JP7335286B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine capable of playing games.

Conventionally, as a game machine, a game ball, which is a game value, is shot into a game area, and when the game ball wins in a prize winning area such as a prize winning opening, the prize ball is paid out to the player. A game machine (for example, a pachinko machine) is known that can change the game state according to the state.

Further, when a game start operation is performed after setting the number of bets for one game using the game value, the variable display of the identification information is started, and when a stop operation is performed after the start of the variable display, the variable display of the identification information is stopped. However, there is known a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine) in which a winning can occur based on the display result derived at this time, and the game state can be changed according to the type of winning.

In such a gaming machine, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a so-called one-type two-type mixing machine, a gaming machine that is controlled to a specific time-saving state (special state) after executing a jackpot game is known (for example, Patent document 1).

JP 2019-88378 A

By the way, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the interest in the special state is lacking, thereby reducing the interest in the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine capable of increasing the interest of a game.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of variably displaying identification information and deriving display results including a specific display result, the game machine comprising: a first state in which game media can enter; variable winning means capable of changing to a second state in which the game medium cannot enter or is more difficult to enter than the first state; state control means capable of controlling a plurality of types of game states; and providing profits to the player. wherein the state control means is capable of controlling between a normal state and a time- saving state in which the variable winning means is more likely to be in the first state than in the normal state; The time saving state includes a first time saving state and a second time saving state different from the first time saving state, and the state control means, when the specific display result is derived in the first time saving state, at a predetermined timing By controlling to a game state different from the time saving state, and when the specific display result is derived in the second time saving state, the control of the time saving state is maintained at the predetermined timing, and the time saving state is maintained at the predetermined timing Alternatively, a state determination means for referring to which of the game state different from the time saving state is controlled, and the profit giving means is based on the fact that the specific display result is derived in the first time saving state. When it is referred to by the determination means that the game state is controlled to a game state different from the time saving state, a first profit is given, and the state determination is based on the fact that the specific display result is derived in the second time saving state. A second profit different from the first profit is given when it is referred to that the means is controlled to the time-saving state. Therefore, since the benefit given differs depending on the type of the special state when the specific display result is derived, it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine; FIG. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a game board unit alone. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an example of a procedure of reset start processing; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of reset start processing; FIG. 7 is a flowchart specifically showing an example of a procedure of power failure occurrence check processing; 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of interrupt management processing; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of switch input event processing; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a 1st special design memory|storage update process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a 2nd special design memory|storage update process. It is a flow chart showing a configuration example of a special symbol game process. It is a flow chart showing a procedure example of special symbol variation pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of special design storage area shift processing. It is a figure which shows an example of a variation pattern selection table at the time of special design loss. It is a figure which shows the structure row|line|column of the stop design selection table at the time of a special design big hit. It is a figure which shows an example of a variation pattern selection table at the time of a special symbol jackpot. It is a figure which shows an example of a stop design selection table at the time of a small hit. It is a diagram showing an example of a small hit special symbol variation pattern selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a process during special design fluctuation|variation. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a process during a special design stop display. 6 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of display output management processing; It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable prize-winning apparatus management process. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of a special winning opening opening pattern setting process; It is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process at the time of a big hit. It is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the big winning opening opening pattern setting process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a special prize opening opening-and-closing operation process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an example of a procedure of a second big winning opening opening/closing operation process; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of a second big winning opening opening/closing operation process; FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of a procedure of distribution device control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of ball passage opening-and-closing operation processing. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of processing when passing through a specific area; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a 1st big winning a prize opening-and-closing operation process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a special winning opening closing process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for termination processing; It is explanatory drawing of a time saving state selection ratio. 2 is a diagram illustrating a game flow developed in the pachinko machine 1; FIG. It is a continuous diagram showing an example of effect images corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of production|presentation control processing.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. As shown in FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as game media. In the game in the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball acquired by the player. can be converted into a game value based on the number of Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

[overall structure]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4 and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, game machine frame) as its main body. An integrated door unit 4 is located on the frontmost side when viewed from the front facing the player. The inner frame assembly 7 is positioned on the rear side (deep side) of the integrated door unit 4 , and the outer frame unit 2 is arranged so as to surround the outer side of the inner frame assembly 7 .

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. It is fixed using In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for the upper and lower short sides, and metal is used for the left and right long sides.

The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at its lower position. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and each of these operates in an opening/closing manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening/closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end of the pachinko machine 1 when viewed from the front.

A unified lock unit 9 is provided inside the right edge of the inner frame assembly 7 (left edge in FIG. 2) as viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right side edges (rear sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, when the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side locks the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly together with the lock. It disables the opening of 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. As shown in FIG. For example, when the manager of the game arcade inserts the special key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 is actuated and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. . When all of these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the integrated door unit 4 is unlocked while the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked, so that the integrated door unit 4 can be opened. When the integral door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game parlor can remove obstacles such as clogged balls in the board surface. Further, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the tray unit 6 is also opened to the front side together.

Moreover, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4 . The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7, for example, with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically long circular window 4a formed in the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is mounted in the window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the rear side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). A game area 9a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and the game area 9a can be visually recognized by the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integral door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface to allow the game balls to flow down.

The receiving tray unit 6 has a shape projecting from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper tray 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. In the upper tray 6b, game balls lent to the player (rental balls) and game balls obtained by winning prizes (prize balls) can be stored. Further, the tray unit 6 is formed with a lower tray 6c below the upper tray 6b. The lower tray 6c stores the game balls that have been put out while the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a model connected to a card unit, and the game balls borrowed by the player are received from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6c) is paid out.

A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged in the lending operation unit 14. - 特許庁When the player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted into a card unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined number of points (for example, 5 points) (For example, 125) game balls are rented. For this reason, a frequency display section (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation section 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium inserted in the card unit is displayed on this frequency display section. By operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of the valuable medium with remaining points. Although the game machine connected to the card unit is taken as an example in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a game machine not connected to the card unit).

A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6 . The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the shooting control board set 174 and can shoot (hit) a game ball toward the game area 9a (see FIG. 3) (ball shooting device). The shot game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 9a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (no reference numerals in the figure), etc. are arranged in the game area 9a, and the thrown game ball flows down the game area 9a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmills. The configuration of the inside of the game area 9a (board surface, game board) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Composition of front frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for presentation. Among them, the lens unit 47 incorporates the lamp 46 , and the upper right illumination unit 49 incorporates the right lamp 50 .

The various lamps 46 and 50 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission from built-in LEDs (lighting, blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.). Speakers 54a to 54d are incorporated in the integrated door unit 4, respectively. These speakers 54a to 54d output sound effects, BGM, voices, etc. (general sound) to execute effects.

Also, in the center of the tray unit 6, a performance button 45 is installed in front of the upper tray 6b. The player presses the effect button 45 to switch the effect content (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42), for example, while the pattern is changing, during the confirmation display of the big win, or during the big win game. It is possible to generate some kind of production (notice production, probability change promotion production, promotion production during big role, etc.).

Further, a jog dial 45a is installed around the effect button 45 so as to surround the effect button 45 (operation input receiving means, rotary selector). By rotating the jog dial 45a, the player can change the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example.

[Construction of the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 includes a power control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a payout control board unit 176. , back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) that constitute the power system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed.

The dispensing device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numerals). In this state, game balls replenished from a replenishment path (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are led to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls delivered from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). Various external information signals (e.g. prize ball information, door opening information, pattern confirmation number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) representing the progress state, maintenance state, etc. are output to external electronic devices. ing.

The power cord 164 secures the power supply (electric power) necessary for the pachinko machine 1 to operate, for example, by being connected to a power supply (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of the game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island equipment to secure the grounding of the pachinko machine 1 .

[Configuration of game board unit]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 has a game board 9 serving as a base, and a game area 9a is formed on the front side of the game board 9 . The game board 9 is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate, and when the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 9 is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 9, the above-described game area 9a is formed inside a substantially circular firing rail (no reference numeral).

In the game area 9a, a relatively large production unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 9a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part centered on the production unit 40. - 特許庁

The left part of the game area 9a is the first game area (hereinafter also referred to as left-handed area) used in the normal game state (non-time saving state), and the right part of the game area 9a is the advantageous game state (jackpot game state, small hit game state, time saving state) is used in the second game area (hereinafter also referred to as right hitting area).

At the top of the game area, an entrance (for example, an entrance of a line of passages formed in the upper part of the production unit 40) and an exit for guiding the game balls shot toward the upper part of the game area 9a to the right-handed area are provided. A guide passage 18 is formed based on the compartments having.

In addition, a starting gate 20, a normal winning opening 22, a first starting winning opening 26, a variable starting winning apparatus 28, a first variable winning apparatus 30, a second variable winning apparatus 31, etc. are distributed and installed in the game area 9a. It is In this embodiment, the second variable winning device 31, the first variable winning device 30, and the variable starting winning device 28 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

Among these, the first start winning opening 26 is arranged in the center of the lower portion of the game area 9a. The starting gate 20, the variable starting winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31 are arranged on the right side of the game area 9a. The normal winning opening 22 is arranged on the left side of the game area 9a.

The game ball launched into the game area 9a enters the first starting prize winning port 26 and the normal winning prize port 22 in the course of its flow, passes through the starting gate 20, and operates the variable starting winning device 28. Or, the first variable winning device 30 at the time of opening operation, and the second variable winning device 31 at the time of opening operation.

Then, the game ball that has passed through the starting gate 20 continues to flow down in the game area 9a. Game balls that enter the winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. that constitute the game board unit 8). be.

Here, in the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 9a (board surface), when a game ball is entered into the first start winning opening 26 or the normal winning opening 22, the game ball is placed in the left-handed area within the game area 9a. (Perform a so-called "left strike").

On the other hand, when the game ball is entered into the starting gate 20, the variable start-up winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, the game ball is hit into the right-handed area within the game area 9a (so-called Execute "Right Strike").

When the game ball passes through the starting gate 20, an operation lottery (normal pattern lottery) is performed. Then, the variable starting prize winning device 28 is activated when a predetermined operation condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol lottery is won and the normal symbol is stop-displayed for a predetermined stop-display time in a win mode).

The variable start-up winning device 28 has a plate-shaped opening/closing member 28a. The opening/closing member 28a can be reciprocated in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). In a normal state, the opening/closing member 28a is housed inside the board surface of the game board 9. As shown in FIG. At this time, the game ball flows downstream without rolling on the upper surface of the opening/closing member 28a. Then, when the variable starting prize winning device 28 operates, the opening/closing member 28a protrudes forward from the board surface (that is, to the player side). The opening/closing member 28a is inclined from right to left in the figure. In addition, a second start winning opening 28b is provided on the left side of the opening/closing member 28a. Then, when the opening/closing member 28a protrudes, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening/closing member 28b and is guided to the second starting winning hole 28b. As a result, when the opening/closing member 28a protrudes, the game ball on the opening/closing member 28b can enter the second starting winning hole 28b.

The first variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a jackpot manner).

The first variable winning device 30 has a plate-shaped opening/closing member 30a. The opening/closing member 30a can reciprocate in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). In the normal state, the opening/closing member 30a protrudes from the board surface of the game board 9 toward the player side. At this time, since the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening/closing member 30a, the game ball cannot flow into the first variable winning device 30.例文帳に追加Then, when the first variable winning device 30 operates, the opening/closing member 30a is pulled into the inside of the board surface, and the inflow of game balls into the first variable winning device 30 becomes possible. When the game ball flows into the first variable winning device 30, it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the first big winning hole 30b provided in the first variable winning device 30. - 特許庁In addition, hereinafter, the first big winning hole 30b may be simply referred to as a big winning hole.

The second variable winning device 31 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small win).

The second variable winning device 31 has a plate-shaped opening/closing member 31a. The opening/closing member 31a can be reciprocated in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). In the normal state, the opening/closing member 31a protrudes from the board surface of the game board 9 toward the player side. Since the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening/closing member 31 a at this time, the game ball cannot flow into the second variable winning device 31 . When the second variable winning device 31 operates, the opening/closing member 31a is pulled into the inside of the board surface, and when the game ball flows into the second variable winning device 31, the It becomes possible to enter the game ball into the second big winning hole 31b.

A sorting device 36 is provided inside the second variable winning device 31 . The sorting device 36 includes a columnar croon 36a rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction (in other words, the direction perpendicular to the board surface of the game board 9). The croon 36a is provided with one storing portion 36b which is a concave portion capable of storing game balls. When the game balls flow into the second variable prize winning device 31, most of the game balls fall onto the croon 36a. And, when the clone 36a is located in the non-storage position (the position indicated by the solid line in the figure) where the reservoir 36b faces the right side, the game balls cannot be stored in the reservoir 36b. And, in this state, the game ball dropped on the croon 36a flows down to the right side of the croon 36a.

On the other hand, when the clone 36a is located in the storage position where the storage portion 36b faces upward (the position indicated by the dashed line in the figure), it is possible to store one game ball in the storage portion 36b. there is

A stage 29 is provided below the central portion of the game area 9a. An entrance 39a of a ball passage 39 for guiding game balls to the stage 29 is provided on the right side of the croon 36a.

An opening/closing member 39b for opening and closing the entrance 39a is provided at the entrance 39a. The opening/closing member 39b can reciprocate in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). In the normal state, the opening/closing member 39b protrudes from the board surface of the game board 9 toward the player side. The inlet 39a is closed when the opening/closing member 39b is projected. On the other hand, when the opening/closing member 39b is pulled into the inside of the board surface, the entrance 39a is opened and game balls can flow into the entrance 39a.

And, in the state where the entrance 39a is opened, it becomes possible to let the game ball flowing down to the right side of the croon 36a flow into the entrance 39a. In addition, when the inlet 39a is open, when the croon 36a storing game balls in the storage portion 36b rotates clockwise from the storage position and is displaced to the non-storage position, the game balls in the storage portion 36b It almost certainly flows into the inlet 39a.

The upper surface of the stage 29 has a smooth curved surface, where the game ball can freely roll in the horizontal direction. The stage 29 is provided with a game ball launching device 29a for flipping a game ball rolling on the stage 29 to the board surface side of the game board 9. - 特許庁The game ball shooting device 29a can be displaced between a non-shooting position and a shooting position, which are origin positions, by the action of a solenoid (not shown). Then, when the game ball shooting device 29 is displaced to the shooting position, the game ball is flipped.

A movable body 43 that can move in the left-right direction is provided on the back side of the stage 29 . Three openings through which game balls can pass are formed side by side on the front surface of the movable body 43 . The central opening is defined as a specific region 43a, and two adjacent openings on both sides thereof are defined as non-specific regions 43b. As will be described later in detail, the specified area 43a and the non-specified area 43b are areas for determining whether or not to develop the small winning game state into the big winning game state. A fence 44 is provided in front of the movable body 43 and extends in the left and right direction. An opening 44 a is provided in the center of the fence 44 .

In the normal state, the movable body 43 is at the origin position where the specific region 43a faces the opening 44a of the fence 44. As shown in FIG. When the movable body 43 is moved, the movable body 43 reciprocates left and right so that the specific region 43a and the non-specific region 43a alternately face the opening 44a of the fence 44. As shown in FIG. When the game ball bounced by the game ball launching device 29a passes through the opening 44a, it can enter the specific area 43a or the non-specific area 43b.

It should be noted that entering (entering) a game ball into each winning hole is also referred to as "winning". In particular, winning a prize in a starting prize opening (first starting prize opening, second starting prize opening) is also referred to as starting prize.

The game board unit 8 is provided with the effect unit 40 from its central position to its right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member for changing the flowing direction of the game ball, and has various decorative parts 40b inside. The decorative part 40b enhances the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by its three-dimensional shape, and can perform dramatic actions by emitting transmitted light from, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED, etc.). In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the production unit 40, and various production images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including production patterns corresponding to special patterns. . Thus, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the features of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface and the decorativeness of the effect unit 40. - 特許庁In addition, when the game board 9 is a transparent resin plate (for example, an acrylic board) as in the present embodiment, various decorations (including movable bodies and light-emitting bodies) are arranged not only on the front side but also behind the game board 9. ) can add decorativeness.

For example, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, in synchronism with the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol, a plurality of types of performance symbols (such as symbols indicating numbers, etc.) different from the special symbols are displayed. A variable display is performed. Here, in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol or the variable display of the second special symbol, the performance symbols fluctuate in the respective “left”, “middle” and “right” performance symbol display areas 42L, 42C and 42R. Display (for example, vertical scroll display or update display) is performed. In the present embodiment, the left pattern is the production pattern that is variably displayed in the production design display area 42L, the middle design is the production design that is variably displayed in the production design display area 42C, and the variability display is in the production design display area 42R. The performance design to be performed may be called the right design.

Further, for example, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a display area is provided for displaying pending display corresponding to the variable display whose execution is pending. In this example, the first reserved display area 42a for displaying the reserved display corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol, and the second reserved display for displaying the reserved display corresponding to the variable display of the second special symbol A region 42b is provided.

It should be noted that the number of pending variable displays is also referred to as the number of pending memories. The reserved memory number corresponding to the first special symbol is also referred to as the first reserved memory number, and the reserved memory number corresponding to the second special symbol is also referred to as the second reserved memory number. The sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count is also referred to as the total reserved memory count.

In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 9a, and game balls that do not enter (win a prize) in various winning ports are finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out port 32.例文帳に追加In addition, including the game ball entering the normal winning opening 22, the first starting winning opening 26, the second starting winning opening 28b, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, is driven into the game area 9a. All the game balls that are caught are recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8.例文帳に追加The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and join the replenishment route of the island facility (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an enlarged part of the game board unit 8 (lower left position in the window 4a).

In the game board unit 8, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a are provided at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. , a first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and a game state display device 38 are provided.

Among them, the normal design display device 33 alternately lights two lamps (LEDs), for example, to variably display the normal design, and stops displaying the normal design by lighting or extinguishing the lamp. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays the number of memories of 0 to 4 by a combination of extinguishing, lighting, and blinking of two lamps (LED), for example. For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the stored number is displayed as 0, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a stored number is displayed as 1, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. The number of memories is displayed as 2, the number of memories is 3 in the display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, and the number of memories is 4 in the display mode in which both lamps are blinking. For example, to display an individual. Although two lamps (LED) are used here, four lamps (LED) may be used to form the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a. In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps that are lit.

