JP7428440B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, when a game ball enters a first starting port, a variable display of first identification information is executed, and when a game ball enters a second starting port, a variable display of second identification information is executed. Are known. In this type of gaming machine, the variable display of the second identification information can be executed in priority to the variable display of the first identification information, and the gaming state in which the variable display of the first identification information is mainly executed, and There is a game system that includes a gaming state in which variable display of the second identification information is performed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-75217

In the above-mentioned gaming machine, from the viewpoint of preventing technical intervention by the player, during a gaming state in which variable display of the second identification information is mainly performed, information related to the first identification information that is not subject to preferential variable display. It is common to prevent the preview performance from being executed. However, simply restricting the execution of preview effects may actually reduce the interest in the game.

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

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

That is, the gaming machine of the present invention has the following features:
a first identification information display section that displays first identification information;
a second identification information display section that displays second identification information;
a first starting port that triggers execution of a variable display of the first identification information;
a second starting port that triggers the execution of the variable display of the second identification information,
A gaming machine that enables execution of a special game in which a predetermined profit can be given to a player based on the display result of the variable display becoming a specific display result,
a first determination means for determining acquired information acquired based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting port, based on establishment of a predetermined fluctuation start condition;
first identification information control means for displaying the first identification information in a variable manner based on the result of the determination by the first determination means;
a first preliminary determination means that determines the acquired information based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port before the determination by the first determination means;
a first preliminary determination information storage unit capable of storing first preliminary determination information related to the determination result by the first preliminary determination unit;
a preliminary presentation pattern setting means capable of setting a preliminary presentation pattern based on the first preliminary determination information;
a first pre-judgment effect execution means capable of executing a first pre-determination effect based on the pre-effect pattern set by the pre-effect pattern setting means ;
A first gaming state in which the first identification information is mainly displayed in a variable manner and a second gaming state in which the second identification information is mainly displayed in a variable manner are set as gaming states in which the variable display is possible. a possible game state setting means;
In the first gaming state, the first preliminary determination performance is executable;
In the special game, the first preliminary determination information stored in the first preliminary determination information storage means is not initialized,
When the second gaming state is set after the special game, the first preliminary determination information stored in the first preliminary determination information storage means is initialized, and in the second gaming state, the first preliminary determination The gist of the system is to be configured so that the performance is not executed .

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

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a back view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an enlarged view of the main display shown in FIG. 3, and is a diagram showing displays included in the gaming machine. FIG. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. This is a table showing the correspondence between types of jackpots and opening patterns of jackpots. It is a table showing various random numbers obtained by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a jackpot determination table, (B) is a jackpot type determination table, (C) is a normal symbol hit determination table, and (D) is a regular symbol variation pattern selection table. This is a fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart of main control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of main interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of starting port sensor detection processing. It is a flowchart of the process at the time of starting pitch entry. It is a flowchart of normal figure movement processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol propriety determination processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol fluctuation processing. It is a flowchart of normal symbol confirmation processing. It is a flowchart of normal electric accessories processing. It is a flowchart of special figure operation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 propriety judgment processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 2 random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 propriety judgment processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 variation pattern selection processing. It is a flowchart of special figure 1 random number shift processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol fluctuation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol confirmation processing. It is a flowchart of special electric accessory processing (jackpot game). It is a flowchart of gaming state setting processing. It is a flowchart of pending ball number processing. It is a flowchart of power-off monitoring processing. It is a flowchart of sub-control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of reception interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of 2ms timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of 10ms timer interrupt processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart of a fluctuating production start process. It is a flowchart of a preview performance setting process. It is a table showing the correspondence between gaming states and opening patterns of the second starting port. 12 is a flowchart of processing at the time of starting ball entry according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of sorting game balls that have entered the operating port according to the fourth embodiment. 7 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the opening pattern of the operating port and the operation pattern of the movable piece according to the fourth embodiment.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described using examples. In the following, the present invention will be applied to a pachinko game machine (pinball game machine) in which the game medium used in the game is a game ball, and the game can be advanced by firing the game ball toward the game board surface. An example will be explained below. In addition, the pachinko game machine according to the following embodiment displays a special symbol in a variable manner based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole, and when the variable display of the special symbol ends, the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. This is a so-called "type 1" pachinko game machine that allows a jackpot game (special game) in which a predetermined amount of gaming profits (for example, prize balls) can be given to the player.

In addition, in the following explanation, simply the front side (front) refers to the front side (the side where the player is located when playing the game) when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, and simply the rear side (rear side) refers to This refers to the back side (rear side) when the machine is viewed from the front. In addition, simply the upper side (upper side), lower side (lower side), left side (left side), and right side (right side) refer to the upper, lower, left, and right directions when looking at the gaming machine from the front. , for example, refers to the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side in FIGS. 1 and 3.

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

In addition, the front frame 51 includes a firing handle 60 for firing the game ball with a firing intensity corresponding to the amount of operation (rotation angle) of the player, and a firing handle 60 that can store game balls and supply the stored game balls to the firing device side. A batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the batted ball supply tray 61 are provided. Furthermore, the front frame 51 includes a first effect button 63a and a second effect button 63b (these two effect buttons are collectively called (also simply referred to as a "production button 63"), a decorative frame lamp 66 that can emit various lights depending on the gaming situation, and a decorative frame lamp 66 that emits various sounds (sound effects) depending on the gaming situation. A speaker 67 and the like that can be used are also provided. The frame lamp 66 is composed of an LED.

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

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

Near the center of the gaming area 3, an image display device 7 (effect display device) consisting of a liquid crystal display device is provided. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is provided with a performance pattern display area 7b (also referred to as a "performance pattern display section") in which performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (also simply referred to as "performance pattern 8") are displayed. The performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol, which will be described later. Examples of the variable display mode include scroll display in up and down, left and right, diagonal directions, and the like. The effect pattern display area 7b consists of three pattern display areas, for example, "left," "middle," and "right." The left pattern display area displays the left pattern 8L, and the middle pattern display area displays the medium pattern. A symbol 8C is displayed, and a right production symbol 8R is displayed in the right symbol display area. It should be noted that the positions of the left, middle, and right symbol display areas do not need to be provided separately, and the display areas of the left, middle, and right production symbols may be used as the entire symbol display area (production symbol display area 7b). .

The production patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (identification information) of this embodiment each consist of numerical patterns from "1" to "9" (identification information type, pattern type), and these numerical patterns are displayed in order. It has become something that Specifically, the variable display of the production pattern 8 is performed by scrolling and displaying the production pattern in the order of "1" → "2" ... "8" → "9" (ascending order). When it reaches "9", it returns to "1" and the scrolling display is repeated until the end of the variation (stop display). Further, in this embodiment, color information is included in each of the symbols "1" to "9", so that each symbol can be classified by color. Specifically, the odd numbered symbols "3" and "7" are red symbols (hereinafter also referred to as "red symbols"), and the other odd numbered symbols "1", "5", and "9" are red symbols. '' is a green pattern (hereinafter also referred to as ``green pattern''). Further, the even numbered symbols "2", "4", "6", and "8" are blue symbols (hereinafter also referred to as "blue symbols").

Depending on the combination (stop display mode) of the left, middle, and right performance symbols that are stopped and displayed in the performance symbol display area 7b, they are displayed on the first special symbol display 41a (also referred to as the "first special symbol display section"), which will be described later. The result of the variable display of the first special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display 41b (also referred to as the "second special symbol display section"), that is, the result of the variable display of the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display 41b (also referred to as "second special symbol display section"), that is, the special symbol The result of the validity determination (also simply referred to as "propriety determination") is displayed so that the player can easily recognize it. In this embodiment, the order in which the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped and displayed (stop order) is basically "left→right→middle". That is, the first stop symbol in the stop order is the left effect symbol 8L, the second stop symbol in the stop order is the right effect symbol 8R, and the third (last) stop symbol in the stop order is the middle effect symbol 8C. . Furthermore, the stopping symbol that is first in the stopping order is also referred to as the "first stopping symbol", the stopping symbol that is second in the stopping order is also referred to as the "second stopping symbol", and the stopping symbol that is the third stopping symbol in the stopping order. This is also called the "third stop symbol" or "final stop symbol."

Also, any one of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the performance symbol is simply referred to as a "design" or "identification information." Furthermore, the ordinary symbols are also called "regular symbols" and "ordinary identification information," the special symbols are also referred to as "special symbols," and the first special symbols are also referred to as "first identification information" and "special symbols 1. ” or “first special pattern”, and the second special pattern is also called “second identification information”, “special pattern 2”, or “second special pattern”. In addition, the image display device 7 that displays the production symbol 8, the first special symbol display device 41a that will be described later that displays the first special symbol, and the second special symbol display device 41b that displays the second special symbol are referred to as "identification information". The first special symbol display 41a (first special symbol display) is also referred to as the "first identification information display", and the second special symbol display 41b ( The second special symbol display section) is also referred to as the "second identification information display section".

For example, if the result of the special symbol validity determination is a jackpot, the performance symbol 8 is stopped and displayed with a symbol having the same three digits such as "222" or "777" (double number). Further, when the result of the special symbol propriety judgment is negative, the production symbol 8 is stopped and displayed with at least one different symbol (a random number) among three symbols such as "637" and "373". Thereby, the player can easily grasp the progress of the game by looking at the performance symbols that are stopped and displayed. In other words, the player generally does not directly understand the result of the special symbol validity determination by looking at the special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b, but rather The user sees and understands the performance symbols displayed in the symbol display area 7b.

On the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, in addition to displaying a game performance using the above-mentioned performance symbols (performance symbol game performance), a jackpot game performance (special game performance) performed in conjunction with a jackpot game, , demonstration performances for waiting customers, etc. are displayed. In the performance symbol game performance, jackpot game performance, and demonstration performance, in addition to performance symbols such as numbers, performance images other than performance symbols such as background images and character images are also displayed. Incidentally, the performance symbol game performance is also referred to as a "variable performance."

In addition, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a first performance reservation display area 9c (first performance reservation display section) that displays a first performance reservation 9a according to the number of stored first special symbol reservations, which will be described later. , a second effect pending display area 9d (second effect pending display section) that displays a second effect pending 9b according to the number of stored second special figures pending (described later) is provided (see FIG. 3). Depending on the display mode (display number) of the first performance hold and second performance hold, the number of stored first special figure holds displayed on the first special figure hold display 43a, which will be described later, and the second special figure hold display 43b. It is possible to clearly show the number of stored second special drawings displayed to the player. Furthermore, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 of the present embodiment, there is a performance pending corresponding to the currently changing special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), that is, a special symbol pending that has been consumed. A variable pending display area 9e is provided to display a corresponding performance pending (first performance pending 9a or second performance pending 9b) (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, a variable pending display area 9e is provided between the first performance pending display area 9c and the second performance pending display area 9d. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first performance reservations displayed in the first performance reservation display area 9c are sequentially from the right end to the left end, the number of special figure 1 reservation balls "1", The second performance reservations correspond to "2", "3", and "4", and the second performance reservation displayed in the second performance reservation display area 9d is the number of special figure 2 reservation balls in order from the left end to the right end. These correspond to "1", "2", "3", and "4".

Near the center of the gaming area 3 and in front of the image display device 7, a center decorative body 10 surrounding the display screen 7a is provided. The center decoration body 10 is constructed from a molded plastic (resin) product, and is attached to the surface (front surface) of the game board 2 as a frame-shaped part (board part) with an open center. . The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 becomes visible through the central opening of the center decorative body 10.

A stage part 11 having a game ball rolling surface on which game balls can roll is provided at the lower part of the center decoration body 10, and a hollow warp part 12 is provided at the left part of the center decoration body 10. It is being The warp section 12 is provided with a warp entrance and a warp exit, and by receiving a game ball flowing down the game area 3 (left game area 3A) from the warp entrance and discharging it from the warp exit, the game ball is placed on a stage. Guide to section 11. The game ball guided to the rolling surface of the stage part 11 is more likely to enter the first starting port 20, which will be described later, than the game ball not guided to the stage part 11. Further, on the upper part of the center decoration body 10, there is arranged a decoration member 13 which has an electric decoration member (board lamp 5) such as an LED inside and can turn on or blink depending on the game state. On the front side of this decorative member 13, characters, figures, etc., with motifs such as the title (model name) of the pachinko game machine 1, characters appearing, etc. are displayed.

Furthermore, a movable decorative member 14 is provided at the upper part of the center decorative body 10 and behind the decorative member 13, and is movable in accordance with the game performance. As shown in FIG. 3, most of the movable decorative member 14 is usually hidden behind the decorative member 13, and only a portion of the movable decorative member 14 is visible from the outside (front). When a game effect based on a predetermined effect pattern including the movement of the movable decorative member 14 is executed, the movable decorative member 14 moves (moves) to the screen center (movement position) on the near side of the display screen 7a at a predetermined time during the game effect. The center decoration body 10 is configured to operate in such a manner that the center decoration body 10 returns to the upper part (initial position) after falling) and maintaining that state for a predetermined period of time. Specifically, for example, when a game performance with a relatively high possibility of winning a jackpot is executed, it may be configured so that it may appear on the near side of the display screen 7a at a predetermined time during the game performance. Can be done. Such an operation of the movable decorative member 14 increases the player's expectation of winning the jackpot. Note that the structural configuration of the mechanism for moving the movable decorative member 14 can be a known configuration, and is not directly related to the gist of the present invention, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here. do. Further, the arrangement location, number, shape, movement mode, etc. of the movable decorative members 14 are not limited to the present embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted.

Here, the image display device 7, which can perform display effects by displaying various effect images according to the game situation, is also referred to as a "display effect means", and when operated during the game effect, it can display movable effects. The movable decorative member 14 that can perform this is also referred to as a "movable presentation means." In addition to the movable decorative member 14, for example, when the performance button 63 moves up and down or vibrates in accordance with the game performance, the performance button 63 can also be said to be a "movable performance means". Also, the speaker 67, which can produce sound effects by emitting various sounds (sound effects) depending on the game situation, is also referred to as a "sound production means", and it emits various lights depending on the game situation. The board lamp 5, the frame lamp 66, and the decorative member 13, which can produce light by emitting light, are also referred to as "light production means." In addition to these board lamps 5, for example, the performance button 63 and the firing handle 60 have built-in illumination members such as LEDs, similar to the decorative member 13, and the action of the illumination members changes the game situation. When lighting up, flashing, etc. in accordance with the lighting, the effect button 63 and the firing handle 60 can also be said to be "light effect means." Furthermore, these "display production means," "movable production means," "sound production means," and "light production means" are also collectively referred to as "production means."

Below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, a fixed winning device 19 is provided which includes a non-variable first starting port 20 that does not change the ease with which game balls enter the game ball. A random number etc. for special symbol validity determination is acquired based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20, and when a predetermined condition (variation start condition) is satisfied, the validity determination regarding the first special symbol (" The first special symbol (also referred to as "first special symbol validity determination") is executed, and the first special symbol (first identification information) is variably displayed based on the result of the validity determination. Then, when a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner according to the result of the first special symbol validity determination.

Above the area on the right side of the center decoration 10 in the gaming area 3 (right gaming area 3B), there is a gate 28 (also referred to as a "normal game starting gate" or "passing gate") through which a game ball can pass (enter the ball). .) is provided. The game ball flowing down from the upstream side of the gate 28 to the right gaming area 3B side passes through the gate 28 and flows down the right gaming area 3B. When the game ball passes through the gate 28, the game ball is detected by the gate sensor 28a, and based on the detection, a random number for determining whether the normal symbol is correct or not is acquired. Then, when a predetermined condition (variation start condition) is met, a normal symbol validity determination is executed based on the acquired normal symbol validity determination random number, etc., and the normal symbol changes based on the result of the validity determination. When a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed since the start of the variable display, the normal symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner according to the result of the normal symbol validity determination. At this time, when the winning normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the movable member 23, which will be described later, operates (opening operation) and the second starting port 21 becomes open.

In the area on the right side of the first starting opening 20 in the gaming area 3 (right gaming area 3B), a big winning device 31 equipped with a big winning opening 30 (also referred to as "first variable ball entry opening") is provided. There is. The big winning device 31 includes an opening/closing member 32, and opens and closes the big winning opening 30 by operating the opening/closing member 32. This big winning device 31 functions as a special electric accessory.

The opening/closing member 32 has a substantially rectangular plate shape (long plate shape), and normally (when a jackpot game is not being played) protrudes toward the front side of the game board 2, and its upper surface forms a game ball path. is configured to do so. Specifically, when the opening/closing member 32 protrudes toward the front side of the game board 2, the opening/closing member 32 closes the ball entrance (ball receiving part) of the grand prize opening 30, and the grand prize opening 30 is in the closed state ( (Unable to enter the ball). At this time, the game ball flowing down toward the ball entrance (ball receiving part) of the big winning hole 30 passes (rolls) over the upper surface of the opening/closing member 32 without entering the big winning hole 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface of the opening/closing member 32 is formed in an inclined shape from the upstream side to the downstream side (from left to right in the paper), so the game ball flows down.

In addition, the opening/closing member 32 is driven by a big prize opening solenoid 33 (see FIG. 5), and by retracting it toward the back side (inner side) of the game board 3, the ball of the big prize opening 30 is opened. The entrance (ball receiving section) is opened. At this time, the top surface of the opening/closing member 32 that formed the game ball path no longer exists on the gaming area 3 (right gaming area 3B), so when the opening/closing member 32 is in the retracted state (open state), a big prize is won. The game ball located at the ball entrance (ball receiving part) of the opening 30 can enter the big prize opening 30. In this way, the opening/closing member 32 that opens and closes the ball entrance of the grand prize opening 30 is a retractable opening/closing member, and when it is in the open state (when opened), it smoothly allows the game balls flowing down to enter the grand prize opening 30. In addition to letting the balls enter, when the ball is in the closed state (closed), the game ball flowing down is guided in an arbitrary direction (in this example, the direction in which the second starting port 21 described later is provided) through the inclined upper surface passage. becomes possible. Incidentally, the game ball can enter the big prize opening 30 only when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open state. That is, the big winning device 31 is configured to change the big winning opening 30 between a state in which a game ball cannot enter (closed state) and a state in which a ball can enter (open state) by the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 32. has been done.

In the area on the right side of the first starting opening 20 in the gaming area 3 (right gaming area 3B), and in the area below (downstream) from the big winning opening 30, there is a variable type that changes the ease with which the game ball enters. A variable prize winning device 22 is provided which includes a second starting opening 21 (also referred to as a "variable starting opening" or a "second variable ball entry opening"). A random number etc. for determining the validity of the special symbol is acquired based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21, and when a predetermined condition (variation start condition) is satisfied, determination of the validity of the second special symbol (" 2) is executed, and the second special symbol is variably displayed based on the result of the validity determination. Then, when a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner according to the result of the second special symbol validity determination.

The variable prize winning device 22 includes a movable member 23 (also referred to as an "opening/closing member"), and opens and closes the second starting port 21 by operating the movable member 23. Through this opening/closing operation, the second starting port 21 (second variable ball entry port) is moved between the first state (closed state) and the second state (closed state), which has a higher possibility of a game ball entering than the first state. (open state). This variable prize winning device 22 normally functions as an electric accessory. The second starting port 21 of this embodiment is configured such that a game ball can enter only when the movable member 23 is in an open state, and a game ball cannot enter when the movable member 23 is in a closed state. ing. In addition, the second starting opening 21 (variable winning device 22) corresponds to one aspect of the "variable ball entry opening" of the present invention.

Like the opening/closing member 32, the movable member 23 has a substantially rectangular plate shape (elongated plate shape), and normally protrudes toward the front side of the game board 2 (when no normal game is being played). , whose upper surface is configured to form a game ball passage. Specifically, when the movable member 23 protrudes toward the front side of the game board 2, the movable member 23 closes the ball entrance (ball receiving part) of the second starting port 21, and the second starting port 21 closes. condition (unable to enter the ball). At this time, the game ball flowing down toward the ball entrance (ball receiving part) of the second starting port 21 passes (rolls) over the upper surface of the movable member 23 without entering the second starting port 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface of the movable member 23 is formed in an inclined shape from the upstream side to the downstream side (from the right to the left in the paper), so the game ball flows down.

Furthermore, the movable member 23 is driven by a second starting port solenoid 24 (see FIG. 5), and by retracting toward the back surface (inner side) of the game board 3 due to the drive, the second starting port 21 The ball entrance (ball receiving section) of the ball is opened. At this time, the upper surface of the movable member 23 that had formed the game ball passage no longer exists on the game area 3 (right game area 3B), so when the movable member 23 is in the retracted state (open state), the second The game ball located at the ball entrance (ball receiving part) of the starting port 21 can enter the second starting port 21. In this way, the movable member 23 that opens and closes the ball inlet of the second starting port 21 is a retractable movable member (opening/closing member) similar to the opening/closing member 32, and when it is in the open state (opening), the movable member 23 In addition to smoothly allowing the game balls that have flowed down to enter the second starting port 21, when the game ball is in the closed state (closed), the game balls that have flown down can be directed in any direction (the third starting port 25, which will be described later) through the inclined upper surface passage. ).

In the area on the right side of the first starting port 20 in the gaming area 3 (right gaming area 3B) and below (downstream) from the second starting port 21, there is a non-stop area that does not change the ease with which the game ball enters. A fixed winning device 26 having a variable third starting port 25 is provided. Based on the entry of the game ball into the third starting port 25, a random number for determining the validity of the special symbol, etc. is acquired, and when a predetermined condition (variation start condition) is satisfied, the determination of the validity of the first special symbol (the first 1 special symbol validity determination) is executed, and the first special symbol is variably displayed based on the result of the validity determination. Then, when a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner according to the result of the first special symbol validity determination.

As shown in FIG. 3, downstream of the second starting port 21, the game ball path branches vertically with the game nail 16 in between, and there is an upper game ball path where the third starting port 25 is not provided, and an upper game ball path where the third starting port 25 is not provided. 3. A lower game ball passageway in which a starting port 25 is provided is formed. The game balls guided to the upper game ball passage flow directly down and into the out port 34. On the other hand, the game ball guided to the lower side game ball passage either comes into contact with the game nail 16 provided near the third starting port 25 and enters the third starting port 25, or the ball enters the third starting port 25. The ball does not enter the ball 25, but flows down as it is, and flows into the out port 34. Since the third starting hole 25 is a fixed winning device that allows a ball to enter at any time, it is possible to hit a jackpot (so-called "first hit") while playing the game by hitting the ball to the left, which will be described later. When the game ball enters the third starting port 25 during the jackpot game, the suspension of the first special symbol is stored. In addition, when the game after the jackpot game is played by hitting right, and the game ball enters the third starting port 25, the variable display of the first special symbol is executed or the suspension of the first special symbol is memorized. .

In addition, the variable display of special symbols and the variable display of production symbols that are performed based on the result of the first special symbol validity determination or the second special symbol validity determination being a "jackpot" are referred to as "jackpot fluctuation". Also referred to as "specific variation", it refers to the variation display of special symbols and the variation display of production symbols that are performed based on the results of the first special symbol validity determination and the second special symbol validity determination being "miss". Also called "outlier fluctuations" or "non-specific fluctuations." In addition, the first special symbol validity determination and the second special symbol validity determination are collectively referred to as "special symbol validity determination."

Furthermore, in the area on the left side of the first starting opening 20 in the gaming area 3 (left gaming area 3A), a plurality of (three in this embodiment) general winning openings 27 are provided. The first starting hole 20, the second starting hole 21, the third starting hole 25, the big winning hole 30, and the general winning hole 27 are ball entrances that are the trigger for paying out prize balls, and each ball entrance has a game ball. When a ball enters the ball, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out at each ball entrance. Specifically, the number of prize balls in the first starting hole 20 is "5," the number of prize balls in the second starting hole 21 and the third starting hole 25 is "1," and the number of prize balls in the big winning hole 30 is "15." ”, and the number of prize balls in the general prize opening 27 is “10”. Note that these numbers of prize balls are just examples, and the number of prize balls can be arbitrarily set depending on the specifications of the gaming machine. However, it is preferable that the number of prize balls is similar to this embodiment, and in particular, the number of prize balls in the second starting port 21 and the third starting port 25 is higher than the number of prize balls in the first starting port 20. It is also considered to be less.

The gaming area 3 where a plurality of ball entrances and passing holes are arranged in this way is divided into a left gaming area (first area) 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right gaming area (second area) 3B on the right side. It can be divided into. A batting style in which the game ball is launched so that it flows down the left gaming area 3A is called "left-handed hitting", and a batting style in which the gaming ball is launched in such a way that it flows down in the right gaming area 3B is called "right-handed batting". ”.

Among the plurality of ball entrance openings, the first starting opening 20 and the left general winning opening 27 are provided so that game balls flowing down the left gaming area 3A of the gaming area 3 can enter therein. The opening 21, the third starting opening 25, the big winning opening 30, the right general winning opening 27, and the gate 28 are provided so that a game ball flowing down the right gaming area 3B of the gaming area 3 can enter. For this reason, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, when starting a game, in principle, the player aims to hit the ball to the left into the first starting hole 20. On the other hand, if you hit the jackpot in the judgment based on the ball entering the first starting opening 20 and the gaming state changes to a special gaming state, in principle, if you hit the right ball, the gate 28, the big winning opening 30, the second starting opening 21. The aim is for the ball to enter the third starting port 25.

Here, both the first starting port 20 and the third starting port 25 are configured as fixed prize winning devices that can always enter a ball, but the ease of entering the game ball into the third starting port 25 (entering ball (ball entry rate, probability of ball entry) is about the same as that of the first starting port 20, or it is easier for the ball to enter the first starting port 20. This is to ensure that the ball enters the third starting port 25 to some extent in a game state in which the game is played by hitting the ball to the right. In addition, when the third starting port 25 is configured to be easier to enter the ball than the first starting port 20 (gauge configuration), even though the game state is originally a game state in which the game is played by left-handed batting (for example, a non-time saving state). However, in this embodiment, the number of prize balls for the first starting opening 20 is set to "5" and the number of winning balls for the third starting opening 25 is set to "1", so the player For this reason, it can be said that there is no advantage to playing right-handed in a game state where left-handed hitting is required. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a right-hand ball is played in a game state in which left-hand ball is to be played, the game ball fired by the right hand ball enters the third starting port 25 (detected by a third starting port sensor 25a, which will be described later). Based on this, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 67, and a predetermined warning message (for example, characters such as "Please return to left-handed hitting!") is displayed on the display screen 7a. There is. In an environment where such a warning is issued, it becomes impossible to play the game as usual, and for this reason as well, it can be said that there is no advantage to playing right-handed in a game state in which left-handed hitting should be performed.

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

The variable display of the first special symbol is performed based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20, and also based on the entry of the game ball into the third starting port 25. The variable display of the second special symbol is performed based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21. In other words, the first starting port 20 and the third starting port 25 are starting ports (first starting port) that trigger the execution of the variable display of the first special symbol (first identification information), and the second starting port 21 is , is a starting port (second starting port) that triggers the execution of the variable display of the second special symbol (second identification information). In addition, in the following explanation, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol. Further, the first special symbol display device 41a and the second special symbol display device 41b may be collectively referred to as the special symbol display section 41. Further, the first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b may be collectively referred to as the special figure holding display section 43. Furthermore, the first starting port 20, the second starting port 21, and the third starting port 25 may be collectively referred to simply as a starting port.

