JP5404065B2 - Production control device, pachinko gaming machine, production control method, and production control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an effect control device, a pachinko gaming machine, an effect control method, and an effect control program that perform a mode effect in a time-saving game mode indicating a time-saving game state.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board wins a specific start opening, a random number is obtained at the start winning timing under the control of the main control device such as the main control board, and the random number is determined as a predetermined jackpot A pachinko gaming machine that determines whether or not it matches a random number and shifts to a jackpot state when it matches a jackpot random number and plays a jackpot game is widely used.

  Such pachinko gaming machines are known to transition to a time-reduced gaming state (hereinafter referred to as a “short-time gaming state”) until the preset number of symbol fluctuations (the number of games) that is preset after the jackpot ends. It has been. In the short-time gaming state, the variation time of the special symbol is shortened, and the so-called electric chew support, which makes it easy to open the electric tulip, suppresses the decrease in the number of earned balls and enables a game with reduced time. .

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine is provided with an effect control device such as an effect control board for receiving an effect based on the jackpot determination result by the main control device. The effect control device controls an image display unit provided in the center of the game board to move and display three rows of effect symbols (for example, numbers 1 to 12) so as to move from top to bottom. Then, in the case of a big hit, the image display unit is controlled so that the same or related effect symbols are arranged on a certain line (effective line).

  The effect control device performs the mode effect as the time-saving game mode in the time-saving game state. The mode effect in the short-time game mode is specifically an effect in which the audio information and background image when variably displaying the effect symbols are different from the normal game state, and the player is in the short-time game state. It is a production that suggests. A technique has been proposed in which the number of changes during a short-time game is displayed during the mode production of such a short-time game mode, and the number of changes until the end of the short-time game is notified to the player (for example, the following patent document) 1).

JP 2004-105354 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, the number of symbol fluctuations is counted down within an extremely short symbol fluctuation time during the short-time game. For example, when the short-time gaming state is ended, the short-time countdown display is similarly performed. Thus, the short-time gaming state is ended. Therefore, if the player misses the countdown display that is performed in a short time, the short-time gaming state will end at a timing that the player does not intend, which may impair the player's expectation and willingness to play. There was a problem.

  Such a problem occurs not only in the short-time gaming state but also in a mode having a prescribed number of fluctuations, and also occurs in, for example, a latent mode after a small hit or two rounds probable big hit. In addition, the latent mode prevents the player from being notified whether the game state is the normal game state after the small hit or the probability change game state after the two-round probability change big hit, and improves the fun of the game. It is a mode for.

  In order to solve the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology, the present invention makes it possible for a player to recognize the end of a mode having a specified number of fluctuations without paying attention to the image display unit for each fluctuation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an effect control device, a pachinko gaming machine, an effect control method, and an effect control program that can prevent a loss of expectation and game motivation.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention employs the following configuration. Reference numerals in parentheses indicate correspondence with the embodiments in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The effect control device (202) according to the present invention indicates that the special symbol is started to be changed from the main control device (201) which displays the lottery result of the jackpot determination as a special symbol for the game ball that has won the start. The receiving means (292) for receiving the change start command and the change start command received by the receiving means (292) during a predetermined effect mode having a predetermined number of changes in advance, A measuring means (293) for measuring the number of times, and a plurality of fluctuations from when the number of fluctuations measured by the measuring means (293) reaches the vicinity of the specified game end number until reaching the game end number. And mode effect control means (294) for performing a mode end effect straddling.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the player that the effect mode having the specified number of fluctuations has been approached and that the effect mode has ended.

  In the above invention, the mode effect control means (294) may perform the mode end effect by using or combining at least one of a lamp effect, a movable accessory effect, and a liquid crystal effect.

  In the above invention, the mode effect control means (294) may be configured such that the number of times of variation measured by the measuring means (293) reaches the vicinity of the predetermined game end time until the game end number is reached. Different mode end effects may be performed for each change.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to effectively notify the player of the end of the effect mode having the specified number of fluctuations and the end of the effect mode.

  In the above invention, the predetermined effect mode is a short-time game mode, the measuring means (293) measures the number of short-time games as the number of fluctuations, and the mode effect control means (294) includes the measurement means ( It is also possible to perform a mode end effect across a plurality of fluctuations from when the short-time game count measured in step 293) reaches the vicinity of the specified short-time game end count until the short-time game end count is reached.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to notify the player that the time-short gaming state has come to an end and that the time-short gaming state has ended.

  A pachinko gaming machine (100) according to the present invention includes the production control device (202) described in any one of the above.

  The effect control method according to the present invention is the start of variation indicating that the variation of the special symbol is started from the main control device (201) which displays the winning winning lottery result as a special symbol for the game ball that has won the start. In a receiving step (292) for receiving a command and a predetermined production mode having a predetermined number of fluctuations in advance, the fluctuation start command received in the reception step (292) is used to calculate the number of fluctuations in the production mode. A measurement process (293) to be measured and a plurality of fluctuations are straddled from when the number of fluctuations measured in the measurement process (293) reaches the vicinity of the specified number of game completions until reaching the number of game completions. And a mode effect control step (294) for performing a mode end effect.

  An effect control program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the effect control method described above.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to notify the player that the end of the effect mode having the specified number of fluctuations is approaching and the end of the effect mode.

  According to the present invention, when the end of the effect mode having the specified number of fluctuations is reached, the mode end effect across a plurality of changes is performed. The player can be notified of the end of the production mode. Therefore, it is possible for the player to recognize the end of the effect mode without gazing at the image display unit for each change, and it is possible to prevent the effect mode from ending at a timing not intended by the player. Thereby, there exists an effect that it can suppress impairing a player's expectation and game willingness.

It is a front view which shows an example of the pachinko game machine concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of the pachinko game machine concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the functional structure of the production | presentation control part 202 concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the timer interruption process which a main control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the start port SW process which CPU of a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of jackpot determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a gate SW process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a normal symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an electric tulip process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the effect display process which an effect control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed command reception processing. It is a flowchart which shows an effect selection process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect pattern selection process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | presentation when it becomes the change of the remaining 3 times until the time reduction mode completion | finish. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | presentation when it becomes the fluctuation | variation of 2 times until the time-short mode end. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | presentation when it becomes the change of 1 time remaining until the time reduction mode completion | finish.

  Exemplary embodiments of an effect control device, a pachinko gaming machine, an effect control method, and an effect control program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
(Basic configuration of pachinko machine)
First, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a game board 101. A launcher (see reference numeral 282 in FIG. 2A) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. In the game area 103, a windmill and various winning openings (such as a start opening and a big winning opening) that change the falling direction of the gaming balls are arranged at positions in the middle of the falling of the gaming balls.

  An image display unit 104 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is used. A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are disposed below the image display unit 104. The first start port 105 and the second start port 106 are winning ports for starting and winning. In addition, in a holding ball state where a plurality of game balls have won at the first starting port 105, if a gaming ball wins at the second starting port 106, the first starting port 105 has priority over the holding ball by winning. 2 The design of the reserved ball is changed by winning a prize at the starting port 106.

  An electric tulip 107 is provided in the vicinity of the second start port 106. The electric tulip 107 has a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second starting port 106 and an open state (opened state) that makes it easier to win a prize than the closed state. Control of these states is performed by a solenoid (see reference numeral 231 in FIG. 2-1) provided in the electric tulip 107.

  The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108 arranged on the left side of the image display unit 104. The gate 108 is not limited to the left side (the illustrated position) of the image display unit 104, and may be disposed at an arbitrary position in the game area 103.

  A big prize opening 109 is provided below the second start opening 106. The big winning opening 109 is a winning opening that is opened when a big hit state is reached and for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls by winning a game ball.