Each time a game ball passes through the starting gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to a display mode after incrementing one by one in the sense of memorizing the passage that triggers the operation lottery. (up to 4), and with the passage as a trigger, the display mode changes to the display mode after the decrease by 1 each time the variation of the normal symbol is started. In this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start to change (at the time of stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (up to 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages in which the normal symbol variation has not yet started at that time.

In addition, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the fluctuation state and the stop state of the special symbols by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means, first pattern display means, second pattern display means). In addition, the special pattern display devices 34 and 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, circularly).

In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a are, for example, two lamps (LED) extinguished or lit, depending on the display mode composed of a combination of blinking, each 0 to 4 (memory number display means). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the stored number is displayed as 0, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a stored number is displayed as 1, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinking. The number of memories is displayed as 2, the number of memories is displayed as 3 in a display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, and the number of memories is displayed in a display mode in which both lamps are blinking. 4 are displayed, and so on.

The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a changes to a display mode after incrementing one by one in the sense that each time a game ball enters the first start winning hole 26, the occurrence of the entering ball is memorized. (up to 4), and each time the special symbol starts to change with the entry ball as a trigger, it changes to the display mode after the decrease by one. In addition, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is one in the sense of memorizing that a game ball has entered each time a game ball enters the variable starting prize winning device 28 (second starting prize winning port 28b). It changes to the display mode after the increase (up to 4), and changes to the display mode after the decrease by one every time the variation of the special symbol is started with the entry ball as a trigger. In addition, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first start winning opening in a state where the first special symbol can already start to change (at the time of stop display) Even if a game ball enters 26, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the variable start winning device 28 (second start winning prize Even if a game ball enters the opening 28b), the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of entering balls whose variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started at that time. represents the number of times

The gaming state display device 38 includes, for example, six LEDs respectively corresponding to the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b, the time saving state display lamp 38e, and the firing position designation display lamp 38f. In addition, in this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are mounted on one integrated display board 89 and attached to the game board unit 8. - 特許庁

In addition, the "variable display" of the special symbols means, for example, that a plurality of types of special symbols are variably displayed (the same applies to other symbols described later). Variations include updating display of a plurality of patterns, scrolling display of a plurality of patterns, deformation of one or more patterns, enlargement/reduction of one or more patterns, and the like. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols, which will be described later, a plurality of types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the later-described variation of performance symbols, a plurality of types of performance symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more performance symbols are deformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that the variation also includes a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed blinking. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as derivation or derivation display) as a display result (the same applies to variable display of other symbols to be described later). Variable display may be expressed as variable display or variation.

[Outline of game progress]
The game state of the pachinko machine 1 includes a normal state (non-time-saving state) and a time-saving state in which the probability of a big win is the same as in the normal state but the efficiency of changing special patterns is improved compared to the normal state.

The normal state is a state that is controlled in the same manner as the initial setting state of the pachinko machine 1 (for example, when a predetermined recovery process is not executed after power-on, such as when the system is reset). In the normal state, the player shoots the game ball aiming at the left side of the game area 9a (so-called left hitting). Therefore, in the normal state, the game ball mainly enters the first start winning hole 26, and the variable display of the first special symbol is mainly executed. When a big win occurs in the normal state, the game shifts to a time saving state after the big win game is finished.

In the time saving state, the player shoots the game ball aiming at the right side of the game area (so-called right hitting), and the game ball mainly wins the second start winning opening 28b, and the second special symbol is displayed. executed. In the time-saving state, the variable start-up winning device when the variable display of the normal pattern pattern improves the probability of becoming a "normal pattern hit" compared to the non-time saving state, and when the variable display of the normal pattern pattern results in a "normal pattern hit" By making the open period of 28 longer than the non-time-saving state, it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the variable starting winning device 28.例文帳に追加

Incidentally, in this example, in the time-saving state, the variable display of the second special symbol is likely to be executed, but when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, the small hit probability is increased. Therefore, the time saving state is a state that is easily controlled to the small winning game state.

The time-saving state continues until a predetermined end condition is satisfied, such as execution of a predetermined number of variable displays of special symbols (hereinafter sometimes referred to as time-saving times). The end condition that the variable display of the special symbol is executed for a predetermined number of times is also referred to as the number of cuts (number of cuts probability variation, etc.). In addition, in this embodiment, the time saving state A and the time saving state B are provided as the time saving state. The number of times of time saving in the time saving state A is 20 times, and the number of time saving times of the time saving state B is 300 times.

In the pachinko machine 1, when the game state is the normal state, it is advantageous for the player to aim at the left side of the game area 9a and perform a shooting operation (so-called left-handed operation). When the game ball enters the first starting winning hole 26 by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1 by the player, the first special symbol is changed by the first special symbol display device 34. Display starts. In addition, although the game ball can be made to win in the second start winning opening 28b even in the normal state, the probability of winning a normal game is extremely low, and the time during which the opening and closing member 28a protrudes is extremely short compared to the time saving state. It is rare for a game ball to enter the second start winning hole 28b during the normal state.

In addition, when the game ball enters the start winning port during the period during which the variable display of the special symbol is being executed, the period when it is controlled to the big win game state or the small win game state If the variable display of the special symbols based on the prize cannot be executed immediately), the variable display of the special symbols based on the winning prize is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

If the big winning pattern is stop-displayed in the variable display of the first special pattern, it is "big hit", and if the small winning pattern different from the big winning pattern is stopped and displayed, it is "small hit". Also, if a lost symbol is stopped and displayed, it is "lost".

After the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol becomes "big win", the game is controlled to a big win game state as an advantageous state for the player. After the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol becomes "small win", the game is controlled to a small win game state.

In addition, in the variable display of the second special symbols, if the big win pattern is stop-displayed, it becomes a "big hit", and if the small win pattern different from the big win pattern is stop-displayed, it becomes a "small hit". In addition, if a winning symbol different from the big winning symbol or the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes "lost".

After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "big win", the game is controlled to a big win game state as an advantageous state for the player. After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "small win", the game is controlled to a small win game state.

In the jackpot game state, the first big winning opening 30b formed by the first variable winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state is either the timing when a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds) elapses or the timing until the number of game balls entering the first big winning hole 30b reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). It continues until an early timing. The predetermined period is an upper limit period during which the first big winning hole 30b can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as an upper limit opening period. One cycle in which the first big winning port 30b is opened in this way is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number of times is reached.

In the jackpot game state, the player can get a prize ball by entering the game ball into the first big winning hole 30b. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The larger the number of rounds in the jackpot game state and the longer the upper limit period of opening, the more advantageous the player is.

In addition, a jackpot type is set in the "jackpot". For example, a plurality of types of opening modes (number of rounds and upper limit period of opening) of the big winning opening and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, time saving state, etc.) are prepared, and the jackpot type is set according to these. . As the jackpot type, there may be provided a jackpot type in which a large number of prize balls can be obtained, and a jackpot type in which a small number of prize balls or almost no prize balls can be obtained.

After the jackpot game state is finished, the game may be controlled to a time-saving state according to the jackpot type. When the big hit game is finished and the game state is controlled to the time saving state, it is advantageous for the player to aim at the right side of the game area and perform the shooting operation (right hitting operation). When the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1 by the player, the normal symbol display device 33 starts to display the variable normal symbols. In addition, if the game ball passes the start gate 20 during the period during which the variable display of the previous normal symbol is being executed (the game ball has passed the start gate 20, but the variable display of the normal symbol based on the passage cannot be immediately executed case), the variable display of normal symbols based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In the variable display of the normal symbols, if the normal winning symbols are stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal symbols becomes "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal pattern (normal pattern lost pattern) other than the normal pattern per pattern is stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal pattern becomes "normal pattern lost". When it becomes a "universal figure hit", open control is performed to open the variable starting prize winning device 28 for a predetermined period (the second starting prize opening 28b is opened).

When the game ball enters the second starting winning hole 28b formed in the variable starting winning device 28, the second special symbol display device 35 starts to display the second special symbol in a variable manner.

In the small winning game state, the second variable winning device 31 is opened in a predetermined manner. The predetermined mode is, for example, a mode in which the opening/closing member 31b repeats opening and closing for a short period of time. The open state is the timing until a predetermined period of time (for example, 29 seconds) elapses and the timing until the number of game balls entering the second big prize winning port 31b of the second variable prize winning device 31 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). and , whichever comes first. In the small winning game state, only one round can be executed.

In addition, in the small winning game state, in the first half (for example, 0 to 14.5 seconds) of the opening period of the second variable winning device 31 (that is, the opening period of the second big winning opening 31b), the crew 36a is stored in the storage section 36b is in a non-storage position facing right, and the storage portion 36b is in a state in which it is impossible to store game balls. An opening 39a of the ball passage 39 is closed by an opening/closing member 39b. Therefore, in the first half of the small winning game state, even if a game ball wins the second big winning hole 31b, the winning game ball cannot flow onto the stage 29.例文帳に追加

However, in the second half of the opening period of the second variable winning device 31 (for example, 14.6 seconds to 29 seconds), the clone 36a rotates counterclockwise and the storage portion 36b is displaced to the storage position facing upward, and stored. A state in which game balls can be stored in the portion 36b is achieved. At this time, the opening/closing member 39b is displaced and the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 is opened. As a result, it becomes possible to allow the game balls that have fallen on the cloon 36a and flowed down to the right side of the cloon 36a to flow into the entrance 39a, and furthermore, it is possible to store the game balls in the storage portion 36b of the cloon 36a. .

Then, when the second variable winning device 31 is closed (that is, the second big winning opening 31b is closed), the clone 36a rotates clockwise and returns to the non-storage position, but the game ball is stored in the storage portion 36b. When stored, the game balls in the storage portion 36b can almost certainly flow into the inlet 39a when displaced to the non-storage position. Therefore, in the latter half of the opening period of the second variable winning device 31, it is possible to allow the game balls that have won the second big winning opening 31b to flow into the stage 29 from the ball passage 39.

When the game ball that has flowed onto the stage 29 is flipped by the game ball launcher 29a and passes through the specific area 43a of the movable body 43, it is controlled to the big win game state after the small win game state ends. In addition, when a game ball that has flowed onto the stage 29 is repelled by the game ball launcher 29a but does not pass through the specific region 43a of the movable body 43 but only passes through the non-specific region 43b, or when the game ball is hit on the stage 29 When it does not flow in, the small winning game state ends without being controlled to the big winning game state. In addition, since the crew 36a is displaced to the non-storage position when the second variable winning device 31 is closed, the game balls in the storage portion 36b flow down the ball passage 39 after the second variable winning device 31 is closed, A game ball may pass through the area 43a or the non-specific area 43b.

After the small win game state is completed without being controlled to the big win game state, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the display result of the variable display of the special symbols becomes "small win" continues. controlled.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a specific jackpot pattern (specific jackpot type) is won with the first special pattern or the second special pattern, or when a jackpot is generated by winning a small hit with the first special pattern After the end of the jackpot game state, it is controlled to the time saving state A (time saving number of times 20 times). In addition, when a small win is won in the second special pattern and a big win occurs, after the big win game state is finished, the game is controlled to a time saving state A (time saving frequency: 20 times) or a time saving state B (time saving frequency: 300 times). In addition, if the small hit is won but the big hit does not occur (so-called puncture), if the small hit is won during the time saving state A, the normal state will be restored by the time the small winning pattern stops ( See FIG. 21), and if a small win is won during the time saving state B, the game returns to the normal state when the small win game is started (see FIG. 27).

[Progress of production, etc.]
In the pachinko machine 1, various effects are executed according to the progress of the game. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 42 .

As an effect that is executed according to the progress of the game, the first special symbol is variably displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 42L, 42C and 42R provided on the image display device 42. Or, corresponding to the start of the variable display of the second special symbol, the variable display of the effect symbol is started. At the timing when the display result (also called fixed special pattern) is stopped and displayed in the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol, the finalized performance symbol (three A combination of performance symbols) is also stopped and displayed.

During the period from the start of the variable display of the performance symbols to the end thereof, the mode of the variable display of the performance symbols may be a predetermined ready-to-win mode. Here, the ready-to-win mode means that when the performance symbols stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display unit 42 constitute a part of the jackpot combination described later, the performance symbols that are not yet stopped are displayed in a variable manner. It is the aspect that is continuing.

In addition, the ready-to-win effect is executed in response to the ready-to-win mode being set during the variable display of the effect symbols. In the pachinko machine 1, the display result (the display result of the variable display of special symbols and the display result of the variable display of the performance symbols) is a "big hit" ratio (also called "big win reliability" or "big win expectation"). are executed. The ready-to-win performance includes, for example, a normal reach and a super-to-win with higher reliability than the normal reach.

When the display result of the variable display of the special symbols is "big hit", a fixed performance symbol that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of the performance symbols on the screen of the image display device 42.例文帳に追加(The display result of the variable display of the production pattern is "big hit"). For example, the same effect symbols (for example, "7" etc.) are stop-displayed together on predetermined effective lines in the "left", "middle" and "right" effect symbol display areas 42L, 42C and 42R.

In the case of a ``variable probability big hit'' controlled to a variable probability state after the end of the big win game state, odd-numbered performance symbols (for example, "7" etc.) are stopped and displayed together, and the variable probability state is entered after the end of the big win game state. In the case of an uncontrolled "non-probable variable jackpot (normal jackpot)", even-numbered performance symbols (for example, "6", etc.) may be stopped and displayed together. In this case, the odd-numbered production design is also called a probability variable design, and the even-numbered production design is also called a non-probability-variable design (normal design).

When the display result of the variable display of the special symbols is "small hit", on the screen of the image display device 42, as the display result of the variable display of the performance symbols, a fixed performance symbol that becomes a predetermined small winning combination (for example, , “1 3 5”, etc.) are derived (the display result of the variable display of the performance symbols is “small win”). For example, the effect symbols constituting the chance symbols are stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in the "left", "middle" and "right" effect symbol display areas 42L, 42C and 42R.

When the display result of the variable display of the special design is "missing", the variable display of the performance design does not become the ready-to-win mode, and the fixed performance design of the non-reach combination is displayed as the display result of the variable display of the performance design. (Also referred to as "non-reach loss") may be stopped (the display result of the variable display of the production pattern becomes "non-reach loss"). In addition, when the display result is "lost", after the mode of the variable display of the production pattern becomes the ready-to-win mode, as the display result of the variable display of the production pattern, a predetermined reach combination that is not a big hit combination ("reach is lost ”) is stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of the production pattern is “reach out”).

The effects that can be executed by the pachinko machine 1 include display of suspension display and variable display display. In addition, as other effects, for example, a notice effect that foretells the reliability of the big hit is executed during the variable display of the effect symbols. The notice effect includes a notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big hit in the variable display during execution and a pre-reading notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big hit in the variable display before execution (variation display whose execution is suspended). As the pre-reading advance notice effect, an effect of changing the display mode of the variable display corresponding display (suspended display or active display) to a mode different from normal may be executed.

Also, in the image display device 42, the performance symbols are temporarily stopped during the variable display of the performance symbols, and then the variable display is resumed, so that one variable display can be simulated as a plurality of variable displays. A pseudo continuous effect may be executed.

During the big winning game state, the performance during the big winning is executed to report the big winning game state. As the effect during the big win, the effect of notifying the number of rounds or the promotion effect indicating that the value of the big win game state is improved may be executed. Also, during the small-hit game state, an effect during the small-hit game for notifying the small-hit game state is executed. In addition, during the small-hit game state, some of the big-hit types (in the big-hit type of the big-hit game state in the same manner as the small-hit game state, for example, the jackpot type in which the subsequent game state is a high probability state) By executing a common performance in both states, the player may not know whether the current state is a small win game state or a big win game state. In such a case, by executing a common performance after the end of the small winning game state and after the end of the big winning game state, it is made impossible to distinguish whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state. may

Further, for example, a demonstration image is displayed on the image display device 42 when the variable display of special symbols is not executed.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of the control operation, and this main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. there is Note that the main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 .

In addition, the main control unit 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. RWM) 76 or the like is integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77 . Of these, the random number generator 75 is for generating a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for judging the jackpot of the special symbol lottery or the winning judgment of the normal symbol lottery. is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77 . In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input/output (I/O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter/timer circuit (CTC), and the like. Mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or an inner layer portion).

The starting gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a first start prize winning port switch 80 corresponding to the first start prize winning port 26, a second start winning prize port switch 82 corresponding to the second start prize winning port 28b, a first variable prize winning device 30 and First and second count switches 84a and 84b corresponding to the second variable winning device 31, a specific area detection switch 85a corresponding to the specific area 43a of the movable body 43, and a non-specific area corresponding to the non-specific area 43b of the movable body 43 A detection switch 85b, a movable body origin return switch 99a corresponding to the movable body 43, and a launcher origin return switch 99b corresponding to the game ball launcher 29a are provided.

The first start prize winning port switch 80 detects the entry of a game ball into the first start prize winning port 26, and the second start prize winning port switch 82 detects the entry of a game ball into the second start prize winning port 28b. belongs to. When a game ball is detected by the first start winning opening switch 80 or the second starting winning opening switch 82, a predetermined number (one) of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

In addition, the first count switch 84a includes a ball entry switch for detecting the entry of a game ball into the first variable prize winning device 30 (first big prize winning port 30b), and the first variable prize winning device 30 (first big prize winning port 30b). 30b) is provided with a discharge ball switch for detecting game balls discharged from. The first count switch 84a is for counting the number of balls entering the first variable winning device 30 (first big winning hole 30b).

The second count switch 84b includes a ball entry switch for detecting the entry of a game ball into the second variable winning device 31 (second big winning port 31b) and the second variable winning device 31 (second big winning port 31b). and a discharge ball switch for detecting a game ball discharged from. The second count switch 84b is for counting the number of balls entered into the second variable winning device 31 (second big winning hole 31b).

When game balls are detected by the first and second count switches 84a and 84b, a predetermined number (for example 10) of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

The specific area detection switch 85 a is for detecting that a game ball has entered the specific area 43 a of the movable body 43 . The non-specific area detection switch 85b is for detecting that a game ball has entered the non-specific area 43b of the movable body 43. FIG.