In the special symbol display section 41, a special symbol (identification information) is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time, and then stopped and displayed, and a lottery (special symbol validity determination, special symbol validity determination, The results of the jackpot lottery) will be announced. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols based on the special symbol appropriateness determination. If the stopping symbol is a predetermined jackpot symbol (specific special symbol, specific identification information), that is, the mode of stopping display of the special symbol (the display result of the fluctuating display of the special symbol) is the specific mode (specific display result) that indicates a jackpot. ), a jackpot game (special game) is performed in which the jackpot opening 30 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed. The opening pattern of the jackpot opening in the jackpot game will be described later.

The stop display of the special symbol is performed until a predetermined stop display time (determined display time) elapses. If the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a missing symbol (missing pattern, non-specific pattern), and special symbol reservation is stored at the time of the stop display, when the stop display time has elapsed, the memory order The oldest (earliest) special symbol reservation is consumed, and the variable display of the next special symbol is thereby started. In addition, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a missed symbol and special symbol hold is not stored at the time of the stop display, the stop display state of the special symbol will be maintained even after the stop display time has elapsed. be done. On the other hand, if the stopped and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol, when the stop display time has elapsed, the opening period of the jackpot game, which will be described later, will begin, and after the opening period, the first round of the jackpot game will start. . Incidentally, the stop display time of the special symbol is generally set to "0.5 seconds to 1.0 seconds", and in this embodiment, it is set to "0.6 seconds".

As shown in FIG. 4, the first special symbol display 41a is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "i to p", and displays a special symbol according to the result of the first special symbol validity determination. In this example, three types of jackpots are provided as a result of the first special symbol validity determination: "6R 1st jackpot", "6R 2nd jackpot", and "6R 3rd jackpot" (Figs. 6 and 8 ), the LED of the first special symbol display 41a can take a display mode (specific mode, specific display result) according to each of the three types of jackpots. Specifically, if the result of the first special symbol validity judgment is the 6R first jackpot, three LEDs of “ijn” are turned on and the rest are turned off (6R first jackpot symbol), and the 6R first jackpot is turned on. If there is a 2nd jackpot, the 3 LEDs labeled “ino” will be lit and the rest will be turned off (6R 2nd jackpot symbol), and if the 6R 3rd jackpot is won, the 3 LEDs labeled “inp” will be turned on. Lights up and turns off the rest (6R 3rd jackpot symbol). In addition, when it is a miss, two LEDs of "lo" are turned on and the rest are turned off (missing symbol).

Further, the second special symbol display 41b is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "a to h", and displays a special symbol according to the result of the second special symbol validity determination. In this example, two types of jackpots, "16R 4th jackpot" and "16R 5th jackpot" are provided as a result of the second special symbol correctness determination (see FIGS. 6 and 8), and the second special The LED of the symbol display 41b can take a display mode (specific mode, specific display result) depending on each of the two types of jackpots. Specifically, if the result of the second special symbol judgment is the 16R 4th jackpot, three LEDs of “abd” are turned on and the rest are turned off (16R 4th jackpot symbol), and the 16R 4th jackpot is turned on. In the case of 5 jackpots, 3 LEDs of "abg" are turned on and the rest are turned off (16R 5th jackpot symbol). In addition, when it is a miss, two LEDs of "eh" are turned on and the rest are turned off (missing symbol).

It should be noted that the stop display mode of the special symbols (stop symbols) and the type of jackpot (type of number of rounds, number of jackpots, etc.) are not limited to these, and can be set arbitrarily. In addition, before the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time. It is possible to make each LED light up at the same time.

Here, among the stop display modes of special symbols and performance symbols (display results of variable display), the stop display mode corresponding to the case where the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot is referred to as the "jackpot mode" and the "specific mode". , also referred to as "specific display mode" or "specific display result", and the stop display mode corresponding to the case where the result of special symbol validity judgment is incorrect is "missing mode", "non-specific mode", and "non-specific display mode". ” or “non-specific display results.” It is also possible to provide a "small hit" in addition to the "big hit" and "miss" as a result of the special symbol validity determination. In this case, the stop display mode corresponding to the small win is also referred to as the "small win mode."

In this pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the starting hole, various information (also referred to as "obtained information") such as a random number for determining the validity of a special symbol is acquired based on the entry of the game ball. The various information obtained is temporarily stored in a special figure reservation storage section (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control section. Specifically, when the ball enters the first starting port 20 and when the ball enters the third starting port 25, the acquisition information acquired based on the ball entering the first special map hold (" (Also referred to as "Special Figure 1 Reservation") is stored in a first special figure reservation storage section (not shown). In addition, when the ball enters the second starting port 21, the acquisition information acquired based on the ball entering is stored as a second special pattern reservation (also referred to as "special pattern 2 reservation"). The information is stored in a storage unit (not shown). The number of special figure reservations (acquisition information) that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage section is up to a predetermined number, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is "4". These first special symbol reservation storage section and second special symbol reservation storage section are also referred to as "first acquisition information storage means" and "second acquisition information storage means", respectively, and also referred to as "acquisition information storage means" in general.

The special symbol reservation stored in the special symbol reservation storage unit is consumed when variable display of special symbols based on the special symbol reservation becomes possible (when the variation start condition is satisfied). The extinguishing of the special symbol reservation means to determine the special symbol propriety judgment random number etc. corresponding to the special symbol reservation, and to execute (start) the variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting port 20, second starting port 21, or third starting port 25 (also referred to as "starting ball entering"). Even if the starting ball cannot be executed immediately after the ball enters, in other words, even if the timing of the starting ball entering is during the variable display of special symbols or during a special game, the upper limit is a predetermined number (4 in this example). As such, it is possible to reserve the right to judge the validity of the special symbol for the starting ball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the main control board 80, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors capable of detecting game balls include a first starting hole sensor 20a, a second starting hole sensor 21a, a third starting hole sensor 25a, a gate sensor 28a, a big winning hole sensor 30a, and a general winning hole sensor. 27a is connected. These various sensors are also referred to as "ball detection sensors" or "gaming ball detection means."

The first starting port sensor 20a is provided in the first starting port 20 and detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 20. The second starting port sensor 21a is provided within the second starting port 21 and detects a game ball that has entered the second starting port 21. The third starting port sensor 25a is provided within the third starting port 25 and detects a game ball that has entered the third starting port 25. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28. The big winning hole sensor 30a is provided in the big winning hole 30 and detects a game ball that has entered the big winning hole 30. The general winning hole sensor 27a is provided in each general winning hole 27 and detects a game ball that has entered the general winning hole 27. In addition, since both the first starting port 20 and the third starting port 25 are ball entry ports that trigger the execution of the variable display (first special symbol validity determination) of the first special symbol (first identification information), It is also possible to configure the game ball entering the starting port to be detected by one ball detection sensor. For example, inside the game ball passage (inside the ball discharge path) on the back side of the game board, through which both the game ball that entered the first starting port 20 and the game ball that entered the third starting port 25 pass (flow down). It can be configured such that a ball detection sensor is provided in the game ball, and a variable display of the first special symbol (determination of the validity of the first special symbol) is executed based on the game ball detected by the detection sensor.

Further, as the solenoids, the second starting port solenoid 24 and the big winning port solenoid 33 are connected. These various solenoids are also referred to as "driving means". The second starting port solenoid 24 is for driving the movable member 23 of the variable prize winning device 22. The big prize opening solenoid 33 is for driving the opening/closing member 32 of the big winning device 31.

Furthermore, the main control board 80 includes a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol pending display 43a, a second special symbol pending display 43b, and a normal symbol display 42. A figure holding display 44, a round display 45, a game status display 46, a firing direction display 47, and a winning display 48 are connected. That is, display control of these main display devices 40 is performed by a game control microcomputer 81 (main control section).

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

The payout control board 110 is mounted with a one-chip microcomputer for payout control (also referred to as a "microcomputer for payout control") 116 that controls the payout of game balls according to a predetermined program. The payout control microcomputer 116 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the payout of game balls, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The payout control microcomputer 116 drives the payout motor 121 of the payout device 120 via the input/output circuit 117 based on the signal from the game control microcomputer 81 and the signal from the card unit 135 connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1. The player then pays out prize balls and pays out rental balls. The game balls that are paid out are detected by payout sensors 122 and 123 for counting. When the player operates the firing handle 60 of the firing device 112, the touch switch 114 detects the player's contact with the firing handle 60, and the firing volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the firing handle 60. Then, the firing motor 113 is driven and controlled so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the firing volume 115. In this embodiment, the number of game balls that can be continuously fired by the firing device 112 by driving the firing motor 113 is about 100 in one minute.

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

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

An image control board 100, an audio control board 106, and a lamp control board 107 are connected to the sub-control board 90. The sub control board 90 (sub control unit), image control board 100 (image control unit), audio control board 106 (audio control unit), and lamp control board 107 (lamp control unit) are displayed depending on the gaming situation. It functions as a performance execution means (performance control means) that causes the corresponding performance devices, members, etc. (performance means) to execute various performances such as production, sound production, lamp production (light production), etc. It also functions as a preview performance execution means for executing various preview performances such as a chance notice, a pending change notice, and a step-up notice.

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

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

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 91 outputs audio, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. Sound data such as audio output from the speaker 67 is stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. Note that a CPU may be mounted on the voice control board 106, and in that case, the CPU may be caused to execute voice control. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the audio control board 106, and the sound data may be stored in the ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100 to cause the image control microcomputer 101 to perform audio control. In this case, the sound data may be stored in the ROM of the image control board 100.

In addition, the performance control microcomputer 91 also generates light emission pattern data (data that determines lighting/extinguishing, lighting color, etc.) that determines the lighting mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 based on commands received from the main control board 80. , also referred to as lamp data) from data stored in the ROM, and controls the lighting of lamps (LEDs) such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107.

Furthermore, the effect control microcomputer 91 operates the movable decorative member 14 connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on the command received from the main control board 80. As described above, the movable decorative member 14 is a movable so-called gimmick provided at the rear of the center decorative body 10. The performance control microcomputer 91 determines drive pattern data (also referred to as "drive data") for operating the movable decorative member 14 in a predetermined manner from data stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, and The operation of the movable decorative member 14 (execution of the movable effect) is controlled based on the drive pattern data obtained. As a drive source for operating the movable decorative member 14, an electric drive source such as a stepping motor or a solenoid is used. Note that a CPU may be mounted on the lamp control board 107, and in that case, the CPU may control the lighting of the lamp and the operation of the movable decorative member 14. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the lamp control board 107, and data regarding the light emission pattern and the drive pattern may be stored in the ROM.

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

Next, the control (determination means) related to the validity determination in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, there are "jackpot" and "miss" as the results of the special symbol validity determination. When it is a "jackpot", the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the special symbol display section 41 in a jackpot manner, and when it is "missing", the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section 41 in a winning manner. When a jackpot is determined in the special symbol validity determination, a ``special game'' is executed in which the big prize opening 30 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the stopped and displayed special symbol (jackpot type). A special game that is executed as a jackpot is called a "jackpot game."

There are multiple types of jackpots in this embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the jackpots include "6R (round) 1st jackpot," "6R 2nd jackpot," "6R 3rd jackpot," "16R 4th jackpot," and "16R 5th jackpot." A total of five types are provided. Among these jackpots, "6R 1st jackpot", "6R 2nd jackpot" and "6R 3rd jackpot" are jackpots related to the first special symbol, "16R 4th jackpot" and "16R 5th jackpot" is a jackpot related to the second special symbol. In the special symbol display section 41, jackpot symbols corresponding to these jackpot types are stopped and displayed.

Specifically, for "6R 1st jackpot", "6R 2nd jackpot", and "6R 3rd jackpot", the number of rounds is "6" and the number of openings of 30 jackpots in one round is " This is a jackpot in which the opening time of the big prize opening 30 in one round is "25 seconds". In addition, for both "16R 4th jackpot" and "16R 5th jackpot", the number of rounds is "16", the number of times the big prize opening 30 is opened in one round is "1", and the big prize is won in one round. It is a jackpot when the opening time of the mouth 30 is "25 seconds".

Note that a round is also simply referred to as "R" or a "round game." Additionally, the 6R first jackpot, 6R second jackpot, and 6R third jackpot are collectively referred to as the "6R jackpot," and the 16R fourth jackpot and 16R fifth jackpot are also collectively referred to as the "16R jackpot." Furthermore, the jackpot game related to the 6R jackpot (6R jackpot game) is also referred to as the "first special game", and the jackpot game related to the 16R jackpot (16R jackpot game) is also referred to as the "second special game".

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is set (determined) according to the type of jackpot that occurs (wins) as a result of special symbol validity determination (jackpot lottery). Specifically, if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot and the type of the jackpot is either "6R 3rd jackpot" or "16R 5th jackpot", the gaming state after the jackpot game is described below. This is the "first time saving state". In addition, if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot and the type of the jackpot is "6R 2nd jackpot", the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be "probability variable state A" ("1st probability variable state"), which will be described later. (also referred to as "state"). Furthermore, if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot and the type of the jackpot is either "6R 1st jackpot" or "16R 4th jackpot", the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game will be changed to " This state is referred to as "Probability Variable State B" (also referred to as "Second Probability Variable State"). From this, the 6R 1st jackpot, 6R 2nd jackpot, and 16R 4th jackpot can be regarded as "probable variable jackpots", and the 6R 3rd jackpot and 16R 5th jackpot can be regarded as "non-probable variable jackpots" ("normal jackpots" or (Also called a "time-saving jackpot.") Of the gaming states after the jackpot game, the degree of advantage for the player increases in the order of time saving state, variable probability state A, and variable probability state B.

When the first special symbol (special pattern 1) is judged as a jackpot, the distribution probability to each jackpot is 7% for 6R 1st jackpot, 53% for 6R 2nd jackpot, and 53% for 6R 3rd jackpot. It is 40%. On the other hand, when the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is determined to be a jackpot, the distribution probability to each jackpot is 60% for the 16R 4th jackpot and 40% for the 16R 5th jackpot. It has become. In other words, if the jackpot is determined by the judgment based on the ball entering the second starting port 21 (special figure 2 judgment), the appearance rate (distribution probability) of the 16R jackpot is 100%, and the The appearance rate (distribution probability) of the 16R jackpot is higher than when a jackpot is achieved by a judgment based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 or the third starting hole 25 (special figure 1 correctness judgment). In this way, in this pachinko game machine 1, rather than hitting the jackpot in the winning/failure judgment (special figure 1 judgment) made when a game ball enters the first starting hole 20 or the third starting hole 25, the second starting hole It is set so that it is more likely to be advantageous for the player if the game ball hits the jackpot in the win/fail judgment (special figure 2 win/fail judgment) made when the game ball enters the mouth 21. Therefore, the player plays the game expecting the ball to enter the second starting port 21. This is particularly noticeable in gaming conditions where the frequency of balls entering the second starting port 21 increases.

Here, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, the judgment of whether it is a jackpot or a miss is made based on "random numbers for special symbol correctness judgment (also referred to as "correctness judgment information")", and in the case of a jackpot, the type of jackpot The determination is made based on the "random number for jackpot type determination" (also referred to as "random number for symbol determination" or "information for symbol determination").

As shown in FIG. 7(A), the random number for determining the validity of the special symbol takes a value in the range from 0 to 629, and the random number for determining the jackpot type takes a value in the range from 0 to 99. In addition, the random numbers (obtained information) acquired based on the starting ball include "fluctuation pattern random numbers" (also referred to as "fluctuation pattern information") in addition to the random numbers for determining the validity of special symbols and the random numbers for determining jackpot type. be. The fluctuation pattern random number is a random number for determining a fluctuation pattern including a fluctuation time, and takes a value in the range of "0 to 198".

Furthermore, the random numbers acquired based on passage through the gate 28 include the random numbers for normal symbol validity determination shown in FIG. 7(B). The random number for normal symbol validity determination is a random number for determining whether or not to perform the auxiliary game (normal symbol winning game) that opens the second starting port 21 (normal symbol lottery), and is a random number from 0 to 240. Takes a value in a range.

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. This pachinko gaming machine 1 has a probability variation function and variation time reduction function related to special symbols, a probability variation function and variation time reduction function related to normal symbols, and an opening time extension related to the variable winning device 22 (normal electric accessory). It has a plurality of game states depending on the combination of each function being in an active state or a non-active state.

First, regarding special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol), there are states in which the probability fluctuation function is activated and states in which it is not activated.The former is referred to as a "high probability state" and the latter is referred to as a "low probability "state". In a low probability state, a jackpot determination table for a low probability state is used to determine the success or failure, and in a high probability state, a jackpot determination table for a high probability state is used, which has a large number of random numbers for determining the special symbol that is determined to be a jackpot. (See FIG. 8(A)). Therefore, in the high probability state, the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the special symbol validity determination (jackpot probability) is higher than in the low probability state. In other words, when the special symbol probability variation function is activated, the jackpot probability is higher than when it is not activated. The jackpot probability of the special symbol according to this embodiment is "2/630" (= "1/315") in the low probability state, and "10/630" (= "1/63") in the high probability state. ). In addition, control of activation/deactivation of the probability fluctuation function is performed by the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81). Therefore, the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) serves as a probability setting means that can set the winning probability (jackpot probability) of the special symbol validity judgment to a low probability (first probability) or a high probability (second probability). It's something that works.

In addition, regarding the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol), there are states in which the variable time reduction function is activated and states in which it is not activated, and the former is referred to as the "time reduction state" or "reduction fluctuation state." , the latter is called a "non-time-shortening state" or "non-shortening fluctuating state." In the time-saving state, a fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that is determined so that a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected more often than in a non-time-saving state (see FIG. 9). Therefore, in the time-saving state, the average value of the special symbol fluctuation time (time from the start of the fluctuation display to the final display) is shorter than the average value of the special symbol fluctuation time in the non-time-saving state. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the special drawings on hold becomes faster, making it easier for balls to enter the starting slot effectively (balls that can be stored as special drawings on hold), which allows for smooth gaming. As you progress, you can aim for a jackpot. The activation/deactivation of the variable time reduction function is controlled by the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81). Therefore, the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) functions as a shortening fluctuation state setting means that can set a shortening fluctuation state in which the special symbol fluctuation time is shorter than usual.

In this example, the time-saving states for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) include a "high probability state and time-saving state" in which the variable time shortening function operates together with the probability variation function, and a "high probability state and time saving state" in which the probability variation function operates. There is a ``low probability state and time saving state'' in which the variable time reduction function operates without Therefore, the variable probability state described above is also a time saving state. In addition, the probability variation function and variation time shortening function for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) and the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 (normal electric accessory) described below do not operate (all The gaming state (inactive) is also referred to as the "normal state" or "normal gaming state."

Furthermore, the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function for the normal symbols operate in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function for the special symbols. That is, the probability variation function and variation time reduction function of the normal symbol operate in the time saving state of the special symbol, and do not operate in the non-time saving state. For this reason, in the time-saving state, the probability of winning in the normal symbol validity determination (normal symbol winning probability) is higher than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, in the time-saving state, the normal symbol correctness judgment ( Normal symbol determination) is performed (see FIG. 8(C)). The probability of winning a normal symbol (probability of winning a regular symbol) according to this embodiment is "2/241" in the non-time saving state, and "240/241" in the time saving state. The activation/deactivation of the probability fluctuation function for normal symbols is controlled by the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81). Therefore, the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) functions as a winning probability setting means that can set the probability of winning a winning symbol to a low probability or a high probability.

Also, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. In this embodiment, the variation time of the normal symbol is 30 seconds in the non-time saving state, and 1 second in the time saving state (see FIG. 8(D)). For this reason, in the time saving state, as in the case of special symbols, the pace of consumption of reserved symbols becomes faster, and effective passage to the gate 28 (passage that can be stored as reserved symbols) becomes more likely to occur. , the fluctuation display of normal symbols is performed smoothly and the fluctuation display result is quickly derived. In addition, control of activation/deactivation of the fluctuation time reduction function for normal symbols is performed by the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81). Therefore, the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) functions as a normal symbol shortening fluctuation state setting means that can set a shortening fluctuation state in which the fluctuation time of normal symbols is shorter than usual.

Furthermore, in the time saving state of this embodiment, there are cases where the opening time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 (normal electric accessory) does not operate, and cases where the opening time extension function operates. In other words, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has a time saving state (also referred to as a "first time saving state") in which the opening time extension function does not operate, and a time saving state ("second time saving state") in which the opening time extension function operates. There are two types of time-saving states: That is, the opening time extension function of the variable winning prize device 22 does not operate in a non-time saving state, and may or may not operate in a time saving state. When the opening time extension function is activated, the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 is higher than when it is not activated. The gaming state in which the opening time extension function is activated is also referred to as the "opening extension state."

The opening pattern when the second starting port 21 is opened in a normal map winning game (auxiliary game) is different depending on whether the opening time extension function is not operating or when it is operating. That is, the opening pattern of the second starting port 21 is determined depending on the gaming state when the winning game is executed (when the winning symbol is stopped and displayed). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 44, the opening pattern of the second starting port 21 (also referred to as the "first opening pattern") when the opening time extension function is not operating (non-operating) is a variable winning pattern. The movable member 23 of the device 22 performs an opening operation of 0.5 seconds twice, and a closing time (interval) of 60 seconds is set between the first opening and the second opening. . Therefore, although there is a possibility that a game ball will enter the second starting port 21, that possibility (entering frequency) is relatively low, and since there is a 60-second interval, the ball entry efficiency is also quite low. not good. This first opening pattern is executed when a game per normal figure is executed in the normal state and when a game per common figure is executed in the first time saving state (probability variable state A, first time saving state). Ru.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 44, the opening pattern of the second starting port 21 (also referred to as "second opening pattern") when the opening time extension function is activated (operating) is variable. The movable member 23 of the device 22 performs one opening operation for 6.0 seconds, and once opened, the second starting port 21 remains open until the opening time (6.0 seconds) has elapsed. It becomes a story. For this reason, when the second starting port 21 opens while the opening time extension function is activated, the possibility of the ball entering the second starting port 21 (the frequency of ball entry) becomes extremely high, and one opening A plurality of game balls can enter the ball. This second opening pattern is executed when a game per common symbol is executed in the second time saving state (probability variable state B).

The activation/deactivation of the opening time extension function is controlled by the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81). Therefore, the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) functions as an extended open state setting means that can set an extended open state in which the variable winning device 22 (second starting port 21) is opened for a longer time than usual. It is something. Further, in this embodiment, as the opening pattern of the second starting port 21, the first opening pattern corresponds to the case where the opening time extension function is not activated, and the first opening pattern corresponds to the case where the opening time extension function is activated. However, there are multiple opening patterns corresponding to when the opening time extension function is not activated, and multiple opening patterns corresponding to when the opening time extension function is activated. It is also possible. In the case where a plurality of opening patterns for the second starting port 21 are provided in this way, one opening pattern is selected from among the plurality of opening patterns according to the gaming state at that time when playing a game with a normal figure, and the opening pattern is selected from among the plurality of opening patterns. What is necessary is to adopt a configuration in which the second starting port 21 is opened based on the determined opening pattern. The selection of the opening pattern can be performed, for example, based on the type of the symbol per common symbol that is stopped and displayed when the game per common symbol is executed.

The gaming state of the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment is controlled by the combination of activation and deactivation of each of the above functions. That is, in the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment, (1) none of the probability variation function of special symbols and normal symbols, the variation time shortening function of special symbols and normal symbols, and the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 are operated. "Normal state" and (2) the probability variation function of the normal symbol and the variation time shortening function of the special and normal symbols are activated, and the probability variation function of the special symbol and the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 are not activated. ``Low probability state and first time saving state'', (3) the probability variation function of special symbols and ordinary symbols and the variation time reduction function of special symbols and ordinary symbols are activated, and the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 is not activated. "High probability state and first time saving state" and (4) the probability variation function of special symbols and normal symbols, the variation time reduction function of special symbols and normal symbols, and the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 are all activated. Four game states can be set: a high probability state and a second time saving state. Among these, the "low probability state and first time saving state" is the "first time saving state" that is set after the end of the jackpot game related to "6R 3rd jackpot" and "16R 5th jackpot", and "high probability state and The "first time saving state" is the "probability variable state A" that is set after the end of the jackpot game related to "6R second jackpot", and the "high probability state and second time saving state" is the "6R first jackpot" and " This is the "Probability Variable State B" that is set after the end of the jackpot game related to "16R 4th Jackpot" (see FIG. 6).

Here, if we distinguish the gaming states by paying attention to the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 (variable ball entry port), we can find a "second time saving state" in which the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 is activated. ” (probability variable state B), and “first time saving state” (first time saving state, probability variable state A) in which the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 does not operate, but the probability variation function and variable time shortening function of the normal symbol operate. ), the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 is higher than in the "normal state". In the case of the "second time saving state", the probability variation function of the normal symbol and the variable time reduction function are activated, so that the probability variation function of the normal symbol and the variable time reduction function are activated, so that the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the normal symbol are activated, so that the common symbol winning game is executed at a high frequency, and the variable winning prize is executed at a high frequency. This is because the second starting port 21 opens in the second opening pattern when the opening time extension function of the device 22 is activated. In addition, in the case of the "first time saving state", although the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 does not operate (the second starting port 21 opens in the first opening pattern), the probability variation function of the normal symbol and the variation time reduction function do not operate. This is because, when the function is activated, winnings occur frequently, and games with winning winnings are executed frequently.

For this reason, the "first time saving state" and the "second time saving state" are also referred to as the "easy entry state" and the "specific game state." In this case, a "first time saving state" which is a "low probability state and a first time saving state", a "probable variable state A" which is a "high probability state and a first time saving state", and a "high probability state and a second time saving state" It can be said that the "variable probability state B" is an "easy ball entry state" or a "specific game state". Also, when comparing the "first time saving state" and the "second time saving state", the former is a gaming state in which the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 is relatively low, and the latter is a gaming state in which the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 is relatively low. The game state is such that the possibility of the game ball entering the starting port 21 is relatively high. For this reason, among the specific game states (easy ball entry states), the "first time saving state" is also referred to as the "first ball entry easy state" or "first specific gaming state", and the "second time saving state" is also referred to as the "first ball entry easy state" or "first specific game state". The "state" is also referred to as the "second ball entry easy state" or the "second specific game state." In this case, the "first time saving state" which is a "low probability state and the first time saving state" and the "probability variable state A" which is the "high probability state and the first time saving state" are the "first easy entry state". ``probability variable state B'', which is a ``high probability state and second time-saving state'', can be said to be a ``second ball entry easy state'' or a ``second specific gaming state''. "You can say that.

On the other hand, when compared with the "first time saving state" and the "second time saving state", the "normal state" in which the probability fluctuation function and variable time shortening function of the normal symbol and the opening time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 do not operate, The game state is such that the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 (variable ball entry port) is relatively low. For this reason, the "normal state" is also referred to as the "no-ball entry easy state" or the "non-specific gaming state."