  A normal winning opening 110 is provided on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. The normal winning opening 110 is a winning opening for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls by winning a game ball. The normal winning opening 110 is not limited to the position shown in the figure, and may be arranged at an arbitrary position in the game area 103. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  In the lower right part of the game board 101, a special symbol display unit 112 for displaying special symbols is arranged. The special symbol display unit 112 includes a first special symbol display unit (see reference numeral 112a in FIG. 2-1) on which a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special diagram 1”) is displayed, and a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 1”). 2 ") is displayed (see reference numeral 112b in FIG. 2-1).

  Here, the special figure 1 is a symbol representing the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery performed when the game ball wins the first starting port 105. The special figure 2 is a symbol representing the lottery result of the second big hit lottery performed when the game ball wins the second starting port 106. The first jackpot lottery and the second jackpot lottery are lotteries for determining whether or not the gaming state is a jackpot state.

  In addition, a normal symbol display portion 113 for displaying normal symbols is arranged in the lower right portion of the game board 101. Here, the normal symbol is a symbol representing the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The normal symbol lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to open the electric tulip 107 as described above. For example, a 7-segment display is used as the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113.

  On the left side of the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113, a reserved ball display unit 114 that displays the number of reserved symbols for the special symbol or the normal symbol is arranged. For example, an LED is used as the reserved ball display unit 114. A plurality of LEDs serving as the holding ball display unit 114 are arranged, and the number of holdings is indicated by turning on / off. For example, when two upper LEDs among the LEDs constituting the holding ball display unit 114 are lit, it indicates that the number of holdings for the normal symbol is two.

  A frame member 115 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. On the two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103 in the frame member 115, an effect light part (frame lamp) 116 is provided. The effect light units 116 each have a plurality of lamps. Each lamp irradiates the player in front of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the irradiation direction of the light can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves from the overhead of the player along the abdomen. Each lamp is driven by a motor (not shown) provided in the effect light unit 116 so as to change the light irradiation direction in the vertical direction.

  An operation handle 117 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 115. The operation handle 117 includes a firing instruction member 118 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 118 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 117 so as to be rotated clockwise as viewed from the player. The launching unit launches a game ball when the firing instruction member 118 is directly operated by a player.

  In the frame member 115, an effect button (chance button) 119 for receiving an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. In the frame member 115, a cross key 120 is provided next to the effect button 119. The effect buttons 119 and the cross key 120 constitute an operation unit that receives an operation from the player in the pachinko gaming machine 100. Further, the frame member 115 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 254 in FIG. 2A) for outputting sound.

  On the side of the image display unit 104, a movable effect accessory 130 is disposed. The movable effect actor 130 is provided on the game board 101 so as to be able to move in a direction parallel to the board surface, and moves to the image display unit 104 side during a predetermined effect, and lights and flashes in a predetermined color. To do. The movable effect actor 130 includes a solenoid and a motor (not shown), and is driven by driving the solenoid and the motor. Although illustration is omitted, another accessory for effect is provided at a predetermined position in the game area 103 (for example, around the image display unit 104).

(Internal configuration of control unit of pachinko machine)
Next, the internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2-1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 201 as a main control device that controls the progress of the game, an effect control unit 202 that controls the contents of the effect, and a prize ball A prize ball control unit 203 for controlling the payout. The configuration of each control unit will be described in detail below.

(1. Main control unit)
The main control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The

  The main control unit 201 functions to control the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 212 while the CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a work area. Specifically, the main control unit 201 performs a jackpot lottery (first jackpot lottery, second jackpot lottery), normal symbol lottery, game state control, and the like to control the progress of the game. For example, the main control unit 201 is realized by a main control board.

  The CPU 211 executes basic processing as the game content progresses based on various programs stored in the ROM 212 in advance. The ROM 212 stores a jackpot lottery program, a normal symbol lottery program, an electric tulip control program, a big prize opening control program, a game state setting program, and the like.

  The jackpot lottery program is a program for performing a jackpot lottery when a game ball is detected by the first start port SW221 or the second start port SW222. The normal symbol lottery program is a program for performing a normal symbol lottery that makes the electric tulip 107 hit (open) or lose (hold closed) when the passage of the game ball to the gate 108 is detected. The electric tulip control program is a program that keeps the electric tulip 107 in a closed state in a normal state and opens the electric tulip 107 for a predetermined period based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The big prize opening control program is a program for opening the big prize opening 109 for a predetermined number of rounds when the big hit.

  The gaming state setting program is a program for setting a high probability state or a low probability state as the gaming state after the jackpot based on the jackpot symbol determined by executing the jackpot determination program. When the game state after the big hit is set to the low probability state, for example, the game state is set to the short-time game state with 100 fluctuations. In the short-time gaming state, a normal symbol lottery program for increasing the probability of winning (opening) in the normal symbol lottery is executed, and an electric tulip control program for increasing the electric tulip opening time is executed.

  The main control unit 201 includes various switches (SW) for detecting a game ball, a solenoid for opening and closing an electric combination such as a prize winning port 109, the first special symbol display unit 112a, and the second special symbol display. The unit 112b, the normal symbol display unit 113, the reserved ball display unit 114, and the like are connected.

  Specifically, the various SWs described above include a first start port SW221 that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105, and a second start port SW222 that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106. , A gate SW 223 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, a big winning opening SW 224 that detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning opening 109, and a normal winning opening SW 225 that detects a gaming ball that has won a winning prize 110 Is connected to the main control unit 201.

  The detection results by the respective SWs (221 to 225) are input to the main control unit 201. A proximity switch or the like can be used for these SWs. It should be noted that a plurality of the normal winning opening SW225 may be provided for each arrangement position of the normal winning opening 110.

  Further, as the solenoid, an electric tulip solenoid 231 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 232 that opens and closes the big prize opening 109 are connected to the main control unit 201. The main control unit 201 controls driving of the solenoids (231 and 232). For example, the main control unit 201 controls the driving of the electric tulip solenoid 231 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The main control unit 201 controls the driving of the big prize opening solenoid 232 based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery.

  Based on the lottery results of the jackpot lottery (the first jackpot lottery, the second jackpot lottery), the normal symbol lottery, the main control unit 201, the first special symbol display unit 112a, the second special symbol display unit 112b, the normal symbol display unit The display content of 113 is controlled. For example, the main control unit 201 variably displays the special figure 1 of the first special symbol display unit 112a when the first big hit lottery is performed. Then, after a predetermined period, the special figure 1 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery.

  Similarly, the main control unit 201 displays the special symbol 2 of the second special symbol display unit 112b when the second big hit lottery is performed, and the normal symbol of the normal symbol display unit 113 when the normal symbol lottery is performed. .

  Further, the main control unit 201 is also connected to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203, and outputs various commands to the respective control units. For example, the main control unit 201 outputs a change start command, a jackpot start command, and the like to the effect control unit 202. Here, the change start command includes information indicating a gaming state, information indicating a time for variably displaying a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “change time”), and the like. Further, the main control unit 201 outputs a prize ball command to the prize ball control unit 203. Here, the prize ball command includes information indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out.

(2. Production control unit)
The effect control unit 202 includes an effect control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c, and has a function of controlling the effect contents of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Here, the production control unit 202a has a function of supervising the entire production control unit 202 based on various commands received from the main control unit 201 (for example, a change start command). The image / sound control unit 202b has a function of controlling the image and sound based on the instruction content from the production control unit 202a. The lamp controller 202c has a function of controlling lighting of lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like.

(2-1. Director of Production)
First, the configuration of the production control unit 202a will be described. The production control unit 202a includes a CPU 241, a ROM 242, a RAM 243, a real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 244, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The effect control device of the present invention is realized by the effect control unit 202.

  The CPU 241 executes an effect pattern selection process for selecting an effect to be executed. The ROM 242 stores various programs necessary for the CPU 241 to execute the above processing. The RAM 243 functions as a work area for the CPU 241. The data set in the RAM 243 by the CPU 241 executing various programs is output to the image / sound controller 202b and the lamp controller 202c at a predetermined timing.