The movable body origin return switch 99a is for detecting that the movable body 43 is at the origin position. A shooting device origin return switch 99b is for detecting that the game ball shooting device 29a is at the origin position.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is provided with a winning opening switch 81 for detecting entry of a game ball into the normal winning opening 22 . When game balls are detected by the winning opening switch 81, a predetermined number (six) of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

Winning detection signals from these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in the present embodiment, winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the first and second count switches 84a and 84b, and the winning opening switch 81 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal plate 87. The panel relay terminal plate 87 is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, and the like for relaying respective winning detection signals.

The above-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The display operation of the status display device 38 is controlled based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 . The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. Further, these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted to the display substrate 89 from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal board 87 .

The game board unit 8 also includes an entrance opening solenoid 86 corresponding to the opening/closing member 39b that opens and closes the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39, a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 corresponding to the variable starting winning device 28, and the first variable winning device 30. 1st large winning opening solenoid 89 corresponding to, 2nd large winning opening solenoid 90 corresponding to second variable winning device 31, movable body motor 95a corresponding to movable body 43, crew motor 95b corresponding to crew 36a, game ball A corresponding launcher solenoid 95c is provided for launcher 29a. These solenoids 86-90, 95a, 95b, and 95c are operated (excited) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, respectively, the opening/closing member 36b, the variable starting winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second The variable winning device 31 is opened and closed (operated), and the movable body 43, the crew 36a, and the game ball launcher 29a are moved. Control signals are transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to these solenoids 86 to 90, 95a, and 95b via the panel relay terminal plate 87 as well.

In addition, a glass frame open switch 91 is installed in the integrated door unit 4 and a plastic frame open switch 93 is installed in the inner frame assembly 7 . When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When detecting the open state of the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

A payout control device 92 is equipped on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. - 特許庁This payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and this payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI integrated with a CPU core (not shown) and semiconductor memories such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98. It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal together with the prize ball instruction command.

A payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor, payout means) and a payout device substrate 100 are installed in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172. The payout device substrate 100 has a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. is provided. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays out the indicated number of game balls from the prize ball case. let out The paid out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through the payout channel in the channel unit 173 .

In addition, for example, a payout road ball disconnect switch 104 is installed at the upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at the downstream position of the payout motor 102 . Each time the payout motor 102 is driven to actually pay out the prize balls, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100 . Also, when the ball runs out at the upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100 . The payout device board 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100 .

Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The actually paid out prize balls (game balls) are discharged to the upper tray 6b through the channel unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is filled with game balls, more game balls are paid out as described above. flows into the lower plate 6c. Furthermore, when the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is thereby turned on, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends further prize ball motions even if a prize ball instruction command is received from the main control CPU 72, and stores the remaining number of prize balls that have not been paid out in the RAM 98.例文帳に追加The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so even if a power failure (including a momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the remaining number of unpaid prize balls will not be lost. .

Also, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with a firing control board 108. - 特許庁Also, a ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6 . The firing control board 108, the firing solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the aforementioned firing control board set 174. Of these, the firing control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the firing solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among them, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation to feed the game balls stored in the receiving tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined shooting position within the launcher case. Also, the shooting solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the shooting position, and continuously (intermittently) launches the game balls one by one toward the game area 9a as described above. In addition, the shooting interval of game balls is, for example, an interval of about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

On the other hand, the handle unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch . Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Also, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (firing handle) from changes in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal therefor. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) according to the player's operation.

A firing relay terminal plate 118 is installed in the receiver unit 6, and each signal from the firing lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the firing stop switch 116 is transmitted to the firing control board 108 via the firing relay terminal plate 118. be done. A drive signal from the firing control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the firing relay terminal plate 118 . When the player operates the firing handle, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. As a result, the strength of hitting the game ball is adjusted according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. do. In addition, a game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the shooting relay terminal plate 118, and when the card unit is not connected to this game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120, the shooting control board is also connected. The drive circuit at 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 .

Further, the tray unit 6 incorporates a frequency display board 122 and a lending/returning switch board 123 . Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with an indicator (3-digit 7-segment LED) for the frequency display section. In addition, the lending and returning switch board 123 is mounted with switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the returning button 12, respectively. And it is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the card unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . In addition, from the card unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display substrate 122 drives a display based on the frequency signal to numerically display the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. Further, when no valuable medium is inserted into the card unit or when the remaining points of the inserted valuable medium become 0, the display circuit of the point display board 122 drives the display to display a demonstration (valuable medium ) can also be displayed.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a performance control device 124 (computer for controlling performance) as a control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 . The performance control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which a performance control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The production control CPU 126 incorporates a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The performance control device 124 is provided at a position covered by a back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. - 特許庁

The performance control device 124 is equipped with an input/output driver and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and a sound driving circuit 134 . The production control CPU 126 controls the production based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 to light the various lamps 46, 50 and the board lamp 53. and actually output sound effects, voices, etc. from the speakers 54a to 54d.

The production control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. In addition, the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of various commands transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and each driver IC (I / O) A serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration.

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes switching elements such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) ICs and MOSFETs (not shown). ) to manage its operation such as light emission and blinking. The various lamps include, in addition to the lamps 46, 48, and 52, a board surface lamp 53 installed in the game board unit 8 for decoration and presentation. The board lamp 53 corresponds to the LED built in the production unit, or the LED built in the variable starting prize winning device 28, the first variable prize winning device 30, the second variable prize winning device 31, the crew 36a, the movable body 43, and the like. be.

The sound drive circuit 134 is a sound generator containing, for example, a sound ROM, a sound control IC, an amplifier (not shown), etc. The sound drive circuit 134 drives the speakers 54a to 54d to output sounds.

In this embodiment, a glass-framed electric board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and the driving signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 are sent to various lamps 46 via the glass-framed electric board 136. , 50 and speakers 54a to 54d. A performance button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when the player operates the performance button 45, the contact signal is input to the presentation control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. . Further, a jog dial 45 a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136 , and when the player rotates the jog dial 45 a , the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136 . Here, an example in which the effect button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to the glass-framed illumination board 136 is given. may be

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8 , and its display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8 . In addition, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and this inverter board 158 generates AC power applied to the backlight of the liquid crystal display 42 (for example, a cold cathode tube). Furthermore, an effect display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the effect display control device 144. FIG. The effect display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146 as a general-purpose central processing unit and a circuit board (effect display control board) on which a VDP 152 as a display processor is mounted. Among them, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 are integrated together with a processor core (not shown). A part of the storage area of the VRAM 156 can be used as a frame buffer.

The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program relating to the control of the effect, and the effect control CPU 126 executes control of the effect according to this program. Control of effects includes control of effects using various lamps 46, 50, etc. and speakers 54a to 54d as described above, and control of effects by image display using liquid crystal display 42. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives this transmits a specific image for effect based on the basic information. Control the display.

The display control CPU 146 outputs further detailed control signals to the VDP 152 . The VDP 152 having received this accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads the necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156 . Furthermore, the VDP 152 expands the image data on the VRAM 156 into a frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time), and converts each pixel (full-color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here. drive separately.

In addition, a power control unit 162 (power control means) is provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7 . This power supply control unit 162 incorporates a switching power supply circuit, and when it takes in external power (for example, AC 24V, etc.) from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate necessary power (for example, DC +34V, +12V, etc.). The power generated by the power control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70 , the payout control device 92 , the performance control device 124 and the inverter board 158 . Further, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the card unit via the terminal board 120 for lending equipment such as game balls. Low-voltage power (for example, DC +5 V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (three-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Also, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded to the island facility through the ground wire 166 .

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are sent from the external terminal board 160 to the outside via the payout control device 92. is output to The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72 ) and payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94 ) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160 . Signals output from the external terminal board 160 are counted, for example, by a hall computer (not shown) of the game arcade. In addition, although the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example here, the configuration may be such that the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 .

The above is an example of the configuration relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1 . Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main controller 70 will be described.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts reset start processing. The reset start process prepares the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the game state (so-called power recovery) based on the backup information saved at the time of the previous power shutdown, or by clearing the backup information. This process is for Further, the reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for ensuring stable game operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjustment of the initial state.

6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of reset start processing. Each procedure of the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described below.

Step S101: The main control CPU 72 first sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector type interrupt mode (mode 2) and modifies the default RST type interrupt mode (mode 0). As a result, the main control CPU 72 can thereafter refer to any address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute the specified interrupt handler.

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a reset standby process here. This process secures a certain amount of waiting time (for example, about several thousand milliseconds) at the time of reset start (for example, turning on the power), and checks the main power interruption detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the standby time, it bit-checks the input port of the main power interruption detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power failure detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitor IC, which is a peripheral device. When the input of the main power interruption detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the processing from the beginning. As a result, it is possible to protect the system even if the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly turned on and off within a short period of time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU72 permits access to the work area of the RAM76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted thereafter.

Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 initializes the mask register to set the interrupt mask. Specifically, a value that enables the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the previously saved input signal from the RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switched ON). If the RAM clear switch has not been operated (No), then step S107 is executed.

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup was successfully completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, "A55AH") is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

Step S108: The main control CPU72 performs a sum check on the backup information in the RAM76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (user work area including use-prohibited area and stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the sum check result is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, "0000H").
Step S110: Also, the main control CPU 72 clears the command that was waiting for transmission immediately before the previous power failure occurred.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes effect control return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the effect control device 124 a return command (for example, model designation command, special symbol probability state designation command, effect command when the number of working memories is increased, effect command when the number of working memories is decreased, number of cuts counter remaining number command, special game state designation command, etc.). In response to this, the effect control device 124 changes the effect state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, internal probability state, display mode of the effect pattern, effect display mode of the working memory number, sound output content, various lamps light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, the display mode of special symbols, the internal probability state, working memory contents, various flag states, random number update state, etc.). Also, the main control CPU 72 restores the value of the PC register that was backed up.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is operated when the power is turned on (step S106: Yes), if the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or if the backup information is not normal (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the storage contents of the RAM 76 other than the prohibited area. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents thereof are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU72 also initializes the RAM76.

Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 outputs a command (a command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes payout control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command to the payout control device 92 to start paying out prize balls.

Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing to initialize the CTC (counter/timer circuit) which is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and also sets an interrupt count value (eg 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when the next CTC interrupt occurs, the main control CPU 72 can continue processing from the program address of the backed-up PC register.

After executing the above procedure in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 7 (connection symbol A→A).

Steps S118 and S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts, and then executes power failure check processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power interruption detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power interruption (drop in drive voltage). When a power cutoff occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88, the big winning opening solenoid 90, etc., and the entire work area of the RAM 76 except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. and store the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops processing (NOP). On the other hand, if power shutdown does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. It should be noted that there is a well-known example of programming that causes the CPU to execute such processing when power failure occurs as non-maskable interrupt (NMI) processing.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (for example, jackpot design random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) except for the jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) and the hit determination random numbers corresponding to normal symbols (hardware random numbers) is generated programmatically. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 9). ) is changed. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change this initial value, and in step S120, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interrupt is prohibited in step S118 is that the same processing is executed in another interrupt management processing (step S202 in FIG. 9). ) is to prevent As described above, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the winning determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update period thereof is faster than the timer interrupt period (eg, several ms). (for example, several μs), there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot determination random number and the winning determination random number.

Steps S121, S122: The main control CPU 72 permits interrupts and executes random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to determination of winning types (hit types) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 9). The content of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure occurrence check process]
FIG. 8 is a flow chart specifically showing a procedure example of the above-described power failure occurrence check process.
Step S130: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 sets the conditions for checking the occurrence of power failure. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power interruption detection signal is continuously output.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power interruption detection switch input port and confirms whether or not the main power interruption detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly shown, a main power disconnection detection switch is mounted, for example, in the main controller 70. This main power disconnection detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power control unit 162, and the voltage level is When the voltage falls below the reference voltage, the main power supply disconnection detection signal is output. Note that the main power disconnection detection switch may be incorporated in the power control unit 162 . When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power interruption detection signal is not output at this time (No), it exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the main power disconnection detection signal has been output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, for example, 1 is subtracted from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130, and it is confirmed whether the result is 0 or not. If the on-counter value is still not 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and checks the main power interruption detection switch input port again. Then, when the loop from step S134 to step S132 is repeated and the check condition is satisfied (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S136.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big winning opening solenoid 90 as described above.

Steps S138, S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76, excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, in 1-byte units, and repeats the addition for all areas until the addition is completed. .
Step S142: When sum calculation is completed for all areas (step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 saves the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the validity value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.

Step S146: In addition, the main control CPU 72 stores "01H" indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibited area and stack area) of the RAM 76.

Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters a standby loop, and stops all other processes in preparation for the shutdown of the main power supply. After the main power supply is cut off, backup power is supplied from a backup power supply circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70). held without. The backup power supply circuit may be built in the power control unit 162, for example.

Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (to be added to the sum) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. In addition, the retained memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming that the checksum is normal in the previous reset start process (FIG. 6).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 changes the values of the registers (the accumulator A and flag register F, and the pairs of general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop to R
Save to the save area of AM76. Another value can be written to the registers (A to L) after saving the values during the interrupt management process.

Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes lottery random number update processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and looped within a prescribed range. Various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process here. The contents of the processing are the same as those described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input/output (I/O) port 79 . Specifically, the passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, the first start winning opening switch 80, the winning opening switch 81, the second starting winning opening switch 82, the first count switch 84a, the second count switch 84b, the specific area It reads the input state (ON/OFF) of the winning detection signal from the switch 85a, the non-specified area switch 85b, the movable body origin return switch 99a, and the launcher origin return switch 99b.

Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the gate switch 78, the first start winning opening switch 80, the winning opening switch 81, the second starting winning opening switch 82, the first count switch 84a, the second count An event that occurred during the game is determined based on a winning detection signal or a passage detection signal from the switch 84b, the specific area switch 85a, the non-specific area switch 85b, the movable body origin return switch 99a, and the launching device origin return switch 99b, Further processing is executed according to each event that has occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the first start winning opening switch 80 or the second starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 responds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery opportunity) has occurred. Also, when the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers the lottery corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. When determining that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing according to each occurrence event. The process executed when the winning detection signal is input from the first start winning opening switch 80 or the second starting winning opening switch 82 will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S205, step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol game process and the normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1 . Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second It controls the variable display and stop display by the 2 special symbol display device 35, and controls the operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later using another flowchart.

In addition, in the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. to control. For example, the main control CPU72 stores the random number (determined random number per normal symbol) acquired with the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event process (step S204), and in this normal symbol game process A random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery executing means). When the random number falls within the winning range, the normal symbols are variably displayed by the normal symbol display device 33, and the normal symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner. It is excited to operate the variable starting prize winning device 28 (movable piece operating means). On the other hand, if the random number is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs stop display of normal symbols in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84a, 84b, 85a, 85b, 99a, and 99b in the previous input process (step S203), the payout control device 92 receives the number of prize balls. Outputs a prize ball instruction command that instructs.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-described external information signals (for example, winning ball information, door opening information, number of symbol determination times information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in the port output request buffer.

In this embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5" are output as jackpot information to the outside, so that an external electronic device (data display (external information signal output means). That is, by dividing the jackpot information into a plurality of "jackpots 1" to "jackpots 5" and outputting them, the types of jackpots (types of winnings) can be tallied and managed by a hall computer (not shown) from these combinations. Occurrence of small hits that are not classified as "big hits" even if they recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or the shortened state of symbol fluctuation time (hit that does not operate the conditional device) even if it is not winning. can be aggregated and managed. Also, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each machine is currently jackpotting. Alternatively, it is possible to recognize whether or not the current symbol variation time is shortened for each machine. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail the respective output states (set of ON or OFF) of "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5".

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 also executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its own internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). and store them in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main control device 70, for example.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 includes the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. It controls lighting states of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the special symbol game process (step S205) or the normal symbol game process (step S206) is port-output. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode in which symbols are displayed in a variable manner, a stop display, a working memory number display, a game state display, etc.).

Step S211: The main control CPU 72 also executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). In addition, the main control CPU 72 controls the normal electric accessary item solenoid 88, the first big winning opening solenoid 90, the second big winning opening solenoid 97, the entrance opening solenoid 86, the movable body motor 95a, and the crew which are stored in the port output request buffer. Drive signals for the solenoid 95b and the firing device solenoid 95c, test signals, etc. are combined and output from the port.

Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 in the command buffer to check whether there is a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (command necessary for effect control), if there is an unsent command command to be output port output.

Step S213: Then, the main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored in this CTC interrupt.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing of steps S205 to S212 (game control program module) is executed as a timer interrupt processing, but these processing are executed by incorporating them into the main loop of the CPU. There are also known programming examples.

Step S214: After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) designating the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter and ends the CTC interrupt.

Steps S215, S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the values of the saved registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. After that, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (the program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of switch input event processing (step S204 in FIG. 9). Each procedure will be described below.

Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery opportunity has occurred) from the first start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. The specific contents of the processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery opportunity has occurred) from the second start winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Here, similarly, the specific contents of the processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the first count switch 84a corresponding to the first big winning port of the first variable winning device 30 or not. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S19 and executes the first big winning opening counting process. In the first big winning hole counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the first variable winning device 30 for each round during the big winning game. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S20.

Step S20: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the second count switch 84b corresponding to the second big winning port of the second variable winning device 31 or not. When the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21 and executes the second big winning opening counting process. In the second big winning hole count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the second variable winning device 31 during the big win game (during the small win). On the other hand, if the winning detection signal has not been input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

Step S22: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal has been input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of this passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes normal symbol memory update processing. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether the current normal symbol working memory number is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, acquires a random number per normal symbol. do. Also, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol working memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the obtained random number value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 . On the other hand, if the passage detection signal has not been input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S26.

Step S26a: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal has been input from the specific area switch 85a corresponding to the specific area 43a in the second big winning opening. When the input of the passage detection signal corresponding to the specific area 43a is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S27 and executes the specific area passage processing. On the other hand, if the input of the passage detection signal corresponding to the specific area 43a is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S26b.