In addition, in the "first time saving state", there is a possibility that the game ball will enter the second starting port 21, but this possibility is only slightly higher than in the "normal state", and the ball will enter the second starting port 21. 21 is opened in the second opening pattern, which is considerably lower than in the "second time saving state". In the first time saving state, although the probability variation function and variation time reduction function of the normal symbol operate, the opening time extension function does not operate, and the second starting port 21 opens in the first opening pattern as in the normal state. be. Therefore, in the "first time saving state", the variable display of the first special symbol is mainly executed as described later, and in the "second time saving state", the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly executed as described later. Ru. From this, when distinguishing the gaming states by focusing on the type of opening pattern when the second starting port 21 opens and the type of special symbol that is the main variable display, it is necessary to distinguish between the "normal state" and the "first time-saving state". ” (first time saving state, definite variable state A) can be regarded as a “non-specific gaming state”, and “second time saving state” (probable variable state B) can be regarded as a “specific gaming state” .

In this embodiment, the "second time saving state" in which the open time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 operates is set together with the high probability state, but it is also possible to set it together with the low probability state. That is, the probability variation function of the normal symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol and the normal symbol, and the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 are activated, and the probability variation function of the special symbol is not activated in the "low probability state and the second time reduction". It is also possible to provide a "state" (a low probability state and a second specific gaming state). In addition, the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the probability variation function of the regular symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol and the normal symbol, and the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 are not activated. It is also possible to provide a "non-open extended state" (high probability state and non-specific gaming state).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, when the 6R second jackpot occurs, the gaming state after the jackpot game (after the special game) becomes the probability variable state A, and the 6R first jackpot and the 16R fourth jackpot occur. If any of the above occurs, the gaming state after the jackpot game (after the special game) will be a variable probability state B (see FIG. 6). These variable probability states end when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times, or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In this embodiment, the number of variable display times of the special symbol at which the probability variable state ends is set to "10,000 times". Note that the condition for ending the variable probability state may not be determined by the number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, but may be set until the occurrence of the next jackpot. In addition, in this embodiment, since the second time saving state is set together with the high probability state, the second time saving state is also either a fluctuating display of the special symbol "10,000 times" or a winning jackpot. The game ends when the jackpot game is executed. Incidentally, the number of times the special symbol is displayed as a condition for ending the variable probability state or the second time saving state does not need to be 10,000 times, and can be set to any number of times, such as 100 times or 200 times. Further, the number of times may change (fluctuate) depending on the type of special symbol jackpot symbol.

Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as described above, when either the 6R third jackpot or the 16R fifth jackpot occurs, the gaming state after the jackpot game (after the special game) is the first time saving state. (See Figure 6). This first time-saving state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times, or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In this embodiment, the number of variable display times of the special symbol at which the first time saving state ends is set to "100 times". Incidentally, the number of variable display times of the special symbol, which is the condition for ending the first time saving state, does not have to be 100 times, and can be set to any number of times, such as 50 times or 120 times. Further, the number of times may change (fluctuate) depending on the type of special symbol jackpot symbol.

In specific game states such as the first time saving state, variable probability state A, and variable probability state B, the game can be progressed more advantageously if the game ball enters the right gaming area 3B by hitting right. This is because in the specific gaming state, there are more opportunities to open the second starting port 21 compared to the non-specific gaming state (normal state), and the variation time of the special symbols is also shortened, so that the variation display of the special symbols progresses smoothly ( This is because the processing speed of reserved special drawings becomes faster). For this reason, in the specific game state, the game ball is hit to the right in order to enter the second starting port 21 while passing the game ball through the gate 28 which is the trigger for normal symbol validity determination. Thereby, compared to the case where the ball is hit left-handed, it is possible to obtain more opportunities for starting the ball (opportunities for determining whether the special symbol is correct or not). In this state, the firing direction indicator 47 is controlled to light up in a predetermined manner to notify that the game ball should be fired aiming at the right game area 3B (right-hand hitting instruction notification).

On the other hand, in the normal state (non-specific gaming state), the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the left gaming area 3A by hitting to the left. In the normal state, the second starting port 21 is difficult to open compared to the time saving state (specific gaming state), and although the third starting port 25 is provided in the right gaming area 3B, the second starting port 21 is not opened easily compared to the time saving state (specific gaming state). This is because the first starting port 20 pays out a larger number of prize balls than the opening 21 and the third starting port 25. Therefore, in the normal state, the game ball is hit to the left in order to enter the first starting port 20. As a result, compared to the case of right-handed hitting, it is possible to proceed with the game while obtaining more prize balls based on starting pitches. In this state, the firing direction indicator 47 is lit (displayed) controlled in a predetermined manner to notify that the game ball should be fired aiming at the left gaming area 3A (left-handed hitting instruction notification).

The firing direction indicator 47 is composed of two LEDs "yz", and indicates the firing direction by lighting the LEDs according to the game state. For example, in the normal state, it is possible to notify that the light should be emitted to the left gaming area as a display mode in which both LEDs are turned off, such as "y□z□" (for example, □: off, ■: on). . In addition, in the time saving state (first time saving state, second time saving state), the right game area is displayed as a display mode in which both LEDs are lit, such as "y z" (for example, □: off, ■: on). It is possible to notify that the target should be launched.

[Main control main processing]
Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 (control processing by the main control section 80) will be explained based on FIGS. 10 to 36. Note that the counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the RAM of the main control board 80. When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided in the main control board 80 reads out and executes the main control main processing program shown in FIG. 10 from the ROM of the main control board 80. As shown in the figure, in the main control main processing, first, initial settings are performed (S101). Initial settings include, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU settings of the main control board 80, SIO, PIO, and CTC (interrupt time controller) settings, and reset of various flags, statuses, and counters. etc. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Initial settings (S101) are executed only once after the power is turned on, and are not executed thereafter.

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

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

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

In the input process (S202) that is performed next to the output process (S201), various sensors (first starting port sensor 20a, second starting port sensor 21a, third starting port sensor 25a) attached to the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mainly used. , the big winning hole sensor 30a, etc. (see FIG. 5)) is read and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as prize ball information. Further, a detection signal from a lower tray full detection sensor (not shown) that detects whether the lower tray 62 is full is also taken in and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as lower tray full data.

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

Following the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S203), the starting port sensor detection process (S204), the starting ball entry process (S205), the regular symbol movement process (S206), and the special pattern movement process (S207), which will be described later. , executes pending ball count processing (S208) and power-off monitoring processing (S209). Thereafter, other processing (S210) is executed, and the interrupt processing (S105) is ended. Then, the processes of S102 to S104 of the main control main process are repeatedly executed until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU of the main control board 80 (see FIG. 10). After that), the interrupt processing (S105) is executed again. In the output process (S201) of the interrupt process (S105) executed again, the commands etc. set in the output buffer of the RAM in the previous interrupt process (S105) are output.

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

If the number of normally reserved symbols is not less than 4 (NO in S302), the process moves to S305. On the other hand, if the number of normal symbols reserved balls is less than 4 (YES in S302), "1" is added to the number of normal symbols reserved balls (S303), and the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304) is performed. In the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304), the value of the random number counter for normal symbol validity determination (label -TRND-H, see FIG. 7(B)) stored in the update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM is acquired, and the acquired random value (acquisition information) is stored in an address space corresponding to the current number of normal symbol reserved balls in the regular symbol reserved storage section provided in the RAM of the main control board 80.

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

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

Next, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the first starting port 20 or the third starting port 25, that is, whether the game ball has been detected by the first starting port sensor 20a or the third starting port sensor 25a. (S309). If the game ball has not entered the first starting port 20 or the third starting port 25 (NO in S309), this process is finished, and the game ball has entered the first starting port 20 or the third starting port 25. In this case (YES in S309), the number of special figure 1 reserved balls (the number of first special figures reserved, specifically, the number of reserved first special figures provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80 of the counter that counts the number of reserved first special figures). value) is less than 4 (upper limit number) (S310). Then, if the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is not less than 4 (NO in S310), this process is finished, and if the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is less than 4 (YES in S310), the special figure 1 reserved ball Add "1" to the number (S311).

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

[Processing at the time of starting ball entry]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the starting ball entering process (S205) following the starting opening sensor detection process (S204). As shown in FIG. 13, in the starting ball entry process (S205), first, it is determined whether the number of special map 2 reserved balls has increased by "1" (S315). Then, when it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 has increased by "1" (YES in S315), the process moves to S316. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls in the special map 2 at S307 in the starting port sensor detection process (S204) based on the game ball entering the second starting port 21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of special figure 2 reserved balls has not increased (NO in S315), the process moves to S319.

In S316, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) acquired in the special figure 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) in the immediately preceding starting port sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the second special figure reservation storage unit is read ( S316). Next, the obtained random number value related to the read second special symbol is determined (S317). In S317, among the read random numbers, the value of the random number counter for special symbol validity determination (random number value for special symbol validity determination) is determined to be a jackpot depending on the current gaming state (low probability state or high probability state). If the result of the determination is a jackpot, the type of jackpot is further determined. The judgment in S317 is a preliminary judgment (determination of whether or not it is a jackpot) regarding the special drawing 2 pending prior to the judgment (S1303, S1304) in the special drawing 2 judgment processing (S1202), which will be described later. This corresponds to the so-called "pending read ahead"). Therefore, the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that performs the preliminary determination regarding the special drawing 2 (second identification information) in S317 functions as a "second preliminary determination means".

The prior judgment of whether or not it is a jackpot is based on the jackpot judgment table (see Figure 8 (A)), that is, if it is a high probability state, it is a jackpot judgment table for high probability states, and if it is a low probability state, it is a jackpot judgment table for high probability states. This can be done by determining whether or not the jackpot determination value matches the jackpot determination value based on the jackpot determination table. In addition, as another aspect of preliminary determination, for example, a fluctuation pattern information determination table for low probability states and a fluctuation pattern information determination table for high probability states are provided as fluctuation pattern information determination tables that can determine fluctuation pattern information. , it is also possible to perform preliminary determination using these tables. Specifically, from the fluctuating pattern information specified based on the random number value obtained based on the starting ball (such as the value of the random number counter for determining the validity of special symbols) and the fluctuating pattern information determination table according to the gaming state, the jackpot is determined. It is possible to identify (in other words, make a preliminary determination) whether or not there is a jackpot, the type of jackpot if it is a jackpot, and whether or not a game performance with high jackpot reliability will be executed.

Next, in S318, command data including information related to the advance determination in S317 (also referred to as "special figure 2 advance determination information" or "second advance determination information") is generated as a special figure 2 starting ball entry command, and the corresponding The command is set in the output buffer of RAM (S318). Specifically, information indicating whether or not the random value for determining the validity of the special symbol matches the jackpot determination value (validity information), information indicating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type (random value for determining the jackpot type), Generates command data that includes information indicating the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (fluctuation pattern random value) as special chart 2 preliminary judgment information as a special chart 2 starting ball entry command, and sets the command in the output buffer (S318) . Thereby, the second preliminary determination information can be output to the sub-control unit 90. The output of the second preliminary determination information is possible in any of the normal state, the first time-saving state, the variable probability state A, and the variable probability state B (second time-saving state).

In addition, as the special figure 2 starting ball entry command, part or all of the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number read out in S316 may be sent as is to the sub-control board 90, or the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number Instead of transmitting the value as it is, information acquired based on the value of the special figure 2 acquisition random number (for example, the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern information, etc.) may be transmitted.

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

In addition, from the perspective of fraud prevention, among the obtained random values (obtained information) read in S316, the random values for special symbol validity judgment (an aspect of the second preliminary judgment information) are not sent as they are to the sub-control unit. , information indicating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type (random value for determining the jackpot type) and the value of the fluctuating pattern random number counter (fluctuation pattern random value) (an aspect of the second prior determination information), and the prior determination. It is possible to generate command data including information indicating the result (an aspect of the second preliminary determination information) as a special chart 2 starting ball entry command, and to set this. This also applies to the preliminary determination of special figure 1, which will be described later.

Next, in S319, similarly to the process related to the above-mentioned special figure 2, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the special figure 1 has increased by "1" (S319). Then, when it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 has increased by "1" (YES in S319), the process moves to S320. This is based on the fact that a game ball enters the first starting port 20 or the third starting port 25, and "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for special map 1 in S311 in the starting port sensor detection process (S204). This applies in some cases. On the other hand, if it is determined in S319 that the number of special map 1 reserved balls has not increased (NO in S319), the process is ended as is.

In S320, it is determined whether the second time saving flag is ON (S320). The second time saving flag indicates the setting status of the second time saving state in which the open time extension function of the variable winning device 22 is activated, and is turned ON when the second time saving state is set, and the second time saving state is activated. It turns OFF if it is not set. As mentioned above, the second time-saving state is set in the "variable variable state B," and the second time-saving state is not set in the "normal state," the "first time-saving state," and the "variable variable state A." It is.

If it is determined in S320 that the second time saving flag is ON, that is, the second time saving state is set (YES in S320), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S320 that the second time saving flag is OFF, that is, the second time saving state is not set (NO in S320), the process proceeds to the process related to the preliminary determination from S321 onwards.

Here, if the second time-saving flag is ON (in the second time-saving state), the open time extension function that increases the frequency of balls entering the second starting port 21 is activated, and the validity judgment of special map 2 is determined. (See FIG. 8(B)) is in a state where it is easy to do so. In addition, in this embodiment, as will be described later, extinguishment of special drawing 2 reservation (fluctuating display of the second special symbol) is executed with priority over expulsion of special symbol 1 reservation (fluctuating display of the first special symbol) ( This is the so-called "special map 2 priority variable machine"). Therefore, in the second time saving state (second specific gaming state), the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly executed. In such a configuration, for example, a preliminary determination of the special map 1 is performed in the second time-saving state, the result is notified to the player through an effect such as a notice, and it is made clear that the result of the preliminary determination is a jackpot. In this case, the player takes advantage of the priority of special drawing 2 pending consumption and intentionally eliminates special drawing 2 pending (setting it to "0") at any timing, and plays the special drawing that shows the result of the preliminary determination. It becomes possible to perform technical intervention such as intentionally generating a jackpot according to item 1. It is not desirable from the viewpoint of the fairness of the game that the player is able to adjust the timing at which the jackpot occurs in this way. Therefore, if the current gaming state is the second time saving state (in this example, variable probability state B) (YES in S320), the process related to the preliminary determination of special map 1 after S321 is not performed, and this process is performed. I am planning to finish it. In other words, in the second time-saving state (second specific gaming state), information related to the result of the preliminary determination of special figure 1 (also referred to as "special figure 1 preliminary determination information" or "first preliminary determination information") is It is not possible to output to the control unit 90.

The processing in S321 to S323 is the same processing as in S316 to S318 described above for the special figure 1. That is, the latest special figure 1 acquisition random number value (acquisition information) acquired in the special figure 1 related random number acquisition process (S312) in the starting opening sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the first special figure reservation storage unit is read ( S321), a preliminary determination is made regarding the read out special figure 1 acquisition random number value (S322). Then, command data including information related to this preliminary determination (first preliminary determination information) is generated as a special chart 1 starting ball entry command, and the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S323). Thereby, in the normal state, the first time-saving state, and the variable probability state A, the first preliminary determination information can be output to the sub-control unit 90.

In addition, the preliminary determination (pending pre-reading) of S322 is performed prior to the validity determination (S1603, S1604) in the later-described special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207). The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that performs the preliminary determination regarding the special symbol 1 (first special symbol) in S322 functions as a "first preliminary determination means".

[General figure movement processing]
The game control microcomputer 81 performs the normal figure operation process (S206) shown in FIG. 14 following the start ball entry process (S205). In the normal pattern movement processing (S206), the processing regarding the normal pattern display 42 and the variable winning device 22 is divided into four stages, and "normal pattern movement status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each of these stages. . Then, if the "common pattern movement status" is "1" (YES in S401), the normal pattern standby process (S402) is performed, and if the "common pattern movement status" is "2" (S401 NO in S403, YES in S403), perform the normal symbol fluctuation processing (S404), and if the "Normal pattern movement status" is "3" (NO in both S401 and S403, YES in S405), the normal symbol is confirmed. Processing (S406) is performed, and if the "normal figure action status" is "4" (all of S401, S403, and S405 are NO), normal electric accessory processing (S407) is performed. Note that the normal figure action status is "1" in the initial setting.

[Normal symbol standby processing]
As shown in FIG. 15, in the normal symbol standby process (S402), it is first determined whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" (S501), and if it is "0" (YES in S501). ), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is not "0" (NO in S501), a normal symbol propriety determination process to be described later is performed (S502), and then a normal symbol variation pattern selection process is performed (S503). In the normal symbol fluctuation pattern selection process, with reference to the normal symbol fluctuation pattern selection table shown in FIG. 8(D), if the gaming state is the first time saving state or the second time saving state (specific gaming state), the normal symbol Select a normal symbol fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 1 second. On the other hand, if the gaming state is a non-time saving state (non-specific gaming state), a normal symbol fluctuation pattern in which the normal symbol fluctuation time is 30 seconds is selected. After finishing the normal symbol variation pattern selection process (S503), the below-described normal symbol random number shift process (S504) is performed, then the normal symbol variation start process (S505) is performed, and the process ends. In the normal symbol variation start process, the variable display of the normal symbol is started based on the normal symbol variation pattern selected in S503, and the normal operation status is set to "2". In addition, in the normal symbol variation start process, a normal symbol variation start command is set in order to notify the sub-control board 90 of the start of variation of the normal symbols.

[Normal symbol validity determination process]
As shown in FIG. 16, in the normal symbol validity determination process (S502), first, the value (label -TRND-H) of the random number counter for normal symbol validity determination stored in the regular symbol reservation storage unit is read out (S601). . Next, it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON (that is, whether the gaming state is in the time saving state) (S602). Here, regarding the determination of whether or not the time saving flag is ON, when simply referred to as the time saving flag, it is referred to as the first time saving flag indicating the setting status of the first time saving state in which the open time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 does not operate. Without distinguishing between the second time-saving flag, if either one is ON, the time-saving flag is determined to be ON, and if both the first time-saving flag and the second time-saving flag are OFF, the time-saving flag is ON. It is judged that it is not (the same applies below). That is, the process of S602 is a process of determining whether the current gaming state is a specific gaming state (easy ball entry state).

If it is determined that the time saving flag is ON in S602, that is, the time saving state (specific gaming state) is determined (YES in S602), the table for the time saving state among the normal symbol hit determination tables shown in FIG. 8(C) A high probability normal pattern correctness judgment is made based on (the hit judgment value is "0" to "239") (S604), and the process moves to S605. That is, it is determined whether the value of the read random number counter for normal symbol validity determination (label -TRND-H) matches any of the hit determination values. On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the time-saving flag is not ON, that is, it is in a non-time-saving state (non-specific gaming state) (NO in S602), in the normal symbol hit determination table shown in FIG. 8(C), A low probability normal pattern correctness judgment is performed based on the table for the time saving state (hit judgment values are "0" and "1") (S603), and the process moves to S605. Then, it is determined whether or not the result of the normal pattern correctness judgment (S603, S604) is a hit (normal pattern hit) (S605), and if it is determined that it is a loss (NO in S605), the result is stopped and displayed. A normal symbol (ordinary symbol) is determined (S606), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined to be a hit (ordinary figure hit) in S605 (YES at S605), the winning ordinary symbol (ordinary figure per symbol) to be stopped and displayed is determined (S607), and the ordinary figure hit flag is turned ON (S608). ), the process ends. In this embodiment, since the non-time saving state is the gaming state in which left-handed batting is required, basically the game ball does not pass through the gate 28 in the non-time saving state. Therefore, in the non-time-saving state, as long as the player is hitting left-handed, the determination of whether the normal pattern is correct (low-probability normal pattern judgment) will not be performed.

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

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

[Normal pattern confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 19, in the normal symbol determination process (S406), first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol hit flag is ON (S901). If the ordinary figure flag is not ON (NO in S901), the ordinary figure operation status is set to "1" (S905), and this process ends. On the other hand, if the normal map per flag is ON (YES in S901), then it is determined whether the second time saving flag is ON, that is, whether or not the second time saving state is in progress (S902). Then, when it is determined that the second time saving flag is ON (YES in S902), that is, when the current gaming state is the second time saving state (variable probability state B), the variable winning device 22 (second starting port 21 ) is set as the second opening pattern described above (S903). The second opening pattern is an opening pattern in which opening for "6.0 seconds" (long opening) is performed once as described above (see FIG. 44). Therefore, a second starting port opening counter that counts the number of times the second starting port 21 is opened is set to "1".

On the other hand, if it is determined that the second time saving flag is not ON (OFF) (NO in S902), that is, the current gaming state is the normal state or the first time saving state (first time saving state, probability variable state A ), the aforementioned first opening pattern is set as the opening pattern of the variable winning device 22 (second starting port 21) (S906). As described above, the first opening pattern is an opening pattern in which opening (short opening) for "0.5 seconds" is performed twice with an interval (closing time) of "60 seconds" in between (see FIG. 44). Therefore, "2" is set in the second starting port opening counter. Then, following the setting of the opening pattern (S903, S906), the normal figure action status is set to "4" (S904), and this processing is completed.

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

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

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

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

[Special figure movement processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the special figure operation process (S207) following the regular figure operation process (S206). In the special figure operation process (S207), as shown in FIG. , 4'' is assigned. Then, if the "special pattern movement status" is "1" (YES in S1101), special pattern standby processing (S1102) is performed, and if the "special pattern movement status" is "2" (S1101 (NO in S1103, YES in S1103), special symbol fluctuation processing (S1104) is performed, and if the "special symbol operation status" is "3" (NO in both S1101 and S1103, YES in S1105), the special symbol is confirmed. Processing (S1106) is performed, and if the "special figure operation status" is "4" (all of S1101, S1103, and S1105 are NO), special electric accessory processing (S1107) as a jackpot game is performed. In addition, the special figure operation status is "1" in the initial setting.

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

If the number of reserved balls for special map 2 is not "0" in S1201 (NO in S1201), that is, if there is one or more memory of the random number counter value acquired due to the ball entering the second starting port 21, , special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202), special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), and special figure 2 variation start process (S1205), which will be described later, are performed in this order. In addition, if the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), that is, the random number counter value related to the second starting port 21 is There is no memory, but if there is memory of one or more random number counter values obtained due to the ball entering the first starting port 20, the special figure 1 validity judgment process (S1207) described later, the special figure 1 fluctuation Pattern selection process (S1208), special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), and special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S1210) are performed in this order. As described above, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is performed only when the second special symbol reservation is "0" (YES in S1201). In other words, the extinguishment of the second special symbol reservation (fluctuation display of the second special symbol, determination of the validity of the second special symbol) is the same as the expiration of the first special symbol reservation (variation display of the first special symbol, determination of the validity of the first special symbol). executed with priority. In this embodiment, the validity determination based on the second special symbol reservation (second special symbol validity determination) is more useful to the player than the validity determination based on the first special symbol reservation (first special symbol validity determination). It becomes easier to hit a jackpot with a large profit (see Figure 8 (B)).

[Special figure 2 validity judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 23, in the special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202), first, as a determination value, the lowest area of the second special figure reservation storage section 85b of the RAM (i.e., the first of the second special figure reservation The value (label -TRND-A) of the random number counter for special symbol validity determination (oldest memory) stored in the RAM area corresponding to (RAM area corresponding to) is read out (S1301). Next, it is determined whether the probability change flag is ON, that is, whether or not the state is high probability (S1302). Then, if it is not a high probability state (NO in S1302), that is, if it is a low probability state, the jackpot judgment table for low probability states (the jackpot judgment value is "3") among the jackpot judgment tables shown in FIG. and "397") to determine whether or not it is correct (S1303). On the other hand, if it is in a high probability state (YES in S1302), a judgment is made based on a jackpot judgment table for a high probability state among the jackpot judgment tables (S1304). In the jackpot judgment table for high probability states, the jackpot judgment values are "3", "53", "113", "173", "227", "281", "337", "397", "449", It is said to be "503".

If the result of the jackpot determination (S1303, S1304) is determined to be a "jackpot" (YES in S1305), the value of the random number counter for jackpot type determination (label -TRND-AS) is read out and shown in Figure 8 (B). The jackpot type is determined based on the jackpot type determination table shown (S1307), the jackpot symbol is determined based on the value of the jackpot type determination random number (S1308), the jackpot flag is turned ON (S1309), and the process ends. . On the other hand, if it is determined that the result of the jackpot determination (S1303, S1304) is not a "jackpot" (NO in S1305), a losing symbol is determined (S1306) and the process ends. In addition, in the case of judgment regarding the first special symbol, the jackpot type is judged using the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol, and in the case of the judgment regarding the second special symbol, the jackpot type is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol. The jackpot type is determined using the jackpot type determination table. Here, the jackpot judgment (special symbol correctness judgment) and the jackpot type determination judgment may be referred to as "judgment", respectively, or it may be called "judgment" including the judgment of jackpot and which jackpot symbol it is. good. Further, these results may also be referred to as "judgment results." Through such special symbol 2 validity determination process (S1202), the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that performs the validity determination (jackpot determination) and symbol determination regarding the second special symbol acts as a "second determination means". It's something that works.

Here, the round indicator 45 is composed of two LEDs, a 6R lamp and a 16R lamp (see FIG. 4). For example, when a 6R jackpot is reached, the 6R lamp is lit and displayed at the timing when the corresponding jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode is "6▲16R△". Furthermore, when a 16R jackpot is reached, the 16R lamp is lit and displayed at the timing when the corresponding jackpot symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode is "6△16R▲".

[Special figure 2 variation pattern selection process]
In the special symbol standby process (FIG. 22), after the special symbol 2 validity determination process (S1202), the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process is performed (S1203). As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, in the special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), first, whether or not the gaming state is a time saving state (first time saving state or second time saving state) (first time saving flag or whether the second time saving flag is ON (S1401). As a result, if it is determined that it is not in a time-saving state (the first time-saving flag and the second time-saving flag are OFF) (NO in S1401), that is, in a non-time-saving state, then it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON or not. (S1402). If it is determined in S1402 that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1402), refer to the non-time saving state jackpot table (the part of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to non-time saving state and jackpot), A variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1403). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P1 to P3 is selected. In this embodiment, it is assumed that once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. Next, the process moves to S1404.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1402 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1402), then it is determined whether the number of reservations of the second special symbol is "1" or "2" (S1405). The number of pending memories here refers to the number of memories including information that determines the fluctuation pattern through this process, so the number of pending memories is set to any value from "1" to "4". If it is determined in S1405 that the number of reservations is "1" or "2" (YES in S1405), the first reservation table (out of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. A variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1406). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P4 to P7 is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1405 that the number of reservations is not "1" or "2", that is, it is "3" or "4" (NO in S1405), the second reservation number removal table (the fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. A fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the part of the table that is in a non-time saving state, is out of position, and has the number of reserved pitches "3, 4") (S1407) . In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P8 to P11 is selected. Moreover, the first table for losing the number of reservations is set to have a higher possibility of selecting a fluctuation pattern with a relatively long fluctuation time than the second table for losing the number of reservations. Furthermore, the shortest selectable variation time (12,000 ms) is also longer than that of the second reservation table (4,000 ms).