  In other words, the effect control unit 202a functions to control the entire effect control unit 202 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 242 while the CPU 241 uses the RAM 243 as a work area. For example, the ROM 242 determines the content of the effect to be executed in accordance with the change display of the special symbol based on the change start command, and instructs the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c to execute a predetermined process. An effect control program to be output is stored. The effect control unit 202 performs overall control of the entire effect control unit 202a by executing this effect control program.

  In addition, the production control program measures the number of short-time games using the change start command received from the main control unit 201 in the short-time game state, and the measured short-time game number is close to the specified number of short-time game ends ( For example, the program includes a program for performing a mode end effect across a plurality of fluctuations from the time when the number reaches 98 times (for example, 100 times).

  Here, the outline of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2-2 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the present embodiment. FIG. 2-2 conceptually shows six reserved balls 291a to 291f. In FIG. 2B, each of the holding balls 291a to 291f indicates the holding in the vicinity of the end of 100 time-saving game modes (hereinafter referred to as “time-saving mode”). The time-saving mode is a mode that is performed after 15 rounds of normal jackpot or after 2 rounds of regular jackpot (so-called sudden). With respect to the holding ball 291a that changes 97 times after the shift to the short-time mode, a normal effect in the short-time mode is performed.

  With respect to the holding balls 291b to 291d that change from the 98th time to the 100th time after the shift to the time reduction mode, an end effect is performed across each change. For the holding balls 291e and 291f that have changed for the 100th time after the shift to the short-time mode and change for the 101st time and thereafter, the effect in the normal mode is performed.

  Here, the functional configuration of the effect control unit 202 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2-3 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the effect control unit 202 according to the present embodiment. 2-3, the effect control unit 202 includes a reception unit 292, a measurement unit 293, and a mode effect control unit 294.

  The receiving unit 292 receives a change start command from the main control unit 201. The measuring unit 293 measures the number of fluctuations using the change start command received by the receiving unit 292 in a predetermined effect mode having a predetermined number of fluctuations. The mode effect control unit 294 performs a mode end effect straddling a plurality of changes from when the number of fluctuations measured by the measurement unit 293 reaches the vicinity of the prescribed number of game ends until the game end number is reached.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the predetermined effect mode is a time-short mode indicating a time-short gaming state having, for example, 100 time-short variations. The measuring unit 293 measures the number of times each time it receives a change start command. The measured count value is stored in the RAM 243 of the production control unit 202a. The mode effect control unit 294 performs the mode end effect while the number of changes measured by the measurement unit 293 is, for example, from 98 to 100 times. The mode end effect has different contents for each change.

  The mode end effect is an effect that is performed by using or combining at least one of a lamp effect, a movable accessory effect, and a liquid crystal effect. Specifically, the mode end effect is, for example, an effect of turning on the lamp of the movable effect character 130 at the 98th time, an effect of moving the movable effect character 130 at the 99th time, and a liquid crystal (image) at the 100th time. The display unit 104) displays a character indicating the end.

  In the present embodiment, in the short-time game state, the mode end effect is performed near the number of times the short-time game ends (for example, 98 times). However, in a predetermined effect mode having a predetermined number of fluctuations in advance. For example, another production mode may be used. For example, the mode end effect can be performed near the end of the latent mode having the specified number of changes of 20 times. In this case, the measurement unit 293 measures the number of changes in the latent mode using the change start command received from the main control unit 201 in the latent mode. The mode effect control unit 294 is from the time when the number of fluctuations measured by the measuring unit 293 reaches the vicinity of the specified number of fluctuation ends (for example, 18 times) until it reaches the number of fluctuation ends (for example, 20 times). What is necessary is just to perform the mode end production which straddles a some fluctuation | variation.

  In this embodiment, the mode end effect is performed from 98 times to 100 times of short-time games, but the number of times is not limited to this value. Further, different effects are performed step by step until the end of the short-time game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the same effects may be performed every change during the 98th to 100th changes.

  Each function of the receiving unit 292, the measuring unit 293, and the mode effect control unit 294 is programmed as an effect control program and stored in the ROM 242. In other words, the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a executes the production control program, thereby realizing the functional units of the reception unit 292, the measurement unit 293, and the mode production control unit 294. In other words, the reception unit 292, the measurement unit 293, and the mode effect control unit 294 are realized by the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 202a.

  Returning to FIG. 2A, the RTC 244 counts and outputs the actual time. The RTC 244 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off. Note that the RTC 244 is not limited to the example in which the RTC 244 is arranged in the production control unit 202 such as the production control unit 202a, but may be arranged in the main control unit 201. Further, the RTC 244 may be arranged alone.

  In addition, an effect button 119 is connected to the effect control unit 202a. For example, when the production button 119 receives an operation from the player, the production button 119 inputs corresponding data to the production control unit 202a. Further, although not shown in FIG. 2A, the cross key 120 is also connected to the production control unit 202a. The cross key 120 inputs data corresponding to the key selected by the player to the production control unit 202a.

(2-2. Image / Audio Control Unit)
Next, the configuration of the image / sound controller 202b will be described. The image / sound control unit 202b includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a RAM 253, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 251 executes image and sound generation and output processing. The ROM 252 stores a program for generating and outputting images and sounds, various image data such as background images, design images, and character images necessary for the processing, various sound data, and the like. The RAM 253 functions as a work area for the CPU 251 and temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the image display unit 104 and audio data to be output from the speaker 254.

  That is, the image / sound control unit 202b executes image and sound control based on an instruction from the production control unit 202a by executing various programs stored in the ROM 252 while the CPU 251 uses the RAM 253 as a work area. Works like doing.

  For example, the CPU 251 executes various image processing and audio processing such as background image display processing, effect design variation / stop display processing, and character image display processing based on the instruction content instructed from the effect supervising unit 202a. At this time, the CPU 251 reads image data and audio data necessary for processing from the ROM 252 and writes them in the RAM 253.

  Image data such as background images and effect design images written in the RAM 253 is output to the image display unit 104 connected to the image / sound control unit 202b, and is superimposed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. . That is, the effect design image is displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. When the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the RAM 253 by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. Remember.

  The audio data written in the RAM 253 is output to the speaker 254 connected to the image / audio control unit 202b, and audio based on the audio data is output from the speaker 254.

(2-3. Lamp control unit)
Next, the configuration of the lamp control unit 202c will be described. The lamp control unit 202c includes a CPU 261, a ROM 262, a RAM 263, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 261 executes processing for turning on the lamp and the like. The ROM 262 stores various programs necessary for executing the above processing, control data used for lamp lighting necessary for the processing, and the like. The RAM 263 functions as a work area for the CPU 261.

  The lamp control unit 202c is connected to the effect light unit (frame lamp) 116, the panel lamp 264, and the effect agent 265, and outputs data for lighting control and data for operation control. Thereby, the lamp control unit 202c functions to control the lighting of the lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like, and the operation of the effect actor 265. In addition, the production role 265 includes a movable production role 130.

  In the present embodiment, the production control unit 202 is provided with a production control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c as different board functions, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. May be. However, each function is independent even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board.

(3. Prize ball control unit)
Next, the configuration of the winning ball control unit 203 will be described. The prize ball control unit 203 includes a CPU 271, a ROM 272, a RAM 273, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 271 executes a prize ball control process for controlling a prize ball to be paid out. The ROM 272 stores programs necessary for the processing. The RAM 273 functions as a work area for the CPU 271.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 281, a launch unit 282, a fixed position detection SW 283, a payout ball detection SW 284, a ball presence detection SW 285, and a full tank detection SW 286. .

  The prize ball control unit 203 controls the payout unit 281 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 281 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. Specifically, the winning ball control unit 203 applies the game balls that have won the winning units 281 to the payout unit 281 (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110). Control to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls.