Step S26b: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal has been input from the non-specific area switch 85b corresponding to the non-specific area 43b in the second big winning opening. When the input of the passage detection signal corresponding to the non-specific area 43b is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S28 and executes the non-specific area passage processing. On the other hand, if the input of the passage detection signal corresponding to the non-specific area 43b is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 9).

Step S27: In the specific area passage time process, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not it is time to validate passage through the specific area 43a. It stores that the passage of 43a has been confirmed. It also generates a specific area pass command indicating that the specific area 43a has been passed. A specific area passing command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). As the effective time, for example, a predetermined time (for example, a period from closing of the second big winning opening 31 to matching of incoming and outgoing balls) after the operation of the second variable winning leave 31 is set. good too.

Step S28: In the non-specific area passing process, the main control CPU 72 generates a non-specific area passing command indicating that the non-specific area 43b has been passed. The non-specific area passage command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory updating process (step S12 in FIG. 10). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory updating process will be described step by step.

Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter, and confirms whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of the jackpot determination random numbers, the jackpot pattern random numbers, etc. stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 . Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections for the first special symbol and four sections for the second special symbol (for example, 2 bytes each). The jackpot pattern random numbers can be stored in sets (groups) one by one. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

Step S31: The main control CPU72 adds one to the first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol working memory number counter is stored, for example, in the working memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the value of the counter added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9).

Step S32: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a big hit determination random value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of the first lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). A random number is obtained by designating the pin address of the random number generator 75 . When the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, address designation is performed in two batches of 1 byte each for the upper and lower bytes. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number from the specified address, it saves it as the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol at the transfer destination address.

Step S33: Next, the main control CPU72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM76. Acquisition of this random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot design random number from the designated address, it saves it as the jackpot design random number corresponding to the first special design at the transfer destination address.

Step S34: In addition, the main control CPU72 sequentially acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM76 as the random value related to the variation condition of the first special symbol (variation pattern determination element acquisition means). Acquisition of these random numbers is similarly performed by designating the address of the variable random number counter area. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the specified address, it saves them to the transfer destination address.

Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number, reach determination random number, and fluctuation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and stores these random numbers in the empty section of the area. (storage means, lottery element storage means). An order (for example, 1st to 4th) is set for a plurality of sections, and if all the 1st to 4th sections are empty at the present stage, each random number is stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, each random number is stored in order from the second section. Note that reading from the random number storage area is in FIFO (First In First Out) format.

Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the production command when the number of working memories increases with respect to the first special symbol. Specifically, a one-word-length command is obtained by adding the increased number of working memories (eg, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte of the preceding value (eg, "BBH") of the upper byte representing the type of command. Generate production commands. At this time, the second digit of the low-order byte is set to "0" by default to indicate that the value is "the result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)". In other words, if the lower byte is "01H", it indicates that the current working memory number is "01H" as a result of incrementing by one from the previous working memory number "00H". Similarly, if the lower byte is ``02H'' to ``04H'', it means that the number of working memories ``01H'' to ``03H'' up to the previous time has increased by 1, resulting in the number of working memories ``02H'' to ``02H'' to `` 04H”. In addition, the preceding value "BBH" is a value indicating that the current production command is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S39: Then, the main control CPU72 executes the effect command output setting process regarding the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the effect command generated at step S38a to the effect control device 124 (storage number notifying means).

If the above procedure is completed, or if the number of first special symbol working memories has reached 4 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory updating process (step S16 in FIG. 10). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory updating process will be described step by step.

Step S40: The main control CPU72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter and checks whether the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol working memory number counter also indicates the number (number of sets) of the jackpot decision random numbers and jackpot pattern random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 . At this time, if the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter reaches the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and subsequent steps.

Step S41: The main control CPU72 adds one to the second special symbol working memory number (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similar to the previous step S31 (FIG. 11), based on the value of the counter added here, the lighting state of the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9). will be

Step S42: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires the big hit determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of the second lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The method of obtaining the random number value is the same as in step S32 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM76. The method of obtaining the random value is the same as in step S33 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S44: In addition, the main control CPU72 sequentially acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM76 (variation pattern determining element acquisition means). Acquisition of these random numbers is also performed in the same manner as in step S34 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and stores these random numbers in the empty section in the area. stored as a set in (storage means). The method of storage is the same as that of step S35 (FIG. 11) described above.

Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the production command when the number of working memories increases with respect to the second special symbol. Here, a one-word-length effect command is obtained by adding the increased working memory number (eg, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte of the preceding value (eg, "BCH") of the upper byte representing the command type. to generate Similarly, for the second special symbol, by setting the second digit of the low-order byte to "0" by default, it is possible to express that the value is "the result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)". can. It should be noted that the preceding value "BCH" is a value indicating that the current production command is the working memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S49: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the effect command output setting process regarding the second special symbol. As a result, preparations are made for transmitting the production command or the like to the production control device 124 when the number of working memories increases with respect to the second special symbol (means for notifying the number of memories). Also, after completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 10).

[Special symbol game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a configuration example of special symbol game processing. The special symbol game processing includes execution selection processing (step S1000), special symbol variation preprocessing (step S2000), special symbol variation during processing (step S3000), special symbol stop display processing (step S4000), and variable winning device management processing. This configuration includes a group of subroutines (program modules) of (step S5000). Here, first, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the "jump table". For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the address of the jump destination, and sets the end of the special symbol game process in the stack pointer as the address of the return destination.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbols have not yet started variable display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation preprocessing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and special symbol variation is in progress. If the process is completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop display process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified in the "jump table" to select the process. There are also known programming examples in which the CPU selects which process to execute next. In such a programming example, the CPU calls each process, and at the beginning step, it refers to the flags one by one and performs conditional branching (continuation/return). There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

Step S2000: In the special symbol variation preprocessing, the main control CPU72 performs the work of preparing the conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbols. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S3000: In the special symbol fluctuation process, the main control CPU72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1-byte data) is output to each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby the variable display of the special symbols is performed.

Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. In this case as well, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, so that the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. A big hit game or a small hit game is started according to the mode in which the special symbols are stopped and displayed.

[Jackpot game]
For example, when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a 15-round jackpot mode, an opportunity is generated to shift from the normal state up to that point to a jackpot game state (special game state advantageous to the player). During the jackpot game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbols is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the first big winning opening solenoid 90 is energized for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or until 10 winnings are counted) for a preset number of continuous operations (for example, 15 times). , the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes in a determined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). During this time, the game balls are focused on the first variable prize winning device 30, thereby giving the player an opportunity to win a large number of prize balls (special game executing means). The opening and closing operation of the first variable prize winning device 30 at the time of a big win is called "round", and if the number of consecutive operations is 15 times in total, these are sometimes collectively called "15 rounds". In this embodiment, a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) are provided for the 15-round jackpot. In addition to the 15-round jackpot as types of jackpots, a plurality of types of 4-round jackpots and 2-round jackpots may be provided.

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (the number of rounds, the number of opening and closing operations per round, the opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the opening and closing of the first variable winning device 30 for one round The value of the round number counter is incremented by 1 each time the operation is completed. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big win game (big role) for that round only.

Then, when the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU72 changes the state (time saving state) after the jackpot game ends based on the game state flag (time saving flag) (time saving state transition means). In the "time saving state", the time reduction function is activated, the lottery probability of the normal pattern operation lottery is set from the normal probability (low probability) to a high probability, and the normal pattern fluctuation time is shortened and the variable start prize device The opening time of 28 is extended and the number of times of opening is increased (so-called electric chew support is performed).

[small hit]
In addition, in this embodiment, a small win is provided as a winning type other than non-winning (losing). When a small win is won, a small win game is performed separately from the big win game, and the second variable winning device 31 opens and closes (special game executing means). For example, when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a small win, there is an opportunity to shift from the previous normal state to a small win state (a special game state advantageous to the player). During the small hit, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the second big winning opening solenoid 97 is energized for a predetermined time (eg, 29 seconds) or for a preset number of times (eg, 10 times) until 10 winnings are counted. The second variable winning device 31 opens and closes in a determined pattern (operation of the special electric accessory). During this time, the player is given an opportunity to win a certain amount of prize balls by intensively winning the game balls to the second variable prize winning device 31 (special game executing means).

Further, in the variable winning device management process during the small hit, the movable body motor 95b is driven to start the reciprocating movement of the movable body 43. FIG. Further, in the second half of the opening period of the second variable prize winning device 31 (when 14.5 seconds have passed since the start of the small win), the crew solenoid 95b is energized, and the crew 36a of the distribution device 36 is displaced from the non-storage position to the storage position. Let In addition, the inlet opening solenoid 86 is energized for a preset number of times (for example, once), whereby the opening/closing member 39b opens the inlet 39a (see FIG. 3). During this time, game balls flow into the ball passage 39, and the game balls flowing down from the ball passage 39 onto the stage 29 pass through the specific area 43a, giving the player an opportunity to start a big win game. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is started depending on whether or not the game ball passes through the specific area 43a during the small hit. In this embodiment, a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) are provided for small wins, and when a game ball passes through the specific area 43a, a big win game corresponding to the winning type is started. When the small winning game state ends without developing into a big winning, the movable body 43 is closed when the second variable winning device 31 is closed and the number of balls entering and discharging the second big winning opening 31b matches. Then, it shifts to the origin return control period in which the origin return control for returning the game ball launching device 29a to the origin is performed. Then, the small winning game state ends after the ending period after the origin return is completed.

In addition, even if the small winning game ends without the game ball passing through the specific area 43a, the "time reduction function" is not newly activated, so the benefit of shifting to the "time reduction state" is not given ( It is not a prerequisite for that.) (Except when the upper limit is reached).

[Multiple Winning Types]
In this embodiment, in addition to the above-described "15-round big win", "16-round big win" is provided as a plurality of winning types. The ``15 round big win'' is started when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in the big win mode, while the ``16 round big win'' is started when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in the small win mode, and the specific area 43a is during the small win. is started when the game ball passes through. Among the 16-round big hits, the operation of the second variable winning device 31 corresponds to the first round, and the operation of the first variable winning device 30 corresponds to the remaining 15 rounds. However, in this embodiment, jackpots other than 16 rounds and 15 rounds may be provided.

The above-mentioned "16 round big hit" corresponds to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is stop-displayed at the time of winning. For example, it corresponds to a small hit (a big hit when passing through the specific area 43a) of "first winning symbol" and "second winning symbol". For this reason, hereinafter, the "winning type" is appropriately referred to as "winning design".

[15 round design]
When the first special symbol and the second special symbol are stopped and displayed in the mode of "15 round symbol" in the previous special symbol stop display process, an opportunity to shift from the normal state to the jackpot game state is generated. (Special game execution means). In this case, from the 1st round, the opening of the 1st big prize hole is performed once for a sufficiently long time (for example, the maximum opening time is 29.0 seconds), and this continues until the 15th round (final round). do. In this winning game, 15 rounds worth of balls (prize balls) can be awarded to the player (specific value special game). In addition, the first big winning port is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse when a predetermined number of winnings (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) occur within one round. By activating, for example, the "time reduction function" after the end of the jackpot game, the player is given a privilege of transitioning to the "time reduction state" as a result.

[1st winning pattern]
When the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of "first winning symbol" in the previous special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity is generated to shift from the normal state to the small winning state. Then, when the game ball passes through the specific area 43a during the small hit, an opportunity to shift from the small hit to the big hit game state is generated. Starting from the second round, the opening of the first big winning opening is performed once for a sufficiently long time (for example, the maximum opening time is 29.0 seconds), and this continues until the 16th round (final round). The jackpot game of this "first winning symbol" can provide the player with 15 rounds worth of balls (prize balls) (specific value special game). Also, the first big winning hole is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse when a specified number of winnings (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) occur within one round.

[Second Winning Design]
When the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the "second winning symbol" in the previous special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity is generated to shift from the normal state to the small winning state. Then, when the game ball passes through the specific area 43a during the small hit, an opportunity to shift from the small hit to the big hit game state is generated. In this case, from the 2nd round onwards, the 1st Grand Prize Opening will be opened once for a sufficiently long period of time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds), and this will continue until the 16th round (final round). do. This "second winning symbol" jackpot game can provide the player with 15 rounds worth of balls (prize balls) (specific value special game). Also, the first big winning hole is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse when a specified number of winnings (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) occur within one round.

In addition, in this embodiment, according to the type of the symbol, the player is given the privilege of shifting the internal state to the "time saving state" after the jackpot game ends. In addition, when the game ball passes through the specific area 43a during the small winning and the big winning game is started, the player is given the privilege of shifting the internal state to the "time saving state" after finishing the big winning game. In addition, when a small win is won in the internal lottery in the "time saving state" and the game ball passes through the specific area 43a during the small win and the big win game is started, the "time saving state" continues even after the big win game ends ( resumed).

In the present embodiment, the second special symbol has a higher small hit probability than the first special symbol. Alternatively, it is possible to adopt a configuration other than the present embodiment as a method in which the degree of advantage regarding the small hit is different between the first special pattern and the second special pattern, such as winning the small prize only in the second special pattern. is.

[Special symbol variation preprocessing]
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of special symbol variation preprocessing. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S2100: First, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (greater than 0). This confirmation can be performed by referring to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76 . When the working memory numbers of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demonstration setting process of step S2500.

Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). When the demonstration setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (same hereafter).

On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the lottery random number stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 (random number for determining the jackpot, random number for the jackpot pattern, random number for the first special pattern variation), which corresponds to the second special pattern. are read preferentially. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections (only the first special symbol applies), the main control CPU 72 reads and erases (consumes) the random numbers in order from the first section, and then changes the remaining random numbers to 1 Move (shift) to the previous section one by one. The read random number is saved, for example, in another temporary storage area. When the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in the temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next big hit determination process. As a result, in this embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. It should be noted that the program may be a program in which the random numbers are simply read out in the order in which they are stored without providing such a priority order for each special symbol. Also, in this process, the main control CPU72 subtracts one from the value of the working memory number counter (the first special symbol or the second special symbol, whichever shifted the random number) stored in the RAM76, and subtracts The latter value is set as the "number of working memories at the start of fluctuation". As a result, the display mode of the stored number by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decrease by 1) in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9). . After completing the procedure up to this point, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

[Special symbol storage area shift process]
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process. In the previous special symbol variation pre-processing, if the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than "0" (step S2100 in FIG. 14: Yes), the main control CPU72 executes this special symbol storage area shift process. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the oldest one in the current working memory corresponds to the first special symbol. That is, if the memory area of the RAM 76 is accessed, and the oldest working memory among them corresponds to the second special symbol instead of the first special symbol (No), the main control CPU 72 next The process advances to step S2212.

Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as the special symbol to shift the storage area. This designation is performed by setting, for example, "02H" as the target symbol designation value.

Step S2214: On the other hand, if the oldest working memory corresponds to the first special symbol (step S2210: Yes), the main control CPU72 designates the first special symbol as the special symbol to shift the storage area. . The designation in this case is performed, for example, by setting "01H" as the target symbol designation value.

Step S2216: The main control CPU72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM76 for the target special symbol specified in either step S2212 or step S2214. It should be noted that the specific contents of the processing are as already described in the previous special symbol variation preprocessing.

Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU72 subtracts the value of the working memory counter for the target special symbol. For example, if the object to shift the memory area this time is the second special symbol, the main control CPU72 subtracts (-1) the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

Step S2220: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the "variation start working memory number" from the value of the working memory counter after the subtraction. In addition, here, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, after adding the value of the working memory counter, the "number of working memories at the start of fluctuation" may be set.

Step S2222: In addition, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the special symbol for which the storage area of this time is to be shifted is the second special symbol.

Step S2224: If the target is the second special symbol (step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU72 sets the effect command when the working memory number is reduced with respect to the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a command of one word length, but its configuration is in contrast to the above-described "effect command when the number of working memories increases". That is, the working memory number decrease effect command is a value of the lower byte (eg, "00H" to "03H") representing the number of working memories after the decrease with respect to the preceding value (eg, "BCH") of the upper byte representing the command type. ”) is added, and an additional value (for example, “10H”) meaning “decrease in the number of working memories accompanying consumption” is added (logical OR) to the value of the lower byte. Therefore, for the lower byte, the addition value "10H" is logically summed, and the second digit becomes "1". become a thing. In other words, if the lower byte of the command is "13H", it means that the number of working memories up to the previous time "4" (the command notation is "14H") has decreased by one, resulting in the current number of working memories being "3" (command The notation indicates that it has become "13H"). Similarly, if the lower byte is "12H" to "10H", it is the result of the previous working memory number "3" to "1" (command notation is "13H" to "11H") decreasing by one. , indicates that the current number of working memories is "2" to "0" (command notation is "12H" to "10H"). It should be noted that the preceding value "BCH" is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S2226: In addition, when the object of this time is the first special symbol (step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets the production command when the working memory number is reduced with respect to the first special symbol. The command in this case is the same as above except that the preceding value is a value (for example, "BBH") indicating that it is a working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes effect command output processing. This processing is for transmitting to the effect control device 124 the effect command set at the previous step S2224 or step S2226 (storage number notifying means).
After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 14).

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation preprocessing]
Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes big hit determination processing (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets the range of the jackpot value, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery executing means). If the random number value read at this time is included in the jackpot value range, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag (01H) and then proceeds to step S2400.

If the big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 next sets a range of small hit values in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). The "minor win" referred to here is anything other than non-winning (lose), but has a different nature from the "big win". In other words, the "big hit" generates an opportunity (game turning point) to shift to the "time-saving state", but the "small hit" does not generate such an opportunity. A "minor hit" is positioned as satisfying the condition for activating only the second variable winning device 31 (the condition for activating the condition device is not satisfied). Furthermore, when the game ball passes through the specific area 43a during the "small hit", it is positioned as something that develops into a "big hit" (the conditions for operating the condition device are met). In any case, if the read random number is included in the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400. Thus, in this embodiment, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is defined in advance as the hit range other than the non-winning, but the big hit determination table and the small hit determination table for each state are prepared in advance. Each of them may be written in the ROM 74, read out, and compared with the random number to determine the big hit.

