol display device 42 at the time.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38, the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment has three types of variations as modes of variation display on the third symbol display device 42: prediction variations, symbol row variations, and selection variations. It is equipped with the following.

Roughly speaking, as shown in FIG. 38, for example, for the period from the start of the game until the data is displayed by the player's operation of the OK button 80 (until the player predicts the boss character (winning symbol)), Each game is played with a predictive variation (see FIG. 39). Then, for the period from the end of this data display (after the player predicts the boss character) to the jackpot state, each game round displays the third symbol in a variable manner, instead of the predictive variation, as shown in Figure 10. This is done by changing the symbol row. Then, for a period from the end of this jackpot state (after the end of the normal jackpot state or the latent probability variable jackpot state) to a maximum of 12 games, each game is played with the selection variation (see Figure 43). .

First, the prediction fluctuation is based on 12 predictions, as shown in FIG. Characters are displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42, and these are displayed dynamically, and as shown in FIG. If the winning/failure lottery in the game round is a loss (if the jackpot state does not occur), the last remaining character is displayed as a loss character, and the normal game state is maintained. That is, among the 12 characters, the boss character (winning symbol: winning character) is not displayed as the last character in the prediction variation. In other words, the boss character is not selected as a character (stopped character) that remains on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42. Therefore, if the winning/failure drawing in the game round triggered by the starting prize winning is a win (in the case of a jackpot state), the last character (the boss character because it is a win) is not displayed and the jackpot state is reached. (The state in which the big winning hole 32a of the variable winning device 32 is opened for 16 rounds) is reached.

As shown in FIG. 40, there are four types of 12 characters: ball-type, animal-type, container-type, and food-type. For example, in the ball-type, the first character is a golf ball, the second is a rugby ball, and the third is a rugby ball. There are three soccer balls next. In terms of animals, there are three: the first is the gorilla, the second is the camel, and the third is the rhinoceros. When it comes to containers, there are three: the first is the cradle, the second is the cooler box, and the third is the wallet. In terms of food, there are three types: rice, second ramen, and sandwich third. As shown in Fig. 40(a), the first of each of the four systems is all marked with "go", and the second of each of the four systems is all marked with "la". The third one all has the ``sa'' suffix.

The pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment allows the player to input the predicted boss character during the prediction fluctuation period, and if the character predicted by the player is the boss character, a predetermined benefit (jackpot state It has a function of giving a suggestion as to whether the subsequent gaming state is a latent probability variable gaming state or a normal gaming state.

Specifically, during the prediction fluctuation period, the player inputs the data of the losing character for each game into the pachinko machine 10 by freely operating the four selection buttons 71 to 74. , as shown in FIG. 38, the player operates the OK button 80 to cause the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 to display the data shown in FIG. The player selects one character as the boss character from among the boss character candidates (four characters Rugby B, Golf B, Ramen, and Soccer B in FIG. 41(a)) displayed in the display area) and presses the OK button 80. If the selected character (the character expected by the player) is a boss character, it is suggested whether the game state after the jackpot is a latent probability variable game state or a normal game state. This allows the player to know whether the player is in a gaming state with a variable potential probability or a normal gaming state, and since the player is in a gaming state with a variable potential probability (internally a high probability state), the player has a strong intention to continue playing. In addition, in the normal gaming state, if the player is thinking of ending the game, he or she can end the game completely (without any repercussions). In other words, there is no fear that the game may have ended in the latent probability variable gaming state.

In addition, if the player hits the jackpot before predicting the boss character in the prediction variation, there is a high possibility that the player will not be able to obtain the bonus, so it may take too much time to predict the boss character (i.e., after playing a large number of games). Don't wait too long (for too long). Therefore, the player strives to predict the boss character before a large number of games have passed.

As shown in FIG. 38, the prediction fluctuations include the period from when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 10 until the data is displayed or the next jackpot occurs before the data is displayed, and the period after the selection fluctuations until the data is displayed. This is done during the period from when the data is displayed or until the next jackpot occurs before the data is displayed, or during the period after the variable jackpot until the data is displayed or the jackpot occurs before the data is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, in the game round that is triggered by a starting prize winning (the ball entering the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b), the symbol row fluctuation is performed by changing the three decorations as shown in FIG. This is a variation in which the third symbols (main decorative symbol SZ and sub-decorative symbol FZ) of symbol rows L, M, and R are displayed variably and finally stopped.

Furthermore, when the player predicts a boss character in the data display described above (for example, predicts a golf ball as the boss character), the player predicts the boss character ( Here, for example, a golf ball) is permanently displayed at the lower right portion of the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42. This resident display allows the player to know the boss character he or she has predicted at any time.

The selection fluctuation is performed a predetermined number of times (the character displayed in the notification display area in FIG. 41(a) As shown in FIG. 43, one character is displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 in order (character order) every several minutes (maximum 12 times) of game play. This selection variation is a variation that can indicate whether or not the boss character predicted by the player himself or herself was correct, and if the prediction is incorrect, the player is given a chance to make the prediction again.

Specifically, for 60 game rounds from the start of the game, if the player operates the four selection buttons 71 to 74 depending on the type of character, the third In the notification display area in the lower right area of the data display of the symbol display device 42, four characters, rugby ball, golf ball, ramen noodles, and soccer ball, are displayed as boss character candidates. In this case, the selection variation is performed four times. In other words, these four characters are displayed one by one in each game round. For example, if the player predicts a golf ball as a boss character and the prediction is correct, as shown in FIG. Since it is displayed at the first time of the game, it can be shown that the player's prediction was correct (the prediction was correct in the first shot). Also, if the answer is incorrect, as shown in FIG. 43(b), a soccer ball as another character that is neither the boss character (assuming that the rugby ball is the boss character here) nor the guessed golf ball. is displayed in the first game after the jackpot state has ended, so the soccer ball displayed in the first game and the golf ball predicted by the player do not match, so both are misses (incorrect answers). It can be shown that It is expected that either the remaining ramen or the rugby ball is the boss character, but based on the acquisition message in the data display of Figure 41(a), ``Characters of the same type as the boss character do not appear very often.'' Therefore, the player can understand that Ramen is not a boss character. Therefore, if the player operates the OK button 80 and re-enters the rugby ball as a boss character before the start of the second game round, the above-mentioned benefit (the game state after the jackpot state is hidden) due to the boss character hitting It is possible to obtain a suggestion as to whether the game is in a variable-probability gaming state or a normal gaming state.

In any state in which the above-mentioned prediction variation, symbol row variation, and selection variation are executed, the main controller 261 sends commands to the sub-control device 262 (variation pattern designation command, decorative symbol designation command, all stop command). The confirmation command)) is the same, and the sub-control device 262 generates commands (display command and stop display command shown in FIG. 37) according to the prediction variation, symbol row variation, and selection variation and sends them to the display control device 45. By transmitting and controlling the display of the third symbol display device 42 by the display control device 45, these prediction fluctuations, symbol row fluctuations, and selection fluctuations are displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the sub-control device 262 transmits a prediction variation start command, a data display start command, a symbol row variation start command, and a selection variation start command to the display control device 45. Then, the display control device 45 starts prediction variation, data display, symbol row variation, and selection variation based on these start commands from the sub-control device 262.

Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the sub-control device 262 generates a display command based on the variation pattern designation command from the main control device 261, and generates a stop display command based on the decorative pattern designation command from the main control device 261. and sends these commands to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 executes and controls the prediction variation, data display, symbol row variation, and selection variation based on the display command and stop display command from the sub-control device 262.

Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the sub-control device 262 generates a display opening command based on the opening command from the main control device 261, and transmits this display opening command to the display control device 45. Then, the display control device 45 executes the start of the jackpot opening (for example, 5 seconds) based on the display opening command from the sub-control device 262. Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the sub-control device 262 generates a display ending command based on the ending command from the main control device 261, and transmits this display ending command to the display control device 45. Then, the display control device 45 executes the start of the jackpot ending (for example, 5 seconds) based on the display ending command from the sub-control device 262.

Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the sub-control device 262 sets a command in the pending number display update process based on the winning command from the main control device 261, and transmits this command to the display control device 45. Then, the display control device 45 updates the pending display based on the command from the sub-control device 262. Further, the sub-control device 262 transmits a congratulations command and a regret command to the display control device 45. Then, based on the congratulations command from the sub-control device 262, the display control device 45 notifies the player that the boss character prediction was correct, for example, for about 2 seconds. Furthermore, based on the regret command from the sub-control device 262, the display control device 45 notifies the player that the boss character prediction was incorrect, for example, for about 2 seconds.

As shown in FIG. 39, in a state where the prediction variation is executed, a mini symbol variation display (specific display in the present invention) is performed by the mini symbol display section 91 at the upper right corner of the display screen 42a. This mini-symbol display section 91 includes a display section 91a that displays "O" indicating winning, and a display section 91b that displays "x" indicating losing. In this mini symbol fluctuation display, the "○" display indicating a win and the "×" display indicating a loss are synchronized with the prediction fluctuation (the "○" and "x" are lit alternately). The symbol starts (for example, it is displayed fluctuating in blue during the period until it becomes a reach), and it fluctuates in red during the period corresponding to the reach period of the symbol (for example, 11 seconds when the probability is low, and 8 seconds when the probability is high). 39(b), and in synchronization with the display of the outgoing character, for example, an "X" is stopped and displayed in blue.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, even in a state where symbol row variation is executed, a mini symbol variation display is performed by the mini symbol display section 91 at the upper right corner of the display screen 42a. Further, as shown in FIG. 43, even in a state where the selection variation is executed, a mini symbol variation display is performed by the mini symbol display section 91 at the upper right corner of the display screen 42a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 41, even while data is being displayed, a mini-symbol variation display is performed by the mini-symbol display section 91 at the upper right corner of the display screen 42a.

Here, the frame button input monitoring/presentation processing in step S1406 shown in FIG. 24 by the sub-control device 262 will be explained using FIGS. 25 to 28. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing frame button input monitoring/presentation processing by the sub-control device 262. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing selection button input monitoring processing by the sub-control device 262. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing OK button input monitoring/presentation processing by the sub-control device 262. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing data display processing by the sub-control device 262.

As shown in FIG. 25, the sub-control device 262 performs frame button input monitoring/presentation processing. Specifically, first, in step S1501, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs selection button input monitoring/presentation processing.

<Selection button input monitoring/production processing>
Here, this selection button input monitoring/presentation processing will be explained in detail using the flowchart of FIG. 26.

As shown in FIG. 26, in step S1601, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 monitors inputs from the four selection buttons 71 to 74 shown in FIG. In step S1602, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 operates when the player operates one of the four selection buttons 71 to 74 (that is, when the operation of the operated selection button 71 to 74 is detected). ), the process advances to step S1603, and if the selection buttons 71 to 74 have not been operated, the process ends.

In step S1603, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether the prediction fluctuation flag indicating that the prediction fluctuation shown in FIG. 39 is to be displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 is "1". For example, the process advances to step S1604, and if the prediction fluctuation flag is "0", the process ends.

In step S1604, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 stores data on which the selection buttons 71 to 74 were operated (pressed). Specifically, the operated selection buttons 71 to 74 and the character at the time of the operation are detected, and the operated character is stored for each selection button 71 to 74 (4×12 memory area). , the number of operations is stored for each of the 12 characters regardless of the selection buttons 71 to 74.

Next, returning to FIG. 25, in step S1502, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs OK button input monitoring/presentation processing, and ends this processing.

<OK button input monitoring/production processing>
Here, this OK button input monitoring/presentation processing will be explained in detail using the flowchart of FIG. 27.

As shown in FIG. 27, in step S1701, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 monitors the input of the OK button 80 shown in FIG.

In step S1702, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1703 if the data displaying flag is "1", and proceeds to step S1704 if the data displaying flag is "0".

In step S1703, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs data display processing, and ends this processing. Note that this data display processing will be described later using FIG. 28.

In step S1704, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1705 when the OK button 80 is operated by the player (that is, when the operation of the OK button 80 is detected). If not, this process ends.

In step S1705, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1706 if the validity determination period flag of the OK button 80 is "1", and proceeds to step S1706 if the validity determination period flag of the OK button 80 is "0". finish.

In step S1706, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1707 if the prediction variation flag is "1", and proceeds to step S1711 if the prediction variation flag is "0".