  In addition, the prize ball control unit 203 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 282 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launching unit 282 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 282, the game ball 103 is intermittently fired by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, and the game area 103 of the game board 101 is played. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to various detection units for detecting the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a fixed position detection SW 283, a payout ball detection SW 284, a ball presence detection SW 285, a full tank detection SW 286, and the like. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by a prize ball control board.

  In addition, a board external information terminal board 287 is connected to the main control unit 201, and various information executed by the main control unit 201 can be output to the outside. The prize ball control unit 203 is also connected to the frame external information terminal board 288, and various information executed by the prize ball control unit 203 can be output to the outside.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, and the prize ball control unit 203 having the above-described configuration are provided on different printed boards (main control board, effect control board, and prize ball control board). For example, the prize ball control unit 203 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 201.

(Basic operation of pachinko machines)
An example of the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described. Control during the game is performed by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201, and the winning situation of the game balls for each winning opening is output to the winning ball control unit 203. Then, the winning ball control unit 203 pays out the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning situation.

  In addition, every time a game ball wins at the start openings 105 and 106, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 202, and the effect control unit 202 displays the symbols on the image display unit 104 in a variable manner and stops them. repeat. When the big hit occurrence has been determined, a corresponding control signal is output to the effect control unit 202, and the effect control unit 202 stops with a predetermined effect symbol. At this time, control for opening the special winning opening 109 is further performed.

  The effect control unit 202 performs various effects corresponding to the selected event. Here, the events include, for example, jackpots (15 rounds probable jackpots (so-called, probable jackpots), 15 rounds regular jackpots, 2 rounds probable jackpots (so-called, suddenly), 2 rounds regular jackpots (so-called, suddenly)), Includes small hits. Here, the small hit is an event that causes the same behavior (effect) as the two-round probability variation big hit, although it is one of the losers.

  In addition, the mode effect by the latent mode is performed after 2 rounds probable big hit or small hit. This latent mode prevents the player from being notified whether the game state is a normal game state after a small hit or a probability change game state after a two-round probability change big hit, and gives the player a sense of expectation or anxiety. It is a mode to give and improve the fun of the game.

  For example, the effect control unit 202 displays various effect displays in addition to the symbol variation display on the image display unit 104 during the reach of the jackpot occurrence period and during the reach until the jackpot occurrence, at the time of reach notice, or the like. To do. In addition, a specific drive is performed for various types of accessories, and effects such as changing the lighting state of the effect light unit 116 and the panel lamp 264 are performed.

  For example, when a big hit (15 round probability change / normal big hit) occurs, the big winning opening 109 is opened a plurality of times. Fifteen rounds are repeatedly executed with one release as one round. The period of one round is set, for example, when 10 game balls are won or for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds).

  At this time, the winning ball control unit 203 pays out, for example, 15 winning balls per winning game ball to the big winning opening 109. After the jackpot is over, the jackpot state is released, and if it is a 15-round probable jackpot, the game state returns to a high probability state, and if it is a 15-round normal jackpot, the game state returns to a low probability state. . In the high probability state, the jackpot determination using the “high probability hourly determination table” is performed, and in the low probability state, the jackpot determination using the “low probability hourly determination table” is performed.

(Processing procedure of the main control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing executed by the main control unit 201. In the timer interruption process, the main control unit 201 interrupts the main control process every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) during the power supply period. First, a random number update process is performed (step S301), and a switch process such as a start opening prize or a gate passing process is performed (step S302). Thereafter, symbol processing is performed (step S303), and electric accessory control processing for controlling the operation of various electric accessories (for example, electric tulip, prize winning opening, movable accessory) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed (step S303). S304), a prize ball process is performed (step S305), and these output processes are performed (step S306).

  In the switch process in step S302, each time the first start port SW221 and the second start port SW222 provided in the first start port 105 and the second start port 106 detect a game ball, a predetermined number of holdings (for example, four balls) ) Is set as the upper limit, the first start port SW process or the second start port SW process for acquiring a random number for each number of holdings is performed. In addition, in the switch process in step S302, every time the gate SW 223 provided in the gate 108 detects a game ball, a gate SW process is performed in which a random number is acquired for each hold number with a predetermined hold number (for example, four balls) as an upper limit. Do it. In step S303, special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.

  In the electric accessory control process of step S304, when the acquired random number is a numerical value corresponding to the jackpot, it is determined to be a jackpot, and as described above, the jackpot solenoid 232 provided in the jackpot 109 is set a predetermined number of times. Perform the release process. In addition, the electric accessory control process in step S304 includes an electric tulip control process for opening and closing the second start opening 106 in addition to the opening and closing process for the special winning opening 109.

(Start-up SW processing)
Next, the start port SW process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a start port SW process executed by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201. The start port SW process is a process content included in the switch process shown in step S302 of FIG. Here, the first start port SW221 will be mainly described, and the second start port SW222 will be shown in parentheses.

  In FIG. 4, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the first start port SW221 (second start port SW222) of the first start port 105 (second start port 106) is ON (step S401). When it is determined that the start port SW221 (second start port SW222) is ON (step S401: Yes), a first start port detection counter that counts the number of times the first start port SW221 (second start port SW222) is detected. It is determined whether or not the count value U1 (U2) of the (second starting port detection counter) is U1 <4 (U2 <4) (step S402).

  When the count value U1 (U2) of the first start port detection counter (second start port detection counter) is smaller than “4” (step S402: Yes), “1” is added to the count value U1 (U2) ( Step S403). A random number is acquired and stored in the RAM 213 (step S404). The random numbers are jackpot random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, and the like. The big hit random number determines any one of big hit, small hit, and loss. For example, one big hit random number is randomly acquired from 601 random numbers from “0” to “600”.

  The design random number is the type of jackpot (long win, short win, whether there is a transition to a high probability gaming state, whether there is a transition to a short-time gaming state, etc.), that is, what gaming value is won when winning a jackpot For example, one symbol random number is randomly acquired from 251 random numbers “0” to “250”. The reach random number is used to determine whether or not to perform the effect with reach. For example, one reach random number is randomly extracted from 251 random numbers from “0” to “250”.

  Each random number acquired as described above is stored in the RAM 213. The RAM 213 has a storage unit for eight reserved balls. The eight reserved balls are the total of four reserved balls by winning at the first starting port 105 and four reserved balls by winning at the second starting port 106. This storage unit stores information on whether the winning is the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106, jackpot random numbers, design random numbers, reach random number information, and the like.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 4, when it is determined in step S402 that the count value U1 (U2) is “4” (step S402: No), the process returns to the main process. In step S401, if the first start port SW221 (second start port SW222) is not ON (step S401: No), the process directly returns to the main process.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol processing. This special symbol process is a process content included in the symbol process shown in step S303 of FIG. If the special symbol process is a big hit state (step S501: Yes), the process ends without changing the special symbol. If it is not in the big win state (step S501: No), it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation display is in progress (step S502). If the variation display is not in progress (step S502: No), the game won in the second starting port 106. It is determined whether there is at least one sphere hold number U2 (step S503).

  If the number of holdings U2 is one or more (step S503: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting one holding number U2 by one is set as a new holding number (step S504), and the second jackpot determination process is performed (step S505). The details of the second jackpot determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. However, based on the random number acquired in the second start port SW process (see FIG. 4), whether or not the jackpot is hit and if it is a jackpot Is a process for selecting whether or not a probable big hit.

  On the other hand, if there is no pending number U2 in step S503 (U2 = 0) (step S503: No), it is determined whether there is at least one pending number U1 of game balls won in the first starting port 105 (step S506). ). If there is no pending number U1 (U1 = 0) (step S506: No), the process ends without changing the symbol.

  If the number of holdings U1 is one or more (step S506: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting one holding number U1 by one is set as a new holding number (step S507), and the first jackpot determination process is performed (step S508). The details of the first jackpot determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 6. However, based on the random number acquired in the first start port SW process (see FIG. 4), whether or not the jackpot is hit and if it is a jackpot Is a process for selecting whether or not a probable big hit. As shown in steps S503 to S508, winning at the second starting port 106 is prioritized over winning at the first starting port 105.

  After performing the second jackpot determination process in step S505 or the first jackpot determination process in step S508, a variation pattern selection process is performed (step S509). This variation pattern selection process is a process of selecting each variation pattern such as a jackpot or reach according to the determination result of the jackpot determination process, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, a variation start command is set (step S510), and the symbol variation display is started (step S511). Then, measurement is started after the variation time during which the symbol is varied, and the measurement ends (step S512).

  In step S502, when the variation of the special symbol is being displayed (step S502: Yes), it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed (step S513). If the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed (step S513: No), the process ends. If the special symbol variation time has elapsed (step S513: Yes), a variation stop command is set (step S514), and the special symbol variation is stopped (step S515). At this time, the symbol variation time is reset (step S516), the stop process is performed (step S517), and the process ends. The stop process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

(Big hit judgment processing)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process. This jackpot determination process shows the second jackpot determination process in step S505 of FIG. 5 or the first jackpot determination process in step S508.

  In FIG. 6, in the jackpot determination process, a jackpot random number determination is performed to determine whether or not the random number acquired in the first start port SW process or the second start port SW process matches the jackpot value (step S601). Is determined (step S602). When it is determined that it is a big hit (step S602: Yes), it is determined whether or not it is a probable big hit (step S603).

  When it is determined that the probability variation jackpot is set (step S603: Yes), the probability variation jackpot is set (step S604), and the process is terminated. When it is determined that it is not a promising big hit (step S603: No), a normal big hit is set (step S605), and the process is terminated. If it is determined in step S602 that the game is not a big hit (step S602: No), the loss is set (step S606), and the process is terminated.

(Change pattern selection process)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process. This variation pattern selection process is the process shown in step S509 of FIG. In the variation pattern selection process, first, it is determined whether or not the result of the jackpot determination process is a jackpot (step S701). If it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot (step S701: Yes), a jackpot table is set (step S701). S702). When it is determined that it is not a big hit (step S701: No), reach random number determination is performed to determine the presence or absence of reach (step S703).

  As a result of reach random number determination, if reach is present (step S704: Yes), a reach table is set (step S705). When there is no reach (step S704: No), the table for losing is set (step S706). Each table associates a random value with a variation pattern of a special symbol.

  After setting each table in step S702 and step S706, for example, a random random number is extracted from 251 random numbers “0” to “250” to obtain a variable random number (step S707). . Then, using the obtained variable random number, the variable random number is determined from the set table (step S708). As a result of the determination, the determined variation pattern is set (step S709), and the process ends.

(Processing during stoppage)
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are flowcharts showing the processing contents of the stopping process. This in-stop process is the process shown in step S517 of FIG. First, in the process during stoppage, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot symbol (step S801). It is determined whether or not the collision game flag is ON (step S802). The short-time game flag and the collision game flag are flags that are set in a game state setting process described later with reference to FIG.

  When the short / collision game flag is ON (step S802: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the remaining game count J is set as a new remaining game count J (step S803). The number of remaining games J indicates the number of remaining games in the short-time gaming state or the sudden gaming state, and is a numerical value set to, for example, 100 after 15 rounds of normal big hit or after big hit big hit. In the short-time game state or the sudden game state, the mode effect is provided as the short-time mode.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the remaining game count J is 0 (step S804). If the remaining game count J is 0 (step S804: Yes), the short / collision game flag is turned OFF (step S805). When the remaining game count J is not 0 (step S804: No), the process proceeds to step S806. In step S802, when the time-saving / collision game flag is OFF (step S802: No), the process proceeds to step S806.

  In step S806, it is determined whether or not the probability variation game flag indicating the probability variation game state, the selected game flag indicating the latent probability game state, or the sudden probability game flag indicating the probability game state is ON (step S806). Note that the probability variation game flag, the latent probability game flag, and the odd game flag are flags set in a game state setting process to be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the probability variation / latency / surprise game flag is ON (step S806: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the remaining game count X is set as a new remaining game count X (step S807). The number of remaining games X indicates the number of remaining games in the probability variation gaming state, the latent probability gaming state or the sudden probability gaming state, and is set to, for example, 10,000 times after the 15th round probability variation big hit, latent probability big hit, or sudden hit big hit, respectively. It is a numerical value.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the remaining game count X is 0 (step S808), and if the remaining game count X is 0 (step S808: Yes), the probability change / latency / surprise game flag is turned OFF (step S809). ). When the remaining game count X is not 0 (step S808: No), the process proceeds to step S810. In step S806, when the probability variation / latency / surprise game flag is OFF (step S806: No), the process proceeds to step S810.

  In step S810, it is determined whether it is a small hit symbol (step S810). If it is determined in step S810 that the symbol is a small hit symbol (step S810: Yes), the small hit game flag is turned ON (step S811), an opening command is set (step S812), and the process is terminated. Moreover, in step S810, when it is not a small hit symbol (step S810: No), a process is complete | finished.

  In step S801, if it is a jackpot symbol (step S801: Yes), as shown in FIG. 8-2, it is determined whether or not it is a 15-round jackpot (step S813), and if it is a 15-round jackpot (step S813). : Yes), it is determined whether or not the probability variation big hit (step S814). If it is a probable big hit (step S814: Yes), the 15-round probable big hit game flag is turned ON (step S815). Thereafter, the short-time game flag, the collision game flag, the probability variation game flag, the latent probability game flag or the collision probability game flag are turned OFF (step S816), that is, the normal gaming state is in a low probability state, and the process proceeds to step S812. To do.

  In step S814, if it is not a probable big hit (step S814: No), that is, if it is a 15 round normal big win, the 15 round normal big win game flag is turned ON (step S817), and the process proceeds to step S816. In step S813, if it is not a big hit for 15 rounds (step S813: No), it is determined whether or not it is a big hit for potential (step S818). If it is a potential big hit (step S818: Yes), the latent big hit game flag is turned on (step S819), and the process proceeds to step S816.

  When it is not the potential big hit (step S818: No), it is determined whether or not the big hit is a sudden hit (step S820). If it is a winning big hit (step S820: Yes), the winning big hit game flag is set to ON (step S821), and the process proceeds to step S816. When it is not a sudden big hit (step S820: No), that is, when it is a big hit, the big hit game flag is turned on (step S822), and the process proceeds to step S816.

(Large winnings processing)
FIG. 8C is a flowchart illustrating the processing contents of the special prize opening process. The big prize opening process is one process included in the electric accessory control process shown in step S404 of FIG. In the big prize opening process, first, it is determined whether or not the winning game flag is ON (step S831). The winning game flag is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 8-2. The 15 round probability variable big hit game flag, the 15 round normal big hit game flag, the latent big hit game flag, the sudden hit big hit game flag, A big hit game flag or a small hit game flag.

  In step S831, when the winning game flag is OFF (step S831: No), the process is ended as it is. When the winning game flag is ON (step S831: Yes), it is determined whether or not the opening is being performed (step S832). Here, the opening means a predetermined time before the special winning opening 109 is opened.

  If it is during opening (step S832: Yes), it is determined whether a predetermined opening time has elapsed (step S833). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S833: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  If the opening time has elapsed (step S833: Yes), a round number setting process is executed (step S834). In the round number setting process, the number of rounds corresponding to the winning game flag is set. For example, 15 rounds are set when 15 rounds probability change / normal jackpot is won. In addition, when the player wins the hit / latency / surprise big hit or the small hit, two rounds are set.

  In step S834, after the round number setting process is executed, a value obtained by adding 1 to the jackpot value (number of rounds) R is set as a new R (step S835). In step S835, when a new round number R is obtained, the big prize opening solenoid 231 is controlled to open the big prize opening 109 (step S836).

  After the special winning opening 109 is opened in step S836, it is determined whether or not the opening operation time of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) from the start of opening has elapsed (step S837). This time is set for each jackpot type. For example, it is set to 30 seconds for 15 rounds probability variation / normal jackpot, and to 0.5 seconds for crash / latency / surprise jackpot or small hit. When the release operation time has not elapsed (step S837: No), it is determined whether or not the number C of winning game balls to the big winning opening 109 is 9 (step S838). When the winning number C is 9 (step S838: Yes), the special winning opening 109 is closed (step S839). When the winning number C is not 9 (step S838: No), the process is terminated.

  In step S837, when the opening operation time has elapsed (step S837: Yes), the process proceeds to step S839, and the special winning opening 109 is closed. That is, the special winning opening 109 is closed when either the elapse of the opening operation time or the predetermined winning number is satisfied. In particular, since the opening operation time is set to 0.5 seconds at the time of collision / latency / surprise large hit or small hit, it is difficult to win the big prize opening 109 during this time. For this reason, the hitting time / latency accuracy / accuracy big hit or small hit is a hit where the number of prize balls obtained is extremely small compared to the 15 round probability variation / normal big hit.

  After closing the special winning opening 109 in step S839, it is determined whether or not the final round has been reached (step S840). For example, if the number of rounds set in the round number setting process in step S834 is 15, the final round is obtained when R = 15. If the number of rounds set in the round number setting process is two rounds, the final round is obtained when R = 2.

  If it is not the last round in step S840 (step S840: No), the process is terminated. When it is the final round (step S840: Yes), ending is started (step S841). Here, the ending refers to a predetermined production time after the winning prize opening 109 is closed.

  After starting the ending in step S841, an ending command is set (step S842). Then, the round number R is set to 0 (step S843), and it is determined whether the ending time has elapsed (step S844). If the ending time has elapsed (step S844: Yes), the game state setting process is executed (step S845). The game state setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the winning game flag is turned off (step S846), and the process is terminated. If the ending time has not elapsed (step S844: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, in step S832, if the opening is not in progress (step S832: No), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 109 is being opened (step S847). When the special winning opening 109 is open (step S847: Yes), the process proceeds to step S837. When the special winning opening 109 is not being opened (step S847: No), it is determined whether or not it is during the interval (step S848). The interval is the time from the previous opening (for example, opening of the first round) of the special winning opening 109 to the next opening (for example, opening of the second round).

  In step S848, when it is not during the interval (step S848: No), the process proceeds to step S844. On the other hand, if it is during the interval (step S848: Yes), it is determined whether a predetermined interval time has elapsed (step S849). When the interval time has elapsed (step S849: Yes), the process proceeds to step S835. If the interval time has not elapsed (step S849: No), the process ends.

(Game state setting process)
FIG. 8-4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the gaming state setting process. The game state setting process is the process shown in step S845 in FIG. In the game state setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the small hit game flag is ON (step S851). When the small hit game flag is ON (step S851: Yes), the processing is ended as it is.

  When the small hit game flag is OFF (step S851: No), it is determined whether or not the 15 round normal big hit game flag is ON (step S852). When the 15-round normal jackpot game flag is ON (step S852: Yes), the short-time game flag is set to ON (step S853). Then, the remaining game count J for the short-time game is set to 100 (step S854), and the process is terminated.

  When the 15-round normal jackpot game flag is OFF (step S852: No), it is determined whether or not the emergency jackpot game flag is ON (step S855). When the collision big hit game flag is ON (step S855: Yes), the collision game flag is turned ON (step S856). Thereafter, the remaining game count J of the collision game is set to 50 (step S857), and the process ends.

  In step S855, when the collision big hit game flag is OFF (step S855: No), it is determined whether or not the 15 round probability variable big hit game flag is ON (step S858). When the 15-round probability change big hit game flag is ON (step S858: Yes), the probability change game flag is turned ON (step S859). Then, the remaining game count J of the probability variation game is set to 10000 (step S860), and the process ends. Note that 10000 is a number determined for the sake of convenience so that the gaming state is not changed until the next jackpot is won.

  In step S858, when the 15-round probability variable big hit game flag is OFF (step S858: No), it is determined whether the latent big hit game flag is ON (step S861). When the latent probability winning game flag is ON (step S861: Yes), the latent probability game flag is turned ON (step S862), and the process proceeds to step S860. When the latent probability winning game flag is OFF (step S861: No), that is, when the sudden probability winning game flag is ON, the sudden probability gaming flag is turned ON (step S863), and the process proceeds to step S860.

  Note that the gaming state flagged in the gaming state setting process is transmitted from the main control unit 201 to the effect control unit 202 together with, for example, a change start command.

(Gate SW processing)
Next, the gate SW process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the gate SW processing. The gate SW process is one process included in the switch process shown in step S302 of FIG. In the gate SW process, first, it is determined whether or not the gate SW 223 has detected a game ball (ON) (step S901). If it is determined that the gate SW 223 is not ON (step S901: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  If it is determined in step S901 that the gate SW 223 is ON (step S901: Yes), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol holding number G is less than 4 (step S902). When it is determined that the normal symbol holding number G is not less than 4 (step S902: No), the process is terminated. When it is determined that the normal symbol hold count G is less than 4 (step S902: Yes), a value obtained by adding 1 to the normal symbol hold count G is set as a new normal symbol hold count G (step S903). Thereafter, the winning random number is acquired and stored in the RAM 213 of the main control unit 201 (step S904), and then the process ends.

(Normal symbol processing)
Next, normal symbol processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the normal symbol processing. The normal symbol process is one process included in the symbol process of step S303 in FIG. In the normal symbol process, first, it is determined whether or not an auxiliary game is being performed (step S1001). If it is determined that an auxiliary game is being performed (step S1001: Yes), the process is ended as it is. If it is determined that the auxiliary game is not being played (step S1001: No), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is changing (step S1002).

  If it is determined in step S1002 that the normal symbol is not changing (step S1002: No), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol holding number G is 1 or more (step S1003), and the normal symbol holding number G is 1 or more. If it is determined that this is not the case (step S1003: No), the processing ends. When it is determined that the normal symbol holding number G is 1 or more (step S1003: Yes), the value obtained by subtracting the normal symbol holding number G by 1 is set as a new normal symbol holding number G (step S1004), and the random number is determined. Perform (step S1005).

  If the winning random number determination result is winning (step S1006: Yes), a winning symbol is set (step S1007). In step S1006, when it is determined that the winning is not achieved (step S1006: No), a lost symbol is set (step S1008). After the symbols are set in step S1007 and step S1008, it is determined whether or not the game is in a certain change or short-time gaming state (step S1009).

  When it is determined that the game is in the probable change or short-time gaming state (step S1009: Yes), the normal symbol change time is set to 3 seconds (step S1010), and the normal symbol change is started (step S1012). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1009 that the game state is not probabilistic or time-saving (step S1009: No), the normal symbol variation time is set to 29 seconds (step S1011), and the process proceeds to step S1012. After starting the change of the normal symbol in step S1012, measurement of the change time from the start of change is started (step S1013), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1002 that the normal symbol is changing (step S1002: Yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined normal symbol change time has ended (step S1014). Specifically, it is determined whether the fluctuation time after the start of the change of the normal symbol has reached the normal symbol change time set before the start of the change.

  If it is determined in step S1014 that the normal symbol variation time has not ended (step S1014: No), the processing is ended as it is. When it is determined that the normal symbol variation time has ended (step S1014: Yes), the variation of the normal symbol is stopped (step S1015), and the variation time from the start of the variation of the normal symbol is reset (step S1016). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is a hit (step S1017).

  If it is determined in step S1017 that it is not a hit (step S1017: No), the process is terminated as it is. When it is determined that it is a win (step S1017: Yes), the auxiliary game is started (step S1018), and the process is terminated. In step S1010 and step S1011, specific numerical values are given for the normal symbol variation time to be set, but these are only examples.

(Electric tulip treatment)
Next, the electric tulip process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the electric tulip process. The electric tulip process is one process included in the electric accessory control process of step S304 in FIG. In FIG. 3, first, it is determined whether or not an auxiliary game is being performed (step S1101). If it is determined that the auxiliary game is not being performed (step S1101: No), the processing is ended as it is.

  If it is determined in step S1101 that the auxiliary game is being played (step S1101: Yes), it is determined whether or not the game is being opened (step S1102). If it is determined that the opening is in progress (step S1102: Yes), it is determined whether or not the opening period has elapsed (step S1103). If it is determined that the opening period has not elapsed (step S1103: No), it remains as it is. The process ends.

  In step S1103, when it is determined that the opening period has passed (step S1103: Yes), it is determined whether or not the game is in the probability change or short-time gaming state (step S1104). If it is a certain change or short-time gaming state (step S1104: Yes), the release period is set to 3.5 seconds (step S1105). If it is determined in step S1104 that the game state is not probabilistic or time-saving (step S1104: No), the opening period of the electric tulip 107 is set to 0.2 seconds (step S1106). In addition, the value of an open period is not restricted to these.

  In step S1105 and step S1106, after setting the opening period, the electric tulip 107 is opened (step S1107), and it is determined whether the opening period has elapsed (step S1108). When it is determined that the open period has not elapsed (step S1108: No), the processing is terminated as it is. When it is determined that the opening period has elapsed (step S1108: Yes), the electric tulip 107 is closed (step S1109), the auxiliary game is ended (step S1110), and the process is ended. If it is determined in step S1102 that the opening is not in progress (step S1102: No), the process proceeds to step S1108.

(Main process executed by the production control unit)
Next, processing contents of the main process executed by the effect control unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating a main process executed by the effect control unit 202.

  In FIG. 12A, the main process is a process executed continuously by the effect supervising unit 202a of the effect control unit 202 while executing a command receiving process for receiving a command from the main control unit 201 (step S1). In step S1201), a command transmission process for transmitting a command to the image / sound control unit 202b or the lamp control unit 202c is executed (step S1202), and the process ends.

(Command reception processing)
Next, details of the command reception process shown in step S1201 of FIG. 12A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12-2 is a flowchart illustrating command reception processing. In FIG. 12B, the CPU 241 of the effect supervision unit 202a determines whether or not a start command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S1211). The change start command is a command transmitted from the main control unit 201 when starting the change of the special symbol.

  When the variation start command is received (step S1211: Yes), an effect selection process is executed (step S1212), and the process proceeds to step S1213. Details of the effect selection process will be described later with reference to FIG. In step S1211, when the change start command is not received (step S1211: No), the process proceeds to step S1213.

  In step S1213, it is determined whether a change stop command has been received (step S1213). The change stop command is a command transmitted from the main control unit 201 when stopping the change of the special symbol. When the change stop command is received (step S1213: Yes), the change effect end command is set (step S1214), and the process proceeds to step S1215. In step S1213, when a change stop command is not received (step S1213: No), the process proceeds to step S1215.

  In step S1215, it is determined whether an opening command for opening the special winning opening 109 has been received (step S1215). When the opening command is received (step S1215: Yes), a winning effect selection process is executed (step S1216), and the process proceeds to step S1217. The winning effect selection process includes selecting a winning effect pattern according to the types of jackpots such as 15 rounds probable big hits, 15 rounds normal jackpots, latent jackpots, sudden hits, sudden hits, small hits, etc. This is a process for setting a later production mode.

  If the opening command is not received in step S1215 (step S1215: No), the process proceeds to step S1217. In step S1217, it is determined whether an ending command for ending the winning effect has been received (step S1217). When the ending command is received (step S1217: Yes), the ending command is set (step S1218), and the process proceeds to step S1219. If an ending command is not received in step S1217 (step S1217: No), the process proceeds to step S1219.

  In step S1219, it is determined whether a customer waiting command indicating that the game is not in progress has been received (step S1219). When the customer waiting command is received (step S1219: Yes), the measurement of the time after receiving the customer waiting command is started (step S1220), and the measurement flag is turned ON (step S1221). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1223.

  When the customer waiting command is not received (step S1220: No), it is determined whether or not the measurement flag is ON (step S1222). If the measurement flag is not ON (step S1222: No), the process is terminated as it is. If the measurement flag is ON (step S1222: Yes), it is determined whether or not the time is up indicating that a preset upper limit time has been reached (step S1223). If the time is not up (step S1223: No), the process is terminated.

  When it is time-up (step S1223: Yes), a customer waiting effect command is set (step S1224). Upon receiving this customer waiting effect command, the image / sound control unit 202b displays a customer waiting screen, and the lamp control unit 202c turns off the lamp. Thereafter, the measurement flag is turned off (step S1225), and the process ends.

(Direction selection process)
Next, details of the effect selection process shown in step S1212 of FIG. 12-2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12C is a flowchart illustrating the effect selection process. In the effect selection process, first, the variation start command is analyzed (step S1231). In step S1231, specifically, the gaming state of the main control unit 201, whether it is a win or not, or whether it is a reach or the like is analyzed. Thereafter, an effect pattern selection process is performed (step S1232).

  The effect pattern selection process is a process for selecting one of a plurality of types of effects prepared in advance. Specifically, using the information indicating the variation time of the special symbol obtained by analyzing the variation start command, an effect having the same reproduction time as this variation time is selected. As a result, the effect symbol can be variably displayed in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol, and the effect symbol can be stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol. Details of the effect pattern selection process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  After executing the effect pattern selection process, the effect symbol selection process is performed (step S1233). In the effect symbol selection process, an effect symbol to be stopped is selected. Thereafter, an effect command including information on the selected effect pattern and effect symbol is set (step S1234), and the process ends.

(Direction pattern selection process)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the effect pattern selection process. This effect pattern selection process is the process shown in step S1232 of FIG. In the effect pattern selection process, first, it is determined whether or not the time reduction mode is in effect (step S1301). If it is determined that the time-short mode is in effect (step S1301: Yes), the time-short count value K obtained by accumulating the number of times the special symbol has changed in the time-short game state is incremented by “1” (step S1302).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the time-count value K is “98” (step S1303). If it is determined that it is “98” (step S1303: Yes), the first effect command is set (step S1304). . Thereafter, a time-saving effect pattern in the time-saving gaming state is selected (step S1310), and the process ends. The first effect command is a command for lighting a lamp of the movable effect accessory 130, for example, under the control of the lamp control unit 202c.

  When it is determined that the time reduction count value K is not “98” (step S1303: No), it is determined whether or not the time reduction count value K is “99” (step S1305). When it is determined that the time reduction count value K is “99” (step S1305: Yes), the second effect command is set (step S1306), and the process proceeds to step S1310. The second effect command is a command for moving the movable effect actor 130, for example, under the control of the lamp control unit 202c.

  When it is determined that the time reduction count value K is not “99” (step S1305: No), it is determined whether or not the time reduction count value K is “100” (step S1307). When it is determined that the time reduction count value K is “100” (step S1307: Yes), the third effect command is set (step S1308), and the process proceeds to step S1310. The third effect command is a command for displaying a character indicating the end of the short-time gaming state on the image display unit 104 under the control of the image / sound control unit 202b.

  When it is determined that the time reduction count value K is not “100” (step S1307: No), it is determined whether or not the time reduction count value K exceeds “100” (step S1309). When it is determined that the time reduction count value K does not exceed “100” (step S1309: No), the process proceeds to step S1310. If it is determined that the time reduction count value K exceeds “100” (step S1309: Yes), the time reduction count value K is reset to 0 (step S1311). Thereafter, the normal mode is set (step S1312), the normal effect pattern in the normal gaming state is selected (step S1313), and the process is terminated. If it is determined in step S1301 that the time reduction mode is not in effect (step S1301: No), the process proceeds to step S1313.

  In the above description, the value of the short time count value K for outputting each effect command is merely an example, and other values may be used.

(An example of a time-saving mode end effect)
Next, an example of the time-saving mode end effect will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of effects when the remaining three fluctuations until the end of the time-saving mode. In FIG. 14, the effect display symbols are displayed on the image display unit 104 in accordance with the 98th special symbol variation during the short-time game. The movable effect actor 130 is located at a predetermined effect position advanced to the image display unit 104 side. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the movable effect accessory 130 is always located at the effect position in the time reduction mode.

  At the time of the 98th special symbol change during the short-time game, the movable effect actor 130 blinks in a predetermined color and performs the effect. The predetermined color is, for example, yellow. In addition, the sound output from the speaker 254 may be a tone that has been downgraded so far, or a tempo that has been slowed down. The effect actor 265 to be lit is not limited to the movable effect actor 130, and other effect actors 265 may be lit. In addition, the lamp to be lit is not limited to the production actor 265, and the production light unit 116, the panel lamp 264, and the like may be used.

  Further, in such a lamp effect, the movable effect character 130 is always located at the effect position during the short-time game, but the position of the movable effect character 130 is not limited. Further, for example, when there are three remaining fluctuations until the end of the time reduction mode, the movable effect actor 130 may be operated to advance to the image display unit 104 side, or the movable effect actor 130 may be operated. Instead, it may be always located at the standby position retracted from the image display unit 104.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of effects when the remaining two fluctuations until the end of the time-saving mode. In FIG. 15, the effect display symbols are displayed on the image display unit 104 in accordance with the 99th special symbol variation during the short-time game. At the time of this change, the movable effect actor 130 moves to the standby position retracted from the image display unit 104 as indicated by an arrow A. At this time, the lamp of the movable effect actor 130 is lit in blue, for example. In addition, the sound output from the speaker 254 may be further reduced in tone, or further delayed in tempo.

  It should be noted that in such a movable effect effect, the movable effect agent 130 is moved from the effect position to the retreat position, but the position where the move of the movable effect agent 130 is started and the position where the movement ends are this. It is not limited to. In addition, when the remaining three fluctuations until the end of the time reduction mode, the movable effect actor 130 may be operated and advanced to the image display unit 104 side.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect in the case of remaining one change until the end of the time-saving mode. In FIG. 16, on the image display unit 104, the effect symbol is movably displayed in accordance with the variation of the 100th special symbol during the short-time game, and the characters “short-time end” are displayed. At the time of this change, the movable effect actor 130 is located at the standby position. At this time, the lamp of the movable effect actor 130 is lit white, for example, and is turned off when the effect symbol is stopped. In addition, the sound output from the speaker 254 may be further reduced in tone, or further delayed in tempo.

  In this way, since the time-short mode end effect is performed, it is possible to notify the player that the time-short game state is almost over. In addition, since the color of the lamp of the movable effect agent 130 is set to the color with low expectation in order of yellow, blue, and white, it can be suggested to the player that the short-time gaming state is ended. . In addition, since the movable effect combination 130 is moved from the effect position to the standby position, it can be suggested to the player that the short-time game state is ended.

  Furthermore, if the sound output from the speaker 254 is toned down, the tempo is slowed, and the tone is variable, not only can the end of the short-time gaming state be easily recognized, but also the game board 101 It can also be suggested that the player who is playing without looking at the image display unit 104 ends the short-time gaming state.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the time-short count value K is measured using the change start command received from the main control unit 201, and the measured time-short count value K is the specified time-short game end count (100 When it reaches the vicinity (98 times), the short time mode end effect is performed across multiple fluctuations, so the player is notified that the short time gaming state has ended and that the short time gaming state has ended. Can be notified. Therefore, it is possible for the player to recognize the end of the time-saving gaming state without gazing at the image display unit 104 for each change, and to prevent the time-saving gaming state from ending at a timing not intended by the player. . Thereby, it can suppress that a player's sense of expectation and game motivation are impaired.

  In the present embodiment, the short-time mode end effect is approaching the end because the short-time mode end effect is performed by using or combining at least one of the lamp effect, the movable accessory effect, and the liquid crystal effect. This can be effectively notified to the player.

  In the present embodiment, the measured short time count value K fluctuates during three fluctuations from when it reaches the vicinity (98 times) of the prescribed short time game end count (100) until the short time game end count is reached. A different short-time mode end effect was performed for each. As described above, since the short time mode end effect is performed across the various variations in the short time game state with a very short variation time, it is possible to prevent the short time game state from being terminated at a timing not intended by the player.

  In the present embodiment, in the remaining three fluctuations before the end of the short-time game, the short-time mode end effect using the movable effect actor 130 or the like is performed. It is also possible to make the remaining 5 or 10 fluctuations. Further, the order of the time reduction mode end effect is the order of the lamp effect, the movable accessory effect, and the liquid crystal effect, but this order is not limited to this. Further, in the present embodiment, the lamp effect, the movable accessory effect, and the liquid crystal effect are performed, but it is also possible to provide only the lamp effect, only the movable accessory effect, and only the liquid crystal effect. Specifically, for each change, only the lighting format of the lamp effect may be changed, only the movable format of the movable effect actor 130 may be changed, or only the display format of the effect screen may be changed.

  In the present embodiment, the mode end effect is performed in the short-time gaming state. However, for example, the mode end effect can also be performed in the latent mode performed after the large probability hit or the small hit. In this case, in the latent mode, the number of changes in the latent mode is measured using the change start command received from the main control unit 201, and the measured number of changes is in the vicinity of the specified number of changes (for example, 20 times). What is necessary is just to perform the latent mode completion | finish effect which changes for every fluctuation | variation until it reaches | attains the frequency | count of a fluctuation | variation end after reaching (18 times). Even if it is such a structure, the effect similar to this Embodiment can be acquired.

  The effect control method described in the embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance by a computer such as a CPU provided in the effect control unit. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Further, this program may be a medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko game machine 104 Image display part 130 Movable production actor 201 Main control part (main control apparatus)
202 Production control unit (production control device)
202a Production Control Department (Production Control Device)
202b Image / sound control unit 202c Lamp control unit 241 CPU (reception unit, measurement unit, production control unit)
242 ROM
243 RAM
254 Speaker 292 Receiver (Receiver)
293 Measuring unit (measuring means)
294 Mode Effect Control Unit (Mode Effect Control Unit)

Claims (1)

A gaming machine comprising a game control unit for controlling the progress of a game and an effect control unit for controlling the effect,
The game control unit
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied;
A symbol display control means for stopping and displaying a symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination means after the symbol display means is variably displayed;
Transmitting means for transmitting a variation start command indicating that the symbol display by the symbol display means is started,
The production control unit
Receiving means for receiving the variation start command;
A measuring means for measuring the number of fluctuations during the effect mode using a change start command received by the receiving means during a predetermined effect mode having a predetermined number of fluctuations;
Before the number of fluctuations measured by the measuring means reaches the vicinity of the predetermined number of game ends, the mode end effect is not performed to notify the end of the predetermined effect mode, while the measured number of changes is equal to the end of the game. The number of remaining fluctuations from when reaching the vicinity of the game until the end of the predetermined effect mode is counted down on the image display means from when the vicinity of the number of times is reached until the number of times when the game ends. Mode effect control means for performing the mode end effect across a plurality of fluctuations,
During the execution of the mode end effect, the effect of the mode end effect is switched by switching the effect executing means used for the mode end effect for each change as the measured number of changes approaches the game end number. A game machine comprising a production mode changing means for changing a mode.

Images