Here, as a specific example, in this embodiment, in the internal lottery of special symbols, if the special symbol is the first special symbol, the probability of winning the big win is set to about 1/300, and the probability of winning the small win is set. The probability is set to about 1/500. Further, in the case of the second special symbol, the probability of winning the big win is set to about 1/300, and the probability of winning the small win is set to about 1/2. Therefore, when the internal lottery for the second special symbol is executed, it almost means that a small win is won. In order to satisfy the probability of winning the big hit and the probability of winning the small win, the main control CPU 72 sets the range of the big win value and the range of the small win value and compares them with the read random numbers. In addition, it is also possible to set the probability of winning a small hit for the first special symbol to 0 and to win a small win only for the second special symbol.

Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the big hit flag has been set to the value (01H) in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set to the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

Step S2402: The main control CPU72 determines whether or not the value (01H) has been set to the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the small hit flag is not set to the value (01H) (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2404. In addition, the main control CPU 72 may determine a big hit (for example, set 01H) or a small hit (for example, set 0AH) by the value of the common hit flag without separately preparing the big hit flag and the small hit flag.

Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes stop symbol determination processing when losing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of loss by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 . Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (when lost) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 . These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9).

In addition, in this embodiment, since 7-segment LEDs are used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of loss is always one segment (center The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H) with only the lighting display of the bar "-"). In this case, the storage capacity used on the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes fluctuation pattern determination processing at the time of deviation. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern number at the time of loss for the special symbol (variation pattern selection means). The variation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the variation display of the special symbol, or corresponds to the variation time required for the variation display.

Here, since the fluctuation time at the time of loss varies depending on whether it is the above-mentioned "time saving state", the main control CPU72 loads the game state flag in this process, and the current state is "time saving state" Check whether or not If it is a "time saving state", the variable display of special symbols is set to a shortened time (for example, 2.0 seconds). Also, even if it is not a "time saving state", except for the case of performing a variation to execute a reach effect, the variation time at the time of loss is set in step S2200, for example, "the number of working memories at the start of variation display (0 to 3)" (For example, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 0 → about 12.5 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 1 → about 8 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 2 1 → about 5 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of the variable display: 3 → about 2.5 seconds). It should be noted that the stop display time of the symbol at the time of loss is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variable time (at the time of loss) to the variable timer, and also sets the value of the stop display time at the time of loss to the stop symbol display timer.

In this embodiment, as a result of the internal lottery with the special symbol, when it corresponds to non-winning, for example, "reach performance" is generated on the production and it is lost, or control is made to lose without generating "reach production". is to be carried out. Then, in the "loss change pattern selection table", a plurality of types of effects are defined in advance, such as "non-reach effect" and "reach effect". One of the variation patterns is selected from among them. The reach performance includes various reach performances such as a normal reach performance, a long reach performance, and a super reach performance.

[Example of variation pattern selection table when special symbol is lost]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table at the time of special symbol loss. (A) in the figure is a table relating to the first special symbol, and (B) in the figure is a table relating to the second special symbol.

[1st special symbol loss fluctuation pattern selection table]
This selection table relates to the first special symbol, and is a table used when losing in a low-probability state (in the case of non-winning) (fluctuation pattern defining means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, a "comparison value" and a "fluctuation pattern number" are stored in sets of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The "comparison value" is provided with, for example, stepwise different values "101", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251", and "255 (FFH)". A "variation pattern number" of "1" to "8" is assigned to each "comparative value".

Variation pattern numbers "1" to "5" correspond to variation patterns that are lost without performing reach production, and variation pattern numbers "6" to "8" correspond to variation patterns that are lost after reach. Yes. Note that the fluctuation pattern selection table may have different table contents according to the number of working memories at the start of fluctuation (the same applies hereinafter).

Here, the length of the set fluctuation time differs greatly between the non-reach fluctuation pattern and the reach fluctuation pattern. That is, the "non-reach fluctuation pattern" basically corresponds to a short fluctuation time (for example, about 3.0 seconds to 12.0 seconds depending on the number of working memories), whereas the "reach fluctuation pattern" It corresponds to a long fluctuation time (for example, about 30 seconds to 150 seconds) that is more than double that.

Then, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison value" in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, the comparison value Select the corresponding variation pattern number (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190", when compared with the first comparison value "101", the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU72 determines the next comparison value " 201” and the random number. In this case, since the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "2" as the corresponding variation pattern number. In addition, in this embodiment, since there is no non-winning in the second special symbol, there is no variation pattern selection table for the second special symbol at the time of losing.

[Variation pattern selection table when second special symbol is lost]
This selection table relates to the second special symbol, and is a table used when losing in a low-probability state (when corresponding to non-winning) (fluctuation pattern defining means).
In this table, all the same variation patterns (variation time is about 30 seconds, for example) are set, and in this selection table, one predetermined variation pattern (displacement variation pattern 11 after reaching) is selected. and

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "11" as the variation pattern number regardless of which value the acquired variation pattern determination random number value is.

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation preprocessing]
The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is lost (other than non-winning), but when the determination result is a big hit (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes) , the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of a big hit will be explained.

Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the current winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of the big hit) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the big hit symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in a special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the big-hit stop symbol selection table in the big-hit stop symbol determination process, and can determine the type of the winning symbol based on the big-hit symbol random number from the stored contents.

[Winning design at the time of jackpot]
In the present embodiment, one type (“15-round symbol”) is prepared as a winning symbol that is selectively determined at the time of a big hit. It should be noted that this one type of winning symbol may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, in case of "15 round pattern", "15 round pattern A", "15 round pattern B", "15 round pattern C", and so on.

[Special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the special symbol jackpot time stop symbol selection table.

In any case, when the result of this big hit corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and the winning symbols shown in the stop symbol selection table for the first special symbol big hit. is selectively determined. In the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, 2-byte command data, for example, is defined as a winning stop symbol command. The stop symbol command is described, for example, as a combination of MODE value and EVENT value, of which the upper byte MODE value "B1H" indicates that the current winning symbol was selected when the first special symbol was a big hit. represents. Also, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte indicates the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. For this reason, for example, if the result of this big hit corresponds to the first special symbol and "15 round symbol" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as "B1H01H". become.

When the result of this big hit corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol shown in the stop symbol selection table for the second special symbol big hit. do. Similarly, in the second special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, 2-byte command data, for example, is defined as a winning stop symbol command. Here too, the stop symbol command is described as a combination of the above MODE value and EVENT value, of which the upper byte MODE value "B2H" is selected when the winning symbol of this time hits the second special symbol. It means that Also, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte indicates the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. For this reason, for example, when the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special pattern and "15 round pattern" is selected as the winning pattern, the stop pattern command is described as "B2H01H".

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol from the special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, it generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124, for example, in the above effect control output process. In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation preprocessing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variable time to the variable timer, and also sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer. Generally, in the case of jackpot reach variation, a longer variation time than when losing is determined.

In this embodiment, when a big hit is achieved as a result of the internal lottery, for example, a "ready-to-win effect" is generated in the effect to make the game a big win. In the ``variation pattern selection table at the time of big hit'', variation patterns corresponding to a plurality of kinds of ``ready-to-win performances'' are defined, and when a big win occurs, one of the variation patterns is selected. It will be. The reach performance includes various reach performances such as a normal reach performance, a long reach performance, and a special reach performance. In addition, at the time of winning while the time reduction function is in operation, instead of selecting a variation pattern with a long variation time, a variation pattern with a short variation time (variation pattern without ready-to-win effect) is selected. .

[Example of variation pattern selection table at special symbol jackpot]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol jackpot time variation pattern selection table. (A) in the figure is a table relating to the first special symbol, and (B) in the figure is a table relating to the second special symbol.

[First special symbol jackpot time variation pattern selection table]
This selection table is a table used when winning the first special symbol in a low probability state (fluctuation pattern defining means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, a "comparison value" and a "fluctuation pattern number" are stored in sets of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The "comparison value" is provided with, for example, stepwise different values "101", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251", and "255 (FFH)". , and "61" to "68" of "variation pattern numbers" are assigned to the respective "comparison values".

Variation pattern numbers "61" to "68" all correspond to variation patterns in which a ready-to-win effect is performed and hits.

The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired variation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison value" in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, it corresponds to the comparison value. Select a variation pattern number (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190", when compared with the first comparison value "101", the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU72 determines the next comparison value " 201” and the random number. In this case, since the random number value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "62" as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Variation pattern selection table at the time of the second special symbol jackpot]
This selection table is a table used when winning the second special symbol in a low probability state (fluctuation pattern defining means). In this table, all the same variation patterns (variation time is about 30 seconds, for example) are set, and in this selection table, one predetermined variation pattern (per reach variation pattern 71) is selected. and

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "71" as the variation pattern number regardless of which value the acquired variation pattern determination random number value is.

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation preprocessing]
Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing at the time of the big hit. In this process, the value (01H) of the time saving flag corresponding to the time saving state A is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 as the game state flag corresponding to the type of the winning pattern determined in the previous step S2410 (the stop pattern number at the time of the big hit). You may do (time saving state transition means, time saving function operating means). In this embodiment, the value (01H) of the time-saving flag corresponding to the time-saving state A is set when it is a specific winning pattern.

Also, in the process of step S2414, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (jackpot symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the jackpot stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of the big hit). These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Next, processing at the time of a small hit will be described.

Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes small hit stop symbol determination processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol at the time of the small win (stop symbol number at the time of the small win) based on the big hit symbol random number. Here, similarly, the relationship between the big hit symbol random number and the type of the winning symbol at the time of the small win is defined in advance in the stop symbol selection table at the time of the small win (winning type defining means). In the present embodiment, the jackpot symbol random number is used to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72 to determine the winning symbol at the time of the small hit, but a dedicated random number may be used separately.

[Winning design at the time of small hit]
In this embodiment, there are roughly two types of winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a small win. There are two types of breakdown, "first winning design" and "second winning design", and if the type of special design is the first special design, the winning type is determined as "first winning design" If the kind is the second special symbol, the winning kind is determined as the "second winning symbol".

Further, the first winning design includes "winning design A", and the second winning design includes "winning design A", "winning design B", and "winning design C". Then, when the second winning design is determined, one of "winning design A", "winning design B", and "winning design C" is determined. Hereinafter, "winning design A" may be referred to as "small winning design A", "winning design B" may be referred to as "small winning design B", and "winning design C" may be referred to as "small winning design C". In this embodiment, the winning symbols selected at the time of the small win are stored in the RAM 76. - 特許庁

[Small hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the small hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 determines the winning symbol type by referring to the small hit stopping symbol selection table (winning type defining means) shown in FIG.

As a result of this small hit, for example, if the type of special design is the first special design, the winning type is determined to be the "first winning design", and if the second special design is the "second winning design". It is determined. Also in the special symbol small winning stop symbol selection table, as shown in the third column from the left, 2-byte command data, for example, is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning. Here too, the stop symbol command is described as a combination of the above MODE value and EVENT value. Among them, the upper byte MODE values "B1H" and "B2H" are the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It represents that it was selected at the time of the small hit of the special symbol. Also, the EVENT value "04H" in the lower byte represents the type of winning symbol corresponding in the selection table. For this reason, for example, when the "first winning symbol" is selected as the winning symbol as a result of the small win this time, the stop symbol command is described as "B1H04H".

Although not shown in detail, in the present embodiment, the second winning design further includes "winning design A", "winning design B", and "winning design C". Command data is specified according to the type of

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol from the small hit stop symbol selection table, it generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124, for example, in the above effect control output process. In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines the small hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation preprocessing]
Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation pattern selection means). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variable time to the variable timer, and sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer.

[Example of variation pattern selection table at special symbol small hit]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol small hit time variation pattern selection table. (A) in the figure is a table relating to the first special symbol, and (B) in the figure is a table relating to the second special symbol.

[First special symbol small hit variation pattern selection table]
This selection table is a table used at the time of a small hit with the first special symbol in a low probability state (fluctuation pattern defining means). Also, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, a "comparison value" and a "fluctuation pattern number" are stored in sets of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The "comparison value" is provided with, for example, stepwise different values "101", "201", "211", "221", "231", "241", "251", and "255 (FFH)". , and "61" to "68" of "variation pattern numbers" are assigned to the respective "comparison values".

Variation pattern numbers "31" to "38" all correspond to variation patterns in which a ready-to-win effect is performed and hits.

The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the acquired variation pattern determination random number value with the "comparison value" in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random number value is less than or equal to the comparison value, it corresponds to the comparison value. Select a variation pattern number (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the fluctuation pattern determination random number value at that time is "190", when compared with the first comparison value "101", the random number value exceeds the comparison value, so the main control CPU72 determines the next comparison value " 201” and the random number. In this case, since the random number is less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects "32" as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Variation pattern selection table at the time of the second special symbol small hit]
This selection table is a table used at the time of a small hit with the second special symbol in a low probability state (fluctuation pattern defining means).
In this table, all the same variation patterns (variation time is about 30 seconds, for example) are set, and in this selection table, one predetermined variation pattern (per reach variation pattern 71) is selected. and

Therefore, the main control CPU 72 selects "41" as the variation pattern number regardless of which value the acquired variation pattern determination random number value is.

[See Figure 14: Special symbol variation preprocessing]
Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing at the time of a small hit. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop design (small hit design) by the second special design display device 35 based on the small hit stop design number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 . These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects variation pattern data based on the variation pattern number (when lost/when hit). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol fluctuation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 . Moreover, when the value (01H) of a time saving flag is set, the process according to a time saving state is performed. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 . This fluctuation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU72 sets the special symbol fluctuation process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Fig. 13: Processing during special symbol fluctuation, processing during special symbol stop display]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, as described above, the main control CPU72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter, and then the timer according to the passage of time (clock pulse count or interrupt counter value) Decrement the value of the counter. Then, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the timer counter and controls the variable display of the special symbol as described above until the value becomes zero. Then, when the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display process (step S4000) to the next jump destination.

Also, in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the special symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404, S2407 and S2410 in FIG. 14). Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 . The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time during the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol fluctuation flag.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the process during special symbol fluctuation. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S3100: The main control CPU72 subtracts the value of the variable timer for the special symbols to be controlled (decrements the value corresponding to the interrupt period).

Step S3200: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has expired based on the value of the variable timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the variable timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the variable display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 13) and repeats the special symbol fluctuation display process in the next interrupt cycle.

On the other hand, if the variable timer value is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the variable display time has expired (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3300.

Step S3300: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value (01H) is set in the small hit flag for the special symbol to be controlled. If the small hit flag is set to a value (01H) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3400. On the other hand, when the value (01H) is not set to the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 13).

Step S3400: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the time saving flag (01H) is set. And, when the time saving flag value (01H) is not set (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 13). Also, if the time saving flag value (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3500.

Step S3500: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the set time saving flag (01H) is a value corresponding to the time saving state A. And when the value (01H) of the time saving flag corresponding to the time saving state A is not set (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 13). Also, when the value of the time saving flag corresponding to the time saving state A (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S3600.

Step S3600: The main control CPU72 resets the value of the time saving flag (01H). At this time, the number-of-times cutting counter value is also reset. As a result, in the time saving state A, the game state is controlled from the time saving state to the normal state by the time the small winning symbols are stopped and displayed. On the other hand, when it is the time saving state B, the game state is maintained in the time saving state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S3700.

Step S3700: The main control CPU72 executes special symbol variation end processing. In this process, a value (01H) is set to the symbol stop display flag of the special symbol in the flag area of the RAM 76 as the variable display of the special symbol to be controlled ends. Also, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display process (step S4000 in FIG. 13) as the next jump destination. After completing the above procedure, the process returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 13).

[Processing during special symbol stop display]
Next, FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the process during special symbol stop display. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

Step S4200: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has expired, based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet expired (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 13) and repeats the special symbol stop display process in the next interrupt cycle.

On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has expired (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command and a stop display time end command. The symbol stop command and the stop display time end command are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process. Also, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol-fluctuation flag here. The "stop display time end command" is a command indicating that the stop display time of the special symbols has ended (elapsed).

Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the jackpot flag value (01H) is set. If the jackpot flag value (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4350.

[When elected]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to "variable winning device management processing". Note that the main control CPU 72 executes processing for setting various functions to non-operation in this processing. Specifically, the time shortening function is deactivated. Thereby, before the special game (big role) is started, it will be shifted to the normal state (non-time-saving state).

When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[When not elected]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed in cases other than the time of the big hit.
That is, when the main control CPU 72 determines that the jackpot flag value (01H) is not set in step S4300 (No), then step S4600 is executed.

Step S4600: The main control CPU72 then checks whether or not the small hit flag value (01H) is set. Then, the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set, and if it is simply a loss (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4602. Also, on the other hand, if the small hit flag value (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4603a.

Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the address of the special symbol variation preprocessing (step S2000 in FIG. 13) as the jump destination address of the jump table. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S4610.

Step S4603a: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the second winning symbol was determined in step S2407 of FIG. If the second winning symbol is determined (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4603b. On the other hand, if the second winning symbol is not determined (No), that is, if the first winning symbol is determined, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4603f.

Step S4603b: The main control CPU72 determines whether or not the small hit symbol A was determined in step S2407 of FIG. If the small hit symbol A is determined (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4603e. Also, on the other hand, if the small hit symbol A is not determined (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4603b.

Step S4603c: The main control CPU72 determines whether or not the small hit design B was determined in step S2407 of FIG. If the small hit symbol B is determined (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4603d. Also, on the other hand, if it is not determined to be the small winning design B (No), that is, if it is determined to be the small winning design C, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4603f.

Step S4603d: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the time saving flag (01H) is set. And, when the value of the time saving flag (01H) is not set (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S4603f. Also, on the other hand, if the value of the time saving flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S4603e.

Step S4603e: The main control CPU72 sets the number of times of time saving to 300 times. Concretely, 300 times of times of time saving is set to the “time cutting counter” which is set in the time saving count area of RAM76.

Step S4603f: The main control CPU72 sets the number of times of time saving to 20 times. Concretely, 20 times of times of time saving is set to the “time cutting counter” which is set in the time saving count area of RAM76.