On the other hand, when it is determined in the above-mentioned S1401 that the time saving state (first time saving state or second time saving state) is determined (YES in S1401), it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1408). As a result, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1408), the variation pattern is A fluctuation pattern is selected based on the random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1409). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P12 to P14 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1408 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1408), it is then determined whether the number of reservations is "1" (S1410). The number of reservations here is also the same as described above, and the number of reservations is set to any value from "1" to "4". If it is determined that the number of balls on hold is "1" in S1410 (YES in S1410), the third table for out of number of balls on hold (from the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. A variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1411). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P15 to P18 is selected. In addition, if it is determined in S1410 that the number of reservations is not "1", that is, it is determined that the number of reservations is any one of "2" to "4" (NO in S1410), the fourth reservation number removal table (Fig. Select a variation pattern based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the part of the variation pattern table shown in the table that corresponds to the time-saving state, out-of-time, and number of reserved pitches "2 to 4" ( S1411). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P19 to P22 is selected. Here, the possibility that a short fluctuation pattern will be selected is made higher than the fluctuation pattern selected when the time is short and the result is an error, compared to the fluctuation pattern that is selected when the time is short and the result is a loss. There is. This is to speed up the speed at which special symbols are reserved by selecting more variation patterns with short variation times in the time-saving state (to speedily advance the game during the time-saving state).

After selecting a variation pattern in this way, other processing shown in FIG. 24 is performed (S1404), and the processing ends. In other processing (S1404), processing such as setting a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the output buffer of the RAM is performed. Further, the variation pattern designation command set in this process is included in a variation start command, which will be described later, and is transmitted to the sub-control unit 90 by the output process (S201).

[Special figure 2 random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 26, in the special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), first, the number of reserved balls in the special figure 2 is decremented by 1 (S1501). Next, the storage location of the various counter values in the second special figure reservation storage section 85b is set to one level lower (for example, when the second special figure reservation storage section 85b consists of an address space corresponding to addresses "0000" to "0003") , address "0000" side) (S1502). Then, set "0" in the highest address space of the second special figure reservation storage section 85b, that is, (if the upper limit number is stored), the RAM corresponding to the fourth of the second special figure reservation. The area is cleared to 0 (S1503), and this process ends.

After executing the special figure 2 random number shift process (S1204), the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (S1205) shown in FIG. 22 is executed. In the special figure 2 variation start process (S1205), the special figure operation status is set to "2", a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM, and the variation display of the second special symbol is started. The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that performs this special symbol 2 variation start processing (S1205) functions as a "second identification information control means" that displays the second special symbol (second identification information) in a variable manner. It is something.

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

[Special figure 1 validity judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 27, in the special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207), processing (S1601 to S1609) is performed in the same flow as the special figure 2 validity determination process (S1202) shown in FIG. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process will be omitted. However, since this process is related to special figure 1, in S1601, the lowest area of the first special figure reservation storage section 85a of the RAM (that is, the RAM area corresponding to the first piece of the first special figure reservation) is The stored random number counter value (label -TRND-A) for determining the validity of special symbols is read out and processed. Through this special figure 1 validity determination process (S1207), the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that performs the validity determination (jackpot determination) and symbol determination regarding the first special symbol acts as a "first determination means". It's something that works.

[Special figure 1 variation pattern selection process]
As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the special figure 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208) follows the same flow as the special figure 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403) shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 (S1701 to S1712). )I do. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process will be omitted.

[Special figure 1 random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 30, in the special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), first, the number of reserved balls in the special figure 1 is decremented by 1 (S1801). Next, the storage locations of various counter values in the first special figure reservation storage section are shifted to the lower side by one (S2002). Then, set "0" in the highest address space of the first special figure reservation storage unit, that is, (if the upper limit number is stored), the RAM area corresponding to the fourth of the first special figure reservation. is cleared to 0 (S1803), and this process ends.

After executing the special figure 1 random number shift process (S1209), the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S1210) shown in FIG. 22 is executed. In the special figure 1 variation start process (S1210), the special figure operation status is set to "2", a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM, and the variation display of the first special symbol is started. The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that performs this special symbol 1 variation start processing (S1210) functions as a "first identification information control means" that displays the first special symbol (first identification information) in a variable manner. It is something.

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

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

Then, in S1907, it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON or not (S1907), and if it is determined that the time saving flag is ON (the first time saving flag or the second time saving flag is ON) (YES in S1907) , subtracts 1 from the value of the time-saving counter that counts the number of times the special symbol is changed and displayed during the time-saving state (S1908), determines whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (S1909), and " 0'' (YES in S1909), the time saving flag that had been ON until then is turned OFF (S1910), and the process proceeds to S1911. In addition, when it is determined that the time saving flag is not ON (the first time saving flag and the second time saving flag are OFF) (NO in S1907), and when it is determined that the value of the time saving counter is not "0" (S1909 (NO), proceed to the processing of S1911. In addition, if the time saving flag determined to be ON in S1907 is the first time saving flag, when the variable display of the special symbol is executed 100 times in the first time saving state, the value of the time saving counter becomes "0". becomes. On the other hand, if the time saving flag determined to be ON in S1907 is the second time saving flag, when the variable display of the special symbol is executed 10,000 times in the second time saving state, the value of the time saving counter becomes " 0'', but it is highly unlikely that the variable display of special symbols will be executed 10,000 times without a jackpot occurring in the second time saving state.

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

[Special design confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 32, in the special symbol confirmation process (S1106), first, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S2001). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S2001), then it is determined whether the type of confirmed jackpot is a 16R jackpot, and if it is determined to be a 16R jackpot (YES in S2002), it is executed during the jackpot game. The value of a round counter that counts the number of rounds to be played is set to "16" (S2003), and the process moves to S2009. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2002 that the jackpot type is not a 16R jackpot (NO in S2002), the confirmed jackpot type is a 6R jackpot, so the value of the round counter is set to "6" (S2004), and S2009 Shift to processing.

In S2009, a jackpot opening pattern is set according to the determined jackpot type (type) (S2009), and the process moves to S2010. Here, as described above, since the opening pattern of the big winning opening is determined according to the type of jackpot, the opening pattern of the big winning opening corresponding to the jackpot determined this time is set (see FIG. 6). Then, in each jackpot game, the opening operation of the jackpot 30 is executed based on the jackpot opening pattern set in S2009.

In S2010, a jackpot opening command is set to start the jackpot game (S2010). In this example, the opening commands include a first opening command corresponding to the 6R first jackpot, a second opening command corresponding to the 6R second jackpot, a third opening command corresponding to the 6R third jackpot, and a 16R fourth jackpot. A total of five types are provided: a corresponding fourth opening command and a fifth opening command corresponding to the 16R fifth jackpot. In S2010, an opening command is set according to the type of jackpot decided this time (jackpot to start). Then, the main control unit 80 (gaming control microcomputer 81) transmits the set opening command to the sub-control unit 90 at a predetermined timing through output processing (S201), and sends the set opening command to the sub-control unit 90 that received the opening command. The unit 90 executes a predetermined game performance execution process based on the opening command.

After setting the opening command, the opening period of the jackpot game is started (S2011), and the special figure operation status is set to "4" (S2012). Further, when it is determined in S2001 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S2001), the special figure operation status is set to "1" (S2013), and the process ends. In addition, the opening period is a period that is set before the first opening operation of the big winning hole in the jackpot game and after the variable display of the special symbol (production symbol) is disabled, and ” is also called. Furthermore, the performance executed during this "start period" is also referred to as a "start performance (opening performance)." In this embodiment, the opening period (opening time) is determined by the type of confirmed jackpot and the gaming state when the jackpot is confirmed (that is, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed). The opening period can be specified by the opening command described above. Therefore, the sub-control unit 90 that has received the opening command can perform the opening performance based on the jackpot type and opening period specified by the opening command.

[Special electric accessory processing (jackpot game)]
As shown in FIG. 33, in the special electric accessory processing (S1107), it is first determined whether the probability variation flag is ON (S2101), and if it is determined that the probability variation flag is ON (YES in S2101), The probability change flag is turned OFF (S2102), and then it is determined whether the time saving flag is ON (S2103). If it is determined in S2103 that the time saving flag is ON (YES in S2103), the ON time saving flag (first time saving flag or second time saving flag) is turned OFF (S2104) and the process moves to S2105. do. If it is determined in S2101 that the probability change flag is not ON (NO in S2101), the process proceeds to S2103 without performing the process in S2102, and in S2103 the time saving flag is not ON (the first time saving flag and the second time saving flag is OFF) (NO in S2103), the process proceeds to S2105 without performing the process in S2104. In other words, while the jackpot game is being executed, the control is made to a low probability state and a non-time saving state.

Next, it is determined whether the jackpot end flag is ON (S2105). The jackpot end flag is a flag that indicates that the operation processing of the jackpot device 31 (opening processing of the jackpot opening 30) has been completed (the jackpot game has ended) in the jackpot game. If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2105), then it is determined whether it is time to start a round (S2106). This is determined based on the jackpot opening pattern set for each jackpot type described above. For example, if it is before the start of the first round, the determination is made based on whether the opening period has ended and it is now the timing to execute the first opening process of the first round. If the first round has already started, the determination is made based on whether the previous round has ended and the predetermined interval period has ended.

If it is determined in S2106 that it is time to start a round (YES in S2106), a round start command for the corresponding round is set (S2107), and a big prize opening opening process is performed (S2108). As a result, the big prize opening 30 becomes open and a predetermined round starts. In addition, in S2107, a round start command that can specify the round to be started is set, such as "1R start command" for the start of the first round and "2R start command" for the start of the second round. . The set round start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 90 through the output process in S201. In the big winning hole opening process of S2108, the big winning hole opening pattern 30 is opened based on the big winning hole opening pattern determined according to the type of jackpot to be executed, that is, the big winning hole opening pattern set in the above-mentioned S2009. In order to do so, the opening/closing member 32 is operated (opening operation).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2106 that it is not the round start time (NO in S2106), the process moves to S2112. Here, cases where it is determined that it is not the time to start a round include, for example, during the opening period before the start of one round, during the round game, during the interval period after the end of the round game (during the big winning hole closing process), etc. .

In S2112, it is determined whether or not the big winning hole opening operation is being executed, that is, whether the big winning hole opened by the process of S2108 is still being opened (during the round game) (S2112). As a result, if it is determined that the big winning opening operation is not being executed (during a round game) (NO in S2112), the process moves to S2116, and it is determined that the big winning opening opening operation is being executed (during a round game). If it is determined (YES in S2112), it is determined whether the termination condition (round termination condition) of the round game being executed is satisfied (S2113).

Here, the round end conditions of this embodiment are as follows: (1) The opening time of the big prize opening set in the round game being executed (for example, 25 seconds), that is, the execution time of the round game has elapsed; (2) Two conditions are set: that a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) have entered the grand prize opening in the round game being executed. When one of the conditions is satisfied, it means that the round end condition is satisfied based on the condition that was satisfied first. If it is determined in S2113 that the round end condition is not satisfied (NO in S2113), the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2113 that the round end condition is satisfied (YES in S2113), a round end command for the corresponding round is set (S2114), and the process moves to S2115. In S2114, a round end command that can specify the round to end is set, such as a "1R end command" if the first round ends, or a "2R end command" if the second round ends. The set round end command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 90 through the output process in S201.

In S2115, a big winning hole closing process is performed (S2115), and the opening/closing member 32 of the big winning hole 30 is operated (closing operation) to bring the big winning hole 30 into a closed state. In addition, in the big winning opening closing process, a closing time for keeping the big winning opening 30 in a closed state, that is, an interval time is set. Next, it is determined in S2116 whether or not the interval time has elapsed (S2116), and if it is determined that the interval time has not elapsed (during the interval period) (NO in S2116), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2116 that the interval time has elapsed (YES in S2116), the value of the round counter is decremented by 1 (S2117), and it is determined whether the value of the round counter is "0" (S2118). ). If it is determined in S2118 that the value of the round counter is not "0" (NO in S2118), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the round counter is "0" (YES in S2118), a jackpot ending command is set as a jackpot ending process to end the jackpot game (S2119), and a jackpot ending period is started. (S2120), turns on the jackpot end flag (S2121), and ends the process. Note that the value of the round counter becomes "0" when all round games in the jackpot game to be executed are completed.

In S2119, an ending command is selected from a plurality of predetermined ending commands according to the gaming state at the time of the current jackpot occurrence, the type of the current jackpot, the gaming state after the jackpot game, etc. Command is set. The type of ending command set in this way determines the ending period (ending time) to be executed (set). The ending period is a period that is set after all the opening operations of the big prize opening 30 in the jackpot game are completed and before the variable display of special symbols (production symbols) can be executed. ” is also called. During the ending period (end period), the big prize opening 30 is in a closed state. The performance executed during this "end period" is also referred to as the "end performance" (ending performance).

Then, the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) transmits the ending command set in S2119 to the sub-control unit 90 at a predetermined timing through output processing (S201), and receives the ending command. The sub-control unit 90 performs execution processing of a predetermined ending effect based on the ending command.

In addition, if it is determined that the jackpot end flag is ON in S2105 (YES in S2105), the final round in the jackpot game has ended, so whether or not the ending time of the jackpot has elapsed, that is, in S2120 described above, It is determined whether it is the end timing of the ending period started in the process (S2122), and if it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2122), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2122), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S2123), and a game state setting process (S2124) to be described later is performed. Next, the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2125), the special figure operation status is set to "1" (S2126), and the process ends. As a result, in the next interrupt processing, the special symbol standby processing (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation processing (FIG. 21). In addition, the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the above special electric accessory processing (S1107) functions as a "special game execution means".

[Game status setting process]
As shown in FIG. 34, in the game state setting process (S2124), it is first determined whether the jackpot game that has ended this time is related to a variable probability jackpot (S2201). In this example, as mentioned above, the three types of 6R 1st jackpot, 6R 2nd jackpot, and 16th 4th jackpot are considered as variable probability jackpots, so in S2201, if it falls under any of these three types, Determine whether or not. If it is determined that what ended this time was a probability variable jackpot (YES in S2201), the probability variation flag is turned ON (S2202), and the probability variation counter is set to "10,000" (S2203).

Next, in S2204, it is determined whether the jackpot game that has ended this time is related to the 6R second jackpot among the probability variable jackpots (S2204), and if it is determined that it is related to the 6R second jackpot (S2204) (YES), turns on the first time saving flag (S2205), sets the time saving counter to "10,000" (S2207), and ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not related to the 6R second jackpot (NO in S2204), that is, if the jackpot game that has ended this time is related to the 6R first jackpot or the 16th fourth jackpot, the second time saving flag is turned ON. At the same time (S2206), the time saving counter is set to "10,000" (S2207), and the process ends. In this way, when the jackpot game related to the 6R second jackpot among the probability variable jackpots ends, the subsequent gaming state becomes "high probability state and first time saving state" (probability variable state A), and the 6R first jackpot When such a jackpot game ends or when a jackpot game related to the 16R fourth jackpot ends, the subsequent gaming state becomes a "high probability state and second time saving state" (probability variable state B).

Here, the value set in the probability variation counter is the number of times that special symbol validity determination can be executed with high probability. The value "10,000" (10,000 times) set in this example is based on the jackpot probability in a high probability state, the daily business hours of the game parlor, and the special drawing validity judgment that can be executed during the business hours. Considering the number of times, etc., this is essentially the same as guaranteeing a high probability state until the next jackpot occurs or until business hours end. Therefore, when the gaming state is set to a high probability state, it can be said that the high probability state is guaranteed until the next jackpot occurs (substantially the same meaning). In addition, when the probability change flag is ON, the time saving counter is also set to "10,000", so while the high probability state is set, the time saving state (open extension state) is also set. The Rukoto.

In addition, as in this embodiment, the value of "10,000" is set in the probability variable counter and the time saving counter, and the "high probability state and first time saving state" or "high probability state and the first time saving state" is substantially maintained until the next jackpot. Alternatively, if the probability variable flag and the time saving flag are ON, the value is not set in the counter and the "high probability state and first time saving state" is set until the next jackpot occurs. ” or “high probability state and second time saving state” may be adopted. Also, for example, setting the probability variation counter to "10,000" and setting the time saving counter to "100", setting the probability variation counter to "100" and setting the time saving counter to "200", etc. The value set to the probability change counter and the value set to the time saving counter may be different. In this case, since the gaming state until the next jackpot occurs can change, for example, there is a possibility that either the variable probability state or the time saving state will end first before the next jackpot occurs. It becomes possible to obtain.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2201 that it is not a probability variable jackpot (NO in S2201), that is, if the game that has ended this time is a jackpot game related to a non-probability variable jackpot (normal jackpot), the first The time saving flag is turned on (S2208), the time saving counter is set to "100" (S2207), and the process ends. In this example, as mentioned above, two types of 6R third jackpot and 16R fifth jackpot are non-guaranteed variable jackpots (normal jackpots), so when the jackpot games related to these two types are finished, subsequent jackpots The gaming state becomes "low probability state and first time saving state" (first time saving state). This gaming state ends when one of the following conditions is met: the special symbol is displayed 100 times (the special symbol is judged 100 times), and the next jackpot occurs. . The time saving counter and the probability change counter count the total number of times the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the number of times the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the above gaming state setting process (S2124) functions as a "gaming state setting means".

[Held pitch count processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the reserved ball number process (S208) following the special figure operation process (S207). As shown in FIG. 35, in the reserved ball number processing (S208), first, the number of special symbol 1 reserved balls, the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls, and the number of normal symbol reserved balls stored in the RAM of the main control board 80 is read out. (S2501). Next, data on the number of held balls (a held ball number command for transmitting the held ball number information to the sub-control board 90, etc.) is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S2502). This data related to the number of pending pitches (number of pending pitches command) is output by the output processing (S201) in the next interrupt processing (S105), and the data related to the number of pending pitches (number of pending pitches command) is output for each interrupt processing. Setting to the output buffer (S2502) and output processing (S201) are performed sequentially. When the sub-control unit 90 that has received the held ball number command determines that there has been an increase or decrease in the number of special chart held balls based on the received held ball number command, the sub-control unit 90 changes the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 accordingly. The display contents of the performance pending display area (first performance pending display area 9c, second performance pending display area 9d) are updated.

Specifically, for example, when the number of special figure 1 reserved balls increases by 1 from "3" to "4", the first effect reserved 9a corresponding to the increased number of special figure 1 reserved balls "4" is set. It is additionally displayed in the first effect pending display area 9c. In addition, when the number of special figure 1 reserved balls decreases by 1 from "2" to "1" (in other words, when the first special figure reserved is exhausted), the left end of the first effect reserved display area 9c (special figure 1 reserved The first performance hold 9a displayed in the area corresponding to the number of pitches "1" (see Figure 3) is moved to the variable hold display area 9e (see Figure 3), and along with this, the first performance hold is moved. The first effect pending 9a displayed in the display area 9c is moved (shifted) by one position to the left.

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

[Power-off monitoring processing]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a power-off monitoring process (S209) following the pending ball count process (S208). As shown in FIG. 36, in the power-off monitoring process (S209), first, it is determined whether or not a power-off signal is input (S2601), and if there is no input (NO in S2601), the process ends. On the other hand, if a power-off signal is input (YES in S2601), the current state of the gaming machine (whether it is a fixed change or not, whether it is in a winning game or not, how many balls are on hold, and the remaining number of changes in the fixed change/time saving) is determined. etc.) in the RAM (S2602), turns on the power-off flag (S2603), and thereafter performs loop processing without returning to interrupt processing (FIG. 11).

[Sub control main processing]
Next, the operation of the production control microcomputer 91 (control processing by the sub-control unit 90) will be explained based on FIGS. 37 to 42. Note that the counters, flags, status, buffers, timers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the production control microcomputer 91 are provided in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (sub-control unit). When the power of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the production control microcomputer 91 provided in the sub-control board 90 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in FIG. 37 from the ROM of the sub-control board 90 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the sub-control main processing, first, CPU initialization processing is performed (S4001). In the CPU initialization process (S4001), stack settings, constant settings, CPU 92 settings, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller) settings, and various flags, status, and counter resets are performed.

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

These steps S4001 to S4003 are executed only once after the power is turned on (when the power is turned on), and are not executed thereafter. In addition, in this embodiment, the performance control microcomputer 91 also performs the same process as the power failure monitoring process (S209) by the gaming control microcomputer 81 shown in FIG. When this happens, the data related to the effect control at that time is stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90. In other words, data related to performance control in the event of a power outage such as a power outage is backed up. For this reason, unless the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003) when the power is turned on after recovering from a power outage such as a power outage (returning from a power outage), the effect will be controlled by the effect control microcomputer 91. The state returns to the state before the power failure occurred. Note that it is also possible to configure the data related to production control so that it is not backed up at the time of power outage. In addition, for example, a fluctuation number counter that is referred to when executing a performance that displays the number of remaining fluctuations until the end of a variable probability state or a time saving state, a round number counter that is referred to when performing a performance that displays the number of rounds during a jackpot game, It is also possible to configure a configuration in which specific data among the data related to production control, such as production suspension information to be described later, is backed up, and other data is not backed up.

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

When the random number seed update process (S4005) is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S4006). In the command transmission process, various commands (control signals) stored in the output buffer (also referred to as "sub output buffer") in the RAM of the sub control board 90 are transmitted to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, and the lamp. Among the control boards 107, the command is sent to the control board to which the corresponding command is sent. Each control board (each control unit) that has received the command uses various presentation devices (image display device 7, speaker 67, panel lamp 5, frame lamp 66, movable decorative member 14, etc.) to perform various operations according to the received command. Performances (performance symbol game performances, special game performances related to jackpot games, etc.) are executed.

Next, in S4007, interrupts are enabled (S4007). While interrupts are enabled, reception interrupt processing (S4008), 2ms timer interrupt processing (S4009), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4010) can be executed. After that, S4004 to S4007 are looped. By executing these control processes, display control of performance symbols etc. executed on the display screen 7a (performance symbol display area 7b) of the image display device 7, lighting control of various lamps, and operation of movable decorative members are performed. It becomes possible to perform control, audio output control from a speaker, etc.

[Reception interrupt processing]
As shown in FIG. 38, in the reception interrupt processing (S4008), it is determined whether the strobe signal (STB signal) is ON or not, that is, the strobe signal sent from the main control board 80 is input to the external INT input section of the production control microcomputer 91. It is determined whether or not it has been input (S4101). As a result, if it is determined that the strobe signal is not ON (NO in S4101), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is ON (YES in S4101), various commands sent from the main control board 80 are stored in the RAM of the sub control board 90 (S4102), and the main Finish processing. This reception interrupt process (S4008) is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4009, S4010).

[2ms timer interrupt processing]
The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) is a process that is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 2 msec period is input to the sub control board 90. As shown in FIG. 39, in the 2ms timer interrupt processing (S4009), first, input processing is performed to create switch data (edge data and level data) based on the detection signals from the production button detection switches 63c and 63d (S4201). ). This switch data indicates whether each of the first performance button 63a and second performance button 63b is operated (ON, OFF), and is used to execute a performance corresponding to the operation based on the operation of the performance button 63. be. Next, lamp data output processing (S4202) is performed to output lamp data for emitting light from lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5, and drive data for driving the movable decorative member 14 (electrical drive source) is performed. drive data output processing (S4203). Note that the lamp data and drive data are created by a 10ms timer interrupt process, which will be described later. Then, watchdog timer processing is performed to reset the watchdog timer (S4204).

[10ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) is a process that is executed every time an interrupt pulse of 10 msec period is input to the sub control board 90. As shown in FIG. 40, in the 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4010), first, received command analysis processing (S4302), which will be described later, is performed. Next, switch state acquisition processing is performed to store the switch data created in the above-mentioned 2ms timer interrupt processing in the RAM of the sub control board 90 as switch data for 10ms timer interrupt processing (S4303), and the switch data is stored in the switch state acquisition processing. A switch that sets the display on the display screen 7a, the operation of the movable decorative member 14, the lighting of decorative lamps (the panel lamp 5, the frame lamp 66, etc.), etc. (that is, the execution of an operation-compatible effect) based on the switch data obtained. Perform processing (S4304). Thereafter, other processing such as updating the random number for effect determination is executed (S4305).

[Received command analysis processing]
As shown in FIG. 41, in the received command analysis process (S4302), first, it is determined whether or not a starting pitch command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4395). As a result, if it is determined that the starting ball entry command has not been received (NO in S4395), the process moves to S4401, and if it is determined that the starting ball entering command has been received (YES in S4395), the performance pending information related The process (S4400) is performed and the process moves to S4401.

In the performance pending information related processing (S4400), first, various information (pre-judgment results, jackpot type determination Information related to random numbers, variable pattern random numbers, etc. (in other words, look-ahead information) is specified by the type of special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) and the characteristics at the time of sending and receiving the starting ball command (when generating the command). In accordance with the number of reserved balls, it is stored in a predetermined effect reservation information storage area of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 in a shift memory format. For example, if the received starting ball command is a special chart 1 starting ball command that corresponds to the number of reserved balls of special chart 1 "4", the preliminary judgment result and jackpot type included in the special chart 1 starting ball command The information related to the above is stored as special figure 1 effect pending information (special figure 1 pending pre-read information, first preliminary determination information) in the area corresponding to the number of reservations "4" in the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area. For example, if the received starting ball command is a special chart 2 starting ball command that corresponds to the reserved ball number "3" of special chart 2, the preliminary judgment result or jackpot included in the special chart 2 starting ball command Information related to the type, etc. is stored as special figure 2 performance pending information (special figure 2 pending pre-read information, second advance judgment information) in the area corresponding to the number of reservations "3" in the special figure 2 performance pending information storage area. . The performance pending information (prior determination information) stored in this way is used to execute various performances such as a variable performance, a preview performance, and a performance mode.

The effect pending information stored in the effect pending information storage area is sequentially erased from the one corresponding to the special figure pending as the special figure pending is exhausted. That is, the special figure 1 effect pending information stored in the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area is sequentially erased from the first effect pending information corresponding to the special figure 1 pending as the special figure 1 pending is exhausted. Similarly, the special figure 2 effect pending information stored in the special figure 2 effect pending information storage area is sequentially erased from the second effect pending information corresponding to the special figure 2 reserve as the special figure 2 reserve is exhausted. . At this time, if other performance pending information is stored in the performance pending information storage area even after the performance pending information is deleted, the storage location of the other performance pending information is shifted to the lower side by one. In this way, the storage contents (effect pending information) of the effect pending information storage area in the sub-control board 90 are stored in the special figure pending memory section (first special figure pending memory section, This matches the storage content (obtained information) of the second special figure reservation storage section). From this, it can be said that the effect pending information storage area of the sub-control board 90 is also an "acquired information storage means". In addition, the special figure 1 performance pending information storage area and the special figure 2 performance pending information storage area are also referred to as "first preliminary determination information storage means" and "second preliminary determination information storage means", respectively, and are generally referred to as "prior determination information storage means". Also called "information storage means."