In step S1707, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1708 if the OK button 80 is held down for one second or more, and proceeds to step S1709 if it is less than one second.

In step S1708, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the boss clear flag to "1" and ends this process.

In step S1709, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the data displaying flag to "1" and proceeds to step S1710. In step S1710, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the timer value to "180000" and ends this process. This timer decrements one count every millisecond, and the value of the timer becomes "0" after three minutes (180 seconds x 1000 milliseconds = 180,000).

Returning a little further, in step S1711, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1712 if the latent mode flag is "1", and proceeds to step S1716 if the latent mode flag is "0".

In step S1712, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1713 if the game is a game in which a boss character is displayed, and otherwise proceeds to step S1717.

In step S1713, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a congratulations command, and proceeds to step S1714. In step S1714, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a notification command for a high probability or low probability state, and proceeds to step S1715. In step S1715, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the hidden mode flag to "0", the notification detection flag to "0", and the hidden mode end flag to "1", and ends this process.

Going back a little bit, in step S1716, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1717 if the game round in which the boss character is displayed has ended, and otherwise ends this process.

In step S1717, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a regret command, and proceeds to step S1718. In step S1718, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines that the valid period for pressing the OK button 80 has ended, and the process proceeds to step S1715. In step S1715, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the hidden mode flag to "0", the notification detection flag to "0", and the hidden mode end flag to "1", and ends this process.

<Data display processing>
Here, the data display processing in step S1703 described above will be explained in detail using the flowchart of FIG. 28.

As shown in FIG. 28, in step S1801, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs timer subtraction to subtract one count every millisecond.

In step S1802, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1803 if the timer value is "0", and proceeds to step S1806 if the timer value is not "0".

In step S1803, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 stores the notification character when the OK button 80 is operated (pressed) or at the end of the valid period of pressing the OK button 80, and proceeds to step S1804.

In step S1804, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the determination flag to "1" if the notification character matches the boss character, and proceeds to step S1805.

In step S1805, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the notification detection flag to "1". This notification detection flag becomes "1" when the player performs a boss character notification operation.

In step S1806, if there is no firing operation of the game ball firing handle 18 for 10 seconds, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1807, clears the timer (sets the timer value to "0"), and clears the timer as described above. The process advances to step S1803.

In step S1808, if the OK button 80 is operated by the player (that is, if the operation of the OK button 80 is detected), the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S1803 described above, and if the OK button 80 is operated by the player. If no operation has been performed, this process ends.

As described above, in the data display process, when the OK button 80 is pressed for less than 1 second during prediction fluctuation, data is displayed on the display screen 42a as shown in FIG. If the game ball continues to be fired by operating the game ball, the display can be displayed for up to 3 minutes, and if the player stops operating the game ball firing handle 18 and the game ball is not fired, the display will be displayed for a maximum of 3 minutes. , can be displayed for a maximum of 10 seconds. In other words, the configuration is such that a player who predicts a boss character while continuing the game is given preferential treatment than a player who stops the game and predicts a boss character.

Next, the liquid crystal effect execution management process of step S1409 shown in FIG. 24 by the sub-control device 262 will be explained using FIGS. 29 to 34.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing liquid crystal presentation execution management processing by the sub-control device 262. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the OK button validity determination period setting process by the sub-control device 262. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing display mode setting processing by the sub-control device 262. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the opening/closing mode (jackpot) display setting process by the sub-control device 262. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the variable display mode setting process by the sub-control device 262. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing selection variation-related processing by the sub-control device 262.

<OK button validity determination period setting process>
As shown in FIG. 29, in step S1901, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs OK button validity determination period setting processing. This OK button validity determination period setting process will be explained below using FIG. 30.

As shown in FIG. 30, in step S2001, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2002 if the validity period determination flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2008 if the validity period determination flag is "0". .

In step S2002, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2003 if the timing is the end of the game round, and otherwise proceeds to step S2004. In step S2004, if the symbol row changing flag is "1", the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2007, and if the symbol row changing flag is "0", it ends this process.

In step S2003, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2005 if the warning change flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2006 if the prediction change flag is "0".

In step S2005, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2007 if it is a jackpot, and otherwise ends this process.

In step S2006, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2007 if the latent mode flag is "1", and ends this process if the latent mode flag is "0".

In step S2007, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the validity determination period flag to "0" and ends this process.

In step S2008, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2009 if the prediction variation flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2010 if the prediction variation flag is "0".

In step S2009, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the validity determination period flag to "1" and ends this process.

In step S2010, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 advances to step S2011 if it is the game round start time, otherwise ends this process.

In step S2011, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2009 if the game is a game in which a boss character is to be displayed, and otherwise ends this process.

<Selection button validity determination period setting process>
Returning to the liquid crystal effect execution process shown in FIG. 29, in step S1902, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a selection button validity determination period setting process.

The selection button validity determination period setting process is performed, for example, in the prediction fluctuation shown in FIG. 38, for example, 0.5 seconds immediately before the determination of the stopped character (determination of the last character) as shown in FIG. 39(b). The period from 5 seconds to 5 seconds is set as the valid period.

The reason why the validity period starts from 0.5 seconds immediately before the confirmation of the stopped character is because the player may operate (press) the selection buttons 71 to 74 immediately before the confirmation of the stopped character. This is to ensure that it can be detected. Note that even if the number of seconds is other than 0.5 seconds, a time within the range of time from the time when the stopped character becomes clear to the player until the stopped character is determined may be adopted.

Furthermore, the reason why the time period is set to 5 seconds is to ensure that the operation (pressing) of the selection buttons 71 to 74 by the player can be detected reliably even when the following various fluctuation patterns are executed continuously. This is to make it possible.

For example, the low probability fluctuation patterns include a first low probability fluctuation pattern in which the display period is, for example, 10 seconds, a second low probability fluctuation pattern in which the display period is, for example, 15 seconds, and a second low probability fluctuation pattern in which the display period is, for example, 20 seconds. A third variation pattern with a low probability is seconds. Moreover, the longer the display time, the higher the expectation of jackpot is the fluctuation pattern. Examples of the high probability variation pattern include a first high probability variation pattern in which the display period is, for example, 7 seconds, and a second high probability variation pattern in which the display period is, for example, 15 seconds. Moreover, the longer the display time, the higher the expectation of jackpot is the fluctuation pattern. Furthermore, in each of these five types of variation patterns, it is displayed that one character remains out of 12 characters in the latter two seconds.

The shortest display time variation pattern is the first variation pattern (7 seconds) at high probability times, and even if this first variation pattern (7 seconds) at high probability times is displayed continuously, the variation pattern at later high probability times When 4.5 seconds have passed from the start of the first fluctuation pattern, the detection period of the selection buttons 71 to 74 for the stopped characters in the previous high probability first fluctuation pattern has ended, and In the variation pattern, 12 characters are still displayed, so the sub-control device 262 makes the relationship between the display of the stopped character in the game round and the operation (pressing) of the selection buttons 71 to 74 related to the stopped character correspond to each other. can be memorized. In addition, the selection buttons 71 to 74 can be operated when the stopped character is confirmed (or may be just before the confirmation) or after the confirmation but within the first half period when the fluctuation pattern of the next game is started. , it is easy to operate even from the player's perspective.

<Display mode setting process>
Returning to the liquid crystal effect execution process shown in FIG. 29, in step S1903, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a display mode setting process. This display mode setting process will be explained below using FIG. 31.

As shown in FIG. 31, in step S2101, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 advances to step S2102 if the production initialization flag or the latent mode end flag is "1", and the production initialization flag and the latent mode end flag If both are "0", the process advances to step S2105.

In step S2102, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the performance initialization flag to "0" and sets the latent mode end flag to "0", and proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the prediction fluctuation flag to "1", and proceeds to step S2104. In step S2104, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a prediction variation start command, and proceeds to step S2106.

In step S2105, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2106 if the boss clear flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2107 if the boss clear flag is "0".

In step S2106, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs boss character setting processing to set a boss character from among the 12 characters shown in FIGS. 39(a) and 40.

In step S2107, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2108 if the data displaying flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2115 if the data displaying flag is "0".

In step S2108, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2112 if the notification detection flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2109 if the notification detection flag is "0". In other words, if the data displaying flag is "1" in step S2107 and the notification detection flag is "0" in step S2108, and the process proceeds to step S2109, the prediction change is in progress or the data is being displayed, and in step S2107, the notification detection flag is "0". If the data displaying flag is "1" and the notification detection flag is "1" in step S2108, the process proceeds to step S2112, which means that data display has ended.

In step S2109, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2110 if the prediction fluctuation flag is "1", and ends this process if the prediction fluctuation flag is "0".

In step S2110, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the prediction fluctuation flag to "1", and proceeds to step S2111. In step S2111, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a data display start command that includes information regarding the operation (pressing) of the selection buttons 71 to 74 and the history of auxiliary effects from after the boss was determined to the present, and starts this process. finish.

In step S2112, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the data displaying flag to "0" and proceeds to step S2113. In step S2113, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the symbol row changing flag to "1", and proceeds to step S2114. In step S2114, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a symbol row variation start command, and ends this process.

In step S2115, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 advances to step S2116 if it is the end timing of a jackpot ending other than a probability variable jackpot, and otherwise ends this process.

In step S2116, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the latent mode flag to "1" and proceeds to step S2117. In step S2117, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a latent mode start command, and ends this process.

<Open/close mode (jackpot) display setting process>
Returning to the liquid crystal effect execution process shown in FIG. 29, in step S1904, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs an open/close mode (jackpot) display setting process. This opening/closing mode (jackpot) display setting process will be explained below using FIG. 32.

As shown in FIG. 32, in step S2201, if the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 has received the opening command, the process proceeds to step S2202; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2204.

In step S2202, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a display opening command, and proceeds to step S2203. In step S2203, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the prediction fluctuation flag to "0", sets the data display flag to "0", sets the symbol row fluctuation flag to "0", The selection fluctuating flag is set to "0" and the process ends.

In step S2204, if the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 has received the ending command, the process proceeds to step S2205; otherwise, the process ends.

In step S2205, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a display ending command and ends this process.

<Fluctuation display mode setting process>
Returning to the liquid crystal effect execution process shown in FIG. 29, in step S1905, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a variable display mode setting process, and ends this process. This variable display mode setting process will be explained below using FIG. 33.

As shown in FIG. 33, in step S2301, if the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 has received the fluctuation pattern designation command, the process proceeds to step S2302, and if it has not received it, the process proceeds to step S2309.

In step S2302, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2303 if the prediction fluctuation flag or data display flag is "1"; if the prediction fluctuation flag or data display flag is "0", If so, the process advances to step S2305.

In step S2303, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs auxiliary effect determination processing, and proceeds to step S2304. In step S2304, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a display command including auxiliary effects, and ends this process.

In step S2305, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2306 if the symbol row changing flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2307 if the symbol row changing flag is "0".

In step S2306, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a display command for symbol row variation, and ends this process.

In step S2307, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2308 if the latent mode flag is "1", and ends this process if the latent mode flag is "0".

In step S2308, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs selection variation-related processing, and ends this processing. Note that this selection variation-related processing will be described later.

In step S2309, if the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 has received the decorative design designation command, the process proceeds to step S2310, and if it has not received the command, the CPU 551 ends this process.

In step S2310, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2311 if the prediction fluctuation flag or the data display flag is "1"; if the prediction fluctuation flag or the data display flag is "0", If so, the process advances to step S2313.

In step S2311, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a stop character determination process, proceeds to step S2312, sets a stop display command based on the stop character, and ends this process.

Specifically, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 is equipped with a counter (which has a value of 0 to 119) for selecting an outgoing character, and the value of this counter is the number of characters stored in the ROM 552. An outgoing character (stopped character) is determined depending on which outgoing change table it corresponds to as shown in 42.

For example, the boss character is “Aa. 42, the boss character (golf ball) has no value, and if the counter value is 0 to 1, it is a rugby ball, and if the counter value is 2 to 1, it is a rugby ball. If the counter value is 3, it will be a soccer ball, if the counter value is 4 to 29, it will be a gorilla, if the counter value is 30 to 44, it will be a camel, if the counter value is 45 to 59, it will be a rhinoceros, and if the counter value is 45 to 59, it will be a rhinoceros. If the counter value is 60 to 69, it is a cradle, if the counter value is 70 to 79, it is a cooler box, if the counter value is 80 to 89, it is a wallet, and if the counter value is 90 to 99, it is rice. If the counter value is 100 to 109, it will be ramen, and if the counter value is 110 to 119, it will be sandwich. As shown in FIG. 42(a), the selection frequency of the character written as "No. 1" is 26/120, and the selection frequency of the character written as "No. 2" is 15/120. The character labeled "No. 3" has a selection frequency of 10/120, and the character labeled "No. 4" has a selection frequency of 2/120.

In step S2313, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2314 if the symbol row fluctuating flag or latent mode flag is "1", and if the symbol row fluctuating flag and latent mode flag are "0", the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 Finish the process.

In step S2314, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a stop display command based on the stop symbol, and ends this process.

<Selection variation related processing>
Here, the selection variation-related processing in step S2308 described above will be explained in detail using the flowchart of FIG. 34.

As shown in FIG. 34, in step S2401, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2402 if the notification detection flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2403 if the notification detection flag is "0".

In step S2403, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a character display command to display 12 types of characters in order for each game round. For example, the order of the 12 types of characters is determined by lottery in the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 (for example, randomly determined), and a selection variation is executed to display the 12 types of characters in the determined order. Note that the 12 types of characters may be displayed in the selection variation in a predetermined order without performing a lottery or the like.

In step S2402, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2404 if it is the first game in the latent mode, and otherwise proceeds to step S2408.

In step S2404, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2405 if the determination flag is "1", and proceeds to step S2407 if the determination flag is "0".

In step S2405, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a boss character display command, proceeds to step S2406, sets the determination flag to "0", and ends this process.

In step S2407, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a character display command for characters other than the boss character and the notification character among the X characters whose data has been displayed, and ends this process.

In step S2408, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 proceeds to step S2409 if it is the 2nd to Xth game in the latent mode, otherwise ends this process.

In step S2409, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 issues a character display command so that the remaining characters other than the characters that have been displayed in the previous game out of the X data-displayed characters are displayed in order for each game. Set, and end this process.

Note that each of the above-mentioned flags will be explained here.
The production initialization flag is set to "1" when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, and is set to "0" when the prediction variation starts. This is to set the prediction fluctuation flag to "1" and to execute the boss character determination process.

The prediction fluctuation flag is set to "1" when the mode is set immediately after the power is turned on, when the normal mode (pseudo-normal mode) starts, and when the variable probability mode starts, and when the data display starts (pressing the OK button 80) and the jackpot state. Set to ``0'' when generated.

The flag during data display is set to "1" when the OK button 80 is pressed during prediction fluctuation, and is set to "0" when a notification operation is started and when a jackpot state occurs during data display.

The flag during symbol fluctuation is set to "1" when a notification is detected (when the OK button 80 is pressed during prediction fluctuation), and is set to "0" when a jackpot state occurs.

The latent mode flag is set to "1" at the end of the jackpot state (excluding the probability-variable jackpot state), and when the selection variation (latent probability variation state) ends (the game round in which the boss character is displayed in the selection variation ends, or , the OK button 80 is pressed in the game round before the boss character is displayed in the selection variation).

The latent mode end flag is set to "1" at the end of the selection variation (latent probability variation state), and is set to "0" at the start of the prediction variation.

The boss clear flag is set to "1" when the boss is cleared (long press of the OK button 80 during prediction variation), and is set to "0" when the boss character is determined.

The notification detection flag is set to ``when the player presses the OK button 80 when deciding the boss character while displaying data, or when the valid period for pressing the OK button 80 ends while displaying data''. 1", and when the selection variation (latent probability variation state) ends (the game round in which the boss character is displayed in the selection variation ends, or the game round before the boss character is displayed in the selection variation, the OK button 80 is pressed. is set to "0" when the button is pressed).

The determination flag is set to "1" when the notification operation is correct, and is set to "0" at the start of the first game round of selection variation.

Next, normal processing of the display control device 45 will be explained using FIGS. 35 and 36. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the display control device 45. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the display mode switching process performed by the display control device 45.

In step S3001, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs command input processing for inputting various commands transmitted from the sub-control device 262, and proceeds to step S3002. These various commands include, for example, a display command, a stop display command, an opening command for display, an ending command for display, a demonstration start command, a prediction fluctuation start command, a data display start command, a symbol row fluctuation start command, and a latent mode start command. , congratulations command, and regrettable command.

In step S3002, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs processing for switching display modes, etc. (display of prediction variation, data display, symbol row variation, selection variation, jackpot opening, jackpot ending, etc.), and proceeds to step S3003. . Here, the switching process of the display mode, etc. will be explained using FIG. 36.

As shown in FIG. 36, in step S3101, if the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 has received the prediction variation start command, the process proceeds to step S3102; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3103.

In step S3102, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 starts prediction variation. Specifically, the display control device 45 dynamically displays 12 characters on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42, as shown in FIG. 39(a), and displays 12 characters as shown in FIG. 39(b). Then, the third symbol display device 42 is controlled to display a variable display that leaves one missing character at the end.

In step S3103, if the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 has received the data display start command, the process proceeds to step S3104; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3105.

In step S3104, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 starts displaying data. Specifically, the display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 to display data as shown in FIG. 41(a).

Note that the upper left part of the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 is an area for displaying the grace time until the player inputs the prediction of the boss character (in FIG. 41(a), "1 minute 58 seconds remaining"). be. In addition, the area to the right of the upper left area contains auxiliary effects (messages to the player such as ``There are not many characters that are the same type as the boss character'' or ``If any of the ``ball'' characters are the boss character, then the ``animal'' type) This is an area that displays messages such as ``This often appears'' or ``When Gohan is the boss character, ``Golf Ball'' often appears.'' In addition, the lower left half of the display screen 42a shows the total number of operations (presses) of the selection buttons 71 to 74 ("total 60 times" in FIG. 41(a)) and the number of operations of the four selection buttons 71 to 74. This is an area that displays the number of times the button is pressed and the type of character corresponding to the number of times the button is pressed. Further, the lower right half of the display screen 42a is an area where boss character candidates are displayed depending on how the player uses the four selection buttons 71 to 74.

In step S3105, if the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 has received the symbol row variation start command, the process proceeds to step S3106; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3107.

In step S3106, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 starts changing the symbol row. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the display control device 45 displays the main decorative pattern SZ and the sub-decorative pattern FZ of the three decorative pattern rows L, M, and R in a variable manner, and finally stops and displays them. Display control is performed on the third symbol display device 42 so as to perform the display.

In step S3107, if the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 has received the selection variation start command, the process proceeds to step S3108; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3109.

In step S3108, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 starts selection variation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 43, the display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 to perform a variable display in which only one character is displayed during a game round.

In step S3109, if the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 has received the display opening command, the process proceeds to step S3110; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3111. In step S3110, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 to start displaying the jackpot opening.

In step S3111, if the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 has received the display ending command, the process proceeds to step S3112; otherwise, the process ends. In step S3112, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the third symbol display device 42 to start displaying the jackpot ending.

Returning to FIG. 35, in step S3003, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines a stopping symbol in the case of symbol row variation, and determines a stopping character in the case of prediction variation, and proceeds to step S3004.

In step S3004, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines the variable display mode, and proceeds to step S3005.

In step S3005, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines an auxiliary effect (such as a message to be provided and displayed to the player as shown in FIG. 41(a)), and proceeds to step S3006.

In step S3006, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display image of the third symbol display device 42.

For example, in the prediction variation, the display control device 45 displays 12 characters as shown in FIG. 39(a), and finally displays an outgoing character as shown in FIG. 39(b). The display of the third symbol display device 42 is controlled.

In addition, in the symbol row variation, the display control device 45 displays the main decorative symbol SZ and the sub-decoration in each decorative symbol row L, M, R on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42, as shown in FIG. In addition to displaying the symbol SZ in a fluctuating manner, the third symbol is displayed so as to permanently display the character predicted and input by the player as the boss character in the right corner of the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42. Display control of the device 42 is performed.

In addition, in the selection variation, the display control device 45 displays the third symbol so that only one character is displayed in the game round on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42, as shown in FIG. Display control of the device 42 is performed.

In step S3007, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs other processing (demonstration, hold display, etc.).

For example, when displaying a demonstration effect, the display control device 45 sends an explanatory message to help the player understand the game content: ``If you can predict the rarest boss character, please press the OK button!'' ” and “There are four main types of characters! '' and ``It's easier to count if you use the four selection buttons (round, triangle, square, and diamond-shaped operation buttons when viewed from above) for each type of character! ” or “Press and hold the OK button to re-determine the boss character!” '' etc. are displayed on the demo screen sequentially as part of the demo video.

In step S3008, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines whether 1 ms or more has passed since the start of normal processing. If 1 ms or more has elapsed, the process returns to step S3001; if it has not elapsed, the process returns to step S3008.

The third symbol display device 42 described above corresponds to a display means described later, the four selection buttons 71 to 74 described above correspond to an operation means, and the data processing function of the sub-control device 262 described above corresponds to a data processing means. The suggested content display control function of the sub-control device 262 described above corresponds to a suggested content display control means, the setting function of the sub-control device 262 described above corresponds to a setting means, and the RAM 553 described above corresponds to a storage means. However, the condition continuation function of the sub-control device 262 described above corresponds to a condition continuation means, and the display effect occurrence rate setting function of the sub-control device 262 described above corresponds to a display effect occurrence rate setting means.

Further, the above-mentioned jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to a winning/failure lottery means, the correct/incorrect determining function of the sub-control device 262 described above corresponds to a correct/incorrect determining device, and the result display control function of the above-described sub-control device 262 corresponds to a result display control device. The above-mentioned privilege grant function of the sub-control device 262 corresponds to a privilege grant means, and the above-described re-input grant function of the sub-control device 262 corresponds to a re-input grant means.

Further, the display mode setting processing function (see FIG. 31) of the sub-control device 262 described above corresponds to the determining means, and among the variable display mode setting functions of the sub-control device 262 described above, steps S2302 to S2304 and steps S2309 to S2312 ( (see FIG. 33) corresponds to the first display control means, and steps S2305, S2306 and steps S2313, S2314 (see FIG. 33) among the variable display mode setting functions of the sub-control device 262 described above correspond to the second display control means. do. The mini symbol display section 91 corresponds to a variable light-emitting display section, and the "○" display section 91a indicating winning and the "X" display section 91b indicating losing correspond to light-emitting display sections.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, based on the starting prize (the ball entering the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b), a jackpot situation advantageous to the player is determined. A third symbol display device 42 that displays one character selected from a plurality of characters (12) that informs the presence or absence of occurrence, four selection buttons 71 to 74 that can be operated by the player, and a third Based on the related data that associates the character (losing character) that is confirmed and displayed at the end of the game round on the symbol display device 42 with the selection buttons 71 to 74 operated by the player regarding the losing character, the losing character and the game Data processing is performed (data processing function) to determine the relationship between the operation contents of the selection buttons 71 to 74 used by the user, and data suggesting predetermined information regarding the character (boss character candidate) is generated based on the relationship determined. A sub-control device 262 that controls display on the third symbol display device 42 (suggestion content display control function) is provided.

Therefore, the player can arbitrarily use and operate the four selection buttons 71 to 74 depending on the type and content of the character (missing character) displayed on the third symbol display device 42. . In other words, the player himself can decide how to use the four selection buttons 71-74. For example, when a player performs an operation to use different characters, related data is created that has a certain relationship between the type of outgoing character, etc. and the operation contents of the four selection buttons 71 to 74, and the sub-control device 262 uses the related data. Based on this relationship, the sub-control device 262 can display data suggesting a boss character on the third symbol display device 42 based on the relationship. Since the display is controlled, the data display can reflect the player's different operations, and the better the different operations, the more complete the data display will be. For example, as shown in FIG. 41(a), if four selection buttons 71 to 74 are used for each type of character, the notification display area will display boss character candidates from a total of 12 characters. The characters are narrowed down to four characters (Rugby B, Golf B, Ramen, and Soccer B).

On the other hand, for example, when the player does not perform the operation to use the different characters (for example, when the player operates only one selection button 71 regardless of the type or content of the missing character displayed on the third symbol display device 42) Or, if the player does not operate the selection buttons 71 to 74 at all, the type of outgoing character, etc. and the operation details of the selection buttons 71 to 74 become related data that has no relationship, and the sub-control device 262 does not operate the selection buttons 71 to 74. I can't find the character, and the data display that suggests the boss character is not fulfilling.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41(b), when only one selection button 71 is operated, the type is not displayed in the character type field, and six characters are displayed in the notification display area. characters are displayed, and the boss character candidates are not narrowed down sufficiently. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the symbol variation after this data is displayed, the selection variation will be performed six times (that is, these six characters will be displayed in order) after the jackpot state.

Furthermore, if the player does not operate any of the selection buttons 71 to 74, the type will not be displayed in the character type field, all 12 characters will remain displayed in the notification display area, and the boss character candidates will not be displayed. No filtering is performed at all. In addition, if a jackpot occurs in the symbol variation after this data is displayed, the selection variation will be performed 12 times after the jackpot condition (that is, all 12 characters that have not been narrowed down at all will be displayed in order). .

In this way, data display can be enriched depending on how the selection buttons 71 to 74 are used, so players can improve the operation details of the selection buttons 71 to 74, increase their sense of participation in the game, and use the selection buttons 71 to 74 properly. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of games using 71 to 74.

Also, based on the starting prize (ball entering the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b), a plurality of (12) characters are selected from among the characters that inform the player of the occurrence of a jackpot condition that is advantageous to the player. The sub-control device 262 includes a third symbol display device 42 that displays a selected character and four selection buttons 71 to 74 that can be operated by the player. Setting the operational validity period of the selection buttons 71 to 74 for each character (setting function) for the characters (missing characters) that are confirmed and displayed at the end of the round, and the missing characters that are confirmed and displayed on the third symbol display device 42; The RAM 553 stores related data that associates the operation details of the selection buttons 71 to 74 performed by the player during the operation validity period for the missing character, and based on the related data stored in the RAM 553, the missing character and the player performs data processing (data processing function) to determine the relationship with the operation contents used differently, and based on the determined relationship, the third symbol display device displays data suggesting predetermined information regarding the character (boss character candidate). 42 (suggested content display control function).

Therefore, the player can arbitrarily use and operate the four selection buttons 71 to 74 depending on the type and content of the character (missing character) displayed on the third symbol display device 42. . In other words, the player himself can decide how to use the four selection buttons 71-74. For example, when a player performs a different operation, the type of character, etc. and the operation contents of the four selection buttons 71 to 74 become related data that has a certain relationship, and this related data is accumulated and stored in the RAM 553. Based on the related data stored in the RAM 553, the sub-control device 262 can determine the relationship between the outgoing character and the operation details used by the player, and can determine the boss character based on the determined relationship. Since the suggested data display is controlled to be displayed on the third symbol display device 42, the data display can reflect the player's selective use operations, and the better the selective use operations, the richer the data display. For example, as shown in FIG. 41(a), if four selection buttons 71 to 74 are used for each type of character, four characters (Rugby B , Golf B, Ramen, Soccer B).

On the other hand, for example, if the player does not perform the operation to use the character properly (for example, if the player operates only one selection button 71 regardless of the type or content of the character displayed on the third symbol display device 42), , if the player does not operate any of the selection buttons 71 to 74, the character type, etc. and the operation details of the selection buttons 71 to 74 become related data that has no relationship, and the sub-control device 262 does not operate the selection buttons 71 to 74. You can't ask for it, and the data display that suggests the boss character is not fulfilling. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41(b), when only one selection button 71 is operated, the type is not displayed in the character type column, and six characters are displayed in the notification display area. is displayed, and the boss character candidates are not narrowed down sufficiently. Furthermore, if the player does not operate any of the selection buttons 71 to 74, the type will not be displayed in the character type field, all 12 characters will remain displayed in the notification display area, and the boss character candidates will not be displayed. No filtering is performed at all.

In this way, data display can be enriched depending on how the selection buttons 71 to 74 are used, so players can improve the operation details of the selection buttons 71 to 74, increase their sense of participation in the game, and use the selection buttons 71 to 74 properly. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of games using 71 to 74.

Further, as shown in FIG. 40, the total number of characters is 12, and these 12 characters are classified into four types, and the four selection buttons 71 to 74 can be operated individually. This allows four types of operation contents. In other words, the number of selection buttons 71 to 74 is intentionally set to 4, which is less than the total number of characters (12), so the selection buttons 71 to 74 can be operated by assigning them one to one to the total number of characters (12). Since it is not possible to use the four selection buttons 71 to 74, it is possible to provide the player with an opportunity to decide for himself how to use the four selection buttons 71 to 74. Furthermore, if the player notices that the characters are classified into four categories, he or she can use the four selection buttons 71 to 74 in accordance with the classification of the character.

Further, the sub-control device 262 sets the conditions for making one character selected from the 12 characters a boss character (winning character) and making the others lose characters when an advantageous jackpot condition occurs or a condition change is established. (condition continuation function), the player can predict which of the 12 characters will be the boss character until an advantageous jackpot situation occurs or a condition change is established. becomes. Since the sub-control device 262 sets the occurrence rate of characters in the classification to which the boss character belongs to be lower than that of characters in other classifications (display effect occurrence ratio setting function), four When the selection buttons 71 to 74 are operated, the number of operations of the selection buttons 71 to 74 corresponding to the classification to which the boss character belongs is small. The prediction accuracy can be improved.

In addition, in the game round in the prediction variation, a variation effect is performed in which one character is finally displayed from among the 12 characters, and one of the 12 characters is changed to the boss character ( A winning character) may be displayed as a winning character, and in a losing game round, a winning character other than the boss character may be displayed in the end. In this case, by allowing the player to use different operation units, it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy of the winning identification information (for example, boss character or winning character) by the player.

In addition, the sub-control device 262 sets the conditions in which one character selected from a plurality of characters (12 characters) is a boss character (a winning character) and characters other than the boss character are designated as losing characters to be in a jackpot state advantageous to the player. The main control device 261 is equipped with a condition continuation function that continues until the occurrence of or a condition change is satisfied, and the main control device 261 operates a jackpot random number counter C1 that performs a drawing as to whether or not the jackpot condition has occurred, based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (starting winning). The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a third symbol display device 42 that displays a losing character when the jackpot random number counter C1 draws a winner and the winner is a loser, and four symbols that can be operated by the player. The sub-control device 262 is equipped with selection buttons 71 to 74, and the sub-control device 262 controls the winning characters that are confirmed and displayed in the game round on the third symbol display device 42, and the operations of the selection buttons 71 to 74 performed by the player regarding the winning characters. and a data processing function that performs data processing to determine the relationship between the outgoing character and the operation contents used by the player, based on related data that associates the contents, and based on the relationship determined by this data processing, A suggestion content display control function that controls the display of data suggesting predetermined information (boss character candidates) regarding the prediction of a boss character on the third symbol display device 42, and a suggestion content display control function that controls the display of data suggesting predetermined information (boss character candidate) regarding prediction of a boss character, and a suggestion content display control function that controls the display of data suggesting predetermined information (boss character candidate) regarding the prediction of a boss character, and a suggestion content display control function that controls the display of data suggesting predetermined information (boss character candidate) regarding prediction of a boss character, and a suggestion content display control function that controls the display of data suggesting predetermined information (boss character candidate) regarding prediction of a boss character. It has a correct/incorrect determination function for determining whether the character is a boss character or not, and a result display control function for displaying and controlling the determination result of this correct/incorrect determining function.

Therefore, the player can arbitrarily use and operate the four selection buttons 71 to 74 depending on the type and content of the character (missing character) displayed on the third symbol display device 42. . In other words, the player himself can decide how to use the four selection buttons 71-74. For example, when the player performs a different operation, the type of outgoing character, etc. and the operation contents of the four selection buttons 71 to 74 become related data that has a certain relationship, and the sub-control device 262 uses the related data. Based on this, it is possible to determine the relationship between the winning character and the operation details used by the player, and based on the determined relationship, data display that suggests predetermined information (boss character candidate) regarding the prediction of the winning character can be determined. Since the display is controlled, the data display can reflect the player's different operations, and the better the different operations, the more complete the data display will be. For example, as shown in FIG. 41(a), if four selection buttons 71 to 74 are used for each type of character, the notification display area will display boss character candidates from a total of 12 characters. The characters are narrowed down to four characters (Rugby B, Golf B, Ramen, and Soccer B).

On the other hand, for example, if the player does not perform an operation to use a different character (regardless of the type or content of the missing character displayed on the third symbol display device 42), or if the player operates only one selection button 71, If the player does not operate any of the selection buttons 71 to 74, the type of outgoing character, etc. and the operation contents of the selection buttons 71 to 74 become related data that has no relationship, and the sub-control device 262 does not operate the selection buttons 71 to 74. Therefore, the display of data suggesting predetermined information regarding boss character prediction (boss character candidates) is not complete. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 41(b), when only one selection button 71 is operated, the type is not displayed in the character type field, and six characters are displayed in the notification display area. characters are displayed, and the boss character candidates are not narrowed down sufficiently. Furthermore, if the player does not operate any of the selection buttons 71 to 74, the type will not be displayed in the character type field, all 12 characters will remain displayed in the notification display area, and the boss character candidates will not be displayed. No filtering is performed at all.

In this way, depending on how the selection buttons 71 to 74 are used, the data display can improve the accuracy of predicting winning characters, so the player can improve the game by devising the operation details of the selection buttons 71 to 74. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that increases the sense of participation and improves the interest of games using the selection buttons 71 to 74.

Furthermore, the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the character guessed and input as a boss character by the player from among the 12 characters is a boss character (correctness/incorrect determination function), and displays the determination result on the third symbol display device. Since the display is controlled at 42, the player can check whether the character he or she predicted is correct (whether it is a boss character or not), and if it is correct, the player can feel satisfied. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that allows the player to predict the boss character and make a guess.

In addition, when a jackpot condition occurs or a condition change is established, a new winning character is reselected from among multiple (12) characters, so the player cannot predict a new winning character. , it is possible to add new gameplay with each update.

In addition, the benefit granting function by the sub-control device 262 provides a predetermined benefit to the player (for example, whether or not the character is in a latent probability state) when the correct answer is determined to be correct (determined to be a boss character) in the correctness determination function. Therefore, in order to obtain benefits, players will actively participate in the operation of selectively using the selection buttons 71 to 74 and aim to hit the winning character, which will further increase their participation in the game. It can raise awareness.

Note that, as the predetermined benefit, for example, the suggestion as to whether or not the game is in a variable potential state is a suggestion as to whether or not the gaming state after the occurrence of the jackpot state is a gaming state that is variable in potential probability. A variable probability gaming state is a gaming state where the probability of occurrence of a jackpot state is higher than a normal gaming state, but since the player is not notified of the variable probability gaming state, from the player's perspective, it is a gaming state with variable probability. This refers to a state in which it is not possible to determine whether or not it exists (latent state).

In addition, when the correct/incorrect determination function determines that the character is incorrect (determined that it is not a boss character), the sub-control device 262 provides an opportunity to guess and input a character other than the character determined to be incorrect (re-input is provided). function), the player can again predict and guess the boss character.

Furthermore, the sub-control device 262 controls the display of boss character candidates that are candidates for the boss character on the third symbol display device 42 based on the relationship between the outgoing character and the operation contents used by the player (suggested content display control function). ), when displaying in order the boss character candidate characters displayed in the data display on the third symbol display device 42 from among the 12 characters, if the character guessed and inputted by the player as the boss character is correct, the guessed character is The input character is displayed in the first game after the jackpot state ends (result display control function), so it can be shown that the player's prediction was correct (the prediction was correct in one shot). . Also, if the answer is incorrect, another character that is neither the boss character nor the guessed character will be displayed in the first game after the jackpot condition ends (result display control function), so the answer is incorrect. It can be shown that In other words, since a character different from the character expected by the player was displayed, it can be seen that the player's prediction was incorrect. Furthermore, the re-input providing means accepts the input of the character newly guessed as the boss character by the player before the boss character is displayed, so that the player can try again to hit the mark on the boss character.

Further, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the third symbol display device 42 displays on the display screen 42a a display effect indicating whether or not a specific gaming state (jackpot state) that is advantageous to the player has occurred; The display mode setting processing function of the sub-control device 262 (Fig. 31 ), and when there is a starting prize (ball entering the first starting hole 33a or second starting hole 33b) in the symbol fluctuation display mode, a symbol fluctuation display effect is displayed on the display screen 42a as a display effect. Steps S2302 to S2304 and steps S2309 to S2312 (see FIG. 33) of the variable display mode setting function of the sub-control device 262 that controls 33b), a character display effect is displayed on the display screen 42a as a display effect, and display information corresponding to the reach period of the symbol in the character display effect period is displayed on a part of the display screen 42a. Among the variable display mode setting functions of the sub-control device 262, steps S2305, S2306 and steps S2313, S2314 (see FIG. 33) are provided.

Therefore, when there is a starting prize in the character display mode (the ball enters the first starting port 33a or the second starting port 33b), a character is displayed as a display effect indicating whether or not a specific gaming state advantageous to the player has occurred. The effect is displayed on the display screen 42a, and display information corresponding to the reach period of the symbol during the character display effect period is displayed on a part of the display screen 42a, so the player can see the character display effect on the display screen 42a. Even when the character display is displayed, you can see the display information corresponding to the reach period, and if the display information corresponding to the reach period is displayed, it is possible to see that the character display effect is a display effect that indicates whether or not the jackpot has been won. You can know. In other words, it can be known that the character display effect is not a display effect for mode transition. Therefore, even if you are a beginner in the game, you can determine whether or not the character display performance is a display performance that indicates whether or not you have won the jackpot by checking whether display information corresponding to the reach period is displayed during the character display performance. This allows the player to enjoy the game and improve the lack of motivation to continue playing the game.

For example, in a character display performance, in a configuration in which a display performance that reduces the symbol variation display of three columns in the symbol variation display mode is displayed on a part of the display screen 42a, in addition to the character display performance, the symbol variation display of three columns There is a problem in that the display must also be displayed in a reduced size, which increases the burden of display processing. On the other hand, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the "○" display section 91a indicating winning and the "x" display section 91b indicating failure in the mini symbol display section 91 are displayed with variable luminescence. , there is no need to generate a reduced display image of three rows of symbol variation display, and the display processing load can be reduced accordingly. Furthermore, the two display sections 91a and 91b in the mini symbol display section 91 have a variable light emission mode (variable light emission display color) that is different from the variable light emission mode (variable light emission display color) in a period other than the reach period of the symbol. Then, it can be known that the period in which the light emitting display section is displayed with variable light emission in the different variable light emission display color is the reach period of the symbol in the character display performance.

In addition, when there is a starting prize (a ball enters the first starting port 33a or the second starting port 33b), the main controller 261 generates and outputs a predetermined command (variation pattern designation command, decorative pattern designation command). , a sub-control device 262 that generates and outputs commands related to display control (display commands, stop display commands) based on commands from the main control device 261 (fluctuation pattern designation commands, decorative pattern designation commands); The sub-control device 262 includes a display control device 45 that controls to display a variable display effect of the symbol and a display effect of the character on the display screen 42a based on a command (display command, stop display command). The display mode setting processing function of the device 262 (see FIG. 31), steps S2302 to S2304 and steps S2309 to S2312 (see FIG. 33) of the variable display mode setting function of the sub-control device 262, and the variable display mode setting function of the sub-control device 262 The mode setting function includes steps S2305, S2306 and steps S2313, S2314 (see FIG. 33), and since this sub-control device 262 controls the symbol fluctuation display effect and the character display effect, the main control device 261 Control burden can be reduced. Further, the sub-control device 262 can grasp the reach period, which the main control device 261 cannot grasp.

The pachinko machine 10 of Example 2 will be explained using FIG. 44. FIG. 44(a) shows a case where a roulette display effect (roulette chance) is executed successively after three display effects, which are the maximum number of executions, have been performed during the period from the 14th round to the 16th round in a jackpot state. FIG. 44(b) is a diagram showing a roulette chance image displayed on the display screen 42a.

Similar to the first embodiment described above, the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment includes an OK button 80 operated by a player, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, instead of the selection buttons 71 to 74 of the first embodiment described above, a single operation button 71 operated by the player is provided.

In addition, the sub-control device 262 of the second embodiment also controls the display effects (this implementation In this example, the display performance is executed in which the number of times the display performance is performed during the period corresponding to the valid period of the operation button 71 (in other words, only the performance part that requires the player to press the operation button 71) is determined by lottery in advance. It is equipped with a number lottery determination function and a function of continuously displaying the number of display effects determined by the lottery with an interval of 1 second between each. Note that here, one of 1 to 3 times is determined by lottery as the number of times the display effect will be continuously displayed. In addition, as for the actual display content, after the display performance corresponding to the number of times determined by the lottery is performed, a roulette chance described later will be performed.

Further, the sub-control device 262 of the second embodiment sets the validity period of the OK button 80 over the entire period in which display effects are displayed for the number of times determined by lottery by the display effect execution number lottery determination function, and As shown in FIG. 44(a), a valid period setting function is provided to set the valid period of the operation button 71 (3 seconds in FIG. 44(a)) for each period in which the display effect is displayed on the display screen 42a. There is. Note that the valid period of the operation button 71 is set so that it is followed by a one-second invalid period, regardless of whether the next valid period is set.

Each display effect dynamically displays a bubble image and displays text information such as ``Press the operation button to pop the bubbles'' as shown in FIG. 44(a). There is. In addition, during the 1 second interval (invalid period of the operation button 71) set after this display effect, the points obtained by pressing the operation button 71 by the player and the total points at the present time are displayed in a decorative manner. An effect that notifies the user that there are no points to be acquired, and an effect that decoratively alerts the user that there are no points to be acquired in response to the fact that a press operation has not been performed are performed. In other words, the player checks the number of points he owns during this 1-second interval, and decides whether or not to confirm the current points as points to be added to the points for the roulette chance described later (in other words, OK The user decides by his/her own judgment whether to press the button 80 or not, and either actually presses the OK button 80 or expects the next display effect to occur without pressing it. Note that the valid period of the operation button 71 may be set as a part of the display effect period (such as an intermediate period or a final period of the display effect).

In addition, the sub-control device 262 of the second embodiment has a function of acquiring points (information corresponding to the validity period) when the operation button 71 is pressed (first operation) during the validity period, and determining the number of display effects to be executed by lottery. A function that causes a transition to a roulette chance (predetermined trigger) based on the completion of all display effects for a number of times determined by the function (predetermined condition is met), and a press operation of the OK button 80 before the roulette chance occurs. If there is, it is determined whether or not to grant a predetermined benefit based on the final total points obtained by adding the points obtained based on operating the operation button 71 during the display performance to the points obtained by the roulette chance, If a roulette chance occurs without pressing the OK button 80, determine whether or not to grant a predetermined benefit by making only the points acquired through the roulette chance the final total points without adding the acquired points. It has the ability to decide.

FIG. 44(a) shows a case where the display performance execution number lottery determining means has randomly decided to execute the display performance three times, which is the maximum number of executions, and the first, second, and third display performances are consecutive. It is a time chart showing that a roulette display performance (roulette chance) was performed after the roulette display performance (roulette chance) was performed. In this example, the player presses the operation button 71 in each of the first to third display performances, and earns 10 points the first time, 30 points the second time, and 20 points the third time. This means that you will have earned 60 points in total. These points are determined from among five types of points (10 points, 20 points, 30 points...50 points) based on the detection of the validity of the first operation button 71 during the validity period corresponding to each display effect. will be selected by lottery.

In addition, in FIG. 44(a), after the first to third display performances are performed, a predetermined benefit (for example, notification about the gaming state after the end of the jackpot state) is given to the player. A roulette chance is executed, which is a performance to definitively notify whether the game is successful or not. In this roulette chance, on the display screen 42a, as shown in FIG. The numerical value displayed by the option in the corresponding position is selected as the point. The numerical values indicated by each option are displayed in a ring so that points for addition, points for subtraction, and points for no addition or subtraction are mixed. Specifically, numerical values such as +100, +60, . . . , ±0, -50, etc. are displayed as options.

If the OK button 80 is pressed before this roulette chance occurs, the final total is obtained by adding the points acquired before the OK button 80 is pressed to the points acquired as a result of the roulette chance. While points determine whether or not a predetermined benefit is granted, if a roulette chance occurs without (or before) the OK button 80 being pressed, the above-mentioned Even if you have previously acquired points in each display effect, they will not be added, and it will be determined whether or not a given benefit will be given only based on the points as a result of the roulette chance. A function to detect a transition to a chance (predetermined trigger), a function to detect whether there is an operation history of the OK button 80 at the time of the predetermined trigger, and a display before the operation timing if there is an operation history. It has a function that allows the points acquired in the presentation to be used, while disabling the points acquired in the display presentation if there is no operation history.
Therefore, the OK button 80 is not operated during the period from the time when the operation button 71 is pressed in the third display performance described above to the time when the roulette chance starts, that is, until the end of the one second performance. The final total points are "120", which is more than 100 points, by combining the previously acquired total of 60 points, which became valid as a result of the roulette chance, and the 60 points as a result of the roulette chance. As a result, the player is given a benefit that indicates the gaming state after the end of the jackpot state.

In addition, each of the above-mentioned functions (a function to determine the number of display effects to be executed, a validity period setting function, a point acquisition function, a roulette chance generation function, a function to determine whether points can be used or not, a roulette lottery function), and other functions mentioned above. is configured by reading out a program stored in the ROM 552 of the sub-control device 262 shown in FIG. 9 and executing it on the CPU 551.

Note that the operation functions such as the operation button 71 and the OK button 80 described above correspond to the operation means, and the validity period setting function of the sub-control device 262 corresponds to the validity period setting means, and the information (points) acquisition of the sub-control device 262 is performed. The function corresponds to a means for acquiring information, and the roulette chance generation function of the sub-control device 262 corresponds to a means for generating a predetermined opportunity. Corresponding to a declaration of intention, the point usability/unusability determination function of the sub-control device 262 executes a performance using the acquired information, or makes the acquired information available or uses the acquired information. This corresponds to a function that determines whether the performance that has been provided will not be performed or whether the acquired information will not be available.

According to the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment, before the occurrence of a predetermined opportunity (roulette chance), the player makes a If the OK button 80 is pressed, the acquired information (points) will become available for use, and if a roulette chance occurs before the OK button 80 is pressed, the acquired points will no longer be available for use in the game. Under conditions where it is desirable for the user to press the OK button 80 before the roulette chance occurs, the person cannot know in advance how many times the display effect will be performed from 1 to 3 times before the roulette chance occurs. Regarding the method of participating in the production by operating the OK button 80 at a timing based on self-judgment while predicting how many points should be acquired to be added to the points for a later roulette chance, regardless of the situation. It is possible to provide a pachinko machine that allows the player to have the right to choose, increase his or her sense of participation in the game, and improve the interest of the game using the operating means (for example, the OK button 80).

Note that the above configuration can also be applied to the first embodiment described above.

That is, in the first embodiment, the valid period of the selection buttons 71 to 74 for each variable display (predetermined unit performance) is set for the button group operated by the player, that is, the selection buttons 71 to 74 and the OK button 80 (operation means). The selection button validity determination period setting process (validity period setting means) which is the process of setting S1902, and when the selection buttons 71 to 74 are pressed (first operation) during this validity period, information corresponding to the validity period is displayed. The process of S1604 in the selection button input monitoring process of S1502 to obtain and the fact that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 triggered by the ball entering the first starting port 33a or the second starting port 33b was a specific value ( means for causing a jackpot state (predetermined trigger) based on a predetermined condition (predetermined conditions are met), and if the OK button 80 is operated before the jackpot state occurs (a specific intention expressed by the player is If a jackpot state occurs before the OK button 80 is operated (if a specific intention is If a predetermined trigger occurs before the data is reflected), a configuration in which data display is not performed is applicable. In addition, in the above data display, the plurality of pieces of information acquired in each of the preceding fluctuations for advance notice are displayed classified according to the difference in the result of the fluctuation for advance notice corresponding to the timing at which each piece of information was acquired.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may have other configurations that produce similar effects, and can be modified, for example, as described below.

<1> In the embodiment described above, the characters are displayed on the third symbol display device 42, but a display section for displaying the characters may be provided separately from the third symbol display device 42.

<2> In the above-described embodiment, the main controller 261 controls the display of the characters on the third symbol display device 42 or the display of the characters on the display section provided separately from the third symbol display device 42 for displaying characters. Alternatively, the display control device 45 may be used for control.

<3> In the above-mentioned embodiment, a display effect in which one character remains among a plurality of characters (for example, 12 characters) is adopted as a plurality of display effects, but in the end two or more characters remain. A display effect that leaves a message may be adopted, or the boss character may be a combination of multiple characters. Further, a plurality of symbol variation patterns, a plurality of symbol variation patterns, etc. may be employed.
<4> In the above-described embodiment, in addition to displaying images like the third symbol display device 42, a device including a plurality of light emitting bodies (segment display or dot matrix display) may be adopted. For example, each character may correspond to one of a plurality of light emitters.

<5> In the embodiment described above, four operation contents are realized by operating four operation buttons (selection buttons 71 to 74), but it is possible to provide a number of operation buttons other than four. You can. Alternatively, a single operation means that can be operated with a plurality of operation contents (for example, a dial that can be stopped at a plurality of number positions) may be used. In addition, although the selection buttons 71 to 74 are arranged on the upper tray 19, they can also be arranged near the game ball firing handle 18 or on the game ball firing handle 18 itself. The selection buttons 71 to 74 may be operable with the fingers of the right hand gripping the handle 18.

<6> In the above-mentioned embodiment, in the prediction variation, the losing character is only displayed as the last character, and even if it is a hit, the boss character is not displayed. , in the selection variation shown in FIG. 38, if the player is not provided with a chance to re-enter the boss character when the boss character prediction is wrong (re-input giving function), the last one in the prediction variation is not provided. The boss character (winning character) may be displayed as one character.

<7> In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38, data is displayed in the prediction variation and when the player inputs a prediction (selection input) for the boss character, the change is switched to symbol row variation. The prediction fluctuation may also be continued.

<8> In the above-mentioned embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, a total of two display sections are used: an "○" display section 91a indicating winning and an "x" display section 91b indicating failure. It is also possible to alternately emit and display "○" and "x" on a single display section, and change the emitted light color during the reach period of the symbol. Moreover, instead of the emitted light color, the blinking pattern may be made different during the reach period of the symbol.

<9> In the above-mentioned embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine is explained, but the present invention may be applied to other types of gaming machines such as slot machines.

For example, the present invention may be implemented in various types of gaming machines (for example, type 1, type 3, etc.), or it may be implemented in pachinko machines of different types from the above embodiments. For example, there are pachinko machines (commonly known as 2-hit, 3-hit, and 3-hit machines) that increase the expected value of a jackpot once you hit the jackpot once and until you hit the jackpot multiple times (for example, 2 or 3 times). ) may be implemented. Furthermore, the pachinko machine may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a specific gaming state with the necessary condition that a ball is won in a predetermined area after a jackpot symbol is displayed. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a specific gaming state when a ball enters a predetermined winning hole. Furthermore, in addition to pachinko machines, the present invention may be implemented as various game machines such as arranged ball type pachinko, mahjong ball, and so-called game machines that are a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine.

A specific example of a gaming machine that is a fusion of a pachinko machine and a slot machine is equipped with a variable display means that displays a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner, and then displays the symbol in a fixed manner. Here are some things we don't have. In this case, after a predetermined amount of game balls are thrown in based on a predetermined operation (button operation), the symbols start to fluctuate due to, for example, the operation of the operating lever, and the variation of the symbols starts due to, for example, the operation of the stop button, or As time passes, the fluctuation of the symbols is stopped, and a jackpot condition advantageous to the player is generated with the necessary condition that the determined symbol at the time of the stop is a so-called jackpot symbol, and the player is given A large number of balls are paid out.

Note that this specification also discloses an invention related to the following gaming machine.

<First task>
Conventionally, a typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In this pachinko machine, for example, when a game ball enters a winning opening provided on the gaming board (starting winning), the symbols displayed on the variable display device in the gaming board start to fluctuate, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. There is a game that becomes a jackpot state (specific game state) when the pattern of the stopped symbol is a predetermined jackpot symbol. When this jackpot state occurs, the grand prize opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and by placing a plurality of game balls into the grand prize opening, the player can win a large amount of balls.

In addition, during a specific period when an operation suggestion display indicating that the operation of the operation button is valid is displayed on the variable display device, if the player operates the operation button after seeing it, the operation will cause the variable display device to There is a pachinko machine in which the display mode changes (for example, see Patent Document: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-81588 (page 45, FIG. 40)).

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in conventional gaming machines, a player operates a predetermined operating means (operation button) in accordance with the operating suggestion from the gaming machine (specifically, by looking at the operating suggestion display displayed on the variable display device). Since it is only operated by the player, there is an aspect that the player only mechanically operates the operation buttons according to the instructions of the gaming machine, and it is impossible to further improve the fun of the game using the operation buttons. There's a problem.

The following invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of games using operating means.

(A1) In a gaming machine equipped with a display means for displaying a display effect selected from a plurality of displays based on the establishment of a predetermined condition,
An operating means that can be operated in a plurality of operating modes and is composed of one or more operating sections;
When the operating means is operated in response to displaying a predetermined display effect on the display means, data processing is performed in which the operation mode in the operation is associated with the predetermined display effect, and the data processing is performed. data processing means for storing information as a result of;
Suggestion content display control means for controlling display of predetermined suggestion content based on stored information stored in the data processing by the data processing means;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention described in (A1) above, the player can arbitrarily select from among a plurality of modes for operating the operating means in response to a predetermined display effect displayed on the display means. can. In other words, in a gaming machine where the operation method for the operating means is specified by the control of the gaming machine, it is difficult to reflect the player's intention regarding the game, and as a result, the player's operation is performed as supported by the control of the gaming machine. will be held. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, for example, the player himself or herself can use the operating mode of the operating means appropriately. Specifically, in a configuration where it is necessary to operate the operating means in different operation modes for multiple types of display effects, no matter how the player associates each operation mode with each display effect, the suggested content display Since predetermined suggested content is displayed by the control means, the player can enjoy the performance using the operating means in a manner that is most familiar to him/her. Thereby, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can increase the player's sense of participation in the game and improve the interest of the game. In addition, instead of "suggestion content display control means for controlling the display of predetermined suggestion contents" in the above configuration, for example, "suggestion content output control means for controlling the output of predetermined suggestion contents" is used as a concept that includes audio output etc. in addition to display. etc. may also be used.

(A2) A gaming machine equipped with a display means for displaying one display effect selected from among a plurality of display effects to inform the player of the occurrence or non-occurrence of a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, based on the establishment of a predetermined condition,
an operation means that allows a player to operate with any operation content from among a plurality of operation details;
a setting means for setting an operation validity period of the operation means for each display effect displayed on the display means;
a storage means for storing related data associating the display effect displayed on the display means with the operation contents of the operation means performed by the player during the operation validity period for the display effect;
data processing means for performing data processing to determine the relationship between the display effects and the operation contents used by the player, based on the related data stored in the storage means;
Suggestion content display control means for controlling the display of suggestion content suggesting predetermined information regarding the display effect based on the relationship obtained by the data processing means;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention described in (A2) above, the player can arbitrarily use and operate the operation contents of the operation means according to the type and content of the display performance displayed on the display means. In other words, the player himself can decide how to use the operation contents of the operation means. For example, when a player performs a different operation, related data that has a certain relationship between the type of display effect, etc. and the operation content of the operating means is generated, and this related data is accumulated and stored in the storage means, and the data is processed. The means can determine the relationship between the display effect and the operation content used by the player based on the related data stored in the storage means, and the suggested content display control means can determine the relationship between the display effect and the operation content used by the player based on the relationship determined by the data processing means. Since the display of the suggestion contents suggesting predetermined information regarding the display effect is controlled, the suggestion contents can reflect the player's selective operation, and the better the selective operation is, the more the suggestion contents are enriched. On the other hand, for example, if the player does not perform different operations (for example, if the player operates the operation means with the same operation content regardless of the type or content of the display effect displayed on the display means), or if the player If no operation is performed at all, the type of display effect, etc. and the operation content of the operating means will be related data that has no relationship, and the data processing means will not be able to determine the relationship, and will suggest predetermined information regarding the display effect. The suggested content is not sufficient. Therefore, depending on how the operation contents of the operation means are used, the suggestions will be enriched, so players can devise the operation contents of the operation means, increase their sense of participation in the game, and increase the interest of the game using the operation means. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can be improved.

(A3) In the gaming machine described in (A1) or (A2) above,
The total number of the plurality of display effects is m (m is a natural number), and these m display effects are classified into n pieces (n is a natural number smaller than m),
A gaming machine characterized in that the operation means includes n operation sections, and allows n operation contents by individually operating the n operation sections.

According to the invention described in (A3) above, the number of operation units is intentionally set to n, which is less than the total number of display effects (m pieces), so that the number of operation units is set one to one for the total number of display effects (m pieces). Since the player cannot operate the n operating units, it is possible to provide the player with an opportunity to decide which of the n operating units to use. Furthermore, if the player notices that the display effects are classified into n types, he or she can selectively use the n operation units in accordance with the classification of the display effects.

(A4) In the gaming machine described in (A3) above,
The condition that one display performance selected from the m number of display performances is a winning display performance and the others are designated as a winning display performance is continued until the above-mentioned advantageous specific gaming state occurs or the condition change is established. condition continuation means;
display effect occurrence rate setting means for setting a display effect occurrence rate of a category to which the winning display effect belongs to a lower rate than display effects of other categories;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention described in (A4) above, the condition continuation means sets the condition that one display performance selected from m display performances is a winning display performance and the other display performances are set as a winning display performance. This continues until a specific gaming state occurs or a condition change is established, so which of the m display effects is a winning display effect until an advantageous specific gaming state occurs or a condition change is established. It becomes possible for the player to predict what will happen. The display effect occurrence rate setting means sets the occurrence rate of the display effects of the category to which the winning display effect belongs to a lower value than the display effects of other categories, so that n When operating the operation unit, since there are few operations on the operation unit corresponding to the category to which the winning display effect belongs, the player can specify the category to which the winning display effect belongs, and the player can easily identify the category to which the winning display effect belongs. Prediction accuracy can be improved.

The m pieces of display performance is a performance that finally displays one piece of identification information (for example, a character) out of m pieces of identification information (for example, a character), and m pieces of identification information (for example, a character). One of the identification information is used as the winning identification information (e.g. boss character or winning character), the other identification information is used as the winning identification information (e.g. the winning character), and the final winning identification information (e.g. the winning character) is used as the winning identification information (for example, the winning character). ) may be displayed. In this case, by allowing the player to use different operation units, it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy of the winning identification information (for example, boss character or winning character) by the player.

(A5) In the gaming machine described in any one of (A1) to (A4) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (A5) above, it is possible to provide a pachinko machine that can improve the interest of the game using the operating means. The basic structure of a pachinko machine is that it is equipped with an operating handle, and in response to the operation of the operating handle, a ball as a gaming medium is launched into a predetermined gaming area, and the ball is placed at a predetermined position within the gaming area. One example is one in which identification information (such as a symbol) dynamically displayed on a display device is fixed and stopped after a predetermined period of time, with the necessary condition of winning a prize (or passing through an operating gate). In addition, when a specific gaming state occurs, a variable winning means (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner to allow balls to be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is given. Examples include those that are given value (including not only prize balls but also data written to magnetic cards, etc.).

(A6) In the gaming machine described in any one of (A1) to (A4) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is a slot machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (A6) above, it is possible to provide a slot machine that can improve the interest of the game using the operating means. The basic structure of a slot machine is that it is equipped with a variable display means that dynamically displays an identification information string consisting of a plurality of pieces of identification information, and then displays the identification information definitively, and that The dynamic display of the identification information is started due to an event, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of a stop operation means (for example, a stop button) or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. and a specific gaming state generating means for generating a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, with the necessary condition that the final identification information at the time is specific identification information. In this case, typical examples of gaming media include coins and medals.

<Second task>
Conventionally, a typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In this pachinko machine, for example, when a game ball enters a winning opening provided on the gaming board (starting winning), the symbols displayed on the variable display device in the gaming board start to fluctuate, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. There is a game that becomes a jackpot state (specific game state) when the pattern of the stopped symbol is a predetermined jackpot symbol. When this jackpot state occurs, the grand prize opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and by placing a plurality of game balls into the grand prize opening, the player can win a large amount of balls.

In addition, during a specific period when an operation suggestion display indicating that the operation of the operation button is valid is displayed on the variable display device, if the player operates the operation button after seeing it, the operation will cause the variable display device to There is a pachinko machine in which the display mode changes (for example, see Patent Document: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-81588 (page 45, FIG. 40)).

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in conventional gaming machines, a player operates a predetermined operating means (operation button) in accordance with the operating suggestion from the gaming machine (specifically, by looking at the operating suggestion display displayed on the variable display device). Since it is only operated by the player, there is an aspect that the player only mechanically operates the operation buttons according to the instructions of the gaming machine, and it is impossible to further improve the fun of the game using the operation buttons. There's a problem.

The following invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of games using operating means.

(B1) a lottery means for determining whether or not the specific gaming state occurs based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
a display means for displaying predetermined information selected from a plurality of types based on the result of the win/fail lottery performed by the win/fail lottery means;
Suggestion content display control means for controlling the current gaming state to be suggested by varying the selection tendency of the information to be displayed on the display means;
An operation means that can be operated by a player;
Recognizing the selection tendency of the suggested content display control means predicted by the player based on at least one of the operation mode or operation timing of the operation means, and determining whether the selection tendency matches the actual selection tendency. correct/incorrect determination means for determining whether it is correct or incorrect;
result display control means for displaying the result of the correct/incorrect determination by the correct/incorrect determining unit in a predetermined manner;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention described in (B1) above, by varying the selection tendency of the information displayed on the display means, the player can enjoy predicting the current gaming state based on the displayed information. can occur over a certain period of time in the gaming state, and the player's interest can be maintained for a long time. In addition, when the player operates the operating means, the gaming machine determines whether the selection tendency predicted by the player is correct or incorrect, and the result is displayed to actively inform the player of the prediction. This can increase the interest of the game. Note that instead of the configuration in which the result display control means displays the correct/incorrect judgment, a configuration may be adopted in which the correct/incorrect judgment is taught by the result teaching control means.

(B2) The condition that one display performance selected from a plurality of display performances is a winning display performance, and the others are designated as a winning display performance, is the occurrence of a specific gaming state advantageous to the player or the establishment of a condition change. a condition continuation means that continues until
a success/failure lottery means for performing a lottery as to whether or not the specific gaming state occurs based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
Display means for displaying the lose display effect when the win/fail lottery is drawn by the win/fail lottery means, and the result is a failure;
an operation means that allows a player to operate with any operation content from among a plurality of operation details;
The relationship between the display effect and the operation content used by the player based on related data that associates the display effect displayed on the display means with the operation content of the operation means performed by the player regarding the display effect. a data processing means for processing data for sex;
Suggestion content display control means for controlling the display of suggestion content suggesting predetermined information regarding prediction of the winning display performance based on the relationship obtained by the data processing means;
correctness/incorrect determination means for determining whether or not a display performance inferred and inputted by the player as a winning display performance from among the plurality of display performances is correct;
Result display control means for displaying and controlling the discrimination results by the correct/incorrect discriminating means;
Equipped with
A gaming machine characterized by comprising a privilege awarding means for awarding a predetermined privilege to a player when the answer is determined to be correct by the correctness determining means.

According to the invention described in (B2) above, the player can arbitrarily use and operate the operation contents of the operation means according to the type and content of the display effect displayed on the display means. In other words, the player himself can decide how to use the operation contents of the operation means. For example, when a player performs a different operation, related data that has a certain relationship between the type of display effect and the operation content of the operating means is generated, and the data processing means uses the related data to determine whether the display effect and the player It is possible to determine the relationship between the operation contents that are used differently, and the suggestion content display control means displays suggestion content that suggests predetermined information regarding the prediction of the winning display performance based on the relationship determined by the data processing means. Therefore, the suggestion content can be made to reflect the player's different operations, and the better the different operations are, the more the suggestion content is enriched (the suggestion content improves the prediction accuracy of the winning display effect). On the other hand, for example, if the player does not perform different operations (for example, if the player operates the operation means with the same operation content regardless of the type or content of the display effect displayed on the display means), or if the player If no operation is performed at all, the type of display effect, etc. and the operation content of the operating means will be related data that has no relationship, and the data processing means will not be able to determine the relationship, and will not be able to determine the relationship specified by the predetermined information regarding prediction of the winning display effect. Suggestions that suggest information are not fulfilling. Therefore, depending on how the operation contents of the operation means are used, the prediction accuracy of the winning display performance will be improved. Therefore, the player will devise the operation contents of the operation means, increase the awareness of participation in the game, and use the operation means. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of a game using.

Furthermore, the correct/incorrect determination means determines whether the display effect that the player guessed as a winning display effect is correct or incorrect from among the plurality of display effects, and the determination result is displayed, so that the display effect expected by the player is correct or incorrect. You can check whether the answer is correct (or not) and feel satisfied if the answer is correct. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a gaming feature in which a player can predict a winning display performance and hit the mark. Furthermore, when a specific gaming state occurs or a condition change is established, a new winning display effect is reselected from among the multiple display effects, so the player cannot predict the new winning display effect. , it is possible to add new gameplay with each update.

In addition, the benefit granting means grants a predetermined benefit to the player when the correct answer is determined to be correct by the correct/incorrect determining means, so that the player is more likely to use the operating means properly in order to obtain the benefit. By actively participating and aiming to hit the winning display, the player's sense of participation in the game can be further increased.

Examples of the predetermined benefits include a benefit that indicates whether or not the gaming state after the occurrence of the specific gaming state is a latent probability variable gaming state. A latent probability-variable gaming state is a probability-variable gaming state in which the probability of occurrence of a specific gaming state is higher than a normal gaming state, but since the player is not notified of the probability-variable gaming state, from the player's perspective, it is a probability-variable gaming state. This refers to a state in which it is not possible to determine whether something is true or not (latent state).

(B3) In the gaming machine described in (B1) or (B2) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that it is equipped with a re-input providing means for providing an opportunity to guess and input a display effect different from the display effect determined to be an error when the error is determined by the correctness determination means. .

According to the invention described in (B3) above, the re-input providing means provides an opportunity to inferentially input a display effect different from the display effect determined to be an error when the error is determined by the correctness determination means. Since the game is awarded, the player can predict the winning display effect again and win.

(B4) In the gaming machine described in (B3) above,
The suggestion display means displays a display effect that is a candidate for a winning display effect as the suggestion content based on the relationship,
The result display control means, when sequentially displaying the display performances candidate-displayed by the suggestion display means from among the plurality of display performances, if the display performance guessed and inputted by the player as a winning display performance is correct; , displays the guessed input display performance first, and if the guess is incorrect, controls to display another display performance that is neither the winning display performance nor the guessed input display performance first;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the re-input providing means accepts an input of a display performance newly estimated as a winning display performance by the player until the winning display performance is displayed.

According to the invention described in (B4) above, the suggestion display means displays a display performance that is a candidate for a winning display performance based on the relationship between the display performance and the operation content used by the player. The result display control means sequentially displays the display performances candidate displayed by the suggestion display means from among the plurality of display performances, and if the display performance guessed and inputted by the player as a winning display performance is correct, the guessed display performance is displayed. Since the input display effect is controlled to be displayed first, it can be shown that the player's prediction is correct (the prediction was correct in one shot). Furthermore, if the answer is incorrect, control is performed so that another display effect that is neither the winning display effect nor the guessed input display effect is displayed first, so that it can be shown that the answer is incorrect. In other words, since a display performance different from the display performance expected by the player was displayed, it can be seen that the prediction was incorrect. Furthermore, the re-input providing means accepts the input of the display effect newly estimated as the winning display effect by the player before the winning display effect is displayed, so that it is possible for the player to try again to hit the mark in the winning display effect. can.

(B5) In the gaming machine described in any one of (B1) to (B4) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (B5) above, there is provided a pachinko machine that can improve the interest of the game using the operating means and has a gaming experience that allows the player to predict the winning display performance and hit the hit. can. The basic structure of a pachinko machine is that it is equipped with an operating handle, and in response to the operation of the operating handle, a ball as a gaming medium is launched into a predetermined gaming area, and the ball is placed at a predetermined position within the gaming area. One example is one in which identification information (such as a symbol) dynamically displayed on a display device is fixed and stopped after a predetermined period of time, with the necessary condition of winning a prize (or passing through an operating gate). In addition, when a specific gaming state occurs, a variable winning means (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner to allow balls to be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is given. Examples include those that are given value (including not only prize balls but also data written to magnetic cards, etc.).

(B6) In the gaming machine described in any one of (B1) to (B4) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is a slot machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (B6) above, there is provided a slot machine that can improve the interest of the game using the operating means and has a gaming experience that allows the player to predict the winning display performance and hit the winning result. can. The basic structure of a slot machine is that it is equipped with a variable display means that dynamically displays an identification information string consisting of a plurality of pieces of identification information, and then displays the identification information definitively, and that The dynamic display of the identification information is started due to an event, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of a stop operation means (for example, a stop button) or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. and a specific gaming state generating means for generating a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, with the necessary condition that the final identification information at the time is specific identification information. In this case, typical examples of gaming media include coins and medals.

<Third task>
Conventionally, a typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In this pachinko machine, for example, a lottery is held when a game ball enters a starting hole provided on the game board (starting prize), and a pattern is variably displayed on the display screen of a variable display device in the game board. The symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination determined based on the lottery results, so that the player can recognize whether or not a jackpot situation will occur, and the symbols are designed to make the player aware of the lottery results. When the display is performed on a variable display device, animations and the like are used to heighten the player's expectations for the jackpot. In addition, in recent years, further innovations have been made to increase interest, such as configuring the game so that the player can change the display effects by having the player operate operating means such as operation buttons. There are also pachinko machines (for example, patent document: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-81588).

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
In other words, in conventional pachinko machines equipped with operating means, etc., if the player does not operate the operating means, the display effects do not change, and the player's interest cannot be enhanced. This will require excessive operation of the operating means. In this case, there is a problem in that some players may feel as if they are being forced to operate the operating means by the pachinko machine, and this may reduce their desire to continue playing the game, causing them to stop playing.

The following invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a gaming machine that allows players to use the operating means without giving them an impression of being forced, and as a result, improves the interest of the game. The purpose is to provide.

(C1) In a gaming machine that displays on the display screen a display effect indicating whether or not a specific gaming state advantageous to the player has occurred,
An operation means that can be operated by a player;
Based on the operation of the operating means, the display mode related to the display effect is set to one of a plurality of display modes including at least a first display mode and a second display mode in which the expected effect that may be displayed in the first display mode is not displayed. means for determining which one to use, the determining means being capable of changing the display mode to the first display mode in response to the operation means being effectively operated in the second display mode;
display control means for executing the display effect in a manner according to the display mode determined by the determination means when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The display control means is
a first display control means for controlling the display effect to be displayed on the display screen in the first display mode;
In the second display mode, the display effect is controlled to be displayed on the display screen, and is executed separately from the display effect in synchronization with the execution period of the display effect, and the expected effect is a second display control means for controlling such that a specific display that can be displayed includes predetermined display information that is simplified;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to the invention described in (C1) above, the determining means changes the display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode based on the operation of the operating means by the player, and the display effect is displayed. The expected effect that may be displayed when the display mode is the first mode when a predetermined condition for the operation is satisfied is not displayed in the second display mode before the operation means is operated. In the 2-display mode, predetermined display information that is a simplified version of the expected performance is displayed as a specific display instead of the expected performance. Therefore, when the player visually recognizes the predetermined display information in the second display mode, his desire to see the actual expected performance increases and he operates the operating means. Therefore, compared to the case where the user is prompted to operate the operating means by directly displaying a message, the player can be made to use the operating means without giving an impression of being forced, and as a result, the enjoyment of the game is improved. be able to. As a specific example of the above configuration, for example, as the first display mode, a symbol fluctuating display mode is adopted in which symbols are fluctuated and then a predetermined combination of stopped symbols is displayed, while as a second display mode, A display mode in which the performance is performed in a special manner, for example, a character display mode in which the character display performance is performed such as displaying the result according to the final display state of the character, is adopted, and the player can use the operation means during the character display mode. An example of such a configuration is that when an attempt is made to achieve a specific objective by operating the button, the mode is switched to a symbol variation display mode as a result.

(C2) In the gaming machine described in (C1) above,
The expected performance is a reach performance,
In the specific display, the predetermined display information that can be displayed in the second display mode is displayed by making a variation mode in a period corresponding to a virtual execution period of the expected performance different from other periods. A gaming machine characterized by:

According to the invention described in (C2) above, for example, in a situation where a predetermined condition for executing a display effect is satisfied and a reach effect (expected effect) is included in the content of the display effect to be executed, In addition, in the case where the display effect is performed in a manner in which the reach effect is not displayed because it is in the second display mode, the reach effect should be displayed if it is in the first display mode during the period of the display effect to be executed. During the period, predetermined display information can be displayed in a specific display not in a stopping manner but in a fluctuating manner. Therefore, the player can recognize that if he had already operated the operation means (currently in the first display mode), the reach effect would have been performed, and the player can also recognize that the reach effect would have been performed on the gaming machine. The corresponding display information can be simplified and displayed. In other words, in the specific display, there is no need to select and display the ready-to-reach symbols, and the specific display can be realized without excessively increasing the burden on display control.

In addition, as an example of a part that executes a specific display, one or two light emitting display parts in the variable light emitting display part may be set in a variable light emitting mode different from the variable light emitting mode in a period other than the reach period of the symbol. It will be done.

In addition, in this case, as an example of changing the variable light emitting mode of the light emitting display section, it is possible to change the variable light emitting display color of the light emitting display section during a period corresponding to the reach period of the symbol to a period other than the reach period of the symbol. "The flashing pattern of the light emitting display section during the period corresponding to the reach period of the symbol shall be different from the flashing pattern during the period other than the reach period of the symbol." Examples include "doing". For example, if one or two of the variable light emitting display parts are to be displayed in a variable light emitting display color that is different from the variable light emitting display color in a period other than the reach period of the symbol, the different variable light emitting display color may be displayed. It can be known that the period during which the light-emitting display part is displayed with variable light emission in the display color is the reach period of the symbol in the character display performance.

(C3) In the gaming machine described in (C1) or (C2) above,
a first control device that generates and outputs a predetermined command based on the establishment of the predetermined condition;
a second control device that generates and outputs commands related to display control based on commands from the first control device;
a display control device that controls to display the display effect on the display screen based on a command from the second control device;
The gaming machine characterized in that the second control device includes the determining means, the first display control means, and the second display control means.

According to the invention described in (C3) above, since the second control device includes the determining means, the first display control means, and the second display control means, the control burden on the first control device can be reduced. Further, the second control device can grasp the reach period that cannot be grasped by the first control device.

(C4) In the gaming machine described in any one of (C1) to (C3) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (C4) above, it is possible to provide a pachinko machine that can improve the interest of the game even for beginners. The basic structure of a pachinko machine is that it is equipped with an operating handle, and in response to the operation of the operating handle, a ball as a gaming medium is launched into a predetermined gaming area, and the ball is placed at a predetermined position within the gaming area. One example is one in which identification information (such as a symbol) dynamically displayed on a display device is fixed and stopped after a predetermined period of time, with the necessary condition of winning a prize (or passing through an operating gate). In addition, when a specific gaming state occurs, a variable winning means (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner to allow balls to be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is given. Examples include those that are given value (including not only prize balls but also data written to magnetic cards, etc.).

(C5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (C1) to (C3) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is a slot machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (C5) above, it is possible to provide a slot machine that can improve the interest of gaming even for beginners. The basic structure of a slot machine is that it is equipped with a variable display means that dynamically displays an identification information string consisting of a plurality of pieces of identification information, and then displays the identification information definitively, and that The dynamic display of the identification information is started due to an event, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of a stop operation means (for example, a stop button) or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. and a specific gaming state generating means for generating a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, with the necessary condition that the final identification information at the time is specific identification information. In this case, typical examples of gaming media include coins and medals.

<4th task>
Conventionally, a typical example of a gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In this pachinko machine, for example, when a game ball enters a winning opening provided on the gaming board (starting winning), the symbols displayed on the variable display device in the gaming board start to fluctuate, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. There is a game that becomes a jackpot state (specific game state) when the pattern of the stopped symbol is a predetermined jackpot symbol. When this jackpot state occurs, the grand prize opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and by placing a plurality of game balls into the grand prize opening, the player can win a large amount of balls.

In addition, during a specific period when an operation suggestion display indicating that the operation of the operation button is valid is displayed on the variable display device, if the player operates the operation button after seeing it, the operation will cause the variable display device to There is a pachinko machine in which the display mode changes (for example, see Patent Document: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-81588 (page 45, FIG. 40)).

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in conventional gaming machines, a player operates a predetermined operating means (operation button) in accordance with the operating suggestion from the gaming machine (specifically, by looking at the operating suggestion display displayed on the variable display device). Since it is only operated by the player, there is an aspect that the player only mechanically operates the operation buttons according to the instructions of the gaming machine, and it is impossible to further improve the fun of the game using the operation buttons. There's a problem.

The following invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of games using operating means.

(D1) An operation means operated by a player;
Validity period setting means for setting a valid period of the operating means for each predetermined unit performance;
means for acquiring information corresponding to the valid period when the operating means is operated first during the valid period;
means for generating a predetermined opportunity based on the establishment of a predetermined condition,
If a specific expression of intention by the player is transmitted to the gaming machine by a second operation different from the first operation or no operation before the occurrence of the predetermined opportunity, the acquired information may be used. The performance is executed or the obtained information is made available,
A gaming machine characterized in that, if the predetermined opportunity occurs before the specific expression of intention is reflected, a performance using the acquired information is not performed or the acquired information is made unavailable.

According to the invention described in (D1) above, information is acquired when the player performs the first operation on the operating means in the unit performance (the corresponding validity period). The information acquired based on the first operation is collected when a "specific intention" by the player is transmitted to the gaming machine before the predetermined opportunity occurs (the second operation is an operation different from the first operation). , an operation with a timing different from the first operation, or no operation for a predetermined period, that is, no operation) is used or can be used. On the other hand, if the "specific intention" is not communicated before the predetermined opportunity occurs, the information acquired based on the first operation is not used or becomes unavailable. For example, in a situation where a unit performance is being performed continuously, a player may not be able to recognize when a predetermined opportunity will occur, and may wonder at what timing to convey a "specific intention." You play the game while deciding whether it is preferable (until how long you can maintain a state of not transmitting your "specific intention") based on your own expectations, and in some cases, you may decide before operating the operating means. It is possible to provide special gameplay features such as a predetermined opportunity occurring. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that increases the player's sense of participation in the game and improves the interest of the game using the operating means. Note that the information acquired based on the first operation may be set only to information that is advantageous to the player, or may be set to include information that is disadvantageous to the player. In this case, the player is asked which unit performance to perform the first operation, or which unit performance to continue to perform the first operation, which makes the game even more interesting. can be increased.

(D2) In the gaming machine described in (D1) above,
The predetermined condition is that the result of a lottery carried out triggered by the entry of a game ball into a predetermined ball entry hole is a specific result;
The predetermined trigger is that the gaming state is switched to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player based on the specific result;
The unit performance is one symbol variation performance performed based on the result of one lottery,
In the case where the acquired information is plural, the plurality of pieces of information are reflected in a display classified according to the type of the symbol display performance corresponding to the timing at which each piece of information is acquired. .

According to the invention described in (D2) above, the valid period of the operating means is set for each symbol variation display, and when the operating means is operated during this valid period, information regarding the symbol variation performance being performed at that time is displayed. be obtained. In addition, by transmitting the player's "specific intention" to the gaming machine before the gaming state switches to a specific gaming state due to the occurrence of a predetermined trigger, multiple pieces of information that have been acquired up to that point will be transferred to the gaming machine. It is reflected in the display classified according to the type of the corresponding symbol variation effect. As a result, the player can confirm the contents of the game he or she has played through displaying the history of the executed symbol variation effects, with the necessary condition that the player has operated the operating means. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that increases the player's sense of participation in the game and improves the interest of the game using the operating means.

(D3) In the gaming machine described in (D2) above,
The predetermined opportunity is an opportunity for the player to perform a lottery to determine whether or not to grant a predetermined benefit, and if the specific operation is performed before the occurrence of the predetermined opportunity, the player will receive the relevant benefit in consideration of the acquired information. A gaming machine that performs a lottery, and if the predetermined opportunity occurs before the specific operation is performed, the lottery is performed without being able to acquire the information.

According to the invention described in (D3) above, when a specific operation is performed before the predetermined opportunity occurs, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to grant a predetermined benefit to the player, taking into account the acquired information. , if a predetermined opportunity occurs before a specific operation is performed, the relevant lottery will be conducted without information being able to be obtained. Therefore, in order to more reliably obtain benefits in the bonus award lottery, the player must By making efforts to perform specific operations on the operating means before the validity period of the last display effect ends, and operating the operating means on any display effect that seems more advantageous up to the last display effect, you can improve your gaming experience. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that increases the sense of participation and improves the interest of playing games using operating means.

(D4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (D1) to (D3) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (D4) above, it is possible to provide a pachinko machine that can improve the interest of the game using the operating means. The basic structure of a pachinko machine is that it is equipped with an operating handle, and in response to the operation of the operating handle, a ball as a gaming medium is launched into a predetermined gaming area, and the ball is placed at a predetermined position within the gaming area. One example is one in which identification information (such as a symbol) dynamically displayed on a display device is fixed and stopped after a predetermined period of time, with the necessary condition of winning a prize (or passing through an operating gate). In addition, when a specific gaming state occurs, a variable winning means (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner to allow balls to be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is given. Examples include those that are given value (including not only prize balls but also data written to magnetic cards, etc.).

(D5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (D1) to (D3) above,
A gaming machine characterized in that the gaming machine is a slot machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (D5) above, it is possible to provide a slot machine that can improve the interest of the game using the operating means. The basic structure of a slot machine is that it is equipped with a variable display means that dynamically displays an identification information string consisting of a plurality of pieces of identification information, and then displays the identification information definitively, and that The dynamic display of the identification information is started due to an event, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of a stop operation means (for example, a stop button) or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. and a specific gaming state generating means for generating a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, with the necessary condition that the final identification information at the time is specific identification information. In this case, typical examples of gaming media include coins and medals.

It should be noted that with respect to the various inventions disclosed in this specification, various combinations are possible for all the constituent elements, and the inventions can stand alone as inventions even without other constituent elements.

As described above, the present invention is suitable for gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

42...Third symbol display device (display means)
71-74...Selection button (operation means)
80...OK button (operation means)
91...Mini symbol display section (variable light emitting display section)
91a...Display section (light emitting display section)
91b...Display section (light emitting display section)
262...Sub control device (control means)
553...RAM (storage means)
C1...Jackpot random number counter (win/fail lottery means)

Claims (1)

a success/failure lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not a specific gaming state has occurred based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
A character display effect selected from among a plurality of types of character display effects based on the result of the win/fail lottery performed by the win/fail lottery means, and multiple types of character display information different from the symbol indicating the win/fail lottery result. a display means for displaying a predetermined character display effect including;
An operation means that can be operated by a player;
character display information selection means for selecting predetermined character display information from among the plurality of types of character display information based on an operation mode of the operation means;
The plurality of character display information may include the predetermined character display information selected by the character display information selection means and non-selected character display information that is not selected by the character display information selection means and is displayed in the predetermined character display effect. The effect of the effect is configured according to the difference in display mode between the selected predetermined character display information and the non-selected character display information displayed in the effect. a suggestion content display control means that suggests the likelihood of the specific result display occurring by varying the likelihood of the specific result display being an advantageous result for the player ;
auxiliary effect display control means for displaying an auxiliary effect that makes it easier for a player to recognize a suggestion of the likelihood of the specific result display;
a result display control means for displaying the specific result display in a predetermined manner when the result of the performance including the plurality of types of character display information is the specific result display;
a benefit granting means for granting a predetermined benefit to the player when the specific result display is displayed in the predetermined manner;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

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