In addition, the number of times of time saving set in step S4603e or step S4603f is started after the jackpot game developed from the small hit is completed (based on the value of the time saving flag set in step S3360 of FIG. 36, it is controlled to the time saving state ). Therefore, even if the value of the time-saving flag is set when the small winning symbol stops, the game does not shift to the time-saving state.

Step S4605: If the small hit flag value (01H) is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table.

When the above procedure is completed at the time of a small hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

Step S4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the number cutting counter. Each counter value is set in the time-saving count area of the RAM 76 in the "time-saving state". In this embodiment, a so-called cut-off time reduction function is adopted, so when shifting to the "time-saving state", the cut-off counter for the time-saving state is set to a predetermined value (20 times or 300 times in this example). be done.

Step S4620: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the number of cut counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the number cut counter value is not 0 (No), after generating a number cut counter value command, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4630.

Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the number-of-times counter value.
Step S4640: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cutting counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when the value of the number cutting counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets the flag when the multiple cut function is activated. In this embodiment, the number cutting counter for the time saving state is set to a predetermined value (20 times or 300 times in this example), so the time saving flag is reset after the special symbol fluctuates 20 times or 300 times after the special game. be done. As a result, the time saving state ends after the special symbols are stopped and displayed. When the above procedures are finished, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

It should be noted that the stop display of the small winning symbols is configured to ensure a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). As a result, it is possible to execute an effect suggesting the number of time reductions to be given.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 9) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing (step S1240).

Of these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are performed by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 34 as already described. A drive signal to be applied to each LED of the special symbol display device 35, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory number display lamp 35a is generated. and output.

The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation count display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the gaming state display device . First, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU72 controls lighting of the time saving state display lamp 38e according to the value of the time saving flag. For example, if the time saving flag is set to a value (01H) when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, regardless of whether or not the power is turned on, the main control CPU 72 has an LED corresponding to the time saving status display lamp 38e. output a lighting signal to the Furthermore, the main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the firing position designation lamp 38f according to the special game management status. For example, when the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is activated by a big win game or a small win game, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the firing position designation lamp 38f. do. Also, if the time saving flag is set to a value (01H), the main control CPU72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the firing position designation lamp 38f in addition to the time saving state display lamp 38e. It should be noted that the firing position designation lamp 38f, when transitioning to the "time saving state" through the jackpot game, lights up from the start of the jackpot game until the "time saving state" ends, and turns off (OFF) when the "time saving state" ends. Become.

In addition, the main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation count display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for one of the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the continuous operation count status. At this time, the target for outputting the lighting signal is any one of the display lamps 38a, 38b corresponding to the jackpot symbol designated by the value of the number of continuous operation status. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "16 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing "16 rounds (16R)". Furthermore, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "15 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "15 rounds (15R)".

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, the details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of variable winning device management processing. The variable winning device management process includes a game process selection process (step S5100), a large winning opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a large winning opening opening/closing operation process (step S5300), a large winning opening closing process (step S5400), and finished. This configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing (step S5500).

Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device management process to the stack pointer as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening/closing operation) of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 has not yet started, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200). On the other hand, if the large winning opening opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening opening/closing operation process (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and completes up to the large winning opening opening/closing operation process. If so, the big winning opening closing process (step S5400) is selected as the next jump destination. In addition, when the large winning opening opening/closing operation process and the large winning opening closing process are repeatedly executed over the set number of consecutive operations (the number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects the end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. . Each process will be described in more detail below.

[Big winning opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the big winning opening opening pattern setting process. This processing is for setting the conditions such as the number of opening and closing operations of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 at the time of the big win or the small win, and the time for each opening. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the jackpot flag value (01H) is set. As a result of this confirmation, if the jackpot flag value (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5203. On the other hand, if the big hit flag value (01H) is not set (No), that is, if the small hit flag value (01H) is set, the main control CPU72 then executes step S5204.

Step S5203: The main control CPU 72 executes a big winning opening pattern setting process at the time of a big hit. In this process, the opening pattern of the big winning opening corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of the big win is set based on the symbol-specific opening pattern setting table at the time of the big win. The specific contents of the processing will be further described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5205.

Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a big winning opening opening pattern setting process at the time of a small hit. In this process, the opening pattern of the big winning opening is set based on the small winning symbol opening pattern setting table. The specific contents of the processing will be further described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5205.

Step S5205: After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process, and returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Big winning opening pattern setting process at the time of big hit]
FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the big winning opening opening pattern setting process at the time of big winning. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

Step S5210: The main control CPU 72 operates the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device. Here, the "condition device" is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for the operation of the role product continuous operation device. It is a device that can operate the variable winning device 31 continuously. Therefore, as long as this condition device is not operating, it means that the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 do not operate in the jackpot game. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5212.

Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets "big win start (during jackpot game)" as an internal state flag for control. In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of the jackpot symbol. In this embodiment, a value representing "15 rounds" is set in the continuous operation count status regardless of the type of the jackpot symbol. Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that the jackpot is in progress. A state command indicating that the jackpot is in progress is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5214.

Step S5214: The main control CPU 72 executes the opening pattern selection process for each symbol at the time of the big hit. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the jackpot symbol-by-symbol opening pattern setting table, and selects an opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol type related to the special symbol. Here, the opening pattern represents the setting for operating the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, for example, the number of execution rounds, opening time, interval time, and the like. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5216.

Step S<b>5216 : The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the first variable winning device 30 . Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of the variable winning device to be operated in each round (first round to final round) during the jackpot game to the first variable winning device 30 based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. do. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5218.

Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the big hit game based on the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. In this embodiment, 15 rounds are set as the number of rounds to be executed. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5220.

Step S5220: The main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot time open timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) per time when opening the big winning opening for each round at the time of the big hit. In this embodiment, it is set for each round based on the release time of the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of the big win. For example, the opening time for opening the first big prize opening is set to 29.0 seconds. Therefore, if the value of the open timer is set to about 29.0 seconds, the opening time is enough time (for example, the launch control board Set 174 sets the time for 10 or more game balls to be shot, preferably 6 seconds or more). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5222.

Step S5222: The main control CPU 72 sets an interval timer at the time of the big hit. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of the big hit. In this embodiment, 1.0 second is set as the interval timer of the release pattern. For example, an interval timer of about 1.0 second is set after the opening of the first big prize hole between the first round and the second round is completed and the hole is temporarily closed. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5224.

Step S5224: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation count command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5218). Therefore, based on the execution round number "15R" of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of the big hit, a value representing "15 rounds" is generated for the continuous operation count command. The generated continuous actuation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process.

After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the big winning opening opening pattern setting process (FIG. 25).

[Small win big winning opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for setting a pattern for opening a big winning opening at the time of a small hit. An example procedure will be described below.

Step S5252: The main control CPU 72 sets "small hit start (during small hit game)" as an internal state flag for control. In addition, the main control CPU72 generates a state command indicating that the small hit is in progress. The state command indicating that the small hit is in progress is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5254.

Step S5254: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit opening pattern selection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the small hit opening pattern setting table and selects an opening pattern. Here, the opening pattern represents the setting for operating the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, and represents, for example, settings such as the number of times of opening, opening time, and interval time. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5256.

Step S 5256 : The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the second variable winning device 31 . Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the second variable winning device 31 as the type of variable winning device to be operated during the small winning, based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small winning. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5258.

Step S5258: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times of opening. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of opening times to be executed during the small hit based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. In this embodiment, one time is set as the number of openings of the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5260.

Step S5260: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hit opening timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) per time when opening the big winning opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. In this embodiment, 0.5 seconds or 1.8 seconds is set based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5262.

Step S5262: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hit interval timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between the opening of the big winning opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. In this embodiment, since the number of openings of the big winning opening is one, the interval timer is not set (0.0 second is set). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5264.

Step S5264: The main control CPU 72 sets the opening timer for the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) of the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small hit. In this embodiment, the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 is opened 14.5 seconds after the opening of the second variable winning device 31 is started. After the second variable winning device 31 is closed, the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 is closed when the number of incoming and outgoing balls in the second big winning opening 31b matches. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5266.

Step S5266: The main control CPU 72 sets an operation timer for displacing the crew 36a of the sorting device 36 from the non-storage position to the storage position. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the time for moving the crew 36a from the non-storage position to the storage position. In this embodiment, the second variable winning device 31 is displaced from the non-storage position to the storage position 14.5 seconds after the start of opening. Then, when the second variable winning device 31 is closed after that, it is displaced from the storage position to the non-storage position.

After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the big winning opening opening pattern setting process (FIG. 25).

[Grand Prize Opening/Closing Operation Processing]
FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the big winning opening opening/closing operation process. This processing is mainly for controlling the opening and closing operations of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31. FIG. The procedure will be described below.

Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current internal state is "in duty". Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer of the RAM 76, and determines whether the current internal state is " Check whether or not the status is “In a big role”. It should be noted that the "during a big win (during a jackpot game)" flag is set by the main control CPU 72 during the previous process (during the process of setting the big winning opening pattern at the time of the big win: step S5212) or during the process when passing through a specific area to be described later. . As a result of this confirmation, if the current internal state is "during heavy duty" (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5306. On the other hand, if the current internal state is not "during heavy duty" (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5304.

Step S5304: The main control CPU 72 executes the second big winning opening opening/closing operation process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the second variable winning device 31 in order to open and close the second large winning opening based on the set opening pattern (drive applied to the second large winning opening solenoid 97). signal output). The specific contents of the processing will be further described later with reference to another flowchart.

Step S5306: The main control CPU 72 executes the first big winning opening opening/closing operation process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the first variable winning device 30 to open and close the first big winning hole based on the set opening pattern (drive applied to the first big winning hole solenoid 90). signal output). The specific contents of the processing will be further described later with reference to another flowchart.

After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process (FIG. 24).

[Second Grand Prize Opening Opening/Closing Operation Processing]
29 and 30 are flow charts showing an example of the procedure of the second big winning opening opening/closing operation process. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

Step S5310a: The main control CPU 72 opens the second big winning opening 31b. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the second big winning opening solenoid 90 . As a result, the second variable prize winning device 31 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5310b. In addition, when the second big winning opening 31b has already been opened, the main control CPU 72 executes step S5316.

Step S5310b: The main control CPU 72 starts moving the movable body 43 and the game ball launching device 29a. Specifically, it outputs drive signals to be applied to the movable body motor 95a and the launcher solenoid 95c. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5311.

Step S5311: The main control CPU 72 generates a second big winning opening command indicating that the second variable winning device 31 is in an open state and the second big winning opening 31b is opened. The second big winning opening open command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312.

Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 executes open timer countdown processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the timer set in the previous process (steps S5260, S5264, and S5266 of the small winning opening pattern setting process (in FIG. 27)). In addition, in this process, in addition to the opening timer for opening the second big winning opening 31b, the opening timer (opening start time) for opening the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39, the crew 36a of the sorting device 36 from the non-storage position A countdown is made for the action timer to displace to the park position. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5313.

Step S5313: The main control CPU72 executes a sorting device control process for controlling the operation of the crew 36a of the sorting device 36. In the sorting device control process, the main control CPU 72 controls the operation of the crew 36a by controlling the driving of the crew solenoid 95b. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5314.

Step S5314: The main control CPU 72 executes ball passage opening/closing operation processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a drive signal to be applied to the inlet opening solenoid 86 to open and close the inlet 39a of the ball passage 39 based on the set opening pattern. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5316.

Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time of the second big winning opening 31b has ended. Specifically, it is checked whether or not the value of the open timer for the second big winning hole 31b after the countdown process is 0 or less. As a result of this confirmation, if the opening time of the second big winning hole 31b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5322. On the other hand, if the opening time of the second big winning opening 31b has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5317a.

Step S5317a: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the game ball has entered the second big winning hole 31b. Specifically, it is checked whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the second count switch 84b. As a result of this confirmation, if the game ball enters the second big winning hole 31b (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5318. On the other hand, when the game ball has not entered the second big winning hole 31b (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the jump destination is set to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIG. 28) at this stage, so the main control CPU 72 executes the above steps S5310a to S5316. Execute repeatedly.

Step S5317b: The main control CPU 72 generates an entering ball detection command indicating that an entering ball has been detected in the second big winning hole 31b. The entering ball detection command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5318.

Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 executes winning ball count processing. In this process, the number of game balls that have won the second variable winning device 31 (the large winning opening during opening) is counted within the opening time. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the count based on the winning detection signal input from the second count switch 84b within the open time. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5320.

Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one time at the time of a small win) as described above. If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the jump destination is set to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIG. 28) at this stage, so the main control CPU 72 executes the above steps S5310 to S5320. Execute repeatedly.

If it is determined that the open time has ended in step S5316 (Yes), or if it is confirmed that the count number has reached a predetermined number in step S5320 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5322.

Step S5322: The main control CPU 72 closes the second big winning opening 31b. Specifically, the output of the driving signal applied to the second big winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the second variable winning device 31 returns from the open state to the closed state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5323a.

Step S5323a: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area 43a. Specifically, it is checked whether or not a game ball has been detected by the specific area switch 85a. When the game ball passes through the specific area 43a (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5323b. If the game ball has not passed through the specific area 43a (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5323d.

Step S5323b: The main control CPU72 sets the specific area passage flag to ON. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and sets the value of the specific area passage flag to 01H. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5323c. Note that this process is omitted if the same process is performed in the process in step S5314 (FIG. 32).

Step S5323c: The main control CPU 72 generates a specific area pass command indicating that the specific area 43a has been passed. A specific area passing command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5323d. Note that if the same processing is performed in the processing in step S5314 (FIG. 32), it is omitted from this processing.

Step S5323d: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the game ball has passed through the non-specific area 43b. Specifically, it is checked whether or not a game ball has been detected by the non-specific area switch 85b. If the game ball has passed through the non-specific area 43b (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5323e. If the game ball has not passed through the non-specific area 43b (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5323f. In addition, when the same processing as steps S5323b and S5323c is performed in the processing (FIG. 32) in step S5314 (that is, when the second big winning opening 31b is open, the game ball passes through the specific area 43a already completed), this process is omitted.

Step S5323e: The main control CPU 72 generates a non-specific area pass command indicating that the non-specific area 43b has been passed. The non-specific area passage command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5323f. In addition, when the same processing as steps S5323b and S5323c is performed in the processing (FIG. 32) in step S5314 (that is, when the second big winning opening 31b is open, the game ball passes through the specific area 43a already completed), this process is omitted.

Step S5323f: The main control CPU 72 determines the number of game balls entering the second big winning hole 31b and the number of game balls discharged from the second big winning hole 31b (that is, the number of balls entering the second variable winning device 31 It is confirmed whether or not the number of game balls played and the number of game balls discharged from the second variable winning device 31 match. Specifically, match confirmation is performed based on the winning detection signal input from the second count switch 84b. Then, if the number of incoming and outgoing balls matches (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5323g. If the numbers of incoming and outgoing balls do not match (No), the main control CPU 72 repeats the procedure of step S5323f above. If a certain period of time elapses without matching the number of incoming and outgoing balls, error processing is executed.

Step S5323g: The main control CPU 72 generates a large winning opening valid time end command indicating that the opening time of the second large winning opening 31b has ended. The large winning opening effective time end command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5323i.

Step S5323h: The main control CPU 72 closes the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39. Specifically, the output of the driving signal applied to the inlet opening solenoid 86 is stopped. As a result, the inlet 39a of the ball passage 39 returns from the open state to the closed state.

Step S5323i: The main control CPU 72 executes origin return control. Specifically, the driving of the movable body motor 95a is controlled to displace the movable body 43 to a predetermined origin position (for example, a position where the specific region 43a faces the opening 44a of the fence 44). In addition, the game ball launcher 29a is displaced to the origin position (non-shooting position) by controlling the drive of the 8 book device solenoid 95c. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5323j.

Step S5323j: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the movable body 43 and the game ball launching device 29a have returned to the origin position. Specifically, an origin return signal output when the movable body origin return switch 99a detects the movable body 43, an origin return signal output when the launcher origin return switch 99b detects the game ball launcher 29a is received. When it is confirmed that the movable body 43 and the game ball launching device 29a have returned to their respective origin positions (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5324. If it cannot be confirmed that the movable body 43 has returned to the origin (No), the processing is continued until it is confirmed that the movable body 43 and the game ball launching device 29a have returned to the origin. If the return to origin of the movable body 43 cannot be confirmed even after the predetermined time has passed, the main control CPU 72 executes error processing.

Step S5324: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the specific area passage flag is ON. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and confirms whether or not the specific area passage flag is ON based on whether the value of the specific area passage flag is 01H. As a result of this confirmation, if the specific area passing flag is ON (Yes), that is, if the game ball passes through the specific area 43a while the second big winning hole during the small hit is open, the main control CPU72 then executes step S5326. On the other hand, if the specific area passage flag is not ON (No), that is, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 43a while the second big winning opening during the small hit is open, the main control CPU72 Next, step S5328 is executed.

Step S5326: The main control CPU 72 executes specific area passage processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 operates the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device based on the game ball passing through the specific area 43a during the small hit, and the process of continuously operating the first variable winning device 30, that is, , executes the process of starting the jackpot game. The specific contents of the processing will be further described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5328.

Step S5328: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening closing process, and returns to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIG. 28). Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 next executes the big winning opening closing process.

[Sorting device control process]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of sorting device control processing. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

Step S5360: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 14.5 seconds) has passed since the opening of the second big winning opening 31b. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the operation timer of the crew 36a after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the predetermined time has passed since the opening of the second big winning hole 31b started (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5362. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not passed since the opening of the second big winning hole 31b started (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5364.

Step S5362: The main control CPU72 displaces the crew 36a of the sorting device 36 from the non-storage position to the storage position. Specifically, the drive of the crew solenoid 95b is controlled to displace the crew 36a from the non-storage position to the storage position. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5364.

Step S5364: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time of the second big winning opening 31b has ended. Specifically, it is checked whether or not the value of the open timer for the second big winning hole 31b after the countdown process is 0 or less. As a result of this confirmation, if the opening time of the second big winning hole 31b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5366. On the other hand, if the opening time of the second big winning hole 31b has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the second big winning hole opening/closing operation process (FIGS. 29 and 30).