Here, the special figure 1 effect pending information stored in the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area is not deleted unless the corresponding special figure 1 reserve is exhausted, and the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area is stored in the special figure 2 effect pending information storage area. The stored special figure 2 effect pending information is not deleted unless the corresponding special figure 2 pending is exhausted. That is, once the production suspension information is stored in the production suspension information storage area, the production suspension information is erased only when the corresponding special figure reservation is extinguished. For this reason, for example, a jackpot game is started, a jackpot game is started from the normal state, the second time saving state (variable probability state B) is entered, or a jackpot is entered from the first time saving state (first time saving state or probability variable state A). It becomes the second time saving state (variable probability state B) via the game, or it becomes the first time saving state (first time saving state or variable probability state A) via the jackpot game from the second time saving state (variable probability state B). Even if the gaming state changes (transfers to another gaming state), such as from the first time saving state to the normal state after executing the special symbol fluctuation display a predetermined number of times, it will not be stored in the performance pending information storage area. The performance pending information that is currently displayed will not be deleted. In other words, the storage contents of the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area and the memory contents of the special figure 2 effect pending information storage area are assumed not to be initialized (reset) in response to a change in the gaming state. There is. Note that in the event of a power outage (stopping of power supply to the pachinko game machine 1), the storage contents (performance pending information) of the performance pending information storage area are initialized (erased). However, if the storage contents (performance suspension information) of the performance suspension information storage area are targeted for backup, the storage contents can be restored upon resumption (start) of power supply.

Further, in S4400, it is determined whether or not the performance pending information to be stored is specific performance pending information, and if so, it is determined whether or not to execute a preview performance based on the specific performance pending information. . This advance notice effect can be executed in conjunction with storage of effect pending information triggered by reception of the starting ball entry command. In other words, this is a preview performance that can be executed in conjunction with the memory of a new special symbol reservation. This kind of advance notice is also called a "notice when a hold occurs." The hold occurrence notice is a type of hold advance notice (predetermined performance) that will be described later. In addition, specific performance pending information includes, for example, performance pending information indicating a jackpot (jackpot pending), information indicating a definite variable jackpot (probable variable hit pending), and variable performance with relatively high jackpot reliability. This refers to effect pending information that corresponds to special figure pending that may bring about an advantageous game development for the player, such as information indicating that this is a variable pattern that can be executed (high reliability pending).

The determination as to whether or not to execute a notice when a hold occurs is made by using a random number ("Random number for determining a notice when a hold occurs") that is set to determine whether or not the notice will be executed and the manner of execution among the aforementioned random numbers for determining the performance. ) can be used. When executing a notice when a hold occurs, a notice command when a hold occurs that specifies execution of the notice is set in the sub-output buffer. When the set command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 responds to the newly stored (generated) effect pending information (specific effect pending information). Performance pending, that is, the latest performance pending (first performance pending 9a or second performance pending 9b) that is additionally displayed in the performance pending display area (first performance pending display area 9c or second performance pending display area 9d), Display in a predetermined preview display mode different from the normal display mode. For example, the display color for pending performances may be changed to a normal color (for example, white) and a preview color (for example, blue, green, red, etc.), or the design for pending performances may be replaced with a normal design (for example, a round icon) and a special design may be used. (For example, a character icon, an item icon, etc.). As a result of this advance notice when a hold occurs, a different form of performance hold (also referred to as "preview performance hold") is displayed in the performance hold display area, so the player can check the special figure hold corresponding to the preview performance hold. We wait for the digestion to occur with anticipation.

Note that the notice when a hold occurs is not limited to the display mode of the effect hold as shown in this embodiment, but also, for example, by emitting a predetermined sound effect when the hold occurs, or by changing lamps such as a board lamp or a frame lamp in a predetermined manner. This can be done in a variety of ways that appeal to the player's visual and auditory senses, such as emitting light with a button or operating a movable decorative member (movable accessory) installed on the game board or front frame in a predetermined manner. be.

Next, in S4401, it is determined whether a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4401). As a result, if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has been received (YES in S4401), a fluctuation effect start process (S4402), which will be described later, is performed, and the process moves to S4403, where it is determined that a fluctuation start command has not been received. (NO in S4401), the process moves to S4406 without performing the variable effect start process.

In S4403, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4403), and if it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has been received (YES in S4403), the performance symbols are stopped and displayed and the fluctuation performance is performed. Performs variable performance termination processing to be terminated (S4404). In the fluctuating performance end process (S4404), a fluctuating performance end command for stopping and displaying the performance symbol 8 and ending the fluctuating performance is set in the sub output buffer. When the set variable effect end command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 changes the effect pattern 8 that was being displayed in a variable manner on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The display is stopped and the variable performance (performance symbol game performance) is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4403 that the fluctuation stop command has not been received (NO in S4403), the process proceeds to S4405 without performing the fluctuation production end process. Incidentally, the variable performance refers to various performances performed in accordance with the variable display of special symbols, such as the variable display of the performance symbol 8 and the reach performance.

Subsequently, in S4405, it is determined whether a jackpot game related command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4405). Here, the jackpot game-related commands are commands sent from the main control board 80 when executing the jackpot game, and specifically, the opening command ( (see S2010), round start command sent at the start of the round (see S2107), round end command sent at the end of the round (see S2114), ending command sent at the end of the jackpot game (see S2119) ) etc. are applicable. In S4405, it is determined whether any of these jackpot game related commands have been received, and if not received (NO in S4405), the process moves to S4407, and if received (YES in S4405) , performs processing related to execution of performance (jackpot game related performance) according to the type of the received command (S4406).

For example, if the received command is an opening command, an opening performance command that specifies an opening performance according to the type of jackpot specified based on the command is set in the sub output buffer, and if the received command is a round start command, the command A round performance command that specifies a round performance according to the round specified based on the round is set in the sub output buffer, and if it is an ending command, an ending that specifies an ending performance according to the type of jackpot specified based on the command. Set the production command to the sub output buffer. When the various production commands related to the set jackpot are sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 executes the opening production and round production according to the progress of the jackpot game. Performances related to jackpot games such as the following are executed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

Finally, the process of S4407 is performed to end this process. In S4407, as other processing, processing based on other received commands (for example, normal symbol fluctuation start command and normal symbol fluctuation stop command) other than the various commands described above is performed (S4407).

[Variable effect start processing]
Next, the variable effect start process (S4402) executed in the received command analysis process (S4302) will be described. As shown in FIG. 42, in the variable performance start process (S4402), first, random number processing for performance determination is performed to obtain various random numbers for performance determination such as a random number for determining variable performance, a random number for determining preview performance, and a random number for determining performance symbols. Perform (S4501). In this embodiment, the process of S4501 is performed at the timing when the fluctuation start command is received from the main control unit 80, and a predetermined value (acquisition information) is acquired from each random number. Based on this acquired value (acquired information), the mode of the effect symbol game effect to be executed (variable effect), the mode of the preview effect, the effect pattern to be stopped and displayed, etc. are determined.

Next, in S4502, the received fluctuation start command is analyzed (S4502). The fluctuation start command includes a fluctuation pattern designation command (information that designates a fluctuation pattern) that designates the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern selection process of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The information specifying the variation pattern includes the variation pattern information (P1 to P22) shown in FIG. 9, the gaming state information specifying the current gaming state, and the judgment of the first special symbol validity determination or the second special symbol validity determination. As a result, symbol information specifying the jackpot type, etc. is included (see FIG. 8). In addition, since there are variable pattern designation commands that correspond to the first special symbol and those that correspond to the second special symbol, by analyzing the fluctuation pattern designation command, the production symbol game production to be started this time It becomes possible to determine whether the (fluctuation display of performance symbols) is related to special figure 1 or special figure 2. Incidentally, the variable pattern information, game state information, symbol information, etc. can also be used in other processes other than the variable performance start process to be executed thereafter.

Next, in S4503, the performance control microcomputer 91 refers to the current mode status (S4503). The mode status is for determining the production mode to be executed. The mode status is set to any value from "1" to "5", and each value is assigned to a production mode A to E. Specifically, mode status "1" corresponds to production mode A, mode status "2" corresponds to production mode B, mode status "3" corresponds to production mode C, and mode status "4" corresponds to production mode C. The mode status "5" corresponds to the production mode D, and the mode status "5" corresponds to the production mode E. By referring to the current mode status, it is possible to specify the current production mode.

Here, the performance mode is a performance mode on the image display device 7, and when the performance mode is different, part or all of the performance mode of the game performance such as the advance notice performance and the reach performance will be different. Specifically, the effect image displayed on the image display device 7 may be different, such as the display mode of the effect pattern 8 (for example, pattern design, number design, etc.) being different, or the appearing characters, items, and background images being different. It differs depending on the mode. In addition, the performance symbol game performance and the jackpot game performance can be executed in a manner according to the performance mode, and when providing multiple game performances (preview performance, reach performance, round performance, etc.), the performance mode It is possible to perform different game effects depending on the type of game.

In this embodiment, performance mode A and performance mode B are performance modes that can be executed when the gaming state is the normal state (low probability state and non-time saving state), and performance mode C is the performance mode that can be executed when the gaming state is the first time saving state ( A performance mode that can be executed when the gaming state is a low probability state and a first time saving state), and a performance mode that can be executed when the gaming state is a variable probability state A (a high probability state and a first time saving state). , performance mode E is set as a performance mode that can be executed when the gaming state is variable probability state B (high probability state and second time saving state). Therefore, the player can grasp the current gaming state by checking the performance mode.

Next, in S4504, a variable effect pattern determination table (not shown) is set for determining an execution pattern (variable effect pattern) of variable effects performed using the image display device 7, board lamp 5, movable decorative member 14, etc. (S4504). Specifically, the variable effect pattern determination table to be used is set based on the mode status (current effect mode) referred to in S4503 and the variable pattern designation command received from the main control unit 80.

For example, if the fluctuation pattern information specified by the received fluctuation pattern specification command is "P1 (fluctuation pattern P1)" (see FIG. 9), the fluctuation performance pattern determination table will be used to determine the time of jackpot corresponding to the current performance mode. A variable performance pattern determination table is set. The variable production pattern determination table is mainly used to determine the execution mode of production symbol game production (variation mode of production symbols, etc.), and contains multiple variable production pattern determination tables ( (not shown) are stored in advance in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. In S4504, the table corresponding to the mode status (current performance mode) referred to in S4503 is selected from among these variable performance pattern determination tables, and this table is set.

Next, in S4505, based on the random number for determining the variable effect obtained in S4501 and the variable effect pattern determination table set in S4504, a variable effect pattern that matches the specified variable pattern is selected and set (S4505). As the variable production pattern, a variable display mode (execution mode of the production symbol game production) of the production symbols 8 displayed on the display screen 7a (production symbol display area 7b) is set. As a result, when performing a reach performance in a production symbol game production (variation production) (variation production with reach), or when performing a character production using a specific character (character variation production), reach production or character production A case in which this is not executed (fluctuating performance without reach) is determined.

In addition, the reach effect is, for example, a display mode of the effect pattern 8 when the result of the special symbol validity judgment indicates a jackpot, in which three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are all the same (double number). In the case where a mode (jackpot mode, specific mode) is provided, two of the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R (for example, the left production symbol 8L and the right production symbol 8R) constitute the jackpot mode. In a state where it is stopped and displayed (temporarily stopped) and the remaining one continues to be displayed in a fluctuating manner (also referred to as the "reach state"), the remaining one production symbol is stopped and displayed as a symbol that completes the jackpot mode. It refers to a performance that shows whether something is true or not. When two performance symbols are stopped and displayed (temporarily stopped) in a variable performance, a reach state is reached, which is also referred to as "reach established".

Further, in S4505, based on the random number for effect design determination obtained in S4501 and a stop pattern determination table (not shown), the effect pattern 8 to be stopped and displayed (also referred to as "stop effect pattern") is determined and set. The performance symbol 8 that is stopped and displayed as a result of the game performance is a result of the special symbol validity judgment, and if the result is a hit or miss, three performance symbols 8L, 8C, 8R such as "787" are displayed. One of the production symbols is considered to be a different result from the other production symbols (out of reach), and when it is out of reach, at least one of the three production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R such as "635" is selected. The production design is considered to be a barake-machi (complete barake-machi) in which other production patterns are different. On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol validity judgment is a jackpot, and it is the 6R 1st jackpot or the 16R 4th jackpot, the red symbol is counted as a double (“333” or “777”), and in the case of the 6R 2nd jackpot, the result is a jackpot. In the case of a 6R 3rd jackpot or 16R 5th jackpot, the green pattern doubles (“111”, “555” or “999”), the blue pattern doubles (“222”, “444”, “666” or "888").The manner in which these performance symbols 8 are stopped and displayed is just an example, and what is stopped and displayed as the stop performance symbol when a jackpot is achieved can be changed as appropriate.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the variation modes (variable production patterns) of the production pattern 8 include reach A, reach B, reach C, super reach (also referred to as "SP reach") A, super reach B, Super reach C, character effects, etc. are set, and in S4505, it is determined which of these effects to perform or not to perform based on the variable effect pattern determination table. Incidentally, a variable effect (non-reach variable effect) in which the effect pattern 8 is simply displayed in a variable manner and stopped without performing a reach effect, a character effect, etc. is also referred to as a "normal variation."

When a variable effect with reach is executed, any of the ready-to-reach effects is set based on the variable pattern designation command and the variable effect pattern determination table. Here, when the super reach effect is executed, it is set so that the possibility of hitting the jackpot is higher than when the normal reach effect is executed. In other words, the super reach performance can be said to be a game performance with higher jackpot reliability (possibility of hitting the jackpot) compared to the reach (normal reach) performance. Note that the ready-to-reach effect can be set (executed) mainly when a fluctuation pattern designation command is received that designates a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 30000 ms or more (see FIG. 9).

Next, in S4506, a process related to the setting of a preview effect (preview effect setting process) is performed (S4506). In this embodiment, a preview performance (also referred to as a "pending pre-read notice" or "pre-determination performance") based on the performance pending information (pre-read information, pre-determination information) stored in S4400, and a current special figure variation display (variable It is possible to carry out various preview performances, such as a preview performance (also referred to as "the relevant change notice") related to the above. Based on this, in S4506, it is determined whether or not to execute various preview effects (execution or non-execution), and an execution pattern (preliminary effect pattern) of the preview effects to be executed is set. Specifically, the variable performance pattern set in S4505, the performance pending information stored in S4400, the random number for determining the preview performance acquired in S4501, and the preview performance determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. ), etc., determine whether or not to perform a preview performance, a preview performance pattern, etc., and set the preview performance pattern based on the determination result (S4506). The details of the preview effect setting process (S4506) will be described later.

In addition, the preview performance pattern set in S4506, that is, the type (notice type) and mode of the preview performance to be executed, the presence or absence of the preview performance, etc., are the performance pending information (storage contents of the performance pending information storage area) stored in S4400. , the result of the special symbol validity judgment specified by the analysis result of the fluctuation start command in S4502 (result of the validity judgment regarding the current special symbol fluctuation display), and the special symbol validity determination result specified by the analysis result of the fluctuation start command in S4502. It differs depending on the fluctuation pattern information (fluctuation pattern and stop symbol related to the current special symbol fluctuation display). In addition, when performing a preview performance, one of the multiple preview performances (one type of preview performance) may be performed, or two or more preview performances (multiple types of preview performances) may be performed. That is, during one variable display (during a variable effect), multiple types of preview effects may be performed at different execution timings.

Here, the reservation advance notice (advance judgment performance) generally indicates that the stored special drawing reservations include reservations with high jackpot reliability or reservations with confirmed jackpots, or that the possibility of such reservations is included. This is a preview performance that hints at the highs and lows. Typical pending advance notices include, in addition to the above-mentioned notice when a hold occurs, the display mode of the effect holds 9a and 9b displayed in the effect hold display areas 9c and 9d and the variable hold display area 9e (for example, the effect Hold change notice that changes the hold display color, shape, design, type, size, etc.) from the normal display mode to a predetermined notice display mode, and a predetermined image across multiple consecutive variable displays (fluctuation effect) Examples include continuous notices that are displayed or emit predetermined sound effects.

In this embodiment, the suspension occurrence notice, the suspension change notice, and the continuous notice can be executed as a preview performance (suspension advance notice) based on the performance suspension information (pre-read information, advance determination information). The type and number of preview performances to be executed as pending preview previews can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the preview performance based on the above-mentioned first advance determination information (special figure 1 pending preview) is also referred to as "first advance determination performance", and the preview performance based on the above-mentioned second advance determination information (special figure 2 pending preview) The pre-read preview) is also referred to as the "second advance judgment performance."

Next, in S4507, a variable performance start command is set in the sub output buffer to start the performance symbol game performance (variable performance display, preview performance, etc.) based on the variable performance pattern set in S4505 and the preview performance pattern set in S4506. (S4507), and ends the variable effect start processing. When the variable effect start command set in S4507 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 transmits the variable effect pattern specified based on the variable effect start command, that is, in S4505 Predetermined image data for variable effects corresponding to the variable effect pattern set in (image data indicating start of variation, in progress of variation, stop of variation, etc. of effect pattern 8) and a preview effect pattern specified based on the variable effect start command. In other words, predetermined preview performance image data corresponding to the preview performance pattern set in S4506 is read from the ROM of the image control board 100, and a variable performance, a preview performance, etc. based on the read image data is displayed on the image display device 7. Execute on screen 7a. In addition, along with execution of the variable performance (execution of variable display of special symbols), a variable display (blinking display) by two LEDs on the performance display 102 is also executed.

[Preview effect setting process]
Next, the preview effect setting process (S4506) executed in the variable effect start process (S4402) will be explained. As shown in FIG. 43, in the notice performance setting process (S4506), first, the fluctuation notice process is performed (S4601). The fluctuation notice processing (S4601) determines whether or not to execute a notice performance (that is, the fluctuation notice) regarding the current fluctuation performance (special figure fluctuation display) started by the fluctuation performance start processing (S4402), It performs processing related to the execution of the fluctuation notice, such as setting an execution pattern (the fluctuation notice pattern) when the notice is executed. The variation notice includes, for example, a step-up notice in which preview images corresponding to each stage from the first stage to a predetermined stage (for example, from the first stage to the maximum fifth stage) are displayed in stages on the display screen 7a; A group preview in which a large number of preview images (group images) are moved and displayed simultaneously from one side (for example, the right side) to the other side (for example, the left side) of the display screen 7a when a reach is established, and a predetermined cut-in image at a predetermined time during the reach effect. Examples include a cut-in notice that is displayed on the display screen 7a.

In S4601, it is determined whether or not to execute such a variation notice, and if it is to be executed, the execution pattern (the variation notice type) is selected and set. This decision and selection is based on the analysis results of the fluctuation start command in S4502 (results of special symbol validity judgment regarding the current fluctuation display, fluctuation pattern information, etc.), the random number for determining the preview performance obtained in S4501, the mode of the fluctuation notice ( This is performed based on the variation notice determination table (not shown) that defines the relationship between the variation notice pattern) and its selection rate (execution probability). Note that the change notice is not limited to the one exemplified above, and various notices such as a notice using the effect button 63 (button notice) can be adopted.

Following the fluctuation notice processing (S4601), in S4602, it is determined whether the pending advance notice flag is OFF (S4602). Here, the pending advance notice flag refers to whether or not the special figure 1 pending advance notice or the special figure 2 reserve advance notice is currently being executed. This indicates whether or not the pre-read notice is being executed (that is, whether or not the pending pre-read notice is being executed). The pending prefetched notice flag is initially set to OFF, and is turned ON when execution of the pending prefetched notice is started. In addition, when the pending advance notice flag is turned ON, a value indicating the number of executions (execution period) of the pending advance notice is added to a counter (not shown) that counts the number of executions of the pending advance notice (also referred to as a "hold advance notice counter"). is set. For example, when the special pattern 1 reservation advance notice is executed for the first special pattern reservation corresponding to the number of special pattern 1 reservation balls "3", the first special pattern reservation corresponding to the number "3" of special pattern 1 reservation balls is Since the special figure 1 pending advance notice is executed over three variable displays until the figure pending is exhausted, the value "3" is set in the counter. The value of the counter is changed every time a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner with a reservation advance notice (for example, if the reservation that triggers the execution of the reservation advance notice is the first special symbol reservation, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner). Subtracted (1 decrement). Then, when the execution period of the pending advance notice ends (when the count value of the pending advance notice counter reaches "0"), it is turned OFF.

Therefore, the pending pre-read notice flag and the pending pre-read notice counter are information that makes it possible to specify whether or not the special drawing 1 pending pre-read notice is executed based on the preliminary judgment result of special drawing 1. Information related to advance determination, that is, "first advance determination information," can be said to be "first advance determination information." It can be said to be a means of memory. Similarly, the pending pre-read notice flag and the pending pre-read notice counter are information that allows you to specify whether or not the special drawing 2 pending pre-read notice is executed based on the preliminary judgment result of special drawing 2. Information related to determination, that is, "second preliminary determination information", can be said to be "second preliminary determination information", and the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (sub-control unit) in which the flags and counters are stored (provided) is "second preliminary determination information storage". It can be said that it is a means.

The setting contents of the pending pre-read notice flag and the pending pre-read notice counter (an aspect of the storage contents of the advance determination information storage means) are such that when a jackpot game is started or when a jackpot game is changed from a normal state to a second time saving state (probability variable state). B), or from the first time saving state (first time saving state or variable probability state A) to the second time saving state (probable variable state B) via the jackpot game, or from the second time saving state (probable variable state B). A game state such as entering a first time saving state (first time saving state or variable probability state A) via a jackpot game, or becoming a normal state after executing a special symbol fluctuation display from the first time saving state a predetermined number of times. Even if the game changes (transfers to another gaming state), it will not be initialized (reset). However, if a power outage occurs (power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped), the settings of the pending advance notice flag and the pending advance notice counter are initialized. Furthermore, if the setting contents of the flag and counter (an aspect of the storage contents of the advance determination information storage means) are to be backed up, the setting contents can be restored upon resumption (starting) of power supply.

In addition, in this embodiment, the reservation advance notice flag is set as a common flag for the special figure 1 reservation advance notice and the special figure 2 reservation advance notice. It may be provided as separate flags, such as the advance notice flag and the special figure 2 reservation advance notice flag corresponding to the special figure 2 reservation advance notice flag. The same holds true for the pending prefetch notice counter.

If it is determined in S4602 that the pending prefetch notice flag is not OFF (ON) (NO in S4602), that is, if the pending prefetch notice flag is being executed (during the execution period), the processing from S4603 onward is not performed. Finish this process. This makes it possible to avoid starting (executing) pending advance notices multiple times.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4602 that the pending advance notice flag is OFF (YES in S4602), it is determined whether the current gaming state is variable probability state B (second time saving state) (S4603). As a result, if it is determined that the variable probability state is not B (NO in S4603), that is, if the current gaming state is any of the normal state, the first time saving state, and the variable probability state A, the current number of special drawing 2 reserved balls It is determined whether or not is "2" or more (S4604). The number of special figure 2 reserved balls can be specified, for example, by the number of special figure 2 production pending information stored in the special figure 2 production pending information storage area.

If it is determined in S4604 that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 is not "2" or more (NO in S4604), the process proceeds to S4607 described later without performing the processing in S4605 and S4606, and the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 is "2" or more. 2” or more (YES in S4604), special map 2 pending advance notice processing is performed (S4605).

The special figure 2 reservation advance notice process (S4605) determines whether or not to execute the special figure 2 reservation advance notice based on the currently stored second special figure reservation (special figure 2 performance reservation information), It performs processing related to the execution of the special figure 2 pending advance notice, such as setting an execution pattern (special figure 2 pending advance notice pattern) when executing the advance notice. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, pending change notices, continuous notices, etc. can be executed as pending pre-read notices, so in S4605, it is determined whether or not to execute these pending pre-read notices, and if they are to be executed, The execution pattern (pending advance notice type) is selected and set. In addition, when executing the special drawing 2 pending pre-reading notice, the pending pre-reading flag is turned ON.

For example, when it is decided to execute the above-mentioned reservation change notice as a special figure 2 reservation advance notice, the execution pattern is to change the display color of the second effect reservation 9b to a predetermined notice color (for example, blue, green, or red). etc.), or by changing the design of the second performance hold 9b to a predetermined special design, etc. A hold change notice pattern is set to change the display mode of the second play hold 9b to a notice display mode (S4605). In addition, when it is decided to execute the above-mentioned continuous notice as the special figure 2 pending advance notice, the execution pattern is such that the effect pattern 8 is displayed in the same color (for example, green) in each of the consecutive multiple variable displays (variable effects). For example, by stopping the display at random points in the pattern (symbols), or displaying a predetermined preview image at each of the consecutive fluctuating displays (fluctuation effects), etc. A continuous notice pattern that generates a notice performance is set (S4605). The continuous notice pattern also includes the number of executions of the continuous notice. It should be noted that the above-mentioned notice at the time of reservation is a reservation advance notice based on the reception of the starting pitch command (occurrence of a new reservation memory), so it is not subject to the reservation advance notice that can be set in S4605. This also applies to S4608 and S4610, which will be described later.

In addition, the decision and selection related to the execution of the special figure 2 pending pre-read notice in S4605 is based on the special figure 2 effect pending information stored in the special figure 2 effect pending information storage area, the random number for determining the preview effect obtained in S4501, and the pending notice. This is performed based on a pending advance notice determination table (not shown) that defines the relationship between the mode of advance notice (pending advance notice pattern) and its selection rate (execution probability).

Next, in S4606, as a result of the process in S4605, it is determined whether or not the special drawing 2 pending preview notice is to be executed (S4606). As a result, if it is determined to execute (YES in S4606), this process ends without performing the processes in S4607 and S4608. Thereby, it is possible to avoid overlapping execution of the special figure 2 pending pre-read notice and the special figure 1 pending pre-read notice.

On the other hand, if it is determined not to execute the special map 2 reservation advance notice (NO in S4606), it is determined whether the current number of special map 1 reservation balls is "2" or more (S4607). The current number of special figure 1 reserved balls can be specified, for example, by the number of special figure 1 effect pending information stored in the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area.

If it is determined in S4607 that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is not "2" or more (NO in S4607), this process is finished without performing the processing in S4608, and the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is "2" or more. If it is determined that (YES in S4607), the special map 1 pending advance notice process is performed (S4608). The special figure 1 reservation advance notice process (S4608) determines whether or not to execute the special figure 1 reservation advance notice based on the currently stored first special figure reservation (special figure 1 effect reservation information), It performs processing related to the execution of the special figure 1 pending advance notice, such as setting an execution pattern (special figure 1 pending advance notice pattern) when executing the advance notice. This special drawing 1 pending advance notice processing (S4608) is a process that is performed in the same manner as the above-mentioned special drawing 2 pending advance notice processing (S4605), and the above-mentioned special drawing 2 pending advance notice is also Since these are similar to the advance notice, detailed explanations regarding these will be omitted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the above-mentioned S4603 that the current gaming state is variable probability state B (second time saving state) (YES in S4603), whether the current number of reserved balls for special map 2 is "2" or more? (S4609), and if it is determined that it is not "2" or more (NO in S4609), this process is finished without performing the process in S4610, and if it is determined that it is "2" or more (YES in S4609). ), performs special map 2 pending advance notice processing (S4610). These steps S4609 and S4610 are the same as S4604 and S4605 described above, so a detailed explanation of the processing will be omitted.

Here, as shown in FIG. 43, if the current gaming state is not the variable probability state B (second time saving state) but one of the normal state, the first time saving state, and the variable probability state A (NO in S4603), By performing the special drawing 2 pending advance notice process (S4605), there is a possibility that the special figure 2 pending advance notice will be executed, and by performing the special figure 1 pending advance notice process (S4608), the special figure 1 Pending read-ahead notice may be executed. In other words, in the normal state, the first time saving state, and the variable probability state A, both the special drawing 1 pending advance notice (first advance judgment effect) and the special drawing 2 pending advance notice (second advance judgment effect) are executable. Ru.

On the other hand, if the current gaming state is variable probability state B (second time saving state) (YES in S4603), the special drawing 2 pending pre-reading notice process (S4610) is performed, so that the special drawing 2 pending pre-reading notice is Although it may be executed, since the process related to the execution of the special figure 1 pending advance notice is not performed, the special figure 1 pending advance notice will not be executed. In other words, in variable probability state B (second time saving state), the special drawing 2 pending advance notice (second advance judgment performance) is possible, and the special drawing 1 pending advance notice (first advance judgment performance) is not executable. Ru.

In addition, in this embodiment, a jackpot occurs during the execution period of the special drawing 1 pending advance notice (when the pending advance notice flag is ON and the value of the pending advance notice counter is "1" or more), and the jackpot is If the probability variable state B occurs after the jackpot game related to the above, in the probability variable state B (second time saving state), the special drawing 1 pending advance notice (first advance judgment performance) related to the execution period will be impossible to execute. . This is to ensure consistency with the fact that in the case of probability variable state B (YES in S4603), the process related to the execution of the special drawing 1 pending advance notice is not performed.

[Game Overview]
Next, an overview of the game played by the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the gaming state at the beginning of the game is, in principle, the normal state. Therefore, the player first plays the game with the left hand. In a left-handed game (also referred to as a "left-handed game"), the aim is for the game ball to enter the first starting hole 20, so in the normal state (non-specific game state), the main effect is the fluctuation of the first special symbol. Display is performed.

Along with the variable display of the first special symbol, a variable display of the performance symbol 8 is performed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 (a variable performance based on the first special symbol validity determination result). In addition, since the second time saving flag is OFF in the normal state, a preliminary determination (first preliminary determination) regarding the first special symbol is performed based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 20, Information related to the preliminary determination result (first preliminary determination information) is transmitted (output) from the main control section 80 to the sub-control section 90 as a special chart 1 starting ball entry command (see FIG. 13). Therefore, in the normal state, it is possible to execute a preview performance (special symbol 1 pending preview preview, first preliminary determination performance) based on the result of the preliminary determination regarding the first special symbol (first preliminary determination information). The player plays the game in the normal state while watching these variable performances, preview performances, etc.

There are three types of jackpots related to the first special symbol: "6R 1st jackpot", "6R 2nd jackpot", and "6R 3rd jackpot" (see FIG. 6). Therefore, in the normal state, if a jackpot is determined by the first special symbol validity determination, a jackpot game related to any one of the three types of jackpots can be executed. In the jackpot game (special game state), since the player aims for the game ball to enter the jackpot hole 30, the player hits the ball to the right to advance the game.

When the jackpot game ends, the game state shifts to a game state determined according to the type of jackpot that triggered the execution of the jackpot game (the type of jackpot symbol related to the first special symbol that was stopped and displayed). In other words, if the jackpot (so-called "first hit") that occurs under normal conditions is "6R 1st jackpot" or "6R 2nd jackpot", the jackpot is a guaranteed variable jackpot, so the jackpot game related to the jackpot is After the game ends, the gaming state becomes a variable probability state (variable probability state A or variable probability state B) (see FIG. 6). On the other hand, when the first hit is "6R 3rd jackpot", the jackpot is usually a jackpot (time-saving jackpot), so the gaming state after the jackpot game related to the jackpot ends is the first time-saving state ( (see Figure 6).

In the probability change state and the first time saving state after the jackpot game, at least the probability change function and the change time shortening function of the normal symbols are activated, so the player can continue to play with the right hand even after the jackpot game ends. proceed. In this right-handed game (also referred to as a "right-handed game"), when the game ball passes through the gate 28, a variable display of normal symbols is performed. At this time, the fluctuating display of the normal symbol is performed in a short time (1 second in this example), and the probability of hitting a regular symbol is high (240/241 in this example), so the result of the fluctuating display of the regular symbol is As a result, the symbol per common symbol is stopped and displayed with high probability (high frequency), and the game per common symbol is played with high frequency.

As mentioned above, there are two types of opening patterns when the second starting port 21 is in the open state (opening) in the normal figure game: the first opening pattern and the second opening pattern (see FIG. 44). reference). The first opening pattern is set when the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 is not activated, that is, the gaming state is normal, the first time saving state (low probability state and the first time saving state), and the variable probability state A (high probability state). This is an opening pattern that is set (selected) in either the probability state or the first time saving state (see S906 in FIG. 19). On the other hand, the second opening pattern is set (selected) when the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 is activated, that is, when the gaming state is variable probability state B (high probability state and second time saving state). (See S903 in FIG. 19).

For this reason, the gaming state after the jackpot game is the first time saving state and the regular winning game is executed in the first time saving state, and the gaming state after the jackpot game is the variable probability state A, which is the probability variable state. When a game with a common symbol is executed in A, the second starting port 21 opens in the first opening pattern. The first opening pattern is an opening pattern in which opening for "0.5 seconds" is performed twice with an interval (closing time) of "60 seconds" in between. Therefore, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, even if games per normal pattern are executed frequently, the opening of the second starting port 21 for 0.5 seconds per normal pattern game is performed at intervals of 60 seconds. Since the game ball is only played twice with the second starting port 21 in between, although it is possible for the game ball to enter the second starting port 21, the possibility of this is low and the ball entry efficiency is not good. The ball may enter the second starting port 21 at the timing when the game ball flowing down the right gaming area 3B passes the upper surface of the movable member 23 (see FIG. 3) and at the timing at which the ball enters the second starting port 21 This is because it only happens when the timing matches the 5 second opening.

In this embodiment, the third starting port 25 is provided downstream of the second starting port 21 (see FIG. 3). Like the first starting port 20, the third starting port 25 allows balls to enter at all times, and the ease with which game balls enter the third starting port 25 (ball entry rate, ball entry possibility) It is assumed that the ball enters the ball more easily than the first starting port 20 or the same level as the first starting port 20. For this reason, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, even if the normal symbol probability variation function and the variation time reduction function are activated, the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 may be executed with high frequency. Since this does not operate, the possibility of the game ball entering the third starting port 25 becomes higher than that of the second starting port 21, and the frequency of ball entry into the third starting port 25 increases. Further, the third starting port 25 is a starting port that triggers the execution of the variable display of the first special symbol. Therefore, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, and in the rare case that a ball enters the second starting port 21, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. 2. The variable display of special symbols is performed preferentially.

Among the games (right-handed game) in the first time saving state and variable probability state A, in the first time saving state, the jackpot probability is set to a low probability (low probability state) and the game goes to the third starting port 25. While the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner based on the ball landing, we are also looking forward to the variable display of the second special symbol, which is more advantageous than the first special symbol (occurrence of a 16R jackpot). The game is played by hitting right until the variable display is performed 100 times or until a jackpot occurs during that time. In addition, if the special symbol fluctuation display is performed 100 times without a jackpot occurring in the first time-saving state (that is, if the result of special symbol validity judgment is wrong 100 times in a row), the first time-saving state will end. , the gaming state shifts to the normal state (returns to the normal state).

In addition, in the probability variable state A, while the first special symbol is mainly displayed fluctuating based on the ball entering the third starting port 25 in a state where the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (high probability state), the first special While looking forward to the execution of the variable display of the second special symbol which is more advantageous than the symbol (occurrence of 16R jackpot), the game is played by hitting right until the next jackpot occurs.

Furthermore, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, when a variable display of the first special symbol is performed, a corresponding variable display of the production symbol 8 (a variation production based on the first special symbol propriety determination result) is performed, When a variable display of the second special symbol is performed, a variable display of the performance symbol 8 (a variable performance based on the second special symbol validity determination result) is performed accordingly. In addition, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, the second time saving flag is OFF, so the preliminary judgment regarding the first special symbol ( A first preliminary determination) is performed, and information related to the preliminary determination result (first preliminary determination information) is transmitted (output) from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90 as a special chart 1 starting ball entry command (Fig. 13). In addition, if a game ball enters the second starting port 21, although the possibility is low, a preliminary determination regarding the second special symbol (second preliminary determination) is performed based on the entering ball, and the preliminary determination Information related to the result (second preliminary determination information) is transmitted (output) from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90 as a special chart 2 starting ball entry command (see FIG. 13).

Therefore, in the first time saving state and variable probability state A, the preview performance (special symbol 1 pending advance notice, first preliminary determination performance) is executed based on the result of the preliminary determination regarding the first special symbol (first preliminary determination information). At the same time, it is possible to perform a preview performance (special symbol 2 pending advance notice, second preliminary determination performance) based on the result of the preliminary determination regarding the second special symbol (second preliminary determination information) (FIG. 43) ). The player proceeds with the game in the first time saving state or the variable probability state A while watching such variable performance, preview performance, etc.

On the other hand, when the game state after the jackpot game is a variable probability state B, and the normal pattern winning game is executed in the variable probability state B, the second starting port 21 opens in the second opening pattern. The second opening pattern is an opening pattern in which opening is performed once for "6.0 seconds" (see FIG. 44). In the probability variable state B, since the regular pattern winning game in which the second starting port 21 is opened (long opening) based on the second opening pattern is executed with high frequency, the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21 is difficult. The ball possibility (ball hitting frequency) is much higher than in other game states. Moreover, the variable display of the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting port 21 has priority over the variable display of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 or the third starting port 25. executed. Therefore, in the probability variable state B, the second special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, and in rare cases, the second special symbol is interrupted (the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls becomes "0"), and then the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. If there is one special symbol pending, a variable display of the first special symbol is performed.

In such a variable probability state B, while the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly performed in a state where the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (high probability state), the 6R jackpot due to the variable display of the first special symbol is While hoping to avoid the occurrence of a 16R jackpot (particularly a 16R variable jackpot), the player plays the game by hitting right until the next jackpot occurs.

Furthermore, in the variable probability state B, when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, a corresponding variable display in the production pattern 8 (a variation production based on the second special symbol validity determination result) is performed, and a variation in the first special symbol is performed. When the display is performed, a correspondingly variable display of the effect symbols 8 (a variable effect based on the first special symbol appropriateness determination result) is performed. Furthermore, in variable probability state B, since the second time saving flag is ON, the preliminary determination (first preliminary determination) regarding the first special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the third starting port 25 is not performed. (The first preliminary determination information is not output from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90). On the other hand, a preliminary determination (second preliminary determination) regarding the second special symbol based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 21 is performed, and information regarding the preliminary determination result (second preliminary determination information) is transmitted (output) from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90 as a special figure 2 starting ball entering command (see FIG. 13).

Therefore, in variable probability state B, the advance notice effect (special symbol 1 pending advance notice, first advance decision effect) based on the result of the advance decision regarding the first special symbol (first advance decision information) is considered to be unexecutable, and the It is possible to execute a preview performance (special symbol 2 pending pre-read notice, second preliminary determination performance) based on the result of the preliminary determination regarding the 2 special symbols (second preliminary determination information) (see FIG. 43). The player proceeds with the game in the variable probability state B while looking at such variable effects, preview effects related to the special drawing 2, and the like.

If a jackpot related to the first special symbol occurs in any of the first time-saving state, probability variable state A, and probability variable state B in which the game is advanced by right-handed hitting, the first time-saving state is entered through the 6R jackpot game. Transition to variable probability state A or variable probability state B. In addition, there are two types of jackpots related to the second special symbol: "16R 4th jackpot" and "16R 5th jackpot" (see Figure 6), so the jackpot related to the 2nd special symbol is If this occurs, the game moves to the first time saving state or variable probability state B through the 16R jackpot game.

Also, for example, when the 6R first jackpot occurs in any of the normal state, the first time saving state, and the variable probability state A, if two or more of the first special symbol reservations (special symbol 1 performance reservation information) are stored. do. In this case, when transitioning to the variable probability state B triggered by the 6R first jackpot, the storage contents of the special figure 1 performance pending information storage area are not initialized as described above, so even after shifting to the variable probability state B, the 6R Special figure 1 effect pending information at the time when the first jackpot occurs is stored. After that, in variable probability state B where the variable display (priority variation) of the second special symbol is the main, the variable display of the first special symbol is difficult to be executed, so when the previous 6R first jackpot occurs (probable variable state B) The first special figure reservation (special figure 1 production reservation information) that was stored when There is a possibility. For this reason, the special figure 1 pending pre-read notice (first pre-judgment effect) based on the special figure 1 effect pending information that was stored when the first 6R jackpot occurred has transitioned to the first time-saving state via probability change state B. It can be executed later (after returning). In addition, the special figure 1 pending pre-read notice based on the special figure 1 effect pending information after the end of probability variable state B is, for example, a special feature in which the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes the normal state (low probability state and non-time saving state). FIG. 2 has a jackpot (special figure 2 normal jackpot), and can be executed in the same way even when transitioning from the variable probability state B to the normal state via the jackpot.

Further, for example, suppose that when the 16R fifth jackpot occurs in variable probability state B, two or more second special figure reservations (special figure 2 performance reservation information) are stored. In this case, upon transitioning to the first time-saving state triggered by the 16R fifth jackpot, the storage contents of the special figure 2 effect pending information storage area are not initialized as described above, so even after transitioning to the first time-saving state. , the special figure 2 effect pending information is stored. The first time saving state is a gaming state in which the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, but if the second special symbol is stored, the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner (the second special symbol is Digestion) takes priority. For this reason, if the second special figure reservation (special figure 2 production reservation information) stored in the variable probability state B is still stored (remains) when transitioning to the first time saving state, the special figure 2 The special figure 2 suspension pre-read notice (second advance judgment performance) based on the performance suspension information can be executed immediately after transition to the first time saving state. In addition, the special figure 2 pending pre-read notice based on the special figure 2 performance pending information after the end of the probability variable state B is, for example, the special figure 2 normal jackpot in which the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes the normal state as described above. This can be executed in the same way even when the state changes from the variable probability state B to the normal state through a jackpot.

Also, for example, when the 6R first jackpot occurs in any of the normal state, the first time saving state, and the variable probability state A, the special drawing 1 pending advance notice has been given, that is, the special drawing 1 pending advance notice. Assume that it is an execution period. In this case, when transitioning to variable probability state B triggered by the 6R first jackpot, the settings of the pending advance notice flag and the pending advance notice counter are not initialized as described above, so even after shifting to variable probability state B, The pending pre-read notice flag and the pending pre-read notice counter at the time when the 6R first jackpot occurs are stored (held). After that, in variable probability state B where the variable display (priority variation) of the second special symbol is the main, the variable display of the first special symbol is difficult to be executed, so when the previous 6R first jackpot occurs (probable variable state B) There is a possibility that the 1st special symbol reservation that was stored at the time of the change in probability B is still stored (remains) without being consumed even at the time when variable state B ends and the state shifts to the 1st time saving state. There is. For this reason, the special drawing 1 pending advance notice (first advance judgment performance) based on the settings of the pending advance notice flag and the pending advance notice counter that were stored at the time of the occurrence of the previous 6R first jackpot, changes to the probability state B. This can be executed after transitioning to (returning to) the 1-time saving state. In addition, in the probability variable state B triggered by the 6R 1st jackpot during the execution period of the special pattern 1 pending advance notice, if the 1st special pattern pending is extinguished (the variable display of the 1st special symbol is executed), Although the pending advance reading notice counter is decremented (by 1 decrement), the special drawing 1 pending advance notice is not executed. This is because, as described above, in the variable probability state B, the first preliminary determination effect cannot be performed.

Based on the setting contents of the pending pre-read notice flag and the pending pre-read notice counter before the transition to the variable probability state B (before the start), the special chart 1 pending pre-read notice after the end of the variable variable state B is, for example, the gaming state after the jackpot game. is equipped with a special chart 2 jackpot (special chart 2 normal jackpot) that is in a normal state (low probability state and non-time saving state), and it is executed in the same way even when it transitions from probability variable state B to the normal state via the jackpot. obtain.

Furthermore, when the 16R fifth jackpot occurs in variable probability state B, it is assumed that the special drawing 2 pending advance notice has been carried out, that is, it is the execution period of the special drawing 2 pending advance notice. In this case, when transitioning to the first time saving state triggered by the 16R fifth jackpot, the settings of the pending advance notice flag and the pending advance notice counter are not initialized as described above, so after shifting to the first time saving state Also, the pending pre-read notice flag and the pending pre-read notice counter at the time when the 16R fifth jackpot occurs are stored (held). The first time-saving state is a gaming state in which the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, but if the second special symbol is stored, the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner (the second special symbol is reserved). Digestion) takes priority. For this reason, the special drawing 2 pending advance notice (second advance judgment performance) based on the settings of the pending advance notice flag and the pending advance notice counter that were stored at the time of the previous 16R 5th jackpot is changed to It can be executed continuously even after transitioning to the 1-hour saving state (after returning). The special figure 2 pending advance notice based on the settings of the pending advance notice flag and the pending advance notice counter after the end of probability variable state B is, for example, a special figure in which the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes the normal state as described above. 2 normal jackpots, and can be executed in the same way even when transitioning from probability variable state B to normal state via jackpot.

[Effects of Example 1]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, the game states in which the variable display of special symbols can be executed are "normal state", "first time saving state", "variable probability state A", and "variable probability state B". Any one of these can be set. Among these, the normal state is a state in which the game is played by left-handed players (also referred to as the "left-handed player state"), and the first time saving state, probability variable state A, and probability variable state B are states in which the game is progressed by right-handed players (" (Also referred to as "right-handed batting condition.") In the right-handed state (i.e., specific gaming state), the normal symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function are activated, so the frequency of execution of games per normal symbol is higher than in the left-handed state (i.e., non-specific gaming state). As a result, the chance that the second starting port 21 as a variable starting port (variable ball entry port) opens is increased compared to the left-handed ball hitting state, and the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 is increased to the left. It will be higher than the hit state.

In the right-hand hitting state, in the first time saving state and variable probability state A (first specific game state), the second starting port 21 opens in the first opening pattern in the normal pattern winning game. Game balls enter the third starting port 25 more frequently than the opening 21. Therefore, in the first time saving state and variable probability state A, while the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, there is hope that a 16R jackpot will occur as a result of the variable display in the second special symbol, which may be executed on rare occasions. The gameplay is such that you can advance the game while moving closer to each other.

On the other hand, in the same right-handed hitting state B (second specific game state), the second starting port 21 opens in the second opening pattern in the normal pattern winning game, so the second starting port 21 opens in the second opening pattern. 2. The frequency of game balls entering the starting port 21 increases. Therefore, in variable probability state B, while the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly performed, the second special symbol is The gameplay is such that the player plays the game while hoping that a 16R jackpot will occur as a result of the variable display.

In this way, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game state (in this example, the first There are two types of gaming states (time saving state, variable probability state A) and a gaming state (in this example, variable probability state B) in which the variable display of the second special symbol that is the target of priority variation is mainly performed (first specific gaming state). , a second specific gaming state) can be set, and each gaming state has different gaming characteristics. This makes it possible to realize new gameplay features that have not existed in the past, and to improve the game's interest.

In addition, in the right-handed state, in the first time saving state and variable probability state A in which the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, the first preliminary determination information can be output from the main control unit 80 to the sub control unit 90. Therefore, it is possible to perform a preview performance (first preliminary determination performance) based on the result of the preliminary determination regarding the first special symbol. Furthermore, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, the main control unit 80 can also output the second preliminary determination information to the sub control unit 90, so a notice based on the result of the preliminary determination regarding the second special symbol It is also possible to perform a performance (second predetermined performance). On the other hand, in the right-handed state, in the variable probability state B in which the second special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, the first preliminary determination information cannot be output from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90, and the second preliminary determination Since the information can be output, the first preliminary judgment effect is not executable, and the second preliminary judgment effect is possible.

Therefore, in the first time-saving state and the variable probability state A, while both the first pre-judgment performance and the second pre-judgment performance can be performed, the gameplay is such that the first pre-judgment performance can be executed mainly, and the performance The effect makes it possible to improve the interest in the game. In addition, in variable probability state B, the first preliminary determination performance is not executed and the second preliminary determination performance can be executed, so the game is mainly performed in which the variable display of the second special symbol that is the target of priority fluctuation is performed. It becomes possible to execute a performance suitable for the situation (for example, a performance that ensures the fairness of the game), and it becomes possible to improve the interest in the game by the performance effect.

Further, the output of the first preliminary determination information from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90 is enabled in the normal state, the first time saving state, and the variable probability state A, and is disabled in the variable probability state B. By controlling the output of the first preliminary determination information as described above, it becomes possible to control the execution of the first preliminary determination effect with high precision.

In addition, the storage contents of the special figure 1 performance reservation information storage area (first advance judgment information storage means), the storage contents of the special figure 2 performance reservation information storage area (second advance judgment information storage means), the reservation advance notice flag and the reservation The settings of the pre-read notice counter are not initialized by any change in the gaming state. Therefore, for example, when a jackpot (for example, 6R first jackpot) occurs in the normal state or the first time-saving state (non-specific gaming state) in which the first special symbol is mainly fluctuated, the second special symbol Even if it moves to the variable state B (specific gaming state) in which the variable display is the main one, the storage contents of the special figure 1 production reservation information storage area, the setting contents of the reservation advance notice flag and the reservation advance notice counter will be initialized. Therefore, it can be maintained even after the transition to variable state B. Therefore, when transitioning to probability variable state B (when the 6R first jackpot occurs), the storage contents of the special drawing 1 performance pending information storage area (first preliminary judgment information), the settings of the pending advance notice flag and the pending advance notice counter It becomes possible to use the content (first preliminary determination information) for a game in the first time saving state after the variable probability state B ends. Although the first preliminary determination performance is not executable in variable probability state B, the first preliminary determination performance is based on the storage contents (first preliminary determination information) of the special figure 1 performance pending information storage area when transitioning to variable probability state B. The first preliminary judgment effect based on the judgment effect and the settings of the pending pre-read notice flag and the pending pre-read notice counter (first preliminary judgment information) when transitioning to the variable probability state B is the first time-saving state after the end of the variable probability state B. It becomes executable. As a result, a production effect can be obtained without wasting the information related to the preliminary determination of special figure 1 (special figure 1 pending look-ahead information, first preliminary determination information), thereby suppressing a decline in gaming interest. becomes possible.

In addition, when the variable probability state B (second time saving state, specific gaming state) ends and becomes the first time saving state (non-specific gaming state), the storage contents of the special drawing 2 production pending information storage area (second advance judgment information), the pending advance notice flag, and the pending advance notice counter settings are not initialized, so even after the first time saving state is reached, the memory of the special drawing 2 performance pending information storage area that was stored in the previous probability change state B is not initialized. The content (second advance determination information) and the settings of the pending advance notice flag and the pending advance notice counter (second advance determination information) are retained, and the stored contents and setting contents are used for the game in the first time saving state. becomes possible. As a result, the second advance judgment performance based on the settings of the special figure 2 effect pending information, the pending pre-read notice flag, and the pending pre-read notice counter stored in the variable probability state B is executed in the first time saving state after the end of the variable probability state B. This makes it possible to suppress a decline in gaming interest.

Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the processing contents of the starting ball entry process (S205) described using FIG. 13, and the rest is the same as the first embodiment. In the following, parts that are different from Example 1 will be mainly explained, and descriptions of parts that are common to Example 1 will be omitted.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a part of the starting ball entering process (S205) according to this embodiment. The starting ball entering process according to this embodiment is different from the starting ball entering process according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 13 in that the processes of S330 and S340 are added after S319. This is a different part. FIG. 45 shows the processing after S319, which includes the different parts, and the processing up to S318 is omitted because it is the same as that in FIG. 13 (Embodiment 1).

As shown in FIG. 45, in the starting ball entry process of this embodiment, if it is determined in S319 that the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 has increased by "1" (YES in S319), it is determined whether the jackpot game is in progress. (S330). As a result, if it is determined that the jackpot game is not in progress (NO in S330), that is, if the game is in progress where the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the process proceeds to S320 and onward. If it is determined that the jackpot game is in progress (YES in S330), proceed to processing in S340. Here, in the jackpot game, the player usually hits the right hand, so the game ball flowing down the right game area 3B during the jackpot game enters the third starting port 25, and the random number for determining the validity of the special symbol etc. When various random numbers related to the special figure 1 are obtained (see S309 to S312 in FIG. 12), it is determined in S319 that the number of reserved balls for the special figure 1 has increased by "1".

In S340, it is determined whether the jackpot game being executed is a jackpot game related to the 6R first jackpot or the 16R fourth jackpot (S340). The 6R first jackpot and the 16R fourth jackpot are both probability variable jackpots in which the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes probability variable state B (high probability state and second time saving state). If it is determined in S340 that the game is a jackpot game related to the 6R first jackpot or the 16R fourth jackpot (YES in S340), the process ends without performing the processes in S321 to S323. On the other hand, if it is determined in S340 that the jackpot game is not related to the 6R 1st jackpot or the 16R 4th jackpot (NO in S340), that is, the jackpot game being executed is the 6R 2nd jackpot, the 6R 3rd jackpot, and the 16R 5th jackpot. If it is related to any of the jackpots, the process of S321 to S323 is performed and the process ends.

The 6R second jackpot is a variable probability jackpot in which the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes a probability variable state A (high probability state and first time saving state), and the 6R third jackpot and the 16R fifth jackpot are both after the jackpot game. This is a normal jackpot (time-saving jackpot) where the gaming state becomes the first time-saving state (low probability state and first time-saving state). Therefore, if the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes the first time saving state (first specific gaming state) in which the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, the third starting port 25 It becomes possible to perform preliminary determination of the special figure 1 acquisition random number value based on the ball entering the (first preliminary determination), and information related to the preliminary determination result (first preliminary determination information, special figure 1 starting ball entry command) can be transmitted (output) from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90 (S321 to S323). Therefore, during the execution of a jackpot game related to any of the 6R 2nd jackpot, 6R 3rd jackpot, and 16R 5th jackpot, the advance notice effect (first advance judgment information) based on the preliminary judgment result of special drawing 1 (first preliminary judgment information) Judgment performance) becomes executable.

On the other hand, if the gaming state after the jackpot game is a second time-saving state (second specific gaming state) in which the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly performed, the game ball is 3 Even if the ball enters the starting port 25 and the random number for determining the validity of the special symbol is acquired, the preliminary determination of the special symbol 1 acquisition random number value is not performed, and along with this, the information related to the preliminary determination result (No. 1 advance determination information, special chart 1 starting ball entry command) are also not transmitted (output) from the main control section 80 to the sub control section 90. In other words, during the jackpot game related to the 6R first jackpot and during the jackpot game related to the 16R fourth jackpot, the first preliminary determination information related to the preliminary determination result of special drawing 1 cannot be output to the sub-control unit 90. It is said that Therefore, during the jackpot game, the preview performance (first preliminary determination performance) based on the preliminary determination result (first preliminary determination information) of the special drawing 1 cannot be performed. In addition, during the jackpot game, by the processing of S315 to S318 in the starting ball entry process (S205) (see Fig. 13), a preview performance (first preview performance) based on the preliminary determination result of special drawing 2 (second preliminary determination information) is performed. 2) can be executed.

[Effects of Example 2]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, when the first time saving state or variable probability state A (first specific gaming state) in which the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner is set after a jackpot game, During execution of the jackpot game, the first preliminary determination information can be output from the main control section 80 to the sub-control section 90. Therefore, it is possible to perform a preview performance (first preliminary determination performance) based on the preliminary determination result (first preliminary determination information) of special drawing 1 during the jackpot game before the first time saving state or variable probability state A is set. becomes. As a result, it is possible to add a gameplay feature in which the first preliminary determination performance can be executed during a jackpot game, thereby increasing the game's interest.

In addition, when the probability variable state B (second specific game state) in which the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly performed is set after the jackpot game, the main control unit 80 to the sub control unit 90 In contrast, the first preliminary determination information cannot be output, and the second preliminary determination information can be output. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform a preview performance (second preliminary determination performance) based on the preliminary determination result (second preliminary determination information) of the special drawing 2 during the jackpot game before the probability variable state B is set. As a result, it is possible to add a gameplay feature in which the second preliminary determination performance can be executed during the jackpot game, thereby increasing the game interest.

Next, Example 3 of the present invention will be described. In the above-mentioned first embodiment (and second embodiment), the second special symbol is the object of the variable display and preliminary judgment based on the ball entering the second starting port 21, and the target is the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting port 25. The first special symbol was the object of variable display based on the ball, preliminary judgment, etc. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the correspondence between the starting openings and the special symbols is reversed. That is, in this embodiment, the first special symbol is the object of the variable display and preliminary judgment based on the ball entering the second starting port 21, and the variable display and preliminary judgment based on the ball entering the third starting port 25. The objects such as the above are considered as the second special symbols.

Incidentally, the object of the variable display, preliminary judgment, etc. based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 is the first special symbol as in the first embodiment (and the second embodiment). Further, the point that the variable display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variable display of the first special symbol (special symbol 2 priority variation) is also similar to the first embodiment (and the second embodiment). In the following, parts that are different from Example 1 will be mainly explained, and descriptions of parts that are common to Example 1 will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the process related to the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting port 21 in the above-mentioned starting port sensor detection process (S204), starting ball entering process (S205), etc. (S305 to S308, S315) to S318, etc.) are executed based on the ball entering the third starting port 25. In addition, processing related to the first special symbol based on the ball entering the third starting port 25 in the above-mentioned starting port sensor detection process (S204), starting ball entry process (S205), etc. (S309 to S312, S319 to S323, etc.) ) is executed based on the ball entering the second starting port 21.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the concept of the opening time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 is eliminated, and the case where the game per normal figure is executed in the normal state and the first time saving state (first time saving state, variable probability state A) are changed. When a game with a common symbol is executed, the second starting port 21 corresponding to the first special symbol is opened based on the second opening pattern, and a common symbol is won in the second time saving state (probability variable state B). When a game is executed, the second starting port 21 corresponding to the first special symbol is configured to open based on the first opening pattern. Therefore, in the normal state, the first time saving state, and the variable probability state A, the variable display of the first special symbol is mainly executed, and in the variable probability state B, the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly executed (game performance). This is similar to the first embodiment (and second embodiment) described above.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, among the gaming states in which the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner, ``normal state'', ``first time saving state'', ``probability variable state A'', and ``probability variable state B''. The game in the normal state (left-handed game) is the same as in the first embodiment described above. Further, the jackpot game is also the same as in the first embodiment described above.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state after the jackpot game is the first time saving state (low probability state and first time saving state), and the regular winning game is executed in the first time saving state. In this case, the game state after the jackpot game is the variable probability state A, and when the regular winning game is executed in the variable probability state A, the second starting port 21 opens in the second opening pattern. The second opening pattern is an opening pattern in which opening is performed once for "6.0 seconds" (see FIG. 44). In the first time saving state and variable probability state A (first specific game state), a game with a common pattern in which the second starting port 21 is opened (long opening) based on the second opening pattern is executed with high frequency. Therefore, the possibility of the game ball entering the second starting port 21 (the frequency of ball entry) is significantly higher than in other game states. Further, the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is short (1 second). For this reason, as long as the game ball continues to be fired by right-handed hitting, the second starting port 21 will be in the open state with high frequency. Therefore, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, a variable display of the first special symbol is mainly performed based on the ball entering the second starting port 21, and under this situation, the game ball rarely enters the third starting port 21. When the ball enters, the variable display of the second special symbol is performed with priority.

Among the games (right-handed games) in the first time saving state and variable probability state A, in the first time saving state, the jackpot probability is set to a low probability (low probability state) and the player enters the second starting port 21. While the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner based on the ball entering the third starting port 25, we are also looking forward to the execution of a variable display in the second special symbol based on the ball entering the third starting port 25 (occurrence of 16R jackpot). , the game will proceed by hitting right until the special figure fluctuation display is performed 100 times.

In addition, in the variable probability state A, while the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a state where the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (high probability state) and the first special symbol is displayed based on the ball entering the second starting port 21, the third starting While looking forward to the execution of the variable display of the second special symbol based on the ball entering the mouth 25 (occurrence of the 16R jackpot), the game is played by hitting right until the next jackpot occurs.

On the other hand, when the game state after the jackpot game is the variable probability state B, and the normal pattern winning game is executed in the variable probability state B, the second starting port 21 opens in the first opening pattern. The first opening pattern is an opening pattern in which opening for "0.5 seconds" is performed twice with an interval (closing time) of "60 seconds" in between. For this reason, in variable probability state B, even if the game per normal figure is executed with high frequency, the opening of the second starting port 21 for 0.5 seconds for one game per normal figure is performed with an interval of 60 seconds in between. Since this is done only twice, although it is possible for the game ball to enter the second starting port 21, the possibility of this is low and the ball entry efficiency is not good. Therefore, in variable probability state B, the probability of the game ball entering the third starting port 25 is higher than that of the second starting port 21, and the frequency of balls entering the third starting port 25 becomes higher. A variable display of the second special symbol is performed based on the ball entering the third starting port 25. In addition, even if a ball enters the second starting port 21 in rare cases, the variable display of the second special symbol is performed with priority, so as long as the second special symbol is not interrupted (number of special symbols 2 reserved balls) (unless becomes "0"), the first special symbol will not be displayed in a variable manner.

In such a variable probability state B, while the variable display of the second special symbol based on the ball entering the third starting port 25 is mainly performed in a state where the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (high probability state), the second special symbol is While avoiding the occurrence of the 6R jackpot caused by the variable display of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the starting hole 21 and hoping that the 16R jackpot (especially the 16R variable jackpot) will occur, the next jackpot will occur. The game proceeds by hitting the right hand until the player hits the right hand.

[Effects of Example 3]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, in the right-handed playing state, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A (first specific gaming state), the second starting port 21 is activated in the game with a regular figure. Since the ball is opened in the second opening pattern, the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 21 becomes higher than that of the third starting port 25. Therefore, in the first time saving state and variable probability state A, while the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner based on the ball entering the second starting port 21, the variable display of the second special symbol that may be executed rarely is As a result, the game is played in such a way that the player can proceed with the game while hoping that a 16R jackpot will occur.

On the other hand, in the same right-handed hitting state B (second specific game state), the second starting port 21 opens in the first opening pattern in the normal pattern winning game, so the second starting port 21 is opened in the first opening pattern. The frequency of game balls entering the 3-starting port 25 is higher. Therefore, in variable probability state B, while the second special symbol is mainly displayed as a variable based on the ball entering the third starting port 25, the 6R jackpot is generated as a result of the variable display of the first special symbol that may be executed rarely. The game is such that the player can play the game while avoiding the occurrence of the 16R jackpot while hoping that the 16R jackpot will occur as a result of the variable display of the second special symbol.

In this way, in this embodiment as well, there is a gaming state in which the first special symbol, which is not subject to priority variation, is mainly displayed in a variable manner despite being in the same right-handed state, and a second special symbol, which is subject to priority variation. It is possible to set two types of gaming states (a first specific gaming state and a second specific gaming state), including a gaming state in which a variable display of ing. This makes it possible to realize new gameplay features that have not existed in the past, and to improve the game's interest.

In addition, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to execute a pending advance notice (pre-judgment performance) similarly to the first embodiment described above. That is, in the normal state, the first time saving state, and the variable probability state A in which the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, the main control unit 80 transmits the first preliminary determination information and the second preliminary determination information to the sub control unit 90. By making it possible to output both, it is possible to execute both the first preliminary determination performance and the second preliminary determination performance. Further, in variable probability state B, the first preliminary determination information cannot be outputted from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90, and the second preliminary determination information can be outputted, so that the first preliminary determination effect cannot be executed. Then, the second preliminary determination performance is made executable. In addition, when transitioning from the normal state, the first time saving state, or the variable probability state A to the variable probability state B, the storage contents of the special drawing 1 production reservation information storage area, the setting contents of the reservation advance notice flag and the reservation advance notice counter (The memory content of the first advance determination information storage means) is not initialized and the first advance determination performance is determined to be unexecutable and the special figure 2 performance is suspended when the probability change state B shifts to the first time saving state. The second preliminary judgment performance can be executed without initializing the storage contents of the information storage area and the setting contents of the pending pre-read notice flag and the pending pre-read notice counter (memory contents of the second preliminary judgment information storage means). It is possible to adopt a configuration.

Further, in this embodiment as well, it is possible to adopt the configuration of the second embodiment described above.

Next, Example 4 of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is largely different from the above-described first embodiment mainly in the board configuration of the game board 2 and the like. In the following, parts that are different from Example 1 will be mainly explained, and descriptions of parts that are common to Example 1 will be omitted.

FIG. 46 shows the configuration (board surface configuration) of the game board 2 included in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, and replaces FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 46, the game board 2 of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment (see FIG. 3) in the arrangement of the starting opening, the big prize opening, etc. in the gaming area 3 (right gaming area 3B). .

As shown in FIG. 46, a grand prize device 310 equipped with a grand prize opening 300 and an opening/closing member (wing member) 320 for opening and closing the grand prize opening 300 is provided at the lower right of the center decoration body 10 in the game area 3. It is being The opening/closing member 320 is driven by the big prize opening solenoid 33 (see FIG. 5), and is provided so as to be rotatable (tiltable) along the left and right (horizontal) direction of the game board surface. A game ball can enter the big prize opening 310 only when the opening/closing member 320 is in the open state (the state shown in FIG. 46).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 46, in the area below the big winning device 310 in the gaming area 3 (right gaming area 3B), there is a first variable winning device 220 as a normal electric accessory and a second type non-electrical accessory. A second variable winning device 230 and a third variable winning device 240 as objects, and a gate 280 that triggers the execution of a variable display of normal symbols are provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

The first variable winning device 220 has an operating port 221 for opening the second variable winning device 230 and the third variable winning device 240 as second type non-electric objects, and a retractable type for opening and closing the operating port 221. A movable member (opening/closing member) 222 is provided. In the above-described first embodiment, the variable prize winning device 22 equipped with the second starting port 21, which triggers the execution of the variable display of the second special symbol, was a normal electric accessory, but in this embodiment, instead of this, the operating port The first variable winning device 220 equipped with 221 is a normal electric accessory.

The movable member 222 has a substantially rectangular plate shape (long plate shape) smaller than the movable member 23 that opens and closes the second starting port 21 according to the first embodiment, and its upper surface forms a game ball passage. is the same as in Example 1. A game ball that passes (rolls) over the upper surface of the movable member 222 without entering the operating port 221 is moved along the slope of the upper surface by the second variable winning device 230, the third variable winning device 240, and the gate 280. It flows down to the side where it is placed (diagonally downward to the left).

The operating principle of the first variable winning device 220 according to the present embodiment is basically the same as the operating principle of the variable winning device 22 according to the first embodiment. That is, a hit is determined by the normal symbol determination based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 280, and a winning normal symbol (ordinary symbol per symbol) is displayed as a result of the variable display of the normal symbol based on the determination result. When this happens, the movable member 222 operates (opening operation) and the operating port 221 opens. In other words, the operating port 221 is opened as a normal figure winning game. However, the opening/closing pattern of the operating port 221 (the operating pattern of the movable member 222) according to the present embodiment is different from the opening/closing pattern of the second starting port 21 (the operating pattern of the movable member 23) according to the first embodiment. There is. The opening/closing pattern of the operating port 221 according to this embodiment will be described later.

The second starting port solenoid 24 (see FIG. 5) of the first embodiment is replaced with the operating port solenoid that drives the movable member 222 in this embodiment. In addition, the operating port 221 is closed when a specified number of game balls enter the operating port 221 while it is open (during normal game play), and in this embodiment, the specified number is "3". There is. If a specified number of balls enter the game before the opening time of the operating port 221 elapses, one round of the normal game is completed when the ball enters the ball. Further, the number of prize balls paid out for each game ball entering the operating port 221 is "1".

The second variable winning device 230 includes a second starting port 231 that triggers the execution of the variable display of the second special symbol, and an opening/closing member (blade member) 232 that opens and closes the second starting port 231. Further, the third variable winning device 240 includes a third starting port 241 that triggers the execution of the variable display of the first special symbol, and an opening/closing member (blade member) 242 that opens and closes the third starting port 241. . Due to the opening/closing operations of these opening/closing members 232 and 242, the second starting port 231 and the third starting port 241 have a higher possibility of a game ball entering from the first aspect (closed state) than in the first aspect. It is possible to change to the second mode (open state). A game ball can enter the second starting port 231 and the third starting port 241 only when the opening/closing members 232, 242 are in the open state, and the game ball can enter the second starting port 231 and the third starting port 241 when the opening/closing members 232, 242 are in the closed state. It becomes impossible. The number of prize balls paid out for one game ball entering the second starting port 231 and the number of prize balls paid out for one game ball entering the third starting port 241 are respectively It is said to be "1 piece". In addition, the second starting opening 231 (second variable winning device 230) and the third starting opening 241 (third variable winning device 240) of this embodiment each correspond to one aspect of the “variable ball entering opening” of the present invention. do.

The second starting port 231 (second variable winning device 230) and the third starting port 241 (third variable winning device 240) are variable ball entering ports (variable ball entering device) provided as second type non-electric accessories, respectively. mouth). When a game ball enters the operating port 221 while the second starting port 231 and the third starting port 241 are in the closed state (ball entry impossible state), the opening/closing member 232, 242 is operated (opening operation), and the second starting port 231 or the third starting port 241 becomes in an open state (a state in which a ball can enter). When a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 1 or 2) enter the opening opening, the opening will be closed due to the action received from the entered gaming balls. The opening/closing mechanism (opening/closing structure) of the starting ports (second starting port 231, third starting port 241) as the second type non-electric accessories can adopt a known mechanism, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-125079 It is possible to adopt the technique disclosed in the above publication.

Which of the second starting port 231 and the third starting port 241 is opened depends on whether the game ball that enters the operating port 221 passes through the game ball passage (game ball discharge path) formed on the back side of the game board 2. It depends on whether the opening/closing mechanism side of the second starting port 231 (not shown) or the opening/closing mechanism side of the third starting port 241 (not shown) is distributed through the opening/closing mechanism side of the second starting port 231 (not shown). This sorting of the game balls differs depending on the timing of the ball entering the operating port 221, and the ball entering timing can be adjusted by the opening/closing pattern of the operating port 221 (operation pattern of the movable member 222). It has become.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle (distribution mechanism) of distributing game balls that enter the operating port 221. The game ball that enters the operating port 221 flows down the game ball passage 500 formed on the back side of the game board 2 and is discharged outside the game machine, but the game ball passage 500 is as shown in the figure. A first passage 501 passing through the opening/closing mechanism side of the third starting opening 241 (third variable winning device 240) and a second passage 502 passing through the opening/closing mechanism side of the second starting opening 231 (second variable winning device 230). They are branched, and are discharged outside the gaming machine through either of these paths. When the game ball that has entered the operating port 221 flows down the first passage 501 and is discharged, the game ball acts on the opening/closing mechanism of the third starting port 241 and opens the opening/closing member 242 during the discharge process. The third starting port 241 is thereby opened (see FIG. 47(a)). On the other hand, when the game ball that has entered the operating port 221 flows down the second passage 502 and is discharged, the game ball acts on the opening/closing mechanism of the second starting port 231 and opens the opening/closing member 232 during the discharge process. The opening operation is performed, whereby the second starting port 231 is brought into an open state (see FIG. 47(b)).

The first variable winning device 220 includes a movable piece 223 for sorting the game balls that have entered the operating port 221 into the first path 501 or the second path 502. The movable piece 223 is driven by a movable piece solenoid (not shown) provided as a type of solenoids (see FIG. 5) that are driven under the control of the main control unit 80. In this embodiment, the movable piece 223 is moved back and forth with respect to the game board surface by driving the movable piece solenoid so that the movable piece 223 can be positioned either outside the game ball passage 500 or inside the game ball passage 500. It is possible to move (slide) in the direction.

This movable piece 223 starts a certain operation (ON/OFF of the movable piece solenoid) when the opening operation of the operating port 221 (operation of the movable member 222) starts, and stops the operation when the normal figure game ends. It is something to finish. When the movable piece solenoid is OFF, that is, when the movable piece 223 is not operating (non-operating state), it is located outside the game ball passage 500, and when the movable piece solenoid is ON, that is, when the movable piece 223 is not operating. When activated (operating state), the game ball is positioned within the game ball passage 500. In FIG. 47, the movable piece 223 in the non-operating state is shown by a broken line, and the movable piece 223 in the operating state is shown by a solid line.

The operation pattern (constant operation) of the movable piece 223 in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. At the elapsed timing, the movable solenoid is turned on for 0.1 seconds (100ms) and then turned off. As a result, the movable piece 223 is located within the game ball passage 500 for only 0.1 seconds, and immediately enters the non-operating state. After that, if the opening operation of the operating port 221 is continued at the timing when 2.8 seconds (2800 ms) has elapsed (timing when 3.0 seconds have elapsed from the start of the first opening of the operating port 221) (the game per normal pattern is If the operation continues), the movable piece solenoid is turned ON again, and this state is maintained for a maximum of 3.0 seconds (3000 ms) (see FIG. 48(b)). During this time, the movable piece 223 is in a state (operating state) located within the game ball passage 500. Then, when 3.0 seconds (6.0 seconds from the first opening of the operating port 221) have passed, the movable piece solenoid is turned OFF, and the movable piece 223 is in a state located outside the game ball passage 500 (non-operating state). initial state). Taking into consideration the operation pattern of the movable piece 223, the opening pattern of the operating port 221 in the normal winning game is determined.

The opening pattern of the operating port 221 is determined in accordance with the gaming state when the normal pattern winning game is executed (when the normal pattern winning symbol is stopped and displayed), as in the first embodiment described above. . The opening patterns of the operating port 221 include a first opening pattern used when a game per normal symbol is executed in the normal state, the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, and a normal opening pattern in the variable probability state B (second time saving state). A second opening pattern used when a per-figure game is executed is provided.

The first opening pattern of the operating port 221 according to this embodiment is as shown in FIG. After this is maintained for 3.0 seconds (3000 ms), the operating port solenoid is turned OFF and the operating port 221 is closed, thereby ending the game per normal pattern. That is, the first opening pattern of the operating port 221 is one long opening (opening for 3 seconds in this example).

On the other hand, in the second opening pattern of the operating port 221 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. By repeating ON and OFF for 0.9 seconds (900 m) three times, the operating port 221 performs short opening (short opening, momentary opening) three times. After that, the operating port solenoid is turned ON again and the operating port 221 is opened, and after this state is maintained for 3.0 seconds (3000ms), the operating port solenoid is turned OFF and the operating port 221 is closed. This is a pattern in which the game ends when a normal figure is hit. In other words, the second opening pattern of the operating port 221 is a combination of three short openings (0.1 second opening x 3 in this example) and one long opening (3 second opening in this example). There is.

From the relationship between the opening pattern of the operating port 221 and the operation pattern of the movable piece 223, when the operating port 221 opens in the first opening pattern in the normal figure game, the movable piece 223 opens with the opening. Since it only operates for 1 second, the movable piece 223 is located outside the game ball passage 500 for most of the time when the operating port 221 is open (3 seconds from the start of opening to the end of opening) (FIG. 47(a) ). Therefore, when the operating port 221 opens in the first opening pattern, there is a very low possibility that the game balls that enter the operating port 221 will be guided to the second passage 502, and most of the game balls will be guided to the first passage 501. guided (easily guided to the first passage 501).

On the other hand, when the operating port 221 opens in the second opening pattern in a game with a normal figure, the operating port 221 performs three short openings and then one long opening (opening for 3 seconds); The movable piece 223 operates for 0.1 seconds at the end of the first (first) short opening, and after that, the movable piece 223 is positioned outside the game ball passage 500 until the long opening of the operating port 221 starts. (non-operating state). Then, the movable piece 223 starts operating again in accordance with the start timing of the long opening of the operating port 221, and thereafter, while the operating port 221 is open (maximum 3.0 seconds), the movable piece 223 moves toward the game ball path. 500 (operating state) (see FIG. 47(b)). Therefore, when the operating port 221 opens in the second opening pattern, it is extremely unlikely that the game balls that have entered the operating port 221 will be guided to the first passage 501, and most of the game balls will be guided to the second passage 502. guided (easily guided to the second passage 502).

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the game states in which the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner are the "normal state", the "first time saving state", the "probable variable state A", and the "probable variable state". Of "B", the game in the normal state (left-handed game) is the same as in the first embodiment described above. Further, the jackpot game is also the same as in the first embodiment described above. On the other hand, the game (right-handed game) in the first time saving state, variable probability state A, and variable probability state B progresses as follows.

That is, when the gaming state after the jackpot game is the first time saving state (low probability state and first time saving state), and when the regular winning game is executed in the first time saving state, the gaming state after the jackpot game is In the variable probability state A, when a normal winning game is executed in the variable probability state A, the operating port 221 opens in the first opening pattern (see FIG. 48(a)). In the first time saving state and the variable probability state A (first specific game state), a game per regular figure in which the opening of the operating port 221 is performed based on the first opening pattern is executed with high frequency, and based on the first opening pattern Most of the game balls that enter the operating port 221, which is opened, are guided to the first passage 501 (see FIG. 47(a)). Therefore, in the first time saving state and variable probability state A, each time a game ball enters the operating port 221, the third starting port 241 becomes open state due to the action received from the entered game ball. The starting port 241 opens frequently, and balls entering the third starting port 241 occur frequently. Therefore, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner based on the ball entering the third starting port 241. Such a first time-saving state and variable probability state A are the "easy ball entry state of the third starting port 241" (the first It can be said that the ball entry easy state, the first specific game state).

Then, in the first time saving state, while the first special symbol is displayed fluctuating in a state where the jackpot probability is set to a low probability (low probability state), the 6R probability variable jackpot (6R While hoping for the occurrence of the first jackpot, the player plays the game by hitting right until the special symbol variation display is performed 100 times.

In addition, in variable probability state A, while the variable display of the first special symbol is performed in a state where the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (high probability state), the 6R probability variable jackpot (6R While expecting the occurrence of one jackpot, the player plays the game by hitting right until the next jackpot occurs.

Furthermore, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A, similarly to the first embodiment described above, a variable effect is executed in accordance with the variable display of the first special symbol, and a first preliminary determination based on the first preliminary determination information is performed. A performance can be performed.

On the other hand, when the gaming state after the jackpot game is the variable probability state B, and the normal pattern winning game is executed in the variable probability state B, the operating port 221 opens in the second opening pattern (Fig. 48 ( b)). In the probability variable state B (second specific game state), a regular game in which the operating port 221 is opened based on the second opening pattern is executed with high frequency, and the operating port 221 is opened based on the second opening pattern. Most of the game balls that enter the ball 221 are guided to the second passage 502 (see FIG. 47(b)). Therefore, in variable probability state B, each time a game ball enters the operating port 221, the second starting port 231 becomes open due to the action received from the entered game ball, so the second starting port 231 becomes high. As a result, balls entering the second starting port 231 occur frequently. Therefore, in the variable probability state B, a variable display of the second special symbol is mainly performed based on the ball entering the second starting port 231. Such a probability variable state B is a "ball entry easy state of the second starting port 231" (second ball entry easy state) in which the game ball enters the second starting port 231 more easily than the third starting port 241. , second specific gaming state).

In such variable probability state B, while the variable display of the second special symbol is performed in a state where the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (high probability state), the 16R probability variable jackpot (16R The player plays the game by hitting right until the next jackpot occurs, while hoping for the occurrence of the fourth jackpot (continuation of the probability change).

Further, in the variable probability state B, similarly to the first embodiment described above, a variable effect is executed in accordance with the variable display of the second special symbol, and a second preliminary judgment effect based on the second preliminary judgment information can be executed.

[Effects of Example 4]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, in the right-handed playing state, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A (first specific gaming state), the operating port 221 is in the first A game ball that opens in an open pattern and enters the operating port 221 is guided to the first passage 501 (game ball passage 500) with an extremely high probability (approximately 100% probability). Therefore, in the first time saving state and variable probability state A, every time a game ball enters the operating port 221, the third starting port 241 of the second starting port 231 and the third starting port 241 is opened. , the frequency of game balls entering the third starting port 241 is higher than that of the second starting port 231. Therefore, in the first time saving state and variable probability state A, while the first special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, the gameplay is such that the player plays the game while especially looking forward to the occurrence of a 6R variable probability jackpot (6R first jackpot). .

On the other hand, in the same right-handed hitting state B (second specific game state), the operating port 221 opens in the second opening pattern in the normal pattern game, and the game ball that enters the operating port 221 is The player is guided to the second passage 502 (game ball passage 500) with an extremely high probability (approximately 100% probability). Therefore, in variable probability state B, every time a game ball enters the operating port 221, the second starting port 231 of the second starting port 231 and the third starting port 241 is opened, and the third starting port 231 is opened. The frequency of game balls entering the second starting port 231 is higher than that of the second starting port 241. Therefore, in variable probability state B, while the second special symbol is mainly displayed in a variable manner, the game is played with particular expectations for the occurrence of a 16R variable jackpot (16R fourth jackpot).

In this way, in this embodiment as well, there is a game state in which the first special symbol, which is not subject to priority variation, is mainly displayed in a variable manner despite being in the same right-handed state, and a second special symbol, which is subject to priority variation. It is possible to set two types of gaming states (a first specific gaming state and a second specific gaming state), including a gaming state in which a fluctuating display of ing. This makes it possible to realize new gameplay features that have not existed in the past, and to improve the game's interest.

It should be noted that this embodiment can also adopt the configuration of the second embodiment described above, and as in the third embodiment described above, each starting port 231, starting port 242 and each special symbol (first special symbol) can be used. It is also possible to determine the correspondence relationship with the second special symbol).

Although Examples 1 to 4 have been described above as embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope stated in each claim. However, it is possible for a person skilled in the art to easily replace them, and to appropriately add improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has.

For example, in the above-described first embodiment, in the first time saving state and the variable probability state A among the right-handed driving states, the second starting port 21 opens based on the first opening pattern, so that the third starting port 21 opens more than the second starting port 21. It becomes a state (first specific game state) in which the frequency of balls entering the starting port 25 (the frequency of execution of the variable display of the first special symbol) increases, and in the variable probability state B, the second starting port 21 is opened based on the second opening pattern. By opening it, the configuration is such that the frequency of ball entry into the second starting port 21 (the frequency of execution of variable display of the second special symbol) is higher than that of the third starting port 25 (second specific game state). . In other words, two types of specific gaming states, a first specific gaming state and a second specific gaming state, can be set as specific gaming states in which the game is advanced by right-handed hitting. On the other hand, as an opening pattern of the second starting port 21, for example, in addition to the above-mentioned first opening pattern and second opening pattern, the possibility of the ball entering the second starting port 21 is higher than the above-mentioned first opening pattern. A third opening pattern in which the probability of the ball entering the second starting port 21 is higher than the first opening pattern and lower than the second opening pattern, the second starting port. Three or more types of opening patterns having different possibilities of entering the second starting port 21 may be provided, such as a fifth opening pattern in which the possibility of the ball entering the starting port 21 is even higher than the second opening pattern described above. . In this case, for example, a third specific gaming state in which the second starting port 21 opens based on the third opening pattern, a fourth specific gaming state in which the second starting port 21 opens based on the fourth opening pattern, and a fourth specific gaming state in which the second starting port 21 opens based on the fourth opening pattern. It becomes possible to further diversify specific gaming states as right-handed players, such as a fifth specific gaming state in which the second starting port 21 opens based on the five-opening pattern. This makes it possible to more precisely define the possibility of ball entry (ball entry frequency) in the second starting port 21 and the third starting port 25 in a specific gaming state (right-handed hitting state), thereby increasing the interest of the specific gaming state. It becomes possible to further improve the performance.

In addition, in the above-mentioned Embodiment 4, the second starting port corresponding to the second special symbol is used as the starting port (second type non-electric accessory) that opens based on the ball entering the operating port 221 (normal electric accessory). A opening 231 and a third starting opening 241 corresponding to the first special symbol are provided. 3. A first specific game state (first time saving state, probability variable state A) in which the frequency of balls entering the starting port 241 becomes high or a second specific gaming state (probability variable state) in which the frequency of entering the ball into the second starting port 231 becomes high. The configuration was such that state B) was set. On the other hand, as the opening pattern of the operating port 221, for example, a third opening pattern in which the possibility of entering the game ball into the operating port 221 and the ball entry timing are different from the above-mentioned first opening pattern and second opening pattern, Three or more release patterns with different ball entry possibilities and ball entry timings to the operating port 221 are provided, such as a fourth release pattern whose ball entry possibilities and ball entry timings are different from the first to third release patterns. Good too. In this case, for example, there may be a third specific game state in which the operating port 221 opens based on the third opening pattern, a fourth specific gaming state in which the operating port 221 opens based on the fourth opening pattern, etc., as a right-handed state. It becomes possible to further diversify the specific gaming states. As a result, it is possible to obtain a game in which the types of starting ports that are opened based on the ball entering the operating port 221 are varied, and a game with a starting port consisting of a second type non-electric accessory can be obtained. It becomes possible to further improve the game enjoyment of the machine.

In addition, in the first embodiment described above, as the time saving state, the opening time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 is not activated, and the second starting port 21 is opened in the first opening pattern. However, instead of providing such a first time saving state as a time saving state, the opening time extension function of the variable prize winning device 22 is activated and the second starting port 21 is opened in the second opening pattern. Only one state (corresponding to the second time saving state in the first embodiment) may be provided. Specifically, for example, there is a "normal state" (low probability state and non-time saving state) as a gaming state in which variable display of special symbols can be executed, and a "time saving state" (low probability state) corresponding to the second time saving state described above. and a “probability variable state” (a high probability state and a time saving state), which corresponds to the above-mentioned probability variable state B. In this case, the "normal state" is a gaming state (non-specific gaming state) in which a variable display of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 is the main state, and the "time saving state" and "variable probability state" is a game state (specific game state) (the presence or absence of the third starting port 25 does not matter). In such a configuration (specification), in the "normal state" (left-handed hitting state), both the first preliminary determination information and the second preliminary determination information can be output from the main control section 80 to the sub-control section 90. , it is assumed that both the first preliminary determination performance and the second preliminary determination performance are executable, and in the “time saving state” and “probability variation state” (right-handed hitting state), the main control unit 80 controls the sub-control unit 90. In this case, the first preliminary determination information cannot be outputted, the second preliminary determination information can be outputted, the first preliminary determination performance is disabled, and the second preliminary determination performance is enabled.

Even in such a configuration, for example, when a time-saving jackpot occurs in the normal state and the time-saving state is entered after the jackpot game, the information is stored at the time when the time-saving state (specific gaming state) is reached (the time at which the time-saving jackpot occurs). After the time saving state ends, without initializing the storage contents of the special figure 1 production reservation information storage area (first advance judgment information), the settings of the reservation advance notice flag and the reservation advance notice counter (first advance determination information). By making it possible to hold the game up to the normal state (non-specific gaming state), it becomes possible to use the stored contents and setting contents for the game in the normal state after the end of the time saving state. In addition, when the time saving state (specific gaming state) ends and becoming the normal state (non-specific gaming state), the special figure 2 effect pending information storage that is stored during the time saving state and stored at the time of the normal state By retaining the storage contents of the area (second advance judgment information) and the setting contents of the pending read-ahead notice flag and the hold read-ahead notice counter (second advance judgment information) without initializing them when the normal state is reached, It becomes possible to use the stored contents and setting contents for the game in the normal state after the end of the time saving state.

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 1, the storage contents of the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area, the memory contents of the special figure 2 effect pending information storage area, and the setting contents of the pending advance notice flag and the reserve advance notice counter are all It was assumed that it would not be initialized (reset) due to a change in state. On the other hand, regarding the storage contents of the special figure 1 production reservation information storage area when a jackpot occurs, and the setting contents of the reserve pre-read notice flag and reserve pre-read notice counter related to special figure 1 when a jackpot occurs, the jackpot game related to the jackpot concerned However, it may be initialized based on the start or end of a specific gaming state (for example, variable probability state B) after the jackpot game. That is, the initialization may not be triggered by the occurrence of a jackpot (execution of a jackpot game), but may be initialized by the start or end of a specific gaming state (for example, variable probability state B). This is because it becomes possible to take measures to prevent technical intervention by the player in a specific gaming state where the variable display of the second special symbol that is the target of priority variation is the main one.

In addition, the storage contents of the special figure 2 effect pending information storage area and the setting contents of the pending advance notice flag and the reserve advance notice counter related to special figure 2 are not initialized, and the storage of the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area "The contents and the setting contents of the pending pre-read notice flag and pending pre-read notice counter related to special figure 1 are initialized," or "the storage contents of the special figure 1 effect pending information storage area and the special figure 2 effect pending information storage area. The storage contents and the setting contents of the reservation pre-read notice flag and the reservation pre-read notice counter related to special drawing 2 are not initialized, but the settings of the reservation pre-read notice flag and the reservation pre-read notice counter related to special drawing 1 are initialized. At least part or all of the information related to the preliminary determination of special drawing 1 may be subject to initialization based on the execution (start) of the jackpot game or the transition to a specific game state, such as by You can also do this. This is also because it becomes possible to take measures to prevent technical intervention by the player in a specific gaming state in which the variable display of the second special symbol, which is the target of priority variation, is the main one. Further, all of the information related to the preliminary determination of special figure 1 and the information related to the preliminary determination of special figure 2 may be initialized. This is because it becomes possible to unify the initialization process of information related to advance determination while preventing technical intervention by the player.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the control process of extinguishing the second special figure reservation with priority over the first special figure reservation, that is, the control process of so-called special figure 2 priority extinguishment, is not limited to this. It is also possible to perform a control process of extinguishing the reservation with priority over the second special figure reservation, a so-called control process of special figure 1 priority extinguishment. Furthermore, priority is not set for the first and second special map reservations, and the first and second special map reservations are consumed in order from the oldest memorized one. The control process may be a so-called control process for digesting pitches in order of arrival (order of memory). Moreover, it is good also as a control process (so-called "simultaneous variation machine") that can execute the extinguishment of the first special symbol reservation and the expiration of the second special symbol reservation in parallel. This is because it is possible to mainly change the types of special symbols that are variably displayed in these special symbol 1 priority extinguishing, ball entry order extinguishing, and simultaneous variation machines depending on the game state.

Further, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a type 1 pachinko game machine that determines whether or not to operate the probability variation function based on the type of jackpot symbol, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not limited to. For example, the big prize opening (V Attacker) is equipped with a specific area (V area) as a probability variable operation opening, and a probability variation function is applied based on whether or not the game ball passes through the specific area (V passage) during a jackpot game. The present invention can also be applied to one type of pachinko game machine (so-called "V-koku machine") in which it is determined whether to operate or not.

In addition, there is a specific area (V area) inside the big winning hole that can be entered when the result of the special symbol correctness judgment becomes a small hit, and the game ball that enters the big winning hole during a small winning game. It is also possible to apply the present invention to type 1 and type 2 pachinko gaming machines in which a jackpot game is executed when the player passes through a specific area (passes V). In this type of pachinko game machine, the game in the normal state where players are left-handed plays the 1st type game (a game that aims to win the 1st special figure jackpot), and the game in the time-saving state where the players play right-handedly plays the 2nd type game (special figure 2). It is common to play a game aiming for a V jackpot via a small hit, but if the present invention is applied to this, as a right-handed state (time saving state), a "game aiming for a special figure 1 jackpot" is mainly played. (a state in which the fluctuating display of the first special symbol is mainly performed) and a gaming state in which the "game aiming for the V jackpot via the special figure 2 small hit" is the main game state (a state in which the fluctuating display of the second special symbol is mainly performed). (state) can be set. As a result, it becomes possible to realize unprecedented gameplay in the 1-type and 2-type pachinko game machines and improve the game's interest.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, regarding the preliminary determination based on the starting pitch, the latest obtained random number value (obtained information) stored in the special figure reservation storage unit is read out, and the read obtained random number value (obtained information) is determined. (Prior determination) (see FIG. 13, starting ball entry process (S205)), but the method of prior determination is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the special figure reservation storage section, an area (obtained information storage means) that stores the obtained information that is subject to preliminary judgment (that is, the obtained information obtained based on the starting pitch) may be stored in the main control section or the subcontroller. It is provided in the RAM of the club and performs a preliminary judgment on the acquired information stored in the storage area (pre-judgment storage unit), or before or separately from storing the acquired information acquired based on the starting pitch. It may also be possible to make a preliminary determination. In this case, by storing the results of the preliminary determination in the RAM of the main control unit or the sub-control unit, it is also possible to erase the acquired information used for the preliminary determination (acquired information stored in a separate storage area).

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

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

(Reference invention 1)
Conventionally, a variable display of identification information was performed based on the entry of a game ball into the starting slot, and based on the display result of the variable display becoming a specific display result, gaming profits such as prize balls were distributed to the player. 2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine is known in which a special game given to players can be executed. In this type of gaming machine, various effects such as a reach effect, a preview effect, and a special game effect are executed in conjunction with the fluctuating display of identification information and the execution of special games. It is common to play the game while paying attention to the performance. Furthermore, some gaming machines of this type are configured so that, after the special game ends, a bonus different from the special game can be given to the player. Benefits include, for example, increasing the probability that the display result of a variable display will be a specific display result, making the fluctuating display time of identification information shorter than usual, and changing the probability of a game ball entering the ball. When a starting port is configured as a variable ball entry port to obtain a variable ball entry port, the frequency of entering the game ball into the variable ball entry port (that is, variable starting port) may be made higher than usual (for example, (See Publication No. 2009-95470).

However, as mentioned above, gameplay features such as progressing through the game while paying attention to various effects, and bonuses other than the special game being awarded after the end of the special game are already well known, and such gameplay features It is difficult to improve gaming enjoyment by simply following the above.

This Reference Invention 1 has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to realize new gameplay and improve gaming interest.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 for solving the above-mentioned problem is:
a first identification information display section that displays first identification information;
a second identification information display section that displays second identification information;
A plurality of starting ports constituted by a first starting port that is a trigger for executing a variable display of the first identification information and a second starting port that is a trigger for executing a variable display of the second identification information;
A main control unit that controls the progress of the game,
Based on the display result of the variable display becoming a specific display result, a special game that can provide a predetermined profit to the player can be executed,
At least one of the plurality of starting ports is a variable ball entry port that can change between a first mode and a second mode in which the possibility of a game ball entering is higher than the first mode. ,
A gaming machine in which variable display of the second identification information can be executed in priority to variable display of the first identification information,
The main control unit is configured to set a specific gaming state in which a game ball is more likely to enter the variable ball entry hole than a non-specific gaming state as a gaming state in which the variable display can be performed. including a configuration means;
The gaming state setting means is configured to set any one of a plurality of predetermined specific gaming states when setting the specific gaming state,
When a first specific gaming state is set among the plurality of specific gaming states, the game ball enters the first starting port more frequently than the second starting port,
When a second specific gaming state is set among the plurality of specific gaming states, the game ball enters the second starting port more frequently than the first starting port. It is.

According to such a gaming machine, at least one of the plurality of starting ports constituted by the first starting port corresponding to the first identification information and the second starting port corresponding to the variable display of the second identification information. is set as a variable ball entrance, and when a specific gaming state is set in which the possibility of a game ball entering the variable ball entry opening is higher than in a non-specific gaming state, multiple predetermined Any one of the specific gaming states is set. When the first specific gaming state is set as the specific gaming state, the game ball enters the first starting port more frequently than the second starting port, and when the second specific gaming state is set, Game balls enter the second starting port more frequently than the first starting port. Therefore, among the plurality of starting ports, if the starting port that is a variable entry ball port is the first starting port, the second starting port, or both the first starting port and the second starting port. In either case, depending on the type of specific gaming state that is set, the game state may be a gaming state in which a variable display of the first identification information that is not given priority over the second identification information is mainly performed, or the first identification information It becomes possible to realize new gaming features, such as a gaming state in which a variable display of the second identification information that is given priority to the second identification information is mainly performed. This makes it possible to increase interest in the game.

Note that one or more first starting ports and one or more second starting ports are provided, and for example, a configuration in which one first starting port and one second starting port are provided, A configuration in which one first starting port and two second starting ports are provided, a configuration in which two first starting ports are provided and one second starting port, a first starting port and a second starting port It is possible to adopt a configuration in which two mouths are provided on both sides. Moreover, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which three or more of either or both of the first starting port and the second starting port are provided.

In addition, even if the plurality of specific gaming states are composed of two specific gaming states, a first specific gaming state and a second specific gaming state, the first specific gaming state and the second specific gaming state Even if it is composed of three or more specific game states including the state, either is acceptable.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 mentioned above,
Equipped with a sub-control unit that controls the production,
The sub-control unit is capable of controlling execution of the performance based on information output from the main control unit,
The main control unit includes:
a first determination unit that determines acquired information based on entry of a game ball into the first starting port;
first identification information control means for displaying the first identification information in a variable manner based on the result of the determination by the first determination means;
further comprising a first preliminary determination unit that determines the acquired information based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port before the determination by the first determination unit;
When the first specific gaming state is set, first preliminary determination information regarding the result of determination by the first preliminary determination means can be output to the sub-control unit. be.

According to such a gaming machine, when the acquired information is determined based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port, the first identification information is displayed in a variable manner based on the result of the determination. executed. Moreover, before the determination of the acquired information when performing the variable display of the first identification information, the acquired information is determined (also referred to as "prior determination"). In a first specific gaming state in which the frequency of game balls entering the first starting port is higher than that of the second starting port, the preliminary determination result of the acquired information obtained based on the ball entering the first starting port. The first preliminary determination information related to the first preliminary determination information can be output from the main control unit to the sub control unit. Since the sub-control unit can control the execution of the performance based on the information output from the main control unit, the sub-control unit can perform a performance based on the first preliminary determination information from the main control unit (also referred to as "first preliminary determination performance"). ) can be executed under the control of the sub-control unit. As a result, it is possible to add a gameplay feature in which the first pre-determined effect can be executed in the first specific gaming state, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 mentioned above,
The game state setting means is capable of setting the specific game state after the end of the special game,
When the first specific game state is set after the end of the special game, the main control unit is capable of outputting the first preliminary determination information to the sub-control unit during execution of the special game. It is characterized by certain things.

According to such a gaming machine, when the first specific gaming state is set after the end of the special game, the first preliminary determination information is sent from the main control unit to the sub-control unit during the execution of the special game. It is possible to output. Therefore, the performance based on the first preliminary determination information (first preliminary determination performance) can be executed during the special game before the first specific game state is set. As a result, it is possible to add a gameplay feature in which the first preliminary determination effect can be executed during the special game, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 or Reference Invention 1-3 described above,
The main control section is characterized in that when the second specific gaming state is set, the first preliminary determination information cannot be output to the sub control section.

According to such a gaming machine, in the second specific gaming state in which the frequency of entering the game ball into the second starting port is higher than that of the first starting port, the main control section sends the first advance command to the sub control section. Judgment information cannot be output. Therefore, in the second specific gaming state, the performance based on the result of the preliminary determination related to the first identification information (the first preliminary determination performance) cannot be performed. As a result, in a situation where the second identification information is mainly displayed in a variable manner (second specific gaming state), the first preliminary determination performance related to the first identification information is not executed (does not appear), and the It becomes possible to execute a performance suitable for the second specific game state.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-5 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 mentioned above,
Equipped with a sub-control unit that controls the production,
The sub-control unit is capable of controlling execution of the performance based on information output from the main control unit,
The main control unit includes:
a first determination unit that determines acquired information based on entry of a game ball into the first starting port;
first identification information control means for displaying the first identification information in a variable manner based on the result of the determination by the first determination means;
further comprising a first preliminary determination unit that determines the acquired information based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port before the determination by the first determination unit;
When the first specific game state is set after the end of the special game, first preliminary determination information related to the result of the determination by the first preliminary determination means is sent to the sub-control unit during the execution of the special game. It is characterized by the fact that it can be output to

According to such a gaming machine, when the acquired information is determined based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port, the first identification information is displayed in a variable manner based on the result of the determination. executed. Moreover, before the determination of the acquired information when performing the variable display of the first identification information, the acquired information is determined (preliminary determination). When the first specific game state is set after the end of the special game, the first preliminary determination information related to the preliminary determination result of the acquired information acquired based on the ball entering the first starting port is The main control unit can output to the sub control unit during execution. Since the sub-control unit can control the execution of the effect based on the information output from the main control unit, the sub-control unit can control the execution of the effect based on the information output from the main control unit. The performance based on the preliminary determination information (first preliminary determination performance) becomes executable under the control of the sub-control unit. As a result, it is possible to add a gameplay feature in which the first preliminary determination effect can be executed during the special game, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

According to Reference Invention 1 above, it is possible to realize new gameplay and improve gaming interest.

(Reference invention 2)
Conventionally, when a game ball enters a first starting port, a variable display of first identification information is executed, and when a game ball enters a second starting port, a variable display of second identification information is executed. Are known. In this type of gaming machine, the variable display of the second identification information can be executed in priority to the variable display of the first identification information, and the gaming state in which the variable display of the first identification information is mainly executed, and There are games that include a gaming state in which variable display of the second identification information is executed (for example, see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-75217).

In the above-mentioned gaming machine, from the viewpoint of preventing technical intervention by the player, during a gaming state in which variable display of the second identification information is mainly performed, information related to the first identification information that is not subject to preferential variable display. It is common to prevent the preview performance from being executed. However, simply restricting the execution of preview effects may actually reduce the interest in the game.

Reference invention 2 has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decline in gaming interest.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 for solving the above-mentioned problem is:
a first identification information display section that displays first identification information;
a second identification information display section that displays second identification information;
a first starting port that triggers execution of a variable display of the first identification information;
a second starting port that triggers the execution of the variable display of the second identification information,
Based on the display result of the variable display becoming a specific display result, a special game that can provide a predetermined profit to the player can be executed,
The second starting port is a variable ball entry port that can change between a first mode and a second mode in which the possibility of a game ball entering is higher than the first mode,
A gaming machine in which variable display of the second identification information can be executed in priority to variable display of the first identification information,
a first determination means for determining acquired information acquired based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting port, based on establishment of a predetermined fluctuation start condition;
first identification information control means for displaying the first identification information in a variable manner based on the result of the determination by the first determination means;
a first preliminary determination means that determines the acquired information based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port before the determination by the first determination means;
a first preliminary determination information storage means capable of storing first preliminary determination information related to the determination by the first preliminary determination means;
a first preliminary determination performance execution means capable of executing a first preliminary determination performance based on the first preliminary determination information;
A non-specific gaming state and a specific gaming state in which the probability of a game ball entering the variable ball entry hole is higher than in the non-specific gaming state are set as the gaming state in which the variable display can be executed. a possible game state setting means;
When the non-specific gaming state is set, the first preliminary determination performance is made executable;
When the specific gaming state is set, the storage contents of the first preliminary determination information storage means are not initialized, and the first preliminary determination performance is rendered unexecutable.

According to such a gaming machine, when a specific gaming state is reached in which the possibility of a game ball entering the variable entry ball opening (second starting opening) is higher than in a non-specific gaming state, the first preliminary determination means determines The first preliminary determination effect is rendered unexecutable without initializing the storage contents of the first preliminary determination information storage means that stores the first preliminary determination information related to the first preliminary determination information. Therefore, although the first preliminary determination performance is not executed in the specific gaming state, the storage contents of the first preliminary determination information storage means (first preliminary determination information) when the specific gaming state is entered are retained, and the specific gaming state is It becomes possible to use the game in a non-specific game state after the game ends. This makes it possible to suppress a decline in gaming interest.

Note that the first preliminary determination information is, for example, information that enables identification of acquired information to be determined by the first preliminary determination means, information that enables identification of the result of determination by the first preliminary determination means, 1 refers to various information related to the determination by the first preliminary determination means, such as information that makes it possible to specify whether or not the first preliminary determination performance is to be executed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 mentioned above,
a second determination means for determining acquired information acquired based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting port, based on establishment of a predetermined fluctuation start condition;
a second identification information control means for variably displaying the second identification information based on the result of the determination by the second determination means;
a second preliminary determination means that determines the acquired information based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting port before the determination by the second determination means;
a second preliminary determination information storage means capable of storing second preliminary determination information related to the determination by the second preliminary determination means;
a second preliminary determination performance execution means capable of executing a second preliminary determination performance based on the second preliminary determination information;
When the specific gaming state is set, the second preliminary determination performance is made executable;
When the specific gaming state ends and the non-specific gaming state is set, the second prior determination performance is made executable without initializing the storage contents of the second prior determination information storage means. It is characterized by this.

According to such a gaming machine, in a specific game state in which the first predetermined performance cannot be performed, the second predetermined performance based on the second predetermined information can be performed. Then, when the specific gaming state ends and the non-specific gaming state is reached, the second prior determination performance can be executed without initializing the storage contents of the second prior determination information storage means that stores the second prior determination information. It is said that Therefore, even after the specific gaming state in which the second preliminary determination performance is executable ends and the state becomes a non-specific gaming state, the memory contents of the second preliminary determination information storage means (second preliminary determination information) are retained. As a result, it becomes possible to play a game in a non-specific gaming state, and a second preliminary judgment performance based on the stored contents (second preliminary judgment information) can be executed. This makes it possible to suppress a decline in gaming interest.

Note that the second preliminary determination information is, for example, information that enables identification of acquired information to be determined by the second preliminary determination means, information that enables identification of the result of determination by the second preliminary determination means, It means various information related to the determination by the second preliminary determination means, such as information that makes it possible to specify whether or not the second preliminary determination performance is to be executed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 or Reference Invention 2-2 described above,
a main control unit that controls the progress of the game;
A sub-control unit that performs control related to the production,
The sub-control unit includes the first pre-judgment information storage means and the first pre-judgment performance execution means, and is capable of controlling execution of the performance based on information output from the main control unit,
The main control section includes the first preliminary determination means and the gaming state setting means, and is capable of outputting the first preliminary determination information to the sub-control section when the non-specific gaming state is set. The first preliminary determination information cannot be output to the sub-control unit when the specific gaming state is set.

According to such a gaming machine, in a non-specific gaming state, the main control section can output the first preliminary determination information to the sub-control section, and in a specific gaming state, the main control section can output the first preliminary determination information to the sub-control section. 1 advance determination information cannot be output. Since the sub-control unit can control the execution of the performance based on the information output from the main control unit, in the non-specific gaming state, the first preliminary determination performance based on the first preliminary determination information from the main control unit is It becomes executable under the control of the sub-control unit, and the first preliminary determination performance becomes unexecutable in a specific game state. Thereby, it becomes possible to accurately control the execution of the first preliminary determination performance according to the gaming state (non-specific gaming state, specific gaming state).

According to Reference Invention 2 above, it is possible to suppress a decline in gaming interest.

1 Pachinko game machine, 2 Game board, 3 Game area, 3A Left game area, 3B Right game area, 7 Image display device, 7a Display screen, 8 Performance pattern, 9a First performance pending, 9b Second performance pending, 10 Center Decoration body, 20 first starting port, 21 second starting port (variable ball entry port), 22 variable winning device (normal electric accessory), 23 movable member, 25 third starting port, 28 gate, 30 grand winning port, 31 Big winning device (special electric accessory), 32 Opening/closing member, 40 Main display, 41 Special symbol display section (identification information display section) 41a First special symbol display device (first identification information display section), 41b Second Special symbol display (second identification information display section), 80 Main control board (main control section), 81 Game control microcomputer, 90 Sub-control board (sub-control section), 91 Production control microcomputer, 100 Image control board ( image control unit), 101 image control microcomputer, 220 first variable winning device (normal electric accessory), 221 operating port, 222 movable member, 223 movable piece, 230 second variable winning device (second type non-electric accessory) ), 231 second starting port (variable ball entry port), 232 opening/closing member, 240 third variable winning device (second type non-electric accessory), 241 third starting port (variable ball entry port), 242 opening/closing member, 280 gate, 300 grand prize opening, 310 grand prize device (special electric accessory), 320 opening/closing member, 500 game ball passage, 501 first passage, 502 second passage.

Claims (1)

a first identification information display section that displays first identification information;
a second identification information display section that displays second identification information;
a first starting port that triggers execution of a variable display of the first identification information;
a second starting port that triggers the execution of the variable display of the second identification information,
A gaming machine that enables execution of a special game in which a predetermined profit can be given to a player based on the display result of the variable display becoming a specific display result,
a first determination means for determining acquired information acquired based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting port, based on establishment of a predetermined fluctuation start condition;
first identification information control means for displaying the first identification information in a variable manner based on the result of the determination by the first determination means;
a first preliminary determination means that determines the acquired information based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port before the determination by the first determination means;
a first preliminary determination information storage unit capable of storing first preliminary determination information related to the determination result by the first preliminary determination unit;
a preliminary presentation pattern setting means capable of setting a preliminary presentation pattern based on the first preliminary determination information;
a first pre-judgment effect execution means capable of executing a first pre-determination effect based on the pre-effect pattern set by the pre-effect pattern setting means ;
A first gaming state in which the first identification information is mainly displayed in a variable manner and a second gaming state in which the second identification information is mainly displayed in a variable manner are set as gaming states in which the variable display is possible. a possible game state setting means;
In the first gaming state, the first preliminary determination performance is executable;
In the special game, the first preliminary determination information stored in the first preliminary determination information storage means is not initialized,
When the second gaming state is set after the special game, the first preliminary determination information stored in the first preliminary determination information storage means is initialized, and in the second gaming state, the first preliminary determination A gaming machine characterized by being configured so that no performance is executed.

Images