JP7302846B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game machine (pachinko machine) in which games are played by shooting game balls toward a game area formed on a game board.

In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting game balls toward a game area formed on a game board, a ball entrance is provided in the game area, and entry of a game ball into the ball entrance is detected. It is common to award prize balls to players. In addition, acquisition information acquired based on the entry of a game ball into a predetermined ball entrance (starting opening) is stored up to a predetermined number, and special symbols are changed based on the stored acquisition information. When the display is started and the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big win symbol, a big win game advantageous to the player is executed.

In such a gaming machine, the variable time is determined each time the variable display of the special symbols is started, and the special symbols that have started the variable display are stopped and displayed after the variable time has elapsed (for example, Patent Document 1). . After that, while the stop display is maintained, the design is waited for to be determined, and if the design is an outlier, the variable display of the special design is repeated based on the stored acquisition information. For this reason, the larger the number of acquired information (so-called pending) stored, the more difficult it is for the variable display of the special symbol to stop continuously, which is advantageous for the player.

JP 2011-78738 A

However, in the gaming machine that determines the variable time of the special symbol each time the variable display is started, as described above, a short variable time may be repeatedly determined, and in this case, it is difficult to accumulate the hold (rather than adding a hold Since the hold is digested faster), there is a problem that the player's interest is lowered because the hold is stopped and the new variable display of special symbols is not started.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is a game machine capable of suppressing interruption of holding even when a short variation time is repeatedly determined as a variation time of special symbols. for the purpose of providing

In order to solve at least part of the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. i.e.
In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting game balls toward a game area formed on a game board,
A first starting port provided in the game area and into which the game ball can enter;
a second start port provided in the game area and capable of changing the possibility of entering the game ball;
First acquisition information acquired based on the entry of the game ball into the first start opening, and second acquisition information acquired based on the entry of the game ball into the second start opening, Acquisition information storage means for storing each with a predetermined number as an upper limit;
identification information display means for variably displaying identification information based on one of the first acquired information and the second acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means;
variation time setting means for setting a variation time of the identification information at the start of the variation display of the identification information;
Confirmation time setting means for setting a confirmation time to be maintained in order to confirm the identification information stopped and displayed by the identification information display means as the variation time elapses;
specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player after confirmation when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode;
high-frequency state generating means for generating a high-frequency state in which the game ball enters the second start port more frequently than usual based on the establishment of a predetermined condition ;
storage symbol display means for displaying a storage symbol representing each of the first acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means;
with
The fixed time setting means performs the first acquisition stored in the acquired information storage means at a predetermined time from the start of the variable display of the identification information that is not in the high-frequency state to the end of the variable display of the identification information. The confirmation time can be changed according to the number of pieces of information, and when the number of pieces of the first acquired information is one or less, setting the confirmation time longer than when the number is two or more ,
a performance executing means for executing an accumulation performance for accumulating the stored symbols during the fixed time when the fixed time is set longer than a predetermined time;
The stored symbol display means makes the form of the stored symbol to be added during execution of the accumulated effect different from that when the accumulated effect is not being executed.
It is characterized by

According to the present invention, even when a short variation time is repeatedly set as the variation time of the identification information (special symbol), it is possible to prevent the storage (reservation) of the acquired information from being interrupted.

1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. It is an explanatory view showing the board surface configuration of the game board 20 of the present embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged segment display portion 50; FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one mode of display on the effect display device 41; It is a flow chart showing a rough flow of game control processing performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as control relating to the progress of the game. 4 is a flow chart showing special operation processing of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a variation pattern determination table; It is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the relationship between the special figure pending number and the fixed time of the present embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the fixed time production|presentation process which CPU221 of the sub control board|substrate 220 performs. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a coin accumulation effect performed by the effect display device 41; It is explanatory drawing which expanded and showed the pending|holding display area 42 of the production|presentation display apparatus 41. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing symbol variation effect processing performed by a CPU 221 of a sub-control board 220. FIG. It is an explanatory view showing an example of the effect display device 41 set in the slot mode. 10 is a time chart exemplifying how the coin accumulation effect is performed according to the fixed time effect process and the effect of the slot zone is performed according to the symbol variation effect process. It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the relationship between the special figure pending number and the fixed time.

In order to clarify the content of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine (game machine) of the type called "seven machine" or "digi-pachi" will be described. In the embodiment, "front" and "front" indicate "front with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction approaching the player (front side as viewed from the player)", and "back" and "front". "Back" indicates "rear side with respect to the gaming machine", that is, "direction away from the player (back side as seen from the player)". "Upper" means "upper" as seen from the player, "lower" means "lower" as seen from the player, and "left" as seen from the player. It indicates "left", and "right" indicates "right" as seen from the player.

A. Equipment configuration of pachinko machine:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front face of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the middle frame 3 . A game board 20 (see FIG. 2) is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and when the front frame 4 is rotated (opened) to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the middle frame 3, , the game board 20 is exposed. One end (left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame 3 is rotatably supported with respect to the body frame 2 . The body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1 .

A window portion 4a is formed in a substantially central portion of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a. The player can visually recognize a later-described game area of the game board 20 arranged on the far side through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b). A small window portion 4c is formed in the lower right portion of the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted in the small window portion 4c. A player can visually recognize a segment display portion, which will be described later, of the game board 20 arranged on the far side through the small window portion 4c (transparent plate 4d).

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window portion 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right peripheral portion of the window portion 4a, and a left side lamp 5c is provided on the left peripheral portion of the window portion 4a. is provided. A pair of upper speakers 6a are provided on the upper left and right sides of the window portion 4a, and a lower speaker 6b is provided on the lower front side of the body frame 2. As shown in FIG. These upper lamp 5a, right side lamp 5b, left side lamp 5c, upper speaker 6a, and lower speaker 6b are driven in order to enhance the effect of the game.

An upper plate portion 7 is provided below the window portion 4a in the front frame 4. As shown in FIG. In the upper plate portion 7, game balls lent out via a card unit 242 (see FIG. 3) and game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 1 are stored. In addition, a lower plate portion 8 is provided below the upper plate portion 7, and a game ball lent out exceeding the capacity of the upper plate portion 7 and a game ball paid out exceeding the capacity of the upper plate portion 7 are used. A ball is stored.

A firing handle 9 that can be rotated by the player is provided on the right side of the lower plate portion 8 in the front frame 4 . A rotation shaft of the firing handle 9 is connected to a firing device unit 261 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the far side of the firing handle 9 . Game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7 are supplied to the launcher unit 261 . When the player rotates the firing handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the firing device unit 261, the firing motor built in the firing device unit 261 operates, and the game is played with strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing handle 9. A ball is launched.

In addition, on the edge of the front side of the upper plate portion 7, a production button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided. jog shuttle 10b is provided. These effect buttons 10a and jog shuttle 10b are both effect operation units operated by the player, and when they are operated by the player when a predetermined condition is established, a predetermined game effect is performed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the board configuration of the game board 20 of this embodiment. As described above, the game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3 . As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed in the center of the game board 20 . A game ball shot from the shooting device unit 261 (see FIG. 3) passes between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, is released to the game area 21, and flows down the game area 21 from above. Since the game area 21 is visible to the player through the window portion 4a (transparent plate 4b) of the front frame 4, the game ball flowing down the game area 21 can be visually recognized by the player through the window portion 4a as a matter of course. be.

A central device 40 is provided substantially in the center of the game area 21 , and the central device 40 is provided with an effect display device 41 . The production display device 41 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and can display various images for production on its display screen. The display contents of the effect display device 41 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

A normal symbol operation gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41 ) in the game area 21 . When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, it is detected by the built-in gate sensor 27s (see FIG. 3) and flows downward.

Below the central device 40 (effect display device 41) in the game area 21, a first start port 24 is provided. The first starting port 24 is open upward, and the possibility of entering a game ball is unchanged (constant), so that a game ball can enter at all times. A game ball entered into the first starting hole 24 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage and detected by the first starting hole sensor 24s (see FIG. 3).

Below the first starter opening 24 in the game area 21, there is provided a second starter opening 25 in which the ball entry possibility of the game ball can be changed. The second starting port 25 of this embodiment is open forward and has an opening/closing door 26 that can be rotated with its upper end tilted forward about its lower end. It is possible to change between a closed state in which the game ball cannot (or is difficult to enter) standing upright and an open state in which the opening/closing door 26 is rotated forward and a game ball can be entered (or is easily entered). be. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the second starting port 25 is in an open state. A game ball entering the second starting hole 25 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the passage and detected by the second starting hole sensor 25s (see FIG. 3).

On the right side of the first starting hole 24 in the game area 21, there is provided a large prize winning hole 28 that opens forward in a substantially rectangular shape. The large winning opening 28 is provided with an opening/closing door 29 that can rotate with the upper end side tilted forward about the lower end side. The door 29 can be rotated forward to change to an open state in which a game ball can enter. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the big winning opening 28 is in an open state. A game ball entering the big winning hole 28 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the path and detected by the big winning hole sensor 28s (see FIG. 3).

Two winning openings 30 are provided on the left side of the first starting opening 24 in the game area 21 . The other prize winning opening 30 is open upward, and the possibility of entering the game ball does not change, and the game ball can always enter. A game ball entered into the other prize winning opening 30 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through the path and detected by the other winning opening sensor 30s (see FIG. 3).

In the vicinity of each game device described above, there are provided a windmill-shaped wheel 31 that affects the path along which game balls flow, and a large number of game nails (not shown in FIG. 2). Furthermore, an out port 33 is provided at the bottom of the game area 21, and a ball enters any of the above-described first start port 24, second start port 25, big winning port 28, and other winning ports 30. The missing game balls are discharged from the out port 33 to the back side of the game board 20.例文帳に追加

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, due to the arrangement of a plurality of game nails, etc., the above-described first starting port 24 and other prize winning ports 30 flow down the area to the left of the central device 40 (effect display device 41). A game ball can enter. On the other hand, game balls flowing down the area on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) can pass through or enter the normal symbol operation gate 27, the second starting port 25, and the big prize winning port 28. be. Below, shooting a game ball so as to flow down the area on the left side of the central device 40 is also expressed as "left hitting", and shooting a game ball so as to flow down the area on the right side of the central device 40 is also referred to as "right-handed". In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters any one of the first start hole 24, the second start hole 25, and the winning hole 30, three game balls are paid out as prize balls. When a game ball enters the big winning hole 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

Furthermore, a segment display section 50 is provided at the lower right side of the game area 21 on the game board 20 to display information related to the game by combining a plurality of LEDs. The segment display portion 50 can be visually recognized by the player through a small window portion 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. FIG. Note that the display contents of the segment display section 50 will be described later using another drawing.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As illustrated, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards and various boards. Focusing on the functions, it can be roughly divided into a main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, a sub-control board 220 that controls the performance of the game, and an image under the control of the sub-control board 220. An image/audio control board 230 that controls display and sound output, a lamp control board 226 that controls lamp light emission under the control of the sub-control board 220, and a game ball rental and payout control. It is composed of a payout control board 240 and a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of game balls. These control boards include CPUs (CPUs 201, 221, 231, etc. in FIG. 3) that execute various logic operations and calculation operations, and ROMs (ROMs 202, 222 in FIG. 3) that store various programs and data executed by the CPUs. , 232, etc.), RAMs (RAMs 203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing programs, input/output circuits, etc. It is

The main control board 200 includes a first starting hole sensor 24s that detects a game ball entering the first starting hole 24, a second starting hole sensor 25s that detects a game ball entering the second starting hole 25, A gate sensor 27s for detecting a game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 27, a big winning hole sensor 28s for detecting a game ball entering the big winning hole 28, and others detecting a game ball entering the winning hole 30. A winning opening sensor 30s and the like are connected. When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the first starting sensor 24s, the second starting sensor 25s, the gate sensor 27s, the big winning sensor 28s, and the other winning sensor 30s. , and transmits a command corresponding to the sensor that has received the input of the detection signal to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, and the like.

The main control board 200 also includes a starter solenoid 26m for driving the open/close door 26 capable of switching between the open state and the closed state of the second starter port 25, and a starter solenoid 26m for switching between the open state and the closed state of the big prize winning port 28. A large winning opening solenoid 29m for driving the open/close door 29, a segment display section 50, and the like are connected. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting drive signals to the starting solenoid 26m, the big win solenoid 29m, and the segment display section 50. FIG.

The sub-control board 220 is connected to an image/audio control board 230, a lamp control board 226, an effect operation board 228, and the like. When receiving various commands from the main control board 200, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 analyzes the contents of the commands and performs game effects according to the contents. That is, to the image/audio control board 230, a command for designating an output image and an output sound is transmitted, and to the lamp control board 226, the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter referred to as "various A game effect is performed by transmitting a command designating the light emission pattern of the lamps 5a to 5c. In addition, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 detects the player's operation of the effect button 10a or the jog shuttle 10b (hereinafter also referred to as "effect operation units 10a and 10b") via the effect operation board 228, A corresponding game production is performed.

The image/audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234 , an image ROM 235 and an audio ROM 236 in addition to a CPU 231 , a ROM 232 and a RAM 233 . Upon receiving a command from the sub-control board 220, the CPU 231 of the image/audio control board 230 instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads out image data (for example, sprite data, moving image data, etc.) used for displaying the instructed image from the image ROM 235 to generate an image and outputs it to the display screen of the effect display device 41 . When the CPU 231 of the image/audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, the CPU 231 reads the voice data corresponding to the command from the voice ROM 236, and transmits the signal of the voice data to the amplifier board 224. Audio is output from the upper speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b (hereinafter also referred to as "various speakers 6a and 6b").

The payout control board 240 is connected to a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper tray 7, a card unit 242 provided in parallel with the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, the detection signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240 . The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 while communicating data with the payout control board 240 to lend the game balls. Further, when the payout control board 240 receives a payout command instructing the payout of game balls from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 drives the payout motor 243 to pay out the game balls.

A firing control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240 , and a firing device unit 261 is connected to the firing control board 260 . The shooting device unit 261 has a shooting motor 262 for shooting game balls, a touch switch 263 for detecting that the player is touching the shooting handle 9, and the like. When the touch switch 263 detects that the player is touching the shooting handle 9, the shooting motor 262 is activated, and the game ball is shot with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the shooting handle 9.例文帳に追加

B. Game overview:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game progresses as follows. When the player rotates the shooting handle 9 while the game balls are stored in the upper plate portion 7, the game balls stored in the upper plate portion 7 are supplied one by one to the shooting device unit 261, and as shown in FIG. It is shot toward the game area 21 described above. Since the strength of hitting the game ball corresponds to the rotation angle of the shooting handle 9, the player can change the rotation angle of the shooting handle 9 to cause the game ball to flow down to a desired area. For example, a game ball is shot so as to flow down the left area of the central device 40 (effect display device 41) (left hitting), or a game ball flows down the right area of the central device 40 can be fired (or hit right).

As described above, a left-handed game ball can enter the first starting port 24 . When the game ball enters the first starting port 24 and is detected by the first starting port sensor 24s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a big hit judgment random number) is obtained, and whether it is a big hit or not based on the value of the judgment random number. After performing a big hit determination to determine whether or not it is out, a variable display of the first special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as "first special symbol") is performed in the segment display section 50. FIG. Also, a right-handed game ball can enter the second starting port 25 . When the game ball enters the second starting hole 25 and is detected by the second starting hole sensor 25s, a judgment random number is acquired and a big hit is judged, and then a second special symbol is displayed on the segment display part 50. (hereinafter also referred to as "second special figure") is displayed. In addition, below, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it may simply be referred to as a "special symbol".

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged segment display section 50. As shown in FIG. As described above, the segment display portion 50 can be visually recognized by the player through the small window portion 4c (see FIG. 1) provided in the front frame 4. FIG. As illustrated, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a first special figure display unit 51 that displays the first special figure and a second special figure display unit 52 that displays the second special figure. It consists of 9 LEDs. The first special figure and the second special figure are variably displayed by blinking nine LEDs (switching the LEDs to be lit) on the corresponding display units 51 and 52, and with a predetermined combination of LEDs lit Stop is displayed. At this time, if the result of the big hit determination is a big win, the LEDs of the combination corresponding to the big win pattern are lit up, and if the result is a loss, the LEDs of the combination corresponding to the winning pattern are lit up. The first special figure and the second special figure of this embodiment correspond to the "identification information" of the present invention, and the segment display unit 50 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "identification information display means" of the present invention. Equivalent.

In addition, even if the game ball enters the first start port 24 or the second start port 25, the condition for starting a new variable display is not satisfied during the variable display of the first special figure or the second special figure. In the case, the value of the judgment random number obtained by entering the first starting port 24 is stored as the first special figure reservation, and the value of the judgment random number obtained by entering the second starting port 25 is stored as the second special Store as figure pending. After that, when the condition for starting a new variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is satisfied, the big hit determination is performed based on the first special symbol reservation or the second special symbol reservation, and the corresponding special symbol The variable display of the pattern is performed. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, each of such first special figure suspension and second special figure suspension can be stored up to four. Further, when both the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation are stored, the big hit determination based on the second special figure reservation is performed in preference to the first special figure reservation (the second special figure reservation). Since the figure reservation is preferentially digested), the big hit determination based on the first special figure reservation is performed when the second special figure reservation is not stored.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 includes a first special figure reservation display unit 53 that displays the number of stored first special figure reservations (first special figure reservation number), and a second special figure reservation storage A second special figure reservation display unit 54 for displaying the number (second special figure reservation number) is provided, and each consists of two LEDs. In these pending display units 53 and 54, if the pending number is 0, both LEDs are turned off, if the pending number is 1, one LED is lit, and if the pending number is 2, Two LEDs light up, one LED blinks if the number of reservations is three, and two LEDs blink if the number of reservations is four.

When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stop-displayed as a big win symbol, a big win game is executed in which the big winning opening 28 is opened. In the jackpot game, a round game is repeated multiple times in which the opened jackpot 28 is closed when the upper limit number (for example, 9) of game balls enters or when a predetermined opening time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. . In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot symbols are provided, and the number of round games performed in the jackpot game differs depending on the type of the jackpot symbols stopped and displayed (for example, 4 times, 7 times, 10 times, etc.). times). As described above, a right-handed game ball can enter the big winning hole 28, and when a game ball enters the big winning hole 28, 13 game balls are paid out as prize balls. A player can win a large amount of prize balls through the jackpot game.

Further, as described above, the normal symbol operation gate 27 is provided on the right side of the central device 40 (effect display device 41), and the game ball struck to the right can pass through the normal symbol operation gate 27. . When the game ball passing through the normal pattern operation gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, a predetermined determination random number (such as a normal pattern hit determination random number) is acquired, and whether the normal pattern hit or miss is obtained based on the value of the determination random number. After the normal pattern hit determination is performed, the segment display unit 50 performs normal symbol variation display.

As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 is provided with a normal pattern display section 56 for displaying normal patterns, and is composed of two left and right LEDs. The normal symbol is variably displayed by blinking two LEDs (switching the LED to be lit) in the normal symbol display unit 56, and is stopped while one LED is lit. At this time, if the result of the normal pattern hit determination is a normal pattern hit, the LED on the left side corresponding to the normal pattern hit pattern is lit, and if it is a loss, the right LED corresponding to the lost pattern is lit. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as the normal per symbol, the second start port 25 is opened for a predetermined period of time and then returned to the closed state after the normal per pattern game is performed. The possibility that the game ball enters (ie, the possibility that the second special figure is displayed in a variable manner) increases.

In addition, even if the game ball passes through the normal pattern activation gate 27, if the condition for starting a new variable display is not satisfied during the variable display of normal patterns, etc., the value of the acquired determination random number is reserved for the normal pattern. It is possible to store up to four items as After that, when the condition for starting a new variable display of normal symbols is satisfied, normal pattern hit determination and variable display of normal symbols are performed based on the normal pattern reservation. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal pattern hold display unit 57 composed of two LEDs. It is displayed on the display unit 57 .

The opening time of the second starting port 25 in the per-universal figure game differs depending on whether it is an "electrical support state" or a "non-electrical support state". In the electric support state, the opening time of the second starting port 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. In addition, in the electric sapo state, the probability that the result of the normal pattern hit determination is a normal pattern hit is higher than in the non-electric support state (normal pattern hit probability), and the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is set short. Therefore, in the electric support state, the possibility that the game ball enters the second starting port 25 compared to the non-electric support state (that is, the possibility that the second special figure will be displayed) increases, and the electric support state During the middle, the right-handed hit is advantageous for the player. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with an electric support display unit 58 composed of three LEDs. Indicates that the state is in progress.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of jackpot symbols provided are roughly divided into "normal winning symbols" and "variable winning symbols", and which special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is selected. Even when the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, the power support state is set after the jackpot game ends. In the case of the normal winning pattern, the probability that the result of the jackpot determination will be a big win (jackpot probability) is set to a predetermined normal probability (low probability) after the end of the jackpot game, and the number of times the special pattern changes is a predetermined number. When it reaches (for example, 100 times), it is set to the non-electric support state. On the other hand, in the case of the probability variable winning pattern, the big winning probability is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability after the big winning game ends, and is continued until the next big winning game together with the electric support state. Below, the state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability may be referred to as "probability variable state". In addition, in the electric sapo state, since the fluctuation time of the special symbols (first special figure and second special figure) is likely to be set shorter than in the non-electric sapo state, it is in the electric sapo state and the jackpot probability is normal probability The state set to may be referred to as a "time saving state".

Further, in conjunction with the variable display of the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) described above, the effect display device 41 displays various images for effect. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating one mode of display on the effect display device 41. As shown in FIG. On the display screen of the effect display device 41, three identification patterns 41a, 41b, 41c as patterns for effect and a background image 41d as a background thereof can be displayed. When the variable display of the special symbols is started in the first special symbol display portion 51 or the second special symbol display portion 52 of the segment display portion 50, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are also displayed in the effect display device 41 with a plurality of numbers. (For example, 9 numbers from "1" to "9") are changed one after another and displayed in a variable manner (hereinafter also referred to as "symbol variation effect"). Incidentally, the identification pattern may be a pattern in which letters, figures, symbols or the like are designed in addition to numbers, as long as the type can be identified by the player.

FIG. 5(a) conceptually shows how the three identification patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are simultaneously variably displayed. When a predetermined time elapses after the start of the variable display, the left identification pattern 41a is first stopped and displayed as one of "1" to "9", then the right identification pattern 41c is stopped and finally displayed in the middle. The identification pattern 41b is stopped and displayed. The three identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stop-displayed with a combination (separate eyes) of the same number when the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is stopped and displayed as a missing symbol. On the other hand, when the special symbol is a big hit symbol and is stopped and displayed, a combination of the same numbers (coordinates) is stopped and displayed. In particular, when the special symbols are stop-displayed as odd winning symbols which are more advantageous for the player than the normal winning symbols, the identification symbols 41a, 41b and 41c are stop-displayed with the same odd number.

By making the display contents of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c on the effect display device 41 correspond to the display contents of the special symbols, two of the three identification symbols are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 5(b). If the numbers are the same when the number is the same, the player will pay attention to the variable display of the identification symbols (symbol variation performance), assuming that the identification symbols stopped and displayed at the end will also have the same numbers. In this way, the production performed while the last identification pattern is variably displayed in a state where the two identification patterns are stopped and displayed with the same pattern is called "ready-to-win production". It is possible to increase In addition, such a reach production is provided with a normal reach production (normal reach production) and a reach production (super reach production) that lasts longer than the normal reach production, and by developing into a super reach production, identification It suggests that the symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are highly likely to be stop-displayed with double eyes (big hit reliability).

In addition, at the bottom of the display screen of the effect display device 41, a reservation display area 42 (indicated by a dashed line enclosed part) is provided. In the pending display area 42 of the present embodiment, as pending symbols (heart shape in the figure), a non-executed symbol 43 corresponding to a special symbol pending which has not yet executed variable display of a special symbol, and a special symbol 43 which has already started variable display. An executed symbol 44 corresponding to the special figure suspension that triggered the execution of the symbol is displayed, and if it is in a non-electrical support state (when hitting left), a suspension symbol corresponding to the first special figure suspension. is displayed, and if it is in the electric sapo state (at the time of hitting to the right), a hold symbol corresponding to the second special figure hold is displayed. As described above, a maximum of four unexecuted symbols 43 can be stored in the reservation display area 42 as shown in the example of FIG. Up to four can be displayed.

C. Control contents of the pachinko machine of this embodiment:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as control relating to the progress of the game. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process of FIG. 6 based on the timer interrupt that occurs at a predetermined period (for example, every 4 msec). In the following description, description of well-known processing such as initialization processing of the CPU 201, interrupt prohibition processing, and interrupt enable processing will be omitted.

When the game control process is started, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first performs an output process (S10). In the main control board 200 of this embodiment, various commands to be sent to various control boards including the sub-control board 220 in each process to be described later are temporarily stored in an output buffer secured in the RAM 203. In the output process (S10), various commands stored in the output buffer are transmitted to various control boards. By doing so, for example, the sub-control board 220 controls an effect in accordance with the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out game balls.

After the output process (S10), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the input process (S20). As described above, when a game ball enters any one of the first starting hole 24, the second starting hole 25, the big winning hole 28, and the other winning hole 30, the game ball is paid out as a prize ball. . Therefore, in the input process (S20), various sensors (first starting hole sensor 24s, second starting hole sensor 25s, big winning hole sensor 28s, other winning hole sensor 30s, etc.) that detect entering balls detect game balls. determine whether it did. Then, when the game ball is detected, a payout command for instructing the payout of the game ball is stored in the output buffer described above. The payout command thus stored in the output buffer is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output process (S10). The payout control board 240 that has received the command pays out three game balls if the game ball enters the first start hole 24, the second start hole 25, or the winning hole 30 as described above. , if it is the big winning hole 28, 13 game balls are paid out.

After completing the input process (S20), next, a random number update process (S30) is performed. As described above, the general pattern hit determination and the special symbol jackpot determination are performed based on a predetermined determination random number value. In addition to this, various decisions to be described later are made based on the value of the dedicated random number. These random numbers are updated in the random number update process (S30). In addition, the update of the random number is not only in the random number update process (S30) in the game control process, but also from the time the game control process is once finished until the next game control process is started (timer interrupt occurs). It may be done in between. Alternatively, a dedicated circuit for updating the random number may be provided, and the random number may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

After completing the random number update process (S30), the gate sensor detection process (S40) is performed. In the gate sensor detection process (S40), when the game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 27 is detected by the gate sensor 27s, it is determined whether or not the number of normal symbol reservations has reached the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If it is determined and has not reached, the determination random number per normal pattern is acquired, and the obtained random number value is stored in the RAM 203 as a normal pattern hold.

Following the gate sensor detection process (S40), the starting door sensor detection process (S50) is performed. In the starting hole sensor detection process (S50), when the game ball entering the first starting hole 24 is detected by the first starting hole sensor 24s, the first special figure reservation number is the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not it has reached, and if it has not reached, a predetermined judgment random number is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the RAM 203 as the first special figure reservation. Also, when the game ball entering the second starting port 25 is detected by the second starting port sensor 25s, it is determined whether the second special figure reservation number has reached the upper limit ("4" in this embodiment). Then, if it has not reached, a predetermined determination random number is acquired, and the acquired random value is stored in the RAM 203 as the second special figure reservation. Here, as the judgment random number, the big hit judgment random number for judging the big hit, the symbol determination random number for deciding the type of the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed with the special symbol in the case of the big hit, and the start of the variable display of the special symbol. Acquire a variation pattern determination random number or the like for determining the variation pattern from to stop display. In addition, the determination random number stored as the first special figure suspension or the second special figure suspension of the present embodiment corresponds to the "acquisition information" of the present invention, and the RAM 203 of the present embodiment that stores the special figure suspension , corresponds to the "obtained information storage means" of the present invention.

Furthermore, with the storage of the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation, a reservation addition command indicating the addition of the special figure reservation (first special figure reservation or second special figure reservation) is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. . This pending addition command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). Add 43.

When the starting port sensor detection process (S50) ends, next, normal operation process (S60) is performed. In the normal operation process (S60), mainly the following processes are performed. First, it is determined whether or not normal symbols are being displayed in a variable manner or a game per normal pattern is being executed. When neither normal pattern variable display nor normal pattern per game is being executed, after confirming that a predetermined fixed time has passed since the normal pattern stop display, the normal pattern pending number is "0". Determine whether or not If the normal pattern reservation number is not "0" (if the normal pattern reservation is stored), read the first stored general pattern reservation, and read the normal pattern reservation (normal pattern per decision random number value) Judgment per normal pattern is performed based on. In this normal pattern hit determination, if the value of the normal pattern hit determination random number read as a normal pattern hold is a predetermined hit value, it is determined to be a normal pattern hit, and if it is an outlier value other than the hit value, it is determined to be out. . In addition, as described above, in the electric sapo state, the probability of hitting a normal figure is set higher than in the non-electric sapo state (the hit value is more). On the other hand, in the electric sapo state, the probability per normal figure is set to 99/100.

Then, based on the result of the normal pattern hit determination, it is determined whether the normal pattern should be stop-displayed as the normal pattern-hit pattern or should be stop-displayed as the losing pattern. Furthermore, the normal pattern fluctuation time is set, the normal pattern fluctuation display is started, and "1" is subtracted from the normal pattern pending number. As described above, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is set shorter than in the non-electric support state. Variation time is set to 1 second.

When the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner, it is determined whether or not the variable time has elapsed, and when the variable time elapses, the normal pattern is stopped and displayed with the decided normal pattern winning pattern or the winning pattern. Then, after waiting for the fixed time to pass, if the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a lost symbol, the process of starting the variable display of the normal symbol again is performed. On the other hand, when the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a normal per pattern, a normal per per pattern game is started.

During the regular game, the starting port solenoid 26m is driven to open the second starting port 25, and after the opening time elapses, processing is performed to return it to the closed state. As described above, in the electric support state, the opening time of the second starting port 25 is set longer than in the non-electric support state. open), while in the electric sapo state the open time is set to 4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds x 3 open times). After the normal operation process (S60) is completed in this way, the special operation process (S70) is subsequently performed.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the special operation process of this embodiment. When the special action process (S70) is started, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the first special figure or the second special figure is being variably displayed (S71). If neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is being variably displayed (S71: no), then it is determined whether or not the first special figure or the second special figure is being definite displayed ( S72). When the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is stopped and displayed, the state of being stopped and displayed in order to confirm the stopped and displayed symbol (jackpot symbol or missing symbol) is set for a preset confirmation time. By maintaining until the time elapses, a fixed display is performed.

When neither the first special figure nor the second special figure is being displayed as finalized (S72: no), it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S73). The jackpot flag is a flag indicating that the jackpot game is in progress, and the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 has a storage area for the jackpot flag. If the jackpot flag is not set to ON, that is, if the jackpot game is not in progress (S73: no), then whether the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number are "0" (S74). When both the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number are "0" (S74: yes), the special operation process of FIG. 7 is terminated without starting the variable display of the special symbol. , returns to the game control process of FIG.

On the other hand, if the first special figure reservation number or the second special figure reservation number is not "0" (S74: no), the various judgment random numbers (jackpot judgment random number, design decision Random number, variation pattern determination random number) is read out (S75). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the second special figure suspension is first stored, the first stored second special figure suspension is read, and if the second special figure suspension is not stored, the first It is designed to read the first special figure reservation stored in. Therefore, when both the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation are stored, the second special figure reservation is read with priority over the first special figure reservation (the second special figure reservation is preferentially digested). Therefore, reading the first special figure reservation is limited to when the second special figure reservation is not stored.

After reading out the second special figure reservation or the first special figure reservation in this manner, a big hit determination process (S76) is performed. In the jackpot determination process (S76), a jackpot determination is performed while referring to a jackpot determination table (not shown) using the value of the jackpot determination random number read as the second special-pending reservation or the first special-pending reservation. The big-hit determination table is a table in which the value of the big-hit determination random number is associated with the big-hit determination result of "big hit" or "loss", and is stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 in advance. If the value of the read-out big hit determination random number is a value (jackpot value) corresponding to "big hit", it is determined to be a big hit, and if it is a value (outlier) corresponding to "outlier", it is determined to be out. In addition, as described above, during the variable probability state, the probability of the big hit is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability, and the big hit is more likely to occur than in the non-variable state. For example, if you are in a non-variable state, you will get a "jackpot" judgment result with a probability of about 1/300, whereas if you are in a variable state, you will have a probability of about 1/100. You can get a judgment result of "big hit" with probability.

Also, if the result of the big-hit determination is a big-hit, a big-hit symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined. As described above, a plurality of jackpot symbols are provided, and are roughly divided into normal winning symbols and odd winning symbols. The determination of the jackpot design is performed while referring to the jackpot design determination table (not shown) using the value of the symbol determination random number read as the second special design reservation or the first special design reservation. The jackpot symbol determination table is a table in which the value of the symbol determination random number is associated with a plurality of jackpot symbols, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 . Then, the jackpot symbol associated with the value of the read symbol determination random number is determined as a symbol to be stopped and displayed (stop symbol). On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination is a loss, the winning symbol is determined as the stop symbol.

After the big hit determination process (S76) as described above, the variation pattern determination process (S77) is performed. Here, the variation pattern is for identifying the time (variation time) from when the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) starts the variable display to the stop display. The fluctuation patterns set have different fluctuation times. In the variation pattern determination process (S77), while referring to the variation pattern determination table, using the value of the variation pattern determination random number read as the second special figure reservation or the first special figure reservation, the special symbol to start the variation display Determining fluctuation patterns. The variation pattern determination table is pre-stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200 .

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a variation pattern determination table. As shown in the figure, in the variation pattern determination table, the value of the variation pattern determination random number is associated with the variation pattern ID assigned to each of the plurality of variation patterns, and is set for the plurality of variation patterns. The variable times are different from each other. Such a variation pattern determination table is roughly divided into a table for the variable probability state, a table for the time saving state, and a table for the normal state according to the game state. As described above, the electric support state is set in the variable probability state and the time saving state, while the normal state is set to the non-electric support state. In addition, in the electric support state, the fluctuation time of the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is set shorter than in the non-electrical support state. Therefore, in the variation pattern determination table for the probability variable state and the time saving state, many variation patterns with shorter variation times are set than in the variation pattern determination table for the normal state.

The variation pattern determination table roughly divided according to the game state in this way is subdivided into a big win table and a losing table according to the result of the big win determination. When the result of judging a big hit is a big hit, the above-mentioned ready-to-win effect is often performed, and in order to make it easier to secure the execution time, the table for big wins has a longer fluctuation time than the table for winning. fluctuation pattern is set. In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to set an acceleration mode that repeats variable display for a short variable time (for example, 5 seconds) with a special symbol (first special symbol) even in a normal state that is a non-electrical support state. A variation pattern determination table is provided in which only variation patterns with short variation times are set for the acceleration mode. Further, the subdivision of various variation pattern determination tables is not limited to this, and may be subdivided according to the type of special symbol (either the first special symbol or the second special symbol), for example. In addition, it may be subdivided according to the number of special figures pending stored, and the larger the number of special figures pending, the faster the digestion of the hold, the variation pattern in which the variation pattern with a short variation time is set A decision table may also be used.

In the variation pattern determination process (S77), the current game state, the result of the big hit determination, the presence or absence of the acceleration mode setting, the type of special symbol, the number of special symbols held stored, etc. Variation selected according to While referring to the pattern determination table, the variation pattern associated with the value of the variation pattern determination random number read as the second special figure suspension or the first special figure suspension is determined as the current variation pattern. It should be noted that the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the "fluctuation time setting means" of the present invention.

When the variation pattern determination process (S77) ends, the variation display of the special symbols is started (S78). Also, with the start of the variable display of the special symbol, if it is the second special symbol, "1" is subtracted from the second special symbol reservation number, and if it is the first special symbol, "1" is subtracted from the first special symbol reservation number. " is subtracted. Furthermore, a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern and a stop design designation command for designating a stop design are stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 . These commands are transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). As will be described later, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives these commands to cause the effect display device 41 to perform a symbol variation effect in accordance with the variable display of the special symbols.

When the variable display of the special symbol is started in this way, the special action process of FIG. 7 is temporarily terminated, and the game control process of FIG. 6 is returned to. Also, in the game control process, when returning from the special action process (S70), the process is temporarily terminated, and when a timer interrupt occurs every 4 msec, the game control process of FIG. 6 is executed again. Then, when a series of processes after the output process (S10) are performed and the special action process (S70) is restarted, it is determined in the determination of S71 shown in FIG. (S71: yes), special symbol stop processing (S79) is performed.

In the special symbol stop processing (S79), first, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbols being displayed has elapsed. As described above, the variation time of the special symbols is set to the variation pattern determined at the start of the variation display, and if the variation time has not yet passed, the special symbol stop processing ( S79) is ended, the special action process of FIG. 7 is also ended, and the game control process of FIG. 6 is returned to.

After that, while repeating the game control process of FIG. 6, when the fluctuation time of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) during variable display has passed, the stored stop symbol (jackpot symbol or missing symbol) ) to stop and display the special symbol. In addition, a fixed time is set to be maintained for fixing the stopped and displayed special symbols. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to change the fixed time according to the number of special figures pending stored. Refer to the number of reservations, and if it is in the electric sapo state (when striking to the right), refer to the number of second special figure reservations. It should be noted that the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the "determined time setting means" of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the special figure pending number and the fixed time in this embodiment. As described above, each of the first special figure reservation and the second special figure reservation can be stored up to four, and the confirmation time is predetermined for each number of special figure reservations. In the illustrated example, if the special figure pending number is the maximum "4", the fixed time is 0.5 seconds. Also, when the special figure pending number is "3" or "2", the fixed time is 0.5 seconds. On the other hand, if the special figure pending number is "1" or "0", the fixed time is longer and is 7.0 seconds.

After setting the fixed time according to the number of special symbols reserved in this way, the variable stop command indicating the stop display of the special symbols is stored in the output buffer of the RAM203. The fluctuation stop command of this embodiment includes information about the fixed time. This variation stop command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10), and when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the command, the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 41 ends.

When the special action process of FIG. 7 is finished in a state in which the special symbols are stopped and displayed (confirmed display) in this way, in the next special action process, it is determined that the special symbols are being confirmed and displayed (S72: yes), a special symbol determination process (S80) is performed. In the special symbol confirmation process (S80), first, it is determined whether or not the confirmation time has passed since the special symbol is stopped and displayed. As described above, the fixed time of the special symbol is set in advance according to the number of special symbols reserved. If the fixed time has not passed yet, the special symbol fixing process (S80) is terminated as it is, the special action process of FIG. 7 is also terminated, and the game control process of FIG. 6 is returned to.

After that, when the special symbol confirmation time elapses, it is determined whether the confirmed and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol or a winning symbol. If the fixed and displayed special symbol is a missing symbol, then it is determined whether or not the game is in the time saving state. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of variations of the special symbols is counted by the time-saving counter during the time-saving state. there is Then, when the number of fluctuations of the special pattern reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) during the time-saving state in which the jackpot probability is the normal probability and in the electric sapo state, the electric sapo state is ended and it is in the non-electric sapo state. Set to normal state. Also, when the game state is changed, a game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 and transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). On the other hand, if it is not in the time saving state, but in the variable probability state or in the normal state, the special operation process of FIG. 7 is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the confirmed and displayed special pattern is a big win pattern, the big win flag indicating that the big win game is in progress is set to ON, and the opening pattern of the big win opening 28 in the big win game (number of rounds, number of rounds, open time, closed time, etc.). Also, a jackpot start command indicating the start of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

When the special action process of FIG. 7 is finished with the big hit flag set to ON in this way, in the next special action process, it is judged in S73 that the big hit flag is set to ON (S73: yes). , a big hit game process (S81) is performed. In the jackpot game process (S81), the round game is started by first driving the jackpot solenoid 29m to open the jackpot 28. After that, when the opening time elapses or the maximum number of game balls enter the big winning hole 28, the big winning hole 28 is closed to end the round game, and the next round game is played after the closing time elapses. to start. Then, when the set number of rounds is completely consumed, the jackpot flag is set to OFF. Also, a jackpot end command indicating the end of the jackpot game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10). Incidentally, the jackpot game of the present embodiment corresponds to the "specific game" of the present invention, and the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment that performs the jackpot game process is the "specific game executing means" of the present invention. Equivalent.

Furthermore, the game state after the end of the big win game is set according to the type of the confirmed and displayed big win symbol. That is, if the jackpot pattern is a probability variation pattern, it is set to a probability variation state (an electric sapo state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability), and if the jackpot pattern is a normal hit pattern, the time saving state (the jackpot probability is a normal probability (Electric support state set to ). Also, a game state designation command indicating the game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203 and transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S10).

When the special action process of FIG. 7 is ended with the big hit flag set to OFF in this way, in the next special action process, the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number are not "0" (S74 : no), a process (S75 to S78) for newly starting variable display of special symbols is performed.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 progresses the game on the pachinko machine 1 by repeatedly performing the above-described game control processing. Further, as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits various commands toward the sub control board 220 while executing game control processing. Then, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the specific content of the effect based on the received command, and designates the display content and the sound content to the image/audio control board 230 and the lamp control board 226 to display the effect. Various game effects are executed using the device 41, various speakers 6a and 6b, and various lamps 5a to 5c. Processing executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 based on commands received from the main control board 200 will be described below.

C-2. Fixed time production process:
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the fixed time rendering process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. As shown in FIG. This fixed time effect processing is executed when the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 41 is terminated (the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed) based on the symbol stop command received from the main control board 200.

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts the fixed time rendering process, first, it determines whether or not the fixed time of the stopped special symbol is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (for example, 5.0 seconds) (S100). As described above, the fixed time of the special symbol is set in advance according to the number of reserved special symbols, and the symbol stop command from the main control board 200 includes information about the fixed time. Then, when the fixed time of the special symbol is less than the predetermined time (S100: no), the fixed time production process of FIG. 10 is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the fixed time of the special symbol is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (S100: yes), the effect display device 41 starts the coin accumulation effect (S101). FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the coin accumulation effect performed by the effect display device 41. As shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, while the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c that are stopped and displayed as loose stitches are reduced in size and confirmed and displayed at the upper right corner of the display screen of the effect display device 41, the characters "Collect coins!" Along with the display, an effect is executed in which a character appears and collects coins. Incidentally, the effect display device 41 of the present embodiment corresponds to the "effect executing means" of the present invention.

While the coin accumulation effect is being executed in this way, it is then determined whether or not a pending addition command has been received from the main control board 200 (S102). As described above, the pending addition command is a command indicating the addition of the special figure pending (first special figure pending or second special figure pending), and when the pending additional command is received (S102: yes), the effect display device The unexecuted symbol 43 is added to the reserved display area 42 of 41 (S103).

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged pending display area 42 of the effect display device 41. As shown in FIG. As described above, in the pending display area 42, the non-executed symbol 43 corresponding to the special symbol pending which has not yet executed the variable display of the special symbols, and the special symbol pending which has triggered the execution of the special symbol whose variable display has already started. and the executed symbol 44 corresponding to is displayed. In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, as the shape of the reserved symbols, in addition to the heart shape, a coin-like shape is prepared. 43a is added, while an unexecuted coin symbol 43b is added during execution of the coin accumulation effect. The unexecuted symbol 43 of this embodiment corresponds to the "stored representation" of the present invention, and the pending display area 42 of this embodiment corresponds to the "stored representation display means" of the present invention.

On the other hand, if the pending addition command has not been received from the main control board 200 (S102: no), the process of S103 is omitted, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol confirmation time has elapsed (S104). If the fixed time has not yet passed (S104: no), the process returns to S102 to determine again whether or not the hold addition command has been received. In this way, while repeating the process of adding the unexecuted coin symbol 43b to the pending display area 42 while confirming the reception of the pending addition command, if the special symbol confirmation time has passed (S104: yes), the effect display device 41 (S105), and the fixed time effect process of FIG. 10 is ended.

C-3. Design variation effect processing:
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the symbol variation rendering process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. As shown in FIG. This symbol variation effect processing is executed when a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command are received from the main control board 200. FIG. As described above, the variation pattern specification command and the stop symbol specification command are transmitted from the main control board 200 along with the start of the variation display of the special symbols.

When starting the symbol variation effect processing, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first determines whether or not the symbol variation effect newly started in accordance with the variable display of the special symbol corresponds to the unexecuted symbol 43b of the coin. (S110). As described above, the unexecuted symbols 43 displayed in the reserved display area 42 include the heart unexecuted symbol 43a added when the coin accumulation effect is not being executed and the heart symbol 43a added during the coin accumulation effect being executed. There is an unexecuted symbol 43b of a coin that is used. Then, if the symbol variation effect corresponds to the unexecuted heart symbol 43a (S110: no), processing (effect content determination processing) is performed (S111).

In the effect content determination process (S111), the symbol variation effect is determined according to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command. As described above, the variation pattern corresponds to the variation time of the special symbol, and the effect execution time of the design variation effect provided in large numbers matches the variation time corresponding to any one of the variation patterns. Therefore, the pattern variation performance of the performance execution time corresponding to the variation pattern is determined as the current pattern variation performance from among many pattern variation performances. It should be noted that many pattern variation effects include the above-mentioned reach effect (normal reach effect, super reach effect), etc., but when a variation pattern with a short change time is specified, naturally the pattern change effect is executed. When the time is short and there is no time to perform the ready-to-win performance, etc., the symbol variation performance is determined to display the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c in a momentary variation.

When the effect content determination process (S111) ends in this way, the symbol variation effect is started (S112). That is, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 transmits a command designating the determined symbol variation effect to the image/audio control board 230 . The image/audio control board 230 that has received the command displays an image corresponding to the command on the effect display device 41, and outputs audio corresponding to the command from the various speakers 6a and 6b. As a result, the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c start to be variably displayed on the effect display device 41, and after that, the ready-to-win effect and the like are accompanied.

On the other hand, in the judgment of S110, if the symbol variation effect corresponds to the unexecuted coin symbol 43a (S110: yes), the display mode of the effect display device 41 is set to the slot mode (S113). FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the effect display device 41 set in the slot mode. In the illustrated example, the reduced identification patterns 41a, 41, 41c are moved to the upper left corner of the display screen of the effect display device 41, and three effect patterns 45a, 45b, 45c imitating the reel of a slot machine and " Slot zone!” is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 41.

Designs such as "seven," "bar," "bell," "watermelon," and "cherry" are drawn on each of the performance designs 45a, 45b, and 45c. When 45a, 45b, and 45c are stopped and displayed, a total of nine patterns are displayed, three for each reel. When the identification symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed with double eyes, the effect symbols 45a, 45b, and 45c include three effective lines in the horizontal upper, middle, and lower rows, and two diagonal lines. Three "seven" or "bar" patterns are displayed together on any of the activated lines.

Then, after setting the display mode of the effect display device 41 to the slot mode, effect content determination processing (S111) is performed, and after determining the pattern variation effect using the effect patterns 45a, 45b, 45c according to the variation pattern, the pattern is determined. A variable effect is started (S112). That is, on the display screen of the effect display device 41, the variable display of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is started at the upper left corner, and the rotation of each reel of the effect symbols 45a, 45b, 45c is started.

Also, with the start of the symbol variation effect, a pending display update process is performed (S114). In the pending display update process (S114), the unexecuted symbol 43 (the first added unexecuted symbol 43) corresponding to the started symbol variation effect is moved to the executed symbol 44. FIG. As described above, in the effect display device 41, the display mode is set to the slot mode based on the unexecuted coin symbol 43b. starts rotating, it moves the unexecuted symbol 43 b of the coin to the executed symbol 44 . As a result, it is possible to give the player the impression that the slot zone game is played using the unexecuted symbols 43b of coins added in the above-described coin accumulation effect. It should be noted that the executed symbols 44 in the pending display area 42 are erased after the fixed time has elapsed after the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

When the pending display update process (S114) ends, it is determined whether or not a symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S115). If the symbol stop command has not yet been received (S115: no), the game will be in a standby state until the symbol stop command is received. After that, when the symbol stop command is received (S115: yes), the symbol variation effect is terminated (S116).

The combination of the identification symbols 41a, 41b, 41c stopped and displayed on the effect display device 41 at the end of the symbol variation effect is determined based on the stop symbol designation command from the main control board 200, and the stop symbol of the special symbol is determined. If the pattern is a lost pattern, it is a loose pattern, whereas if the stop pattern of the special pattern is a big hit pattern, it is a double pattern. Further, when the display mode of the effect display device 41 is the slot zone set to the slot mode, all the reels of the effect symbols 45a, 45b, 45c are stopped at the end of the symbol variation effect. If the identification patterns 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed with double eyes, the production patterns 45a, 45b, 45c have three patterns of "seven" or "bar" on any of the five lines. displayed together.

When the symbol variation effect is completed in this manner, the symbol variation effect process of FIG. 13 is terminated, and the process shifts to the fixed time effect process of FIG. 10 described above. The slot zone continues until there are no unexecuted symbols 43b of coins displayed in the reserved display area 42 (up to four times).

FIG. 15 is a time chart exemplifying how the coin accumulation effect is performed according to the fixed time effect process described above and the slot zone effect is performed according to the symbol variation effect process described above. In the illustrated example, the variable display of the first special figure is performed based on the first special figure reservation in the non-electric support state (at the time of left-handed hitting), and accordingly, the identification patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed on the effect display device 41. Variation display (symbol variation effect) is performed. In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to set the acceleration mode in the normal state of the non-electric support state, and as described above, in the acceleration mode, the first special figure has a short fluctuation time (for example, 5 seconds) The variable display is repeated.

In such an acceleration mode, if the first special figure pending number is "2" or more, the confirmation time is set to a short time (0.5 seconds), and it is difficult to accumulate special figure reservations (rather than adding special figure reservations) Figure retention tends to be digested quickly). Heart-shaped marks in the figure represent unexecuted symbols 43a. Then, when the first special figure pending number decreases and becomes the remaining "1", the fixed time is set to a long time (7.0 seconds), and during this long time fixed display, the effect display device 41 coin An accumulation effect is performed.

During the coin accumulation effect, when the first special figure reservation is stored based on the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 24, the unexecuted coin symbol 43b is added to the reservation display area 42.例文帳に追加In the example of FIG. 15, three unexecuted coin symbols 43b are added during the coin accumulation effect. After that, when the symbol variation effect corresponding to the unexecuted coin symbol 43b is performed, the display mode of the effect display device 41 is set to the slot mode to become the slot zone. Since this slot zone continues until there are no more unexecuted coin symbols 43b, the slot zone continues longer as the number of unexecuted coin symbols 43b added during the coin accumulation effect increases.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to change the special symbol fixing time according to the number of special symbols reserved. Therefore, even in the acceleration mode that repeats the fluctuation display of the short fluctuation time in the first special figure, by securing a longer confirmation time when the number of special figure reservations is smaller than when the number of special figure reservations is large, It is possible to increase the possibility of drawing pending accumulation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from deteriorating due to the termination of the special symbol reservation and the failure to start the variable display of new special symbols.

In particular, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the fixed time when the number of reserved special symbols is "1" is set longer than the fixed time when the number of reserved special symbols is "2" or more. If the number of special reserves remaining is "1", the probability that the special reserves will be discontinued will increase compared to when it is "2" or more, so by securing a long confirmation time, special reserves can accumulate. It is possible to suppress the discontinuity by increasing the quality.

Also, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the fixed time (7.0 seconds) when the number of reserved special figures is "1" is changed from the fluctuation time (5.0 seconds) of the first special figure in the acceleration mode. is set too long. If the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display of the first special figure, which is performed when the special figure reservation number remains "1", is set short, the probability that the special figure reservation will be discontinued will be high, so the special figure reservation number will be "1" , it is possible to increase the possibility that the pending state will be accumulated by ensuring that the fixed time is at least longer than the immediately preceding variable time.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the long-time confirmation display in which the special symbol confirmation time is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 5.0 seconds), the coin accumulation effect is performed. When the reservation is stored, an unexecuted coin symbol 43b is added to the reservation display area 42. - 特許庁After the end of the coin accumulation effect, the pattern variation effect corresponding to the unexecuted coin symbols 43b is set as a special zone (slot zone), and the slot zone continues until all the unexecuted coin symbols 43b are consumed. To prevent a player from becoming bored by executing a coin accumulation performance of accumulating coins (non-executed symbols 43b) to be used in a later slot zone even if a fixed time of a special pattern is set long in this way. becomes possible.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not depart from the scope described in each claim. Improvements can also be added as appropriate based on the knowledge that those skilled in the art generally have, as well as the range that can be easily replaced from them.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, if the special figure pending number is "2" or more, the fixed time is 0.5 seconds, and if the special figure pending number is "1" or less, the fixed time is 7.0 was seconds. However, the relationship between the special figure pending number and the fixed time is not limited to this. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the relationship between the special figure pending number and the fixed time. In the illustrated example, if the special figure pending number is the maximum "4", the fixed time is 0.5 seconds. Also, if the special figure pending number is "3", the fixed time is 1.0 seconds, and if the special figure pending number is "2", the fixed time is 3.0 seconds. Furthermore, if the special figure reservation number is "1", the confirmation time is 7.0 seconds, and if the special figure reservation number is "0", the confirmation time is 10.0 seconds.

That is, in another example of FIG. 16, the smaller the special figure pending number, the longer the fixed time. As the number of special figure reservations decreases, the probability that the special figure reservations are discontinued increases, so by securing a long fixed time, it is possible to increase the possibility of accumulating special figure reservations and suppress the discontinuation. In this case, if the number of reserved special symbols is "1" or less, the confirmation time is longer than the predetermined time (5.0 seconds), so the coin accumulation effect is executed during the confirmation display of the special symbols. may

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the number of special symbols on hold is referred to in the special symbol stop processing (S79 in FIG. 7), and the finalization time of the special symbols is set. However, the timing of setting the finalization time of the special symbols according to the number of special symbols pending may be a predetermined timing between the start of the variable display of the special symbols and the end of the variable display (when the variation stops). For example, you may set fixed time at the time of the start of the variable display of a special design. Processing can be simplified by presetting a fixed time in association with the setting of the variable time of the special symbols at the start of the variable display. On the other hand, as in the above-described embodiment, when setting the fixed time at the time of stopping the fluctuation of the special symbols, the fixed time is set immediately before the fixed display because the special symbols may be reserved during the variable display of the special symbols. By doing so, it is possible to more precisely adjust the length of the fixed time so that the special figure reservation is not interrupted without securing the fixed time longer than necessary.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the executed symbols 44 are displayed together with the unexecuted symbols 43 in the pending display area 42, but the executed symbols 44 may be omitted. However, if the executed symbols 44 are displayed, even if the number of pending special symbols becomes "0" (there are no more unexecuted symbols 43), the executed symbols 44 are displayed until the special symbol confirmation time elapses. By displaying, it is possible to suppress the impression that the special figure reservation has stopped.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 1 that gives the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out the game balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall. I explained an example. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a type of gaming machine that gives a game profit in a form different from "payout of game balls". For example, by storing data indicating the amount of profit (magnitude of game value) corresponding to the entry of a game ball into various ball entrances, a game profit (game The present invention can also be applied to a type of pachinko machine that gives a player a value), and in this case also, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Pachinko machines that convert game profits (game values) into data and give them to players include machines that circulate and use a plurality of game balls built into the pachinko machine. , a pachinko machine (a so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return game balls ejected to the back side of the game board through various ball inlets or outlets to the shooting position again and shoot them.

<Gaming machines A1 to A5 that can be extracted from the above-described embodiment>
The pachinko machine 1 of the embodiment described above can be regarded as gaming machines A1 to A5 as follows.

<Game machine A1>
In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting game balls toward a game area formed on a game board,
a starting port provided in the game area, into which the game ball can enter;
Acquisition information storage means for storing acquisition information acquired based on the entry of the game ball into the starting hole, with a predetermined number as the upper limit;
identification information display means for variably displaying identification information based on the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means;
variation time setting means for setting a variation time of the identification information at the start of the variation display of the identification information;
Confirmation time setting means for setting a confirmation time to be maintained in order to confirm the identification information stopped and displayed by the identification information display means as the variation time elapses;
a specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player after confirmation when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode,
According to the number of acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means, at a predetermined time between the start of the variable display of the identification information and the end of the variable display of the identification information, A gaming machine characterized by being able to change a fixed time.

In such a gaming machine A1, since it is possible to change the determination time according to the number of acquired information stored (hereinafter referred to as the number of stored acquired information), the identification information can be changed in a short period of time. Even if the variable time is set repeatedly, by securing a longer fixed time when the number of stored acquired information is less than when the number of stored acquired information is large, the possibility of the acquired information being stored can be reduced. can be enhanced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from decreasing due to the stoppage of storage of the acquired information and the failure to start the variable display of new identification information.

<Game machine A2>
In gaming machine A1,
The fixed time setting means sets the fixed time when the number of acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means is one longer than the fixed time when the acquired information is two or more. A game machine characterized by

In such a game machine A2, when the number of pieces of acquired information stored remains one, there is a higher probability that the acquired information will be lost compared to the case where two or more pieces of acquired information are stored. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the acquired information is stored and prevent it from being lost.

<Game machine A3>
In gaming machine A1 or gaming machine A2,
A gaming machine, wherein the fixed time setting means sets the fixed time longer as the number of acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means is smaller.

In such a game machine A3, the smaller the number of acquired information stored, the higher the probability that acquired information will be lost. can be suppressed.

<Game machine A4>
In any one gaming machine from gaming machines A1 to A3,
The fixed time setting means sets the fixed time when the number of acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means is one to be longer than the variable time immediately before the identification information is stopped and displayed. A game machine characterized by setting.

In such a game machine A4, if the fluctuation time of the identification pattern fluctuation display performed with one remaining acquired information stored is set to be short, the probability that the acquired information will be lost is increased. It is possible to increase the possibility that the storage of acquired information accumulates by ensuring that the fixed time is at least longer than the immediately preceding fluctuation time when the number of acquired information stored is one.

<Game machine A5>
In any one gaming machine from gaming machines A1 to A4,
storage symbol display means for displaying a storage symbol representing each of the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means;
an effect execution means for executing an effect of accumulating the stored symbols during the fixed time when the fixed time is set longer than a predetermined time.

In such a gaming machine A5, even if a fixed time is set long, it is possible to prevent the player from becoming bored by executing an effect of accumulating memory representations during the fixed time.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for gaming machines used in gaming halls.

1... Pachinko machine (gaming machine), 20... Game board, 21... Game area,
24... First start port, 25... Second start port, 27... Normal symbol operation gate,
28... Large winning opening, 40... Central device, 41... Effect display device (effect executing means),
41a, 41b, 41c... identification pattern,
42... Reserved display area (memory representation display means),
50... Segment display unit (identification information display means), 200... Main control board,
201 ... CPU (fluctuation time setting means, fixed time setting means, specific game execution means),
203...RAM (obtained information storage means), 220...sub-control board,
221 CPU.

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting game balls toward a game area formed on a game board,
A first starting port provided in the game area and into which the game ball can enter;
a second start port provided in the game area and capable of changing the possibility of entering the game ball;
First acquisition information acquired based on the entry of the game ball into the first start opening, and second acquisition information acquired based on the entry of the game ball into the second start opening, Acquisition information storage means for storing each with a predetermined number as an upper limit;
identification information display means for variably displaying identification information based on one of the first acquired information and the second acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means;
variation time setting means for setting a variation time of the identification information at the start of the variation display of the identification information;
Confirmation time setting means for setting a confirmation time to be maintained in order to confirm the identification information stopped and displayed by the identification information display means as the variation time elapses;
specific game executing means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player after confirmation when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode;
high-frequency state generating means for generating a high-frequency state in which the game ball enters the second starting port more frequently than usual based on the establishment of a predetermined condition ;
storage symbol display means for displaying a storage symbol representing each of the first acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means;
with
The fixed time setting means performs the first acquisition stored in the acquired information storage means at a predetermined time from the start of the variable display of the identification information that is not in the high-frequency state to the end of the variable display of the identification information. The confirmation time can be changed according to the number of pieces of information, and when the number of pieces of the first acquired information is one or less, setting the confirmation time longer than when the number is two or more ,
a performance executing means for executing an accumulation performance for accumulating the stored symbols during the fixed time when the fixed time is set longer than a predetermined time;
The stored symbol display means makes the form of the stored symbol to be added during execution of the accumulated effect different from that when the accumulated effect is not being executed.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images