Step S5366: The main control CPU72 displaces the crew 36a of the sorting device 36 from the storage position to the non-storage position. Specifically, the drive of the crew solenoid 95b is controlled to displace the crew 36a from the storage position to the non-storage position. Then, the main control CPU 72 returns to the second big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIGS. 29 and 30).

[Ball Passage Opening/Closing Operation Processing]
FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of ball passage opening/closing operation processing. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

Step S5330: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time of the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 has started. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the opening timer for the opening start time related to the opening of the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 counted down in the countdown process (step S5312) is 0. , to check whether the opening time of the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 has started. As a result of this confirmation, if the opening time of the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 has started (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5332. On the other hand, if the opening time of the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39 has not started (No), or if it has already been opened, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5334.

Step S5332: The main control CPU 72 opens the entrance 39a of the ball passage 39. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the inlet opening solenoid 86 . As a result, the opening/closing member 39b operates to shift from the closed state to the open state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5334.

Step S5334: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area 43a. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the storage area of the RAM 76 and confirms whether or not it is stored that the passing through the specific area 43a has been confirmed. As a result of this confirmation, if the game ball has passed through the specific area 43a (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5336. On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed through the specific area 43a (No), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5336b.

Step S5336: The main control CPU72 sets the specific area passage flag to ON. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and sets the value of the specific area passage flag to 01H. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5338.

Step S5336a: The main control CPU 72 generates a specific area pass command indicating that the specific area 43a has been passed. A specific area passing command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). Then, the main control CPU 72 returns to the second big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIGS. 29 and 30).

Step S5336b: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the game ball has passed through the non-specific area 43b. Specifically, it is checked whether or not a game ball has been detected by the non-specific area switch 85b. If the game ball has passed through the non-specific area 43b (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5336c. If the game ball has not passed through the non-specific area 43b (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the second big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIGS. 29 and 30).

Step S5336c: The main control CPU 72 generates a non-specific area pass command indicating that the non-specific area 43b has been passed. The non-specific area passage command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9).

After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the second big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIGS. 29 and 30).

[Process when passing specific area]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing when passing through a specific area. The contents will be described below according to the procedure example.

Step S5350: The main control CPU72 resets the small hit flag. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and resets the value of the small hit flag to 00H. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5352.

Step S5352: The main control CPU72 declares the end of the small hit. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 erases "during a small hit" from the internal state flag and declares the end of a small hit as an internal state on the control process. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5354.

Step S5354: The main control CPU 72 operates the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device. As a result, the first variable winning device 30 can be operated continuously, and a big win game can be started. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5356.

Step S5356: The main control CPU 72 sets "big win start (during jackpot game)" as an internal state flag for control. In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation count status according to the type of the jackpot symbol. In addition, in this embodiment, a value representing "16 rounds" is set in the continuous operation count status regardless of the type of the jackpot symbol. Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that the jackpot is in progress. A state command indicating that the jackpot is in progress is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5358.

Step S5358: The main control CPU 72 executes the pattern-specific release pattern selection process when passing through a specific area. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to the symbol-specific opening pattern setting table when passing through a specific area, and selects an opening pattern corresponding to the type of winning symbol related to the special symbol when a small hit occurs. For example, the type of variable winning device to be operated is only the first variable winning device 30, and the number of rounds to be executed is 16 rounds. Since the number of executed rounds includes the operation of the second variable prize winning device 31 which is opened by the small win, 15 rounds obtained by subtracting 1 round from 16 rounds will be used in the big win game to be started from now on. It represents the number of rounds in a substantial jackpot game. Then, an opening pattern is selected in which the opening time for opening the first big prize hole is 29.0 seconds per round and the interval time provided between rounds is 1.0 second. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5350.

Step S5360: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the first variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 operates a variable prize winning device for each round (second round to final round) during the big win game based on the release pattern corresponding to the special symbol when the small win is won. The type is set to the first variable winning device 30 . In addition, in this embodiment, since the opening pattern corresponding to the winning design related to the special design at the time of all the small hits is the 2nd round to the final round, the first big winning opening is opened, so the first variable winning device 30 operations are set. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5362.

Step S5362: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the big hit game, based on the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol related to the special symbol when the small hit is achieved. Incidentally, in this embodiment, 16 rounds are set as the number of execution rounds of the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol relating to the special symbol when all the small hits are achieved. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5364.

Step S5364: The main control CPU 72 sets an opening timer for the big hit. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) per time when opening the big winning opening for each round at the time of the big hit. In addition, in this embodiment, it is set for each round based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol related to the special symbol at the time of hitting the small hit. For example, the opening time for opening the first big prize opening is set to 29.0 seconds. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5366.

Step S5366: The main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot time interval timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of the big hit. In the present embodiment, 1.0 second is set as the interval timer of the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol relating to the special symbol at the time of the small hit. For example, an interval timer of about 1.0 second is set after the opening of the first big prize hole between the second round and the third round is completed and the hole is temporarily closed. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5368. A waiting period (interval period) from the end of the small win to the start of the big win is also set in the interval timer. At this time, the time required for the movable body 43 and the game ball launching device 29a to return to the origin position is set.

Step S5368: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation count command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5362). Therefore, based on the number of execution rounds "16R" of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol at the time of the small hit, a value representing "16 rounds" is generated for the continuous operation number command. The generated continuous actuation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process.

After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the second big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIGS. 29 and 30).

[First Grand Prize Opening Opening/Closing Operation Processing]
FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the first big winning opening opening/closing operation process. An example procedure will be described below.

Step S5380: The main control CPU72 opens the first big winning hole. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the first big winning opening solenoid 90 . As a result, the first variable prize winning device 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5382.

Step S5382: The main control CPU 72 executes open timer countdown processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 counts down the open timer set in the previous process. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5386.

Step S5386: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time of the first big winning opening has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the open timer for the first big winning hole after the countdown process is 0 or less. As a result of this confirmation, if the opening time of the first big winning hole has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5392. On the other hand, if the opening time of the first big winning hole has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 next step S
Run 5388.

Step S5388: The main control CPU 72 executes winning ball count processing. In this process, the number of game balls that have won the first variable prize winning device 30 (the large prize winning opening that is open) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the count based on the winning detection signal input from the first count switch 84 within the open time. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5390.

Step S5390: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) allowed per opening (one round during a big win) as described above. If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the jump destination is set to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process at this stage, so the main control CPU 72 repeats the above steps S5380 to S5390.

If it is determined that the opening time has ended in step S5386 (Yes), or if it is confirmed that the count number has reached a predetermined number in step S5390 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5392.

Step S5392: The main control CPU 72 closes the first big winning opening. Specifically, the output of the driving signal applied to the first big winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the first variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5324.

Step S5394: The main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 set in the previous process (step S5222 of the big winning opening pattern setting process (in FIG. 26) at the time of the big hit, or step S5366 in the specific area passing process (in FIG. 33)) Execute the interval timer countdown. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5314. When the interval timer value becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5395. Although not particularly shown here, until the interval time elapses (until the interval timer value becomes 0), the main control CPU 72 manages the variable winning device that is the caller from step S5394 for each interrupt. Return to the end address of the process (FIG. 24). Then, when the big winning opening opening/closing operation process is executed in the next call, step S5394 is executed directly instead of from the top step S5380.

Step S5395: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening number counter. The value of the open number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

Step S5396: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the open number counter after increment has reached the number set in the current round. Here, the reason why ``the number of times set in the current round'' is determined is to correspond to the opening pattern of, for example, ``opening the first variable winning device 30 multiple times in one round during the jackpot''. is. In this embodiment, since such an opening pattern is not particularly adopted, the "number of times set in the current round" is set to once in each round. Therefore, since the counter value usually reaches the set number of times in one opening/closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5398 next.

If a pattern is adopted in which opening and closing operations are repeated a plurality of times within one round as described above, the counter value has not yet reached the set number of times at the end of one opening operation (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process, the jump destination is set to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process at this stage, so the above steps S5380 to S5390 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening counter is incremented in step S5395, and when the counter value reaches the set number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5398.

Step S5398: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening closing process, and returns to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process (FIG. 28). Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 next executes the big winning opening closing process.

[Grand Prize Opening Closing Process]
FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the big winning opening closing process. This big winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 or ending the operation. The procedure will be described below.

Step S5401: First, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the current game is in a big win (jackpot game), and if it is in a big win (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5402.

Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. As a result, for example, the first round is completed, and the value of the round number counter is "1" at the stage toward the second round. In addition, when the game ball passes through the specific area 43a during the small win and the big win game is started after the end of the small win, the opening of the second big winning hole at the time of the small win is treated as the first round, and the big win game is started. The first round that starts is treated as the second round.

Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the incremented round number counter has reached the set execution round number. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the incremented round number counter value (1 to 15), and if the value is less than the set execution round number (14 or 15 after subtracting 1) ( No), then step S5405 is executed.

Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current round number counter value. This command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process as described above. The effect control device 124 can confirm the current round number based on the received round number command.

Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process.

Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 24), the main control CPU 72 executes the big winning opening opening/closing operation process, which is the next jump destination. After executing the large winning opening opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening closing process again after executing the large winning opening closing process, and repeats the above steps S5402 to S5408. As a result, the opening/closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 is continuously performed until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of rounds to be executed (15 or 16 times).

When the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5410.

Steps S5410, S5412: In this case, when the main control CPU 72 resets (=0) the round number counter, the next jump destination is set to end processing.

Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

[At the time of small hit]
On the other hand, in the case of a small hit, the procedure is as follows (special operation executing means).
Step S5411: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current game is not in a big role (step S5401: No), it increments the value of the opening number counter.

Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the open number counter after incrementing has reached the set open number. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big winning opening opening pattern setting process at the time of small winning (step S5258 in FIG. 27). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening/closing operation process. Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process (step S5408).

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 24), the main control CPU 72 executes the big winning opening opening/closing operation process, which is the next jump destination. Then, after executing the large winning opening opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening closing process through the execution of the large winning opening closing process, and executes the above step S5401 to step S5413 (No), and then step S5416. , step S5408 is repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening/closing operation of the second variable winning device 31 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening. In this embodiment, since the number of times of opening is set to 1, the opening/closing operation of the second variable winning device 31 is finished without being repeatedly executed.

When the actual number of times of opening at the time of the small hit reaches the set number of times of opening (step S5413: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5414.

Steps S5414, S5412: In this case, when the main control CPU 72 resets (=0) the open number counter, the next jump destination is set to end processing.

Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

[End processing]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of termination processing. This ending process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 . An example procedure will be described below.

Step S5502: The main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set, and if the value of the jackpot flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU72 next executes step S5503. do.

Step S5503, step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit game state ends in the control processing of the main control CPU 72 . Also, the main control CPU 72 erases "big hit" from the internal state flag here, and declares the end of the big win as an internal state on the control process. The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the continuous operation count status.

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU72 sets the value of the time saving flag (01H). At this time, if the number of times of time saving is set to 20 times on the number cutting counter (see step S4603f in FIG. 22), the value of the time saving flag corresponding to the time saving state A (01H) is set, and the number of times of time saving on the number cutting counter If 300 times is set (see step S4603e in FIG. 22), the value of the time saving flag corresponding to the time saving state B (01H) is set. Thereby, it is controlled to the time saving state after the end of the big hit.

Step S5514: Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on the flag. Specifically, in accordance with the reset of the jackpot flag or the end of the big win, a state designation command representing "normal" as the game state is generated. Moreover, if the time-saving flag is set, the state designation|designated command showing "time saving" is produced|generated according to a time-saving state as an internal state. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

The procedure up to this point is for the case of a big hit, but in the case of a small hit (step S5502: No), the following procedure is executed.

Step S5520, step S5522: In the case of a small hit, the main control CPU72 resets the value of the small hit flag (00H), and erases "small hit" from the internal state flag. It should be noted that in the case of a small win, such a procedure is merely for the purpose of clearing the flag, especially since the internal conditioning device is not activated. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5524.

Step S5524: The main control CPU72 generates an ending command indicating that the small hit game state has ended. The ending command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 9). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5516.

It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the transition is made to a predetermined ending period after this process. Therefore, even if it is confirmed in S5323j of FIG. 30 that the movable body 43 and the game ball launching device 29a have returned to the origin position, the transition to the ending period does not occur until this process is executed.

Step S5516: After the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening opening pattern setting process.

Step S5518: Then, the main control CPU72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 13) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol variation pre-process. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Percentage of time-saving times selected]
FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing selection ratios of the number of time reductions.

In the present embodiment, if a small hit is won when the number of times of time saving is in time saving state A of 20 times, the time saving flag is reset by the time the small winning design stops (processing of step S3600 in FIG. 21). . Thereby, it is controlled to the normal state by the time the small winning design stops. In other words, if a small win is won in the time saving state B with the number of times of time saving being 300 times, the time saving flag is not reset, so the time saving state is maintained when the small winning pattern stops. Then, it is determined whether it is in the normal state or the time saving state when the small hit symbol stops (processing of step S4603d in FIG. 22).

Then, when it is determined that it is in the normal state, the number of times of time saving is given 300 times in the small winning pattern A (processing of step S4603e in FIG. 22), and the number of time saving times is 20 times in the small winning pattern B and the small winning pattern C. It is assigned (processing of step S4603f in FIG. 22).

In addition, when it is determined that it is in the time saving state, the number of times of time saving is given 300 times in the small winning pattern A and the small winning pattern B (processing of step S4603e in FIG. 22), and the number of time saving times in the small winning pattern C is 20 times. It is assigned (processing of step S4603f in FIG. 22).

Then, as shown in FIG. 37, in the present embodiment, when the second winning symbol is won (that is, when hitting the right hand), the ratio of selecting the small winning symbol A is 10%, and the small winning symbol B is selected. 40%, and the ratio of selecting the small winning symbol C is 50%.

Therefore, if a small hit is won by the second winning pattern and it is determined that it is in a normal state when the special pattern stops, the number of time reduction times is 300 times at a rate of 10% (when winning the small winning pattern A) is selected, and 20 times of time saving times (when winning the small winning pattern B and the small winning pattern C) are selected at a rate of 90%.

In addition, if a small hit is won by the second winning pattern and it is determined that it is in a time saving state when the special pattern stops, the number of time saving times is 300 times at a rate of 50% (small winning pattern A and small winning pattern B ) is selected, and 20 times of time reduction (when winning the small winning pattern C) is selected at a rate of 50%.

Thus, in the present embodiment, when the small winning pattern B is won, the number of times of time saving becomes 20 times or 300 times, so that the interest in winning the small winning pattern B can be attracted. In addition, since it is configured to determine the number of times of time saving for the small winning pattern B by utilizing the structure for controlling from the time saving state to the normal state, the number of time saving times for the small winning pattern B is determined without adding special processing. be able to. Therefore, the capacity of the program can be reduced.

[Game flow]
FIG. 38 is a diagram explaining a game flow developed in a pachinko machine. A game by the pachinko machine 1 progresses by driving (shooting) game balls into the game area 9a according to the operation of the player. In the following description, reference numerals F1 to F16, etc. in the drawings are appropriately shown with parentheses. Also, "winning" used in the following description means "handling the detected entering ball as valid". The contents will be described below according to each internal state or each trigger.

First, the game flow (part 1) developed in the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 38 will be described. Specifically, the game progressed in the pachinko machine 1 when the internal state (game state) is the "normal state (non-time-saving state)" and the time reduction function is not operating will be described.

For example, it is assumed that the internal state (game state) of the pachinko machine 1 is "normally playing" when the player starts playing with the pachinko machine 1 . In this embodiment, the state of "normal game" is "non-time-saving state (normal low probability)" with respect to normal patterns (operation lottery), and is "non-time-saving state" with respect to special patterns (internal lottery). means that Background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared in order to express the internal state in a presentation, and the player is taught the difference in the internal state by changing the so-called stay mode. For example, when the internal state is "normal state", the background image represents a park in order to express that the stay mode is "normal mode (park mode)".

[F1] When the predetermined conditions are met in the normal state (non-time saving state) (the state where the variable display of special symbols is possible), [F2] When the first start winning opening 26 is won, the first special symbol An internal lottery for is executed, and then variable display of the first special symbol over a predetermined variable time is started. In addition, when a game ball passes through the starting gate 20 and wins the [F3] operation lottery of normal symbols, the variable starting winning device 28 operates. Then, [F4] When the variable starting prize winning device 28 is won, an internal lottery for the second special symbol is executed, and then variable display of the second special symbol over a predetermined variable time is started.

As a result of the internal lottery for the first special design and the second special design, if it corresponds to [F5] winning (jackpot) (1/300 probability of winning), the first special design and the second special design will be displayed (stopped display). After the end of [F6] jackpot game (15 round jackpot) is started. On the other hand, as a result of the internal lottery for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, if it corresponds to [F7] non-winning (loss), the big hit game is not started, and preparations are made for a state in which the next special symbol can be variably displayed. done.

[F6] When the jackpot game is started, the first variable winning device 30 is activated, and the first jackpot is opened based on the opening pattern corresponding to the type of the winning symbol for the first special symbol at the time of the jackpot. . Then, when the jackpot game ends, the internal state (game state) is set to the time-saving state or the normal state based on the winning symbols. At this time, the time saving state is set to the time saving state A in which the number of times of time saving is 20 times.

As a result of the internal lottery for the first special symbol, if it corresponds to [F8] small winning (1/500 winning probability), [F9] small winning game is started. When the game ball does not pass through the specific area [F10] during the small winning game, the big winning game is not started, preparations are made for a state in which the next special symbol can be variably displayed, and [F11] has passed. In that case, [F6] jackpot game is started. Then, when the jackpot game ends, the internal state (game state) is set to the time-saving state or the normal state based on the winning symbols.

As a result of the internal lottery for the second special symbol, [F12] If it corresponds to a small win (winning probability 1/2), [F13] small win game is started. When the game ball does not pass through the specific area [F15] during the small winning game, the big winning game is not started, preparations are made for a state in which the next special symbol can be variably displayed, and [F14] has passed. In that case, [F6] jackpot game is started. Then, when the jackpot game ends, the internal state (game state) is set to the time-saving state or the normal state based on the winning symbols. At this time, the time saving state is set to the time saving state A in which the number of times of time saving is 20 times or the time saving state B in which the number of times of time saving is 300 times.

