JP5680835B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that controls the contents of an effect for performing a step-up notice.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board wins a specific start opening, a random number is acquired at the start winning timing under the control of the main control unit, and the random number matches a predetermined jackpot random number In this case, pachinko gaming machines are widely used in which a special symbol is stopped with a symbol indicating a jackpot and the game is shifted to a jackpot gaming state.

  Such a pachinko gaming machine is provided with an effect control board that performs an effect upon receiving a result of the determination of the jackpot random number by the main control unit. The effect control board controls an image display unit provided in the center of the game board and moves, for example, three rows of effect symbols (numbers, characters, symbols, etc.) from top to bottom in accordance with the special symbol variation display. The display is changed as follows. 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).

  An effect control board is known that gradually increases a player's expectation by executing a notice effect using a predetermined character image or the like and then shifting to a reach effect. The reach effect is an effect in which, for example, after two identical symbols are arranged on the effective line, only the last effect symbol is changed, the effect time is longer than usual, and the degree of expectation for jackpot is increased.

  As the notice effect, several kinds of characters are displayed in order from the first step to the fourth step, for example, when the effect symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the reach effect is made according to the character type and the number of displayed steps. There is a step-up effect that raises the expectation of.

  In such a step-up effect, in order to increase the preference of the step-up effect, a predetermined character image to be displayed in a certain step is not displayed in the step but displayed in a step after the step. A technique described above has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). As a result, it is possible to give a sense of expectation to the player who has given up the shift to the reach production due to the fact that the step-up production of a certain step has not been performed, and to increase the interest in the game.

JP 2005-287886 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, there is only a one-sided step-up effect to the player, and there is a problem that the player cannot participate in the game in the step-up effect.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that enables a player to participate in a game in a step-up effect and enhances the fun of the game in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a symbol indicating a determination result for determining whether or not to play a jackpot game advantageous to the player due to establishment of the start condition, When it is determined that the jackpot game is to be performed after the variable display, the main control unit that performs the jackpot game after the symbol stop display is displayed, and when the symbol is variably displayed by the main control unit An effect control unit for performing an effect, wherein the main control unit is a low-probability gaming state in which the probability of determining to play the jackpot game is a predetermined probability or a high-probability game having a higher probability than the predetermined probability The game is controlled in any of the states, and the production control unit is connected to an operation unit that can be operated by the player, and has a plurality of stages based on the determination result by the main control unit The step effect that is the final step is selected from the step effects, the step-up effect is performed to shift to the selected step effect step by step, and the operation by the operation unit is performed when the step effect of one step is performed. Transition of whether or not to shift to the next stage step effect based on a predetermined winning probability every time an operation by the operation unit is accepted within the set validity period, and a valid period that can be accepted multiple times is set Based on the determination result of the transition determination, the step-up effect for shifting to the next stage step effect is performed, and the transition determination is controlled by the main control unit in the low probability gaming state. And when controlled in the high-probability gaming state, with different winning probabilities, the transition of the step production to the next stage is In the case of the high probability gaming state, when the predetermined number of operations are received by the operation unit within the effective period, or before the predetermined number of times is reached within the effective period, the transition determination is won. In that case, it is performed.

  According to the present invention, when an operation is received from the player during the step-up effect, it is possible to shift to the next step based on the gaming state. In addition, if the player makes a step transition determination for each operation from the player and wins, the player can move to the next step during the step-up effect, and this step transition differs depending on whether or not the gaming state has a high probability. On the other hand, the expectation degree of jackpot according to the gaming state can be shown.

  According to the present invention, the step-up transition lottery is performed when an operation is accepted from the player during the step-up effect, the step-up transition lottery based on the gaming state is performed, and the next step is performed. The game state can be suggested to the player by the transition mode of the step-up transition. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to perform an operation, thereby increasing the player's consciousness of participating in the game and enhancing the fun of the game.

1 is a front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of the pachinko game machine concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the functional structure of a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the timer interruption process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of jackpot determination processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows a jackpot random number table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a design random number table. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process which a production | presentation supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception process which an effect supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the production | presentation selection process which an production supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a process during completion | finish of a fluctuation effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode flag change table. It is a flowchart which shows the effect button process which an effect supervision part performs. 5 is a flowchart showing step-up effect processing executed by the image / sound control unit during step-up effect in the first embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence of the step-up table selection process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a 1st step-up table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a 2nd step-up table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a 3rd step-up table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the step-up effect displayed on an image display part. 10 is a flowchart showing step-up effect processing executed by the image / sound control unit during step-up effect in the second embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
(Basic configuration of pachinko machine)
First, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes a game board 101. A launcher (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 2) 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 than the closed state. Control of these states is performed by a solenoid (see reference numeral 231 in FIG. 2) 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 gaming state is reached and for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls when 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) 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 diagram 2”). ”) Is displayed on the second special symbol display section (see reference numeral 112b in FIG. 2).

  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 to change the gaming state to the jackpot gaming 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. The reserved ball is a game ball that is won during a change of a special symbol or a normal symbol and is held in a held state. As the reserved ball display unit 114, for example, an LED is used. 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. Note that the notification of the holding ball is also made by display from the image display unit 104.

  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 light can be changed in the vertical direction so that the irradiation position moves along the abdomen from the top of the player. . 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 frame member 115 incorporates a speaker (see reference numeral 254 in FIG. 2) that outputs sound.

  Although illustration is omitted, an effect for the effect (hereinafter referred to as an “effect effect” (see reference numeral 265 in FIG. 2)) is provided at a predetermined position in the game area 103 (for example, around the image display unit 104). ing. This effect agent is connected to a solenoid or motor (not shown) and is driven by driving of the solenoid or motor.

(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 first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control unit of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 201 that controls the progress of the game, an effect control unit 202 that controls the contents of the effect, and a prize ball control that controls the payout of prize balls. Part 203. The configuration of each control unit will be described in detail below. The control unit 200 corresponds to the control board of the present invention.

(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 jackpot lottery, normal symbol lottery, game state control, and the like, and controls the progress of the game.

  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, a game state determination program, and the like.

  The jackpot lottery program performs a jackpot lottery, a special symbol variation pattern lottery, etc., when a game ball is detected by the first start port SW221 or the second start port SW222, and sends the lottery result as a command to the effect control unit 202 It is a program to do.

  The normal symbol lottery program is a program for performing a normal symbol lottery where the electric tulip 107 is hit (opened) or disengaged (maintains a closed state) 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 the gaming state to any one of a normal gaming state that is a low probability gaming state, a short-time gaming state, a probability variation gaming state that is a high probability gaming state, and a latent gaming state. . The normal gaming state is a low-probability gaming state with a low jackpot winning probability and a gaming state without electric chew support. The electric chew support is a function in which the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is set high, the variation time of the normal symbol is set short, and the opening time of the electric tulip 107 at the time of winning is set long. .

  The short-time gaming state is a low-probability gaming state and a gaming state with electric chew support. The probability variation gaming state is a high-probability gaming state and a gaming state with electric chew support. The latent gaming state is a high-probability gaming state and a gaming state that does not involve electric chew support. The gaming state determination program is a program that determines whether the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state or a low probability gaming state, and transmits the determination result to the effect control unit 202.

  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 is 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. Further, the main control unit 201 controls the driving of the big winning opening solenoid 232 based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery.

  The main control unit 201 controls display contents of the first special symbol display unit 112a, the second special symbol display unit 112b, and the normal symbol display unit 113 based on the lottery results of the jackpot lottery and the normal symbol lottery. For example, the main control unit 201 performs a jackpot lottery (first jackpot lottery) on the game balls won in the first start opening 105, and variably displays the special chart 1 of the first special symbol display unit 112a. 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 performs a jackpot lottery (second jackpot lottery) on the game balls won at the second starting port 106, and causes the special figure 2 of the second special symbol display unit 112b to be changed / stopped. In addition, the main control unit 201 performs a normal symbol lottery to display the normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 113 in a variable / stopped display.

  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 effect commands such as a change start command and a change stop command to the effect control unit 202. 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 202 a has a function of supervising the entire production control unit 202 based on various commands received from the main control unit 201. 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.

  CPU241 performs the process which determines the content of production based on the various programs previously memorize | stored in ROM242. 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.

  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 stores an effect control program.

  The effect control program, for example, selects a step-up effect by lottery, enables an operation from the player to the effect button 119, and controls an effect button command when receiving an operation from the player. This program is output to the unit 202b. Note that the step-up effect is an effect that has a prescribed number of steps and a series of effects are developed step by step for each step, and is an effect that is used as a precursor of a reach effect, for example.

  The RTC 244 counts and outputs real 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, and a command indicating that the effect button 119 has been operated (pressed) is input from the player. Although not shown in FIG. 2, a cross key 120 is connected to the production control unit 202a, and data corresponding to the key selected by the player is input.

(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 ROM 252 stores an effect control program executed at the time of step-up effect. When the production control program receives the production button command from the production control unit 202a during the predetermined effective period at the time of the step-up production, the production control program performs a step-up migration lottery to determine whether or not to proceed to the next step. It is a program to move to the next step when winning. The effect control program selects any one of a plurality of tables with different winning probabilities used for the step-up transition lottery based on the gaming state, and performs the step-up transition lottery using the table.

  Further, for example, the CPU 251 executes various image processing and sound 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 the production control unit 202, the production control unit 202a, the image / sound control unit 202b, and the lamp control unit 202c are configured by different boards, but these are configured on the same printed circuit board. It may be a thing. However, even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board, their functions are assumed to be independent.

(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 281, a ROM 282, a RAM 283, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 281 executes a prize ball control process for controlling a prize ball to be paid out. The ROM 282 stores a program necessary for the processing. The RAM 283 functions as a work area for the CPU 281.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 291, a launch unit 292, a fixed position detection SW 293, a payout ball detection SW 294, a ball presence detection SW 295, and a full tank detection SW 296. .

  The prize ball control unit 203 controls the payout unit 291 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. Specifically, the winning ball control unit 203 receives the winning game balls that have won the winning units 291 (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110) with respect to the payout unit 291. 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 292 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 292 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 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. 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 SW293, a payout ball detection SW294, a ball presence detection SW295, a full tank detection SW296, and the like. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by a prize ball control board.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 297 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 298, and can output various information executed by the prize ball control unit 203 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, the main control unit 201 outputs a corresponding command to the effect control unit 202 every time a game ball wins the start opening 105 or 106. Based on the command from the main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202 causes the image display unit 104 to variably display the effect symbol, and then stops the display. When the jackpot is confirmed, the effect control unit 202 aligns and stops predetermined effect symbols based on the corresponding command. Then, the main control unit 201 performs control to open the big winning opening 109 as the big hit gaming state.

  The effect control unit 202 performs various effects corresponding to the selected event. Here, the event includes, for example, a big hit, a small hit. The jackpots are per 15 rounds probable length change (so-called probabilistic jackpots), 15 rounds per normal length (so-called normal jackpots), 15 rounds per normal short (so-called sudden jackpots), 15 round probable short-ranges (so-called sudden probabilities) Big hit), 15 round latency short hit (so-called latent big hit). The small hit is one of the offenses, but by making the content similar to the content of the performance at the latent probability big hit, whether the game has shifted to the high probability gaming state or holds the low probability gaming state It is an event that makes people not understand.

  For example, the effect control unit 202 displays various effects in addition to the effect symbol variation display on the image display unit 104 during the big hit, the reach until the big hit occurs, or at the time of reach notice. 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 each jackpot is generated, the big prize opening 109 is opened 15 times. Specifically, 15 rounds are repeatedly executed with one release as one round. The period of one round is a period until 10 game balls are won, for example, or a predetermined period. It should be noted that the opening time for opening the winning prize opening 109 is different when a long hit (for example, a promising big hit or a normal big hit) occurs and when a short hit (for example, a sudden hit, a sudden big hit, or a latent big hit) occurs. The opening time per long is 30 seconds, and the opening time per short is 0.1 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 gaming state is released. If the jackpot length is a jackpot, the game shifts to a probability variation gaming state. If the jackpot is a regular jackpot, the jackpot gaming state transitions. Further, if the potential hit is a big hit, the game shifts to the latent probability gaming state after the big hit.

  In the high probability gaming state, a jackpot determination is performed using a random number determination table for high probability. The high probability random number determination table is set to have a jackpot occurrence probability about 10 times higher than the low probability random number determination table used in the low probability gaming state, for example.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a plurality of performance modes (normal mode, probability change mode, time reduction mode, rush accuracy mode, and latent accuracy mode), and shifts to a performance mode corresponding to each hit. For example, after winning the winning jackpot and ending the jackpot game, the game shifts to the probability changing mode and changes to the normal mode by changing 10,000 times. In addition, after winning the normal jackpot and finishing the jackpot game, the mode is shifted to the time-saving mode, and the mode is shifted to the normal mode by performing 100 variations.

  In addition, after winning the winning jackpot or the winning jackpot game, after the jackpot game is over, the mode is changed to the winning mode, and the mode is changed to the normal mode by performing 100 fluctuations. As a result, the surprise mode is an effect mode in which the player does not recognize whether the winning jackpot is a winning jackpot or a sudden jackpot. This is a production mode that is not allowed to be recognized by a person.

  In addition, after winning the latent big hit or small hit and finishing the winning game, the mode is changed to the latent mode and the normal mode is changed by performing the fluctuation 30 times. As a result, the latent mode is an effect mode that does not allow the player to recognize whether the winning big win or the small win is won, that is, whether the high probability gaming state or the low probability gaming state. This is a production mode that is not allowed to be recognized by a person.

(Functional configuration of control unit)
Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the control unit 200. 3, the control unit 200 includes a reception unit 301, a determination unit 302, a storage unit 303, a selection unit 304, a lottery unit 305, a transition unit 306, and an output unit 307. The determination unit 302 is provided in the main control unit 201, and the other functional units are provided in the effect control unit 202.

  The production control unit 202 has a specified number of steps (for example, 4 steps), and performs a step-up production in which a series of productions are developed step by step. For example, step-up effects include a series of effects made into a story.

  The accepting unit 301 accepts an operation from a player. The accepting unit 301 is described as accepting a player's operation (pressing) from the effect button 119, but may accept a player's operation from the cross key 120 or other buttons.

  The determination unit 302 determines whether the gaming state is a high probability gaming state or a low probability gaming state. The high probability gaming state is a gaming state in which a jackpot is likely to occur, and the low probability gaming state is a gaming state in which a jackpot is unlikely to occur.

  The storage unit 303 is used for a step-up shift lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the next step, and stores a plurality of tables each having a different winning probability. Specifically, each table includes a random value used for the step-up transition lottery, the winning probability thereof, and the like. For example, the storage unit 303 stores a table for a high probability gaming state and a table for a low probability gaming state, each having a different winning probability.

  When an operation is received by the receiving unit 301 within a specified time between each step, the selection unit 304 is based on the gaming state determined by the determination unit 302, and a plurality of tables stored in the storage unit 303 are Select one of them. The specified time is the time until the transition to the next step, and specifically, is a predetermined effective period during which an operation from the player can be accepted. The specified time is set according to the production time of each step, and is, for example, a time of 2 to 3 seconds.

  For example, when the operation of the player is received by the receiving unit 301 and the determination unit 302 determines that the selection unit 304 is in a high probability gaming state, the selection unit 304 is for the high probability gaming state stored in the storage unit 303. Select the table. Similarly, when the selection unit 304 receives a player's operation by the reception unit 301 and the determination unit 302 determines that the game state is a low probability game state, the selection unit 304 stores the low probability stored in the storage unit 303. Select a table for the gaming state.

  The lottery unit 305 performs a step-up shift lottery using the table selected by the selection unit 304. To perform step-up transfer lottery, for example, a random number is acquired and compared with a random value included in the table selected by the selection unit 304 to determine whether or not the winning is made.

  When the shift unit 306 wins the step-up shift lottery by the lottery unit 305, the shift unit 306 shifts to the next step. The output unit 307 stores information indicating that the migration has been performed by the migration unit 306 or outputs the information to the image display unit 104.

  In addition, the storage unit 303 stores a first step-up table that is easy to win a step-up transition lottery and a second step-up table that has a lower probability of winning than the first step-up table. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the winning probability of the first step-up table is 2/5, and the winning probability of the second step-up table is 1/5.

  The selection unit 304 selects the first step-up table when the determination unit 302 determines that the game state is a high probability game state, and selects the second step-up table when the determination unit 302 determines that the game state is a low probability game state. Select. That is, in the high probability gaming state, it is easier to win the step-up transition lottery than in the low probability gaming state.

  Further, the storage unit 303 further stores a third step-up table having a higher winning probability than the first step-up table. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the winning probability of the third step-up table is 4/5.

  When the determination unit 302 determines that the selection unit 304 is in a high-probability gaming state, and the reception unit 301 receives an operation of a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times) within a specified time between the steps. Then, the third step-up table is selected. For example, the selection unit 304 selects the third step-up table when the determination unit 302 determines that the game state is a high probability game state and the reception unit 301 receives an operation from the player five times or more.

  Even if the transition unit 306 does not win the step-up transition lottery by the lottery unit 305, the determination unit 302 determines that the gaming state is a high probability game state, and the reception unit 301 determines a predetermined number of times (for example, (5 times) When the above operation is accepted, the next step may be performed. That is, in the case of the high probability gaming state, when the operation is received five times or more by the receiving unit 301, the next step may be shifted to without performing the step-up shifting lottery. This will be described later in the second embodiment.

  The receiving unit 301 is realized by the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a of the production control unit 202. That is, the reception unit 301 is realized by the CPU 241 of the production supervision unit 202a executing the production control program. The determination unit 302 is realized by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201. That is, the determination unit 302 is realized by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 executing the gaming state determination program. The selection unit 304, the lottery unit 305, the transition unit 306, and the output unit 307 are realized by the CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b. That is, each unit is realized by the CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b executing the effect control program. The storage unit 303 is realized by the RAM 253 of the image / sound control unit 202b.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the production control unit 202a and the image / sound control unit 202b are separate substrates, but these may be the same substrate or the same substrate. May be provided with the functional units 301 to 307 on the substrate.

(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. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing executed by the main control unit 201. The timer interrupt process is a process that interrupts the main control process executed by the main control unit 201 every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) during the power supply period.

  In FIG. 4, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 executes a random number update process (step S401). The random number update process is a process of updating each random number by incrementing the jackpot random number, the jackpot symbol random number, and the like, for example, by one.

  Thereafter, a switch process performed when a game ball is detected by each switch is executed (step S402). In the switch process, a start port SW process for acquiring a random number every time a game ball is detected by the first start port SW221 or the second start port SW222, or a random number is acquired every time a game ball is detected by the gate SW223. There is a gate SW process.

  Thereafter, symbol processing such as normal symbol processing for changing and stopping the normal symbol and special symbol processing described later with reference to FIG. 5 is executed (step S403). In addition, an electrical accessory process such as an electric chew process for operating the electric tulip 107 and a special winning opening process for operating the special winning opening 109 is executed (step S404). Thereafter, a prize ball process for performing a prize ball for the winning game ball is executed (step S405), and an output process for outputting a command set in each process is executed (step S406).

(Special symbol processing)
Next, the special symbol processing performed by the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing special symbol processing performed by the main control unit 201. This special symbol process is a process content included in the symbol process of step S403 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the winning game flag is ON (step S501). The winning game flag is a flag that is set when the stopped special symbol indicates a winning in the stopping process shown in step S514.

  If the winning game flag is ON (step S501: Yes), the process is terminated as it is. If the winning game flag is not ON (step S501: No), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (step S502). If it is changing (step S502: Yes), the process proceeds to step S511. . If it is not fluctuating (step S502: No), it is determined whether there is at least one count value U2 of the second start port detection counter as the number of game balls held in the second start port 106 (step S502). S503).

  When there is one or more count value U2 (step S503: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting one count value U2 is set as a new hold number (step S504), and the process proceeds to step S507. In step S503, if there is not one or more count value U2 (step S503: No), that is, if “U2 = 0”, the first start port detection counter as the number of game balls held in the first start port 105 is retained. It is determined whether or not there is at least one count value U1 (step S505). If there is not one or more count value U1 (step S505: No), that is, if “U1 = 0”, the process is terminated as it is.

  When there is one or more count value U1 (step S505: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting one count value U1 is set as a new hold number (step S506), and the process proceeds to step S507. In step S507, jackpot determination processing is performed (step S507). The jackpot determination process is a process for determining whether or not the winning random number acquired when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106 matches a preset jackpot random number. 6 will be described later.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in steps S503 to S506, the game ball won at the second start port 106 is digested earlier than the game ball won at the first start port 105. It has become. Thereafter, the variation pattern selection process is performed (step S508). This variation pattern selection process is a process of selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol according to the determination result of the jackpot determination process.

  Then, the special symbol change is started (step S509). Further, a change start command is set in the RAM 213 (step S510). Then, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has passed the variation time selected by the variation pattern selection process (step S511). If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S511: No), the processing is terminated as it is.

  When the variation time has elapsed (step S511: Yes), the variation of the special symbol is stopped (step S512), and a variation stop command is set (step S513). Thereafter, the stop process is executed (step S514), and the process ends. The stopped process is a process for setting a hit flag when the stopped special symbol indicates a win, or turning off the short-time game flag indicating the short-time game state according to the number of remaining short-time games. .

(Big hit judgment processing)
Next, the predetermined procedure of the jackpot determination process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the jackpot determination process. The big hit determination process is the process shown in step S507 of FIG.

  In the jackpot determination process, first, a jackpot random number determination process is performed (step S601). In the jackpot random number determination process, the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball wins the first start port 105 or the second start port 106 using the jackpot random number table described later in FIG. It is determined whether or not they are off. After step S601, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (step S602).

  In step S602, when it is a big hit (step S602: Yes), a design random number determination process is performed (step S603). The symbol random number determination process uses a symbol random number table, which will be described later in FIG. 8, and the symbol random number acquired when a game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106 is the type of jackpot. This is a process for determining whether to show. After step S603, a jackpot symbol is set (step S604), and the process ends.

  In step S602, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (step S602: No), it is determined whether or not it is a small hit (step S605). When it is a small hit (step S605: Yes), a small hit symbol is set (step S606), and the process is ended as it is. In step S605, if it is not a small hit (step S605: No), the off symbol is set (step S607), and the process is terminated as it is.

(Big hit random number table)
Next, a jackpot random number table used when determining whether or not it is a win will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot random number table. The jackpot random number table is a table used in the jackpot random number determination process in step S601 of FIG.

  The jackpot random number table 700 includes a type 701, a gaming state 702, a range 703, a ratio 704, and a random value 705. The type 701 includes a big hit and a small hit. The gaming state 702 includes a low-probability gaming state (normal / short-time gaming state) and a high-probability gaming state (probability variation / latency certain gaming state). A range 703 indicates a range of the jackpot random number, and is 0 to 299. A ratio 704 is a numerical value obtained by dividing the number of random values 705 by the number of ranges 703. A random value 705 indicates a jackpot random number for each type 701.

  For example, if the gaming state 702 is a low-probability gaming state (normal / short-time gaming state) and the acquired random number value 705 is 3, the jackpot is won and the ratio 704 is 1/300. In addition, the gaming state 702 is a high probability gaming state (probability variation / latent certain gaming state), and the acquired random number value 705 is any of 3, 7, 37, 67, 97, 127, 157, 187, 217, 247. In some cases, the jackpot is won and the percentage 704 is 10/300. Regardless of the gaming state 702, if the acquired random value 705 is any one of 150, 200, and 250, the winning combination is won, and the ratio 704 is 3/300. Thus, in the high probability gaming state, the ratio 704 of jackpot generation is 10 times higher than in the low probability gaming state.

(Design random number table)
Next, the symbol random number table used when determining the type of jackpot when the jackpot is won will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a symbol random number table. The symbol random number table is a table used in the symbol random number determination process in step S603 in FIG.

  The design random number table 800 includes a type 801, a start port 802, a range 803, a ratio 804, and a random value 805. The type 801 indicates the type of jackpot (number of rounds, presence / absence of transition to a high probability gaming state, per long or short). The start port 802 indicates the start port where the game ball has won, and includes a first start port and a second start port. A range 803 indicates a range of symbol random numbers and is 0 to 249. The ratio 804 is a numerical value obtained by dividing the number of random values 805 by the number of ranges 803. A random number value 805 indicates a design random number for each type 801 and each start port 802.

  For example, when the start port 802 is the first start port or the second start port and the obtained random number value 805 is any one of 0 to 34, it is won per 15 round normal length, and the ratio 804 is 35/250. It is. In addition, when the start port 802 is the first start port or the second start port and the acquired random number value 805 is any one of 35 to 49, it is won per 15 rounds, and the ratio 804 is 15/250. It is.

  Further, for example, when the start port 802 is the first start port and the acquired random number value 805 is any of 50 to 74, winning is made per 15 rounds probable change length, and the ratio 804 is 25/250. Further, when the start port 802 is the second start port and the acquired random number value 805 is any of 50 to 224, the winning combination is won per 15 rounds, and the ratio 804 is 175/250.

  Also, for example, when the start port 802 is the first start port and the acquired random number value 805 is any of 75 to 149, the winning combination is won per 15 rounds, and the ratio 804 is 75/250. In addition, when the start port 802 is the second start port and the acquired random value 805 is any one of 225 to 249, the winning combination is won per 15 rounds, and the ratio 804 is 25/250.

  Also, for example, when the start port 802 is the first start port and the acquired random number value 805 is any one of 150 to 249, winning is made per 15-round latency short, and the ratio 804 is 100/250. . In addition, even if a game ball wins the 2nd starting opening, it is set as the structure which is not won per 15 round latency short.

(Timer interrupt processing executed by the Production Control Department)
Next, a timer interrupt process executed by the production control unit 202a of the production control unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the effect supervising unit 202a. This timer interruption process is a process in which the production control unit 202a operates to interrupt the main production control process executed by the production control unit 202a every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) during activation.

  In FIG. 9, the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a executes a command reception process that is performed when a command is received from the main control unit 201 (step S901). The command reception process will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, an effect button process performed when the effect button 119 is pressed (step S902). The effect button process will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, a command transmission process for transmitting a command to the image / sound control unit 202b or the lamp control unit 202c is executed (step S903), and the process ends.

(Command reception processing)
Next, details of the command reception process shown in step S901 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing command reception processing executed by the effect supervision unit 202a. In FIG. 10, the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a determines whether or not a variation start command indicating the variation start of the special symbol has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S1001). The change start command is a command set in the special symbol processing by the main control unit 201 (see step S510 in FIG. 5).

  When the change start command is not received (step S1001: No), the process proceeds to step S1003. When the change start command is received (step S1001: Yes), an effect selection process is executed (step S1002). The effect selection process is a process of selecting the contents of the effect, and details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a change stop command for stopping the effect symbol has been received (step S1003). The change stop command is a command indicating change stop of the special symbol, and is a command set in the special symbol processing of the main control unit 201 (see step S513 in FIG. 5).

  When the change stop command is not received (step S1003: No), the process is ended as it is. When the change stop command is received (step S1003: Yes), the process during the end of change effect is executed (step S1004), and the process ends. The process during the end of the variation effect is a process of stopping the variation of the effect symbol or ending the effect mode according to the game state according to the number of times of change, and details will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Direction selection process)
Next, details of the effect selection process shown in step S1002 of FIG. 10 will be described using FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an effect selection process executed by the effect supervising unit 202a. In FIG. 11, the CPU 241 of the production supervision unit 202a analyzes the change start command (step S1101). In step S1101, 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, the mode flag is referred to (step S1102).

  The mode flag is a flag that is set corresponding to each effect mode. For example, in the normal gaming state, the mode flag in the normal mode is “0”, the mode flag in the probability change mode is “1”, the mode flag in the time reduction mode is “2”, the mode flag in the sudden accuracy mode is “3”, The mode flag is set for each mode such as “4”.

  Thereafter, a variation effect pattern selection process is executed (step S1103). The variation effect pattern selection process is a process of 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 is variably displayed in accordance with the change display of the special symbol, and the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol.

  Further, when the step-up effect is selected in the variation effect pattern selection process, the upper limit number of steps that can be transferred is also selected, and specifically, any one of the number of steps 1 to 4 is selected. Thereafter, a change effect start command indicating start of change of the effect symbol is set (step S1104), and the process ends.

(Processing during changing production)
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the process during the end of the variation effect will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the process during the end of the variation effect. The process during the end of the variation effect is the process shown in step S1004 of FIG. First, in the process of changing production end, the change stop command is analyzed (step S1201), and the mode flag is referenced (step S1202).

  After step S1202, it is determined whether or not it is a win (step S1203). When it is a win (step S1203: Yes), a mode flag change process is performed (step S1204), and step S1209 described later is performed. The mode flag changing process is a process of changing to the effect mode according to the winning type using a mode flag changing table described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1203, if it is not a win (step S1203: No), it is determined whether or not the mode flag is “0” (step S1205). If the mode flag is “0”, that is, if it is the normal mode (step S1205: Yes), step S1209 described later is performed. When the mode flag is not “0” (step S1205: No), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the mode remaining count M is set as a new mode remaining count M (step S1206). The mode remaining count M is the remaining variation count of the effect mode changed in the mode flag changing process in step S1204, and is decremented by “1” every time a game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106. It is what is done.

  After step S1206, it is determined whether or not the mode remaining count M is “0” (step S1207). If the mode remaining count M is not “0” (step S1207: No), step S1209 described later is performed. When the mode remaining count M is “0” (step S1207: Yes), the mode flag is set to “0” (step S1208), a variable effect end command is set (step S1209), and the process is ended as it is.

(Mode flag change table)
Next, the mode flag change table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a mode flag change table. The mode flag change table 1300 is a table used in step S1204 of FIG. The mode flag change table 1300 includes a hit type 1301, a mode flag 1302, a mode name 1303, and a remaining count 1304.

  The winning type 1301 is a winning type. The mode flag 1302 is a numerical value “0” to “4” indicating each production mode. The mode name 1303 is the name of the effect mode that is changed according to the winning type 1301. The remaining number of times 1304 is an upper limit value of the number of changes in each effect mode.

  For example, when the winning type 1301 is per 15 rounds of probability variation length, the mode shifts to the probability variation mode where the remaining number of times is 10,000, and the mode flag 1302 is set to “1”. Further, when the winning type 1301 is per 15 round normal length, the mode shifts to the time-short mode where the remaining number of times is 100, and the mode flag 1302 is set to “2”.

  Further, when the winning type 1301 is 15 round normal short hit or 15 round probability variable short hit, the mode shifts to the sudden accuracy mode where the remaining number of times is 100, and the mode flag 1302 is set to “3”. Further, when the winning type 1301 is 15 rounds of short-latency short hits or small hits, the mode shifts to the latent mode where the remaining number of times is 30, and the mode flag 1302 is set to “4”. When the mode flag 1302 is set to “0” in step S1208 of FIG. 12, the process shifts to the normal mode with no upper limit on the number of fluctuations.

(Direction button processing)
Next, the effect button process executed by the effect control unit 202a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the effect button process executed by the effect control unit 202a. This effect button process shows the processing contents shown in step S902 of FIG.

  In FIG. 14, the CPU 241 of the effect supervision unit 202a determines whether or not the effect button 119 is ON when pressed by the player (step S1401). If the effect button 119 is OFF (step S1401: No), that is, if the effect button 119 is not pressed by the player, the process ends as it is.

  If the effect button is ON (step S1401: Yes), an effect button command indicating that the effect button 119 has been pressed is set (step S1402), and the process ends. The set production command is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c.

(Step-up production process)
Next, the step-up effect process executed by the image / sound control unit 202b during the step-up effect will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15A is a flowchart illustrating a step-up effect process executed by the image / sound control unit during the step-up effect in the first embodiment. In the following description, in order to avoid confusion between “step” indicating the stage of each process and “step” indicating the step-up effect, the effect of each step in the step-up effect is not simply referred to as “step”. This will be described as “step production”.

  In FIG. 15A, the CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b determines whether or not the effect button is in a valid period (step S1501). The effective period is set in consideration of the total number of steps and the like based on the change production start command transmitted from the production supervision unit 202a. If it is not during the effective period of the effect button (step S1501: No), the process proceeds to step S1509.

  If it is during the effective period of the effect button (step S1501: Yes), it is determined whether or not an effect button command is received from the effect control unit 202a (step S1502). When the effect button command is not received (step S1502: No), the process is terminated as it is. When an effect button command is received (step S1502: Yes), it is determined whether there is a next step effect (step S1503).

  Note that “whether or not there is a next step effect” means, for example, whether or not the current step effect is not the upper limit step effect but can be shifted to the next step effect. That is, when the current step effect is in the second step effect and the upper limit step effect selected by the variation effect pattern selection process (see step S1103 in FIG. 11) is the second step effect, the next step effect. There will be no.

  In step S1503, when there is no next step effect (step S1503: No), that is, when the upper limit step effect is reached, the process is ended as it is. When there is a next step effect (step S1503: Yes), “1” is added to the count value K obtained by counting the number of times the effect button 119 is pressed within the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1504).

  After step S1504, a step-up table selection process is performed (step S1505). The step-up table selection process is a process for selecting a table having a different winning probability for each gaming state, which will be described later with reference to FIG. After step S1505, a step-up shift lottery is performed (step S1506). Then, it is determined whether or not a step-up shift lottery has been won (step S1507). If the step-up shift lottery is not won (step S1507: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  When the step-up transition lottery is won (step S1507: Yes), the next step effect is stored in the RAM 253 (step S1508). Thereafter, the count value K is set to “0” (step S1509), and the process ends.

(Step-up table selection process)
Next, a step-up table selection process for selecting a step-up table based on the gaming state will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15-2 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the step-up table selection process. The step-up table selection process is the process shown in step S1505 in FIG.

  In the step-up table selection process, first, it is determined whether or not the game state is a high-probability gaming state (step S1511), and if it is not a high-probability gaming state, that is, if it is a low-probability gaming state (step S1511: No), the second A step-up table is selected (step S1512), and the process ends. The second step-up table is a step-up table that is selected in the low-probability gaming state and used for the step-up transition lottery, and details thereof will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1511, when it is a high probability gaming state (step S1511: Yes), it is determined whether the count value K is 5 or more (step S1513), and when the count value K is less than 5 (step S1513: No), the first step-up table is selected (step S1514), and the process ends. The first step-up table is a step-up table that is selected when the count value K is less than 5 in the high-probability gaming state and is used for the step-up transition lottery, and details thereof will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1513, when the count value K is 5 or more (step S1513: Yes), the third step-up table is selected (step S1515), and the process is ended as it is. The third step-up table is a step-up table that is selected when the count value K is 5 or more in the high-probability gaming state and is used for the step-up transition lottery, and details thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. 16-3.

(Step-up table)
Next, the step-up table used for the step-up transition lottery will be described with reference to FIGS. 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3. Each step-up table 1610, 1620, 1630 shown in FIGS. 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 includes a gaming state 1601, a lottery result 1602, a range 1603, a ratio 1604, a random value 1605, Consists of.

  In each step-up table 1610, 1620, 1630, the gaming state 1601 takes either one of a high probability gaming state or a low probability gaming state. The lottery result 1602 is a lottery result of the step-up transition lottery, and is a win and a loss. Note that the lottery result 1602 is winning means that the process proceeds to the next step effect, and that the lottery result is that the lottery result 1602 is not the next step effect. A range 1603 is a range of random numbers to be acquired, and is “0” to “9”. A ratio 1604 is a ratio of the random number value 1605 to the number of the range 1603 in each lottery result 1602. The random value 1605 is a number indicating each predetermined lottery result 1602.

  FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram of the first step-up table. The first step-up table 1610 is a table selected in step S1514 in FIG. The first step-up table 1610 is used when the gaming state 1601 is a high probability gaming state and the count value K is less than 5, and the random number 1605 of the acquired random number is any one of “0” to “3”. , The lottery result 1602 is a win, and the ratio 1604 is 4/10. When the random number 1605 of the acquired random number is any one of “4” to “9”, the lottery result 1602 is a loss and the ratio 1604 is 6/10.

  FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of a second step-up table. The second step-up table 1620 is a table selected in step S1512 of FIG. 15-2. The second step-up table 1620 is used when the gaming state 1601 is a low-probability gaming state. When the random number 1605 of the acquired random number is “0” or “1”, the lottery result 1602 is a win. The ratio 1604 is 2/10. In addition, when the random number value of the acquired random number is any one of “2” to “9”, the lottery result 1602 is a loss and the ratio 1604 is 8/10. That is, in the case of the low probability gaming state, the ratio 1604 (winning probability) is lower than in the case of the high probability gaming state, and it is difficult to move to the next step.

  FIG. 16C is an explanatory diagram of a third step-up table. The third step-up table 1630 is a table selected in step S1515 in FIG. The third step-up table 1630 is used when the gaming state 1601 is a high-probability gaming state and the count value K is 5 or more, and the random number 1605 of the acquired random number is any one of “0” to “7”. , The lottery result 1602 is a win, and the ratio 1604 is 8/10. When the random number value of the acquired random number is “8” or “9”, the lottery result 1602 is a loss and the ratio 1604 is 2/10. That is, when the effect button 119 is pressed five times or more in the high probability gaming state, it is easier to move to the next step.

(Example of step-up production)
Next, an example of a step-up effect displayed on the image display unit 104 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a step-up effect displayed on the image display unit.

  In FIG. 17, reference numerals SP1 to SP4 indicate a series (four steps) of step-up effects. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 17, when the step-up effect is performed, the fluctuation | variation of the effect symbols of 1-9 is displayed on the image display part 104, for example.

  The first step effect SP1 indicates the first step effect. On this display screen, if the player presses down the effect button 119 within the effective period, a step-up transition lottery is performed each time the effect button 119 is pressed, and when the player wins, the process proceeds to the second step effect SP2. When the upper limit number of steps selected in the variation effect pattern selection process (see step S1103 in FIG. 11) is 1, the process does not shift to the second step effect SP2.

  Similarly, in the second step effect SP2 or the third step effect SP3, if the player presses the effect button 119 within the effective period, a step-up transition lottery is performed every time the effect button 119 is pressed, When winning, the process shifts from the second step effect SP2 to the third step effect SP3 or from the third step effect SP3 to the fourth step effect SP4.

  When the upper limit number of steps selected in the variation effect pattern selection process (see step S1103 in FIG. 11) is 2, the process does not shift from the second step effect SP2 to the third step effect SP3. When the upper limit number of steps is 3, the process does not shift from the third step effect SP3 to the fourth step effect SP4.

  Further, in each step effect, the step-up transition lottery may be won and a winning mark 1701 may be displayed. In that case, when storing the next effect in step S1508 of FIG. 15A, the step effect including the winning mark 1701 is stored. As a result, the player can feel that the player has shifted to the next step effect by pressing the effect button, and the participation awareness can be increased.

  Further, in the case of a high probability gaming state, a step effect including a winning mark 1701 may be performed. Thereby, the player can obtain a sense of expectation for the high probability gaming state. In addition, a step effect including the winning mark 1701 may be performed when the expectation changes. Thereby, the player can obtain a sense of expectation for the jackpot.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the player presses the effect button 119 during the step-up effect, the step-up shift lottery based on the game state is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step. did. Thereby, a game state can be suggested to a player by the transition aspect of the step-up transition. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to perform an operation, and thus it is possible to increase the player's awareness of participation in the game and to enhance the interest of the game. In addition, even in a mode other than the latent mode, the player can obtain a sense of expectation for the high probability gaming state.

  Note that the step-up effect shown in the first embodiment may be performed only in the latent mode. In this way, the step-up effect during the latent mode becomes more important for the player. Therefore, the interest of the latent mode can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the winning probability of the first step up table 1610 used in the high probability gaming state is set to be higher than the winning probability of the second step up table 1620 used in the low probability gaming state. Thereby, when it is a high probability game state, it is easy to shift to the next step effect, and when it is a low probability game state, it is difficult to shift to the next step effect. Therefore, it is possible to suggest to the player which probability state is in the performance mode (for example, the latent probability mode or the suspicion mode) that does not clearly indicate the high probability gaming state or the low probability gaming state, The interest of the game can be improved.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the player's operation to the effect button 119 is received five times or more during the button effective period of the high probability gaming state, the winning probability is higher than the first step-up table 1610. The third step-up table 1630 is selected and a step-up transition lottery is performed. As a result, when the player is in the high probability gaming state, the more the player presses the effect button 119, the easier it is to move to the next step effect, so that the player can participate more actively in the game and the game state can be changed. Can suggest. Therefore, the interest of the game and the player's expectation can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when the operation of the effect button 119 is received a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times) or more in the high-probability gaming state, the next step effect is shifted to without performing the step-up shift lottery. This is different from the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the description of the same portions as those described in the first embodiment is omitted.

(Step-up production process)
The step-up effect process executed by the image / sound control unit 202b during the step-up effect will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing step-up effect processing executed by the image / sound control unit during step-up effect in the second embodiment.

  In FIG. 18, the CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b determines whether or not the effect button is in a valid period (step S1801). The effective period is set in consideration of the total number of steps and the like based on the change production start command transmitted from the production supervision unit 202a. If it is not during the effective period of the effect button (step S1801: No), the process proceeds to step S1812.

  If it is during the effective period of the effect button (step S1801: Yes), it is determined whether or not an effect button command is received from the effect control unit 202a (step S1802). When the effect button command is not received (step S1802: No), the process is terminated as it is. When an effect button command is received (step S1802: Yes), it is determined whether there is a next step effect (step S1803).

  In step S1803, when there is no next step effect (step S1803: No), that is, when the upper limit step effect is reached, the process is ended as it is. When there is a next step effect (step S1803: Yes), “1” is added to the count value K obtained by counting the number of times the effect button 119 is pressed within the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1804).

  After step S1804, it is determined whether or not the game state is a high probability gaming state (step S1805). When it is not a high probability gaming state, that is, when it is a low probability gaming state (step S1805: No), a first step-up table is selected (step S1806), and a step-up transition lottery process is performed (step S1807).

  In step S1805, if the gaming state is a high-probability gaming state (step S1805: Yes), it is determined whether the count value K is “5” (step S1808). When the count value K is not “5” (step S1808: No), the second step-up table is selected (step S1809), and step S1807 is performed. In step S1808, when the count value K is “5” (step S1808: Yes), step S1811 described later is performed.

  After step S1807, it is determined whether or not a step-up transition lottery has been won (step S1810). When the step-up shift lottery is not won (step S1810: No), the process is terminated as it is. When the step-up transition lottery is won (step S1810: Yes), the next step effect is stored in the RAM 253 (step S1811). Thereafter, the count value K is set to “0” (step S1812), and the process ends.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when the operation of the effect button 119 is received five times and the game state is the high probability game state, the process proceeds to the next step effect. Thus, in the high probability gaming state, when the player presses the effect button 119 a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to the next step, so that the player can actively participate in the game, And a game state can be suggested. Therefore, the interest of the game and the player's expectation can be improved.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to increase the player's awareness of participation in the game and to enhance the interest of the game.

  The production control method described in the embodiment can be realized by executing a production control program prepared in advance on a computer such as the CPU 241 provided in the production control unit 202a and the CPU 251 of the image / audio control unit 202b. it can. The effect control 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, the effect control program may be a medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

100 Pachinko machines 104 Image display unit 119 Production buttons 200 Control unit (control board)
201 Main control unit 202 Production control unit 202a Production control unit 301 Reception unit (reception means)
302 determination unit (determination means)
303 Storage section (storage means)
304 Selection unit (selection means)
305 lottery section (lottery means)
306 Migration unit (migration means)
307 Output unit

Claims (1)

When the start condition is met, a symbol indicating whether or not to play a jackpot game advantageous to the player is stopped and displayed after the symbol change display, and the symbol is stopped when it is determined that the jackpot game is to be performed. A main control unit that plays the jackpot game after display;
An effect control unit that performs a predetermined effect when the symbols are displayed in a variable manner by the main control unit;
With
The main control unit controls the game in either a low probability gaming state in which the probability of determining to play the jackpot game is a predetermined probability or a high probability gaming state in which the probability is higher than the predetermined probability,
The production control unit
It is connected to an operation unit that can be operated by the player,
Based on the determination result by the main control unit, the step effect that becomes the final stage among the step effects that have a plurality of stages is selected,
Perform a step-up effect that transitions step by step to the selected step effect, and when a step effect of one stage is performed, set an effective period in which the operation by the operation unit can be received multiple times,
Each time an operation by the operation unit is accepted within the set effective period, a transition determination is made as to whether or not to shift to the next stage step effect based on a predetermined winning probability, and the determination result of the transition determination Based on the step-up effect to shift to the next stage step effect,
The transition determination is performed with different winning probabilities when the main control unit is controlled in the low probability gaming state and when controlled in the high probability gaming state,
The transition of the step effect to the next stage is in the case of the high-probability gaming state, and when a predetermined number of operations are received by the operation unit within the effective period, or within the effective period A gaming machine, which is performed when the transition determination is won before the predetermined number of times is reached.

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