In this way, in the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, during the normal game (the internal lottery state of the special symbols is a low probability state), triggered by the winning of the operation lottery of the normal symbols, the small number in the internal lottery of the second special symbols It has a game property that easily develops from a winning game to a big winning game. This makes the opening pattern of the second variable winning device having a specific area at the time of the small win different according to the winning pattern at the time of the small win based on the special pattern, and at the time of the small win with the second special pattern related to the win of the normal pattern. can be realized by setting a long opening for As a result, in the variable display of the normal symbols, the expected value for the big hit game can be improved more than the variable display of the special symbols.

In addition, in the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, when a small hit is won with the second special symbol, the ratio of shifting from the time saving state A to the time saving state B is 10%, Once it shifts to the time saving state B, the time saving state B loops at a rate of 50%.

Therefore, in the normal state, by winning the jackpot with the first special pattern or winning the small prize with the first special pattern, the state is shifted to the time-saving state A (the number of times of time-saving is 20 times) after the big-win game state, and the time-saving state A is reached. It is advantageous to acquire a large amount of game balls by shifting to the time saving state B when winning a small prize with the second special symbol in .

[Example of effect image]
Next, several examples of effect images actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described. As described above, when the jackpot internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (symbol display means). However, as described above, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol themselves are lighting/blinking display by the 7-segment LED, they lack visual appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effects using the effect symbols are performed as described above.

The production pattern includes, for example, left production pattern, middle production pattern, and right production pattern, and these are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each of the production patterns is designed as a picture card with characters attached thereto, for example, along with the numbers "1" to "9". Here, the left effect pattern, the middle effect pattern, and the right effect pattern all form a pattern row in which the numbers "9" to "1" are arranged in descending order. Such a pattern row is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left area, the middle area, and the right area on the screen.

FIG. 39 is a series of diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to variable display and stop display of special symbols. It should be noted that here, regarding the variation of the special symbols at the time of non-winning (lost), an example of a variable display effect and a stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect symbols is shown. This variable display effect is performed during the period from when the special symbol (here, it is the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) starts the variable display until the stop display (including the fixed stop) is performed. It corresponds to a series of productions. In addition, the stop display effect is a effect showing that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of effect symbols. Here, before describing the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the variable display effect and the stop display effect for each variation adopted in the present embodiment will be described first.

[Before change display]
In FIG. 39(a): For example, in the state before the first special symbol starts to change (the state in which the demonstration effect is not in progress), a row of three effect symbols is largely displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, along with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed.

In addition, at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, markers (marked with reference signs M1 and M2 in the figure) are displayed to indicate the working memory numbers of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. . These markers M1 and M2 correspond to the first special symbol and the second special symbol working memory number (the number of display of the first special symbol working memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol working memory lamp 35a). The displayed number increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of working memories during the game. In order to facilitate visual discrimination, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (o), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed, for example, as a heart. is displayed in the form of In the example of (a) in FIG. 39, all four markers M1 are illuminated to indicate that the working memory number of the first special symbol is four, and all markers M2 are not displayed (indicated by broken lines). ) indicates that the working memory number of the second special symbol is 0 (memory number display effect executing means).

Further, during the variable display of the performance symbols, for example, the fourth symbols (reference symbols Z1 and Z2 are attached in the figure) are displayed at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. FIG. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are "fourth effect symbols" following the left, middle and right effect symbols, and are variably displayed in synchronism with the variably displayed effect symbols. The fourth patterns Z1 and Z2 are simply colored marks (for example, a figure of "□"), and by changing the display color, for example, a variable display can be expressed. The fourth design Z1 corresponds to the first special design, and the fourth design Z2 corresponds to the second special design.

Further, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the failure. This is for objectively clarifying that the stop display effect is performed correctly and that the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is not "lost" but actually "15 round big win", the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to them (for example, blue display color, red display color, etc.). be done.

[Variation display effect start]
(b) in FIG. 39: For example, in synchronism with the start of variation of the first special symbol, three symbol rows are scrolled and varied on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 to start a variable display effect (symbol performance execution means). That is, in synchronism with the start of the variation of the first special symbol, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are vertically scrolled (flowed) within the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 42 so as to be variably displayed. The performance begins. In addition, in the figure, the variable display of the production pattern is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, individual production patterns are displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that the background image (background image) of the production pattern is displayed in a state that is easy to see on the display screen. It is

The background image in this case expresses the landscape of the park. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in presentation is, for example, the "normal mode". In this embodiment, the "normal mode" corresponds to the normal state in which the variable time reduction function is inactive. In addition, various modes are provided for effects, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (state display effect execution means). The difference between these modes may correspond to an internal "time saving state". Although not particularly illustrated here, after that, for example, an image of a character, an item, or the like may be displayed on the display screen to perform the notice effect.

In addition, during the variable display of the effect symbols, the fourth pattern Z1 is variably displayed in the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth pattern Z1 expresses the variable display by changing the display color.

[Left symbol stop]
(c) in FIG. 39: For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has passed, the left effect pattern stops fluctuating first. In this example, it is shown that the effect symbol representing the number "8" has stopped at the middle position of the screen. Note that illustration of the background image is omitted here (same hereafter).

[Example of production when the number of working memories is reduced]
Here, as shown in FIG. 39 (b) above, since the number of working memories of the oldest first special symbol decreases by one with the start of fluctuation, the leftmost position is interlocked with it. The number of displayed markers M1 that had been displayed is reduced by one. That is, until then, the working memory number of the marker M1 was four in total, but the marker M1, which is the display of the memory number of the earliest (oldest) memory, is hidden, and an effect that is consumed by internal lottery is performed. will be As a result, it is possible to teach the player that the total number of working memories has been reduced to 3, and the working memory corresponding to any special symbol (in this case, the first special symbol) is consumed. It is possible to teach in an easy-to-understand manner.

In the example of (c) in FIG. 39, since the working memory at the top of the storage order is consumed and the number remaining is three, the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are aligned one by one. An effect of shifting in the direction (here, leftward) is performed. As a result, it is possible to accurately express the context of the change in the number of working memories in the performance, and to instruct the player in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner that "the number of working memories has been consumed and one has decreased". can.

[Right production pattern stop]
(d) in FIG. 39: Following the left performance design, the right performance design stops changing thereafter. In this example, it is shown that the effect symbol representing the number "3" has stopped at the middle position of the screen. At this point, it has already been determined that the reach state will not occur, so it is almost clear visually that this fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. It should be noted that reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded here. The "sliding pattern" is, for example, once the production pattern representing the number "7" stops, then the pattern row slides by one pattern and the production pattern representing the number "8" stops, thereby developing into a reach. It is to do. Alternatively, after the production pattern representing the number "9" stops, the pattern row slides in the opposite direction by one pattern, and the production pattern representing the number "8" stops, thereby developing into a reach. be. In addition, for example, after a performance pattern representing a completely different number such as "5" temporarily stops, a character appears on the screen and the right performance symbol row is changed again, representing the number "8". There is also a pattern that the production pattern stops and develops into reach.

[Stop display effect]
(e) in FIG. 39: Synchronizing with the stop display of the first special symbol, the last medium effect symbol is stopped. If the result of the internal lottery this time is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (losing) mode, the effect symbols are similarly stopped and displayed in a non-winning (losing) mode. will be That is, in the example shown in the drawing, it indicates that the effect symbol representing the number "1" has stopped at the middle position of the screen, and in this case, the effect symbol combination is "8"-"1"-"3". Since it is a deviation, it is expressed in the production that this change corresponds to a normal "loss". At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stop-displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the loss.

The above is an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (at the time of non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each variation. Through such an effect, it is possible to make the player feel a sense of anticipation for winning, and to clearly teach the result of the internal lottery in the effect.

Also, the above example is for the time of non-winning, but when a big win (winning) is made, the ready-to-win performance is executed during the variable display performance, and then the performance pattern is stop-displayed in a big-win mode in the stop display performance. At this time, the stop display mode of the production pattern is basically made to correspond to the winning pattern selected internally by the main control CPU 72 (the stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35). selected by

[Production control processing]
FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. As shown in FIG. This effect control process is executed in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from reset start (main) process (not shown), for example. The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a cycle of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

Effect control processing includes command reception processing (step S400), working memory effect management processing (step S401), effect pattern management processing (step S402), display output processing (step S404), lamp drive processing (step S406), sound drive. This configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). The basic flow of the effect control process will be described below along with each process.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control CPU 126 receives a command for effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72. Also, the effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 by type. In addition, the commands for effects transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a (special symbol) effect command when the number of working memories increases, a (special symbol) effect command when the number of working memories decreases, a start winning sound control command, and a demo. Production command, lottery result command, fluctuation pattern command, fluctuation start command, stop pattern command, pattern stop command, state designation command, number of rounds command, firing position designation command, error notification command, jackpot end production command, counter There are a value command, a variation pattern destination determination command, a stop display time end command, and the like.

Step S401: In the operation memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls execution of the memory number display effect described above and the pre-reading notice effect using the markers M1 and M2. The contents of the operation memory effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbols, and controls the effect contents during the opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device 30. . In addition, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 initially sets the display mode of the effect pattern (material setting means) or changes the initial settings (material setting changing means). Also, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects effect patterns of various advance notice effects (before the occurrence of reach, notice effect after the occurrence of reach, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 gives the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol , operating memory effect pattern number, pre-reading forewarning effect pattern number, fluctuation effect pattern number, fluctuation time forewarning effect number, background pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) controls the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed effect contents (effect executing means).

Step S<b>406 : In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132 . In response to this, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes luminance gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, and the like based on the control signal.

Step S408: In the next sound driving process, the effect control CPU 126 sends the effect contents (for example, during the variable display effect, during the reach effect, during the mode transition effect, during the jackpot effect, BGM, voice data, etc.) to the sound drive circuit 134. instruct. As a result, the speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sounds corresponding to the content of the presentation.

Step S410: In effect random number update processing, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. FIG. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for advance notice selection, a random number used for a normal background change lottery (effect lottery), and the like.

Step S412: In other processing, for example, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the IC for driving the movable body for effect. The movable bodies for presentation operate using corresponding solenoids as drive sources, and perform presentation in synchronization with the display of images on the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

Through the effect control processing described above, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1 . Next, the contents of the effect symbol management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Effects of the above embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the gaming machine (in this example, the pachinko gaming machine 1) is capable of performing variable display of identification information and deriving a display result including a specific display result (in this example, a small winning pattern). hand,
A first state in which a game medium can enter (in this example, a state stored inside the board surface of the game board 9), and a second state in which a game medium cannot enter or is more difficult to enter than the first state (this state). variable winning means (variable starting winning device 28 in this example) that can be changed to (in this example, a state protruding from the inside of the board surface of the game board 9);
A state control means (in this example, steps S2409 and S2414 in FIG. 14, and step S5510 in FIG. 36) capable of controlling a plurality of types of game states;
A profit giving means (step S4603e, step S4603f in FIG. 22 in this example) that can give profit (in this example, the number of times of time saving) to the player,
The state control means is controllable between a normal state and a special state (in this example, time-saving state) in which the variable winning means is more likely to be in the first state than in the normal state (in this example, in FIG. 36 step S5510, FIG. 38),
The special state includes a first special state (in this example, time saving state A) and a second special state (in this example, time saving state B) different from the first special state (in this example, FIG. 36 step S5510, FIG. 38),
The state control means is
When the specific display result is derived in the first special state, a game state different from the special state (normal state in this example) by a predetermined timing (in this example, when the small winning symbol stops) control (in this example, the part that executes the processing of step S3600 in the case of "Yes" in step S3500 of FIG. 21),
When the specific display result is derived in the second special state, the control of the special state is maintained at the predetermined timing (in this example, if "No" in step S3500 of FIG. 21, the process of step S3600 the part that does not execute
State determination means (in this example, step S4603d in FIG. 22) for determining whether the special state or a game state different from the special state is controlled at the predetermined timing;
The profit granting means is
When it is determined that the state determination means is controlled to a game state different from the special state, the first profit (in this example, the number of times of time reduction is 20 times) is given (in this example, step S4603f in FIG. 22, Figure 37),
If the state determination means determines that the special state is controlled, a second benefit different from the first benefit (in this example, the number of times of time reduction is 300 times) is given (in this example, the step of FIG. 22 S4603e, FIG. 37).
Therefore, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, as the time saving state, the example of providing the time saving state A with the number of time saving times of 20 times and the time saving state B with the number of time saving times of 300 times was given, but a different type of time saving state from the above embodiment may be provided. For example, whether the small hit occurs the first number of times (for example, 3 times), or the time-saving state ends when the number of fluctuations reaches 300 times, or the small win occurs the second number of times (for example, 5 times), It is possible to provide a time-saving state that ends when the number of times of variation reaches 300 times, and to draw a lottery with a predetermined probability for a small hit in which it is impossible or difficult for a game ball to win a prize.

In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the profit given to the player, the time-saving state with different number of times was exemplified. Benefits different from those in the above embodiments, such as the provision of status, may be provided.

In the above-described embodiment, the normal mode is exemplified as a game state different from the special state, but the game state may be controlled to a game state different from the above-described embodiment, such as a small hit game state.

In the above-described embodiment, it is configured to determine the number of times of time saving by determining whether it is in the time saving state or the normal state when the small hitting pattern stops, but for example, the game state when the small hitting pattern stops The timing of determining the number of times of time saving may be different from the above embodiment, such as determining the number of times of time saving to be given when the big win that develops from the small win ends.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the small winning symbol stops as the predetermined timing has been described as an example. The predetermined timing may be a timing different from the above embodiment, such as when a predetermined time has passed since the symbols stopped, when a small win is started, during a small winning game, or when a small winning game ends. That is, when it is controlled to the time saving state A and when it is controlled to the time saving state B, the value of the time saving flag is reset, if the timing to be controlled to the normal state is different, the predetermined timing is appropriate can be set to

In the above-described embodiment, by resetting the value of the time-saving flag before the small winning pattern stops when winning the small prize in the time-saving state A, it is configured to be controlled from the time-saving state to the normal state. , When a small win is won in the time saving state A, the value of the time saving flag may be reset when the variable display of the special symbols is started or during the variable display of the special symbols. .

In the above-described embodiment, when a small win is won in the time saving state B, the time saving state is maintained when the special symbol stops by resetting the value of the time saving flag at the start of the small winning game. , If it is after it is determined that it is in the time saving state when the symbol stops, the value of the time saving flag may be reset at a timing different from the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the time saving state A and the time saving state B only differ in the number of times of time saving, but in the time saving state A and the time saving state B, for example, the lottery probability of the normal symbol operation lottery is different, or Alternatively, the variation time of the normal symbols may be varied, or the opening time or opening pattern of the variable start winning device 28 may be varied.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the time-saving state is controlled after the end of the big hit. It may be configured so as to be controlled to the time-saving state even when a big hit does not occur. A predetermined number of times (for example, 500 times) of variable display is performed after the occurrence of a big hit is called reaching the ceiling, and a time saving state controlled by this is called a ceiling time saving.

In addition, it is preferable to define the number of times of fluctuation n and the number of times of reduction of working hours N in the reduction of working hours until the ceiling working hours are controlled as follows.
2.5P≤n≤3.0P
0.4P≦N≦3.8P
(P = denominator of jackpot probability ML, n = number of times of operation, N = number of times of time saving)
Specifically, for example, when the jackpot probability is 1/300, the number of fluctuations n is 750-900, and the number of time reductions N is 120-1140.

And, for example, it may be configured to control to the time saving state A or the time saving state B of the above-described embodiment when it is controlled to the ceiling time saving.

The present invention can be modified in various ways without being limited to the above-described embodiment. The mode of presentation given in one embodiment is an example, and is not limited to the mode of presentation described above.

The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and can be appropriately modified. Also, the structure, board configuration, specific numerical values, etc. of the pachinko machine 1, including those shown in the drawings, are preferred examples, and it goes without saying that these can be modified as appropriate.

In addition, for example, after the big hit game is finished, the time saving state is set with a probability of 100%, and the probability of winning the small hit in the internal lottery of the first special pattern and the second special pattern in the time saving state is set to a common 5/5. 1. Assume a gaming machine that commonly defines an opening pattern for a specific area. Here, when a big hit is made in a non-time-saving state (including the case where it passes through a specific area during a small hit and develops into a big hit), if the type of special design is the first special design, the number of times of time-saving is set to 3 times. In contrast to setting, in the case of the second special symbol, the number of times of time saving is set to 6 times. In addition, when a big hit is made in the time saving state, the number of time saving times is set to 9 regardless of the type of special symbol. As a result, it is possible to improve the continuous property of the big wins (including the big wins via the small wins) for the second special symbol.

1 pachinko machine 8 game board unit 8a game area 20 starting gate 28 variable starting winning device 33 normal symbol display device 33a normal symbol working memory lamp 34 first special symbol display device 35 second special symbol display device 34a first special symbol working memory Lamp 35a Second special symbol working memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Production button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROMs
76 RAM
124 effect control device 126 effect control CPU

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of variably displaying identification information and deriving a display result including a specific display result,
variable winning means capable of changing between a first state in which game media can enter and a second state in which game media cannot enter or is more difficult to enter than the first state;
a state control means capable of controlling a plurality of types of game states;
a profit giving means capable of giving a profit to a player,
The state control means is controllable between a normal state and a time- saving state in which the variable winning means is more likely to be in the first state than in the normal state,
The time saving state includes a first time saving state and a second time saving state different from the first time saving state,
The state control means is
When the specific display result is derived in the first time saving state, control to a game state different from the time saving state by a predetermined timing,
When the specific display result is derived in the second time saving state, maintaining the control of the time saving state at the predetermined timing,
State determination means for referring to which of the time saving state or the game state different from the time saving state is controlled at the predetermined timing,
The profit granting means is
When it is referred to that the game state is controlled to a game state different from the time saving state by the state determination means based on the fact that the specific display result is derived in the first time saving state, giving a first benefit,
A second benefit different from the first benefit is given when it is referred to by the state determining means based on the derivation of the specific display result in the second time-saving state and the fact that the state is controlled to the time-saving state. A gaming machine characterized by: