JP2010099325A - Performance control board, game machine and method and program for performance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a game player preserve expectations even when the restoration of a power source. <P>SOLUTION: A performance control part 202 of the Pachinko game machine includes: an image display part 104 on which performances are displayed; a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 251 for display-controlling contents to be displayed on the display part 104; and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 243 for storing performance executing information when a hiding performance is executed. The control part 202, at the restoration of the power source, if the performance executing information is stored in the RAM 243, regardless of a game state command sent from a main control part 201, executes the hiding performance to display it on the display part 104. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention has an effect control board for controlling the effect content of a gaming machine that has a low probability state and a high probability state with a high probability of jackpot, and uses any game state to advance a game, and the effect control The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a board, an effect method executed by the effect control board, and an effect program.

  Conventionally, for example, when a game ball launched into a game area of a game board wins a predetermined start opening, three rows of symbols (for example, symbols of numbers 1 to 12) are variably displayed on a variable display device, and a specific combination ( For example, there was a gaming machine that would be a big hit when stopped and displayed at "7,7,7"). Some of these gaming machines display various effects in addition to the above symbols on the variable display device. In recent years, a gaming machine that executes a latent effect that hides (for example, hides) without clearly indicating whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state is also widely used.

  Conventionally, there has been a game machine that controls display of an effect display on a variable display device based on control information stored in a storage unit such as a backup RAM when power is restored (for example, for example) (See Patent Document 1 below.) According to this gaming machine, even if the supply of power to the gaming machine is temporarily stopped due to a power failure or a momentary interruption, when the operation is resumed by supplying power again, the state of the effect display on the variable display device Was able to be restored to the state before power interruption.

JP 2004-97541 A

  However, the above prior art does not consider the restoration of the latent effect, and can only restore the effect display according to the gaming state. Therefore, for example, in the above-described conventional technology, if the power is shut off during the latent performance, the player will be notified of the gaming state at the time of recovery, and the player's expectation may be lost at that moment. there were.

  In order to solve the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology, the present invention provides an effect control board, a gaming machine, and an effect method capable of maintaining a player's expectation even after restoration when the power is cut off during the latent effect. It aims at providing a production program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention employs the following configuration. Reference numerals in parentheses indicate correspondence with the embodiments in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The effect control board (202) according to the present invention has a low probability state and a high probability state where the probability of jackpot is higher than the low probability state, and a game that progresses the game using any of the game states In the effect control board (202) for controlling the contents of the effect of the machine (100), the game machine (100) according to the game state in the normal state based on the command from the main control board (201) that performs the game of the game machine (100). An effect execution means for executing an effect and executing a latent effect without specifying the game state even if the gaming state is either the low probability state or the high probability state when a predetermined condition is satisfied. (202a) and information indicating that the latent effect is being executed when the latent effect is executed by the effect executing means (202a) (hereinafter referred to as “effect execution information”). Storage means (245) for storing, wherein the storage means (245) is storage means (245) capable of holding the performance execution information even when the gaming machine (200) is powered off, If the presentation execution information is stored in the storage means (245) when the gaming machine (100) is turned on, the performance execution means (202a) is in the low probability state and the high probability state. In any case, the latent effect is executed.

  In the above invention, the latent effect is an effect that is continued until the special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times from the start of the latent effect, and the storage means (245) is configured to start the special effect from the start of the latent effect. Is stored in the storage means (245) when the gaming machine (100) is powered on. The production execution means (202a) stores the number of changes in the storage means (245). If so, the latent effect that has continued from the number of times of change may be executed.

  Also, in the above invention, the predetermined condition may be a win for a specific jackpot in which the gaming state is set to the high probability state after a jackpot, or a specific offense for performing the same effect as the specific jackpot win. It may be one of the winners.

  Moreover, in said invention, the combination of the said game state command and said effect execution information is normal based on the game state command which shows the game state transmitted from the said main control board (201), and the said effect execution information. The performance executing means (202a) executes a first latent effect when the gaming state is the high probability state, and determines the low probability state. When the first latent effect is executed, the storage means (245) executes information indicating that the first latent effect is being executed (hereinafter referred to as “first effect”). Execution information ”), and when the second latent effect is executed, information indicating that the second latent effect is being executed (hereinafter referred to as“ second effect execution information ”) is stored. Judgment means ( 02a) is a high probability state command in which the gaming state command indicates the high probability state, and if the performance execution information is the second performance execution information, it is determined that the combination is abnormal, and the performance execution The means (202a) may execute a warning effect for notifying that an illegal act has occurred when the determination means (202a) determines that the combination is abnormal.

  In addition, the gaming machine (100) according to the present invention includes a main control board (201) for performing a game of the gaming machine (100), and the effect control board (202) described above. To do.

  In addition, the production method according to the present invention has a low-probability state and a high-probability state with a higher probability of jackpot than the low-probability state, and uses any of the game states to advance a game ( 100) In the effect method executed by the effect control board (202) for controlling the contents of the effect, the game state is normally set based on a command from the main control board (201) for performing the game of the gaming machine (100). When the predetermined condition is satisfied, a latent effect is performed in which the gaming state is hidden without explicitly indicating the gaming state regardless of whether the gaming state is the low probability state or the high probability state. Storage means (2) indicating that the latent effect is being executed when the latent effect is executed in the effect execution step and the effect execution step (hereinafter referred to as “effect execution information”). 5), and in the effect execution step, if the effect execution information is stored in the storage means (245) when the gaming machine (100) is turned on, the gaming state is The latent effect is executed in any of the low probability state and the high probability state.

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

  According to the above configuration, when the latent effect is executed, the effect execution information is stored in the storage means. If this effect execution information is stored when the gaming machine is turned on, the latent information is stored regardless of the gaming state. Production can be performed.

  According to the present invention, even if the power is interrupted during the latent effect, the latent effect can be executed again at the time of recovery, so that the player's expectation can be maintained even after the recovery.

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

(Embodiment 1)
(Basic configuration of pachinko machine)
First, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes a game board 101. A launcher (see reference numeral 292 in FIG. 2) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101.

  The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. In the game area 103, a windmill and various winning openings (such as a start opening and a big winning opening) that change the falling direction of the gaming balls are arranged at positions in the middle of the falling of the gaming balls.

  An image display unit 104 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. As the image display unit 104, a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is used. A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are disposed below the image display unit 104. The first start port 105 and the second start port 106 are winning ports for starting and winning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  A frame member 115 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 115 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. The frame member 115 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side.

  On the two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103 in the frame member 115, an effect light part (frame lamp) 116 is provided. Each effect light unit 116 includes a plurality of lamps and a motor (not shown). Each lamp irradiates a player who is in front of the pachinko gaming machine 100. Moreover, each lamp can change the irradiation direction of light into the up-down direction and the left-right direction by driving the motor. In addition, each lamp can irradiate the periphery of the pachinko gaming machine 100, and the light irradiation direction can be rotated so that the irradiation position forms a circle with respect to the pachinko gaming machine 100.

  An operation handle 117 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 115. The operation handle 117 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 115 described above, the operation handle 117 has a shape that protrudes from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 117 includes a firing instruction member 118 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 118 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 117 so as to be rotated clockwise as viewed from the player. Although not described because it is a known technique, the operation handle 117 is provided with a sensor that detects that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 118. Thereby, the launching unit launches the game ball when the firing instruction member 118 is directly operated by the player.

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

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

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

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

  The CPU 211 executes game control processing for performing jackpot lottery (first jackpot lottery, second jackpot lottery), normal symbol lottery, gaming state control, and the like. The ROM 212 stores various programs necessary for the CPU 211 to execute the above processing. The RAM 213 functions as a work area for the CPU 211. Note that data set in the RAM 213 by the CPU 211 executing various programs is output to each component connected to the main control unit 201 at a predetermined timing.

  That is, the main control unit 201 functions to control the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 212 while the CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a work area. For example, the main control unit 201 is realized by a main control board (detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique).

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the main control unit 201 is also connected to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203, and outputs various commands to the respective control units. For example, the main control unit 201 outputs a change start command to the effect control unit 202 when the big hit lottery is performed. Here, the change start command includes information indicating a gaming state, time for displaying a special symbol in a variable manner (hereinafter referred to as “variable time”), information indicating a lottery result of a big hit lottery (a special symbol to be stopped), and the like. include. The main control unit 201 outputs a prize ball command to the prize ball control unit 203 when detecting the winning of the game ball at the prize opening. Here, the prize ball command includes information indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out.

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

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

  The CPU 241 determines an effect to be executed, and executes a process of outputting an instruction content such as an image, sound, and lamp lighting corresponding to the effect to the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c (for example, described later). Effect display processing). The ROM 242 stores various programs necessary for the CPU 241 to execute the above processing. The RAM 243 functions as a work area for the CPU 241. The data set in the RAM 243 when the CPU 241 executes the program is output to the image / sound controller 202b and the lamp controller 202c at a predetermined timing.

  In other words, the effect control unit 202a functions to control the entire effect control unit 202 by executing a program stored in the ROM 242 while the CPU 241 uses the RAM 243 as a work area. For example, the effect supervising unit 202a determines an effect to be executed in accordance with the change display of the special symbol based on the change start command, and executes predetermined processing on the image / sound control unit 202b and the lamp control unit 202c. The instruction is output to control the entire production control unit 202.

  In the first embodiment, the CPU 241 executes a program stored in the ROM 242 to execute an effect according to the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 at a normal time, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a latent effect is performed. This corresponds to the effect execution means to be executed.

  Note that power is supplied to the RAM 243 for a certain period (for example, one day) even if the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off by a backup power supply (not shown). As a result, the data set in the RAM 243 is retained even when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is powered off.

  For example, the RAM 243 holds effect execution information. Here, the effect execution information is information indicating that the latent effect is being executed. This effect execution information is stored when the pachinko gaming machine 100 executes a latent effect. In the first embodiment, the RAM 243 corresponds to a storage unit that stores production execution information when a latent production is executed, and can retain the production execution information even when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is powered off. .

  The RAM 243 may be a non-volatile RAM such as FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory). In such a case, even if there is no backup power supply, the performance execution information can be held even if the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is shut off.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 may include a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory for storing presentation execution information. For example, as the nonvolatile memory, a NAND flash memory, a NOR flash memory, or the like can be used. Even when the flash memory is used, even if there is no backup power supply, the performance execution information can be held even if the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off.

  The RTC 244 functions as a time measuring means for measuring and outputting real time. The RTC 244 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off. Note that the RTC 244 is not limited to being placed in the production control unit 202 such as the production control unit 202a, but may be arranged in the main control unit 201. Further, the RTC 244 may be arranged alone and may output the actual time to the effect control unit 202 or the main control unit 201.

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

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

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

  In other words, the image / sound control unit 202b controls the image and sound based on the instruction from the production control unit 202a by executing the program stored in the ROM 252 while the CPU 251 uses the RAM 253 as a work area. To function.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(3. Prize ball control unit)
Next, the configuration of the winning ball control unit 203 will be described. The prize ball control unit 203 includes a CPU 281, a ROM 282, a RAM 283, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 281 executes a prize ball control process for controlling a prize ball to be paid out. The ROM 282 stores programs necessary for the processing. The RAM 283 functions as a work area for the CPU 281.

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

  The prize ball control unit 203 controls the payout unit 291 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. Specifically, the winning ball control unit 203 receives the winning game balls that have won the winning units 291 (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110) with respect to the payout unit 291. Control to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls.

  In addition, the prize ball control unit 203 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 292 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to various detection units for detecting the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a fixed position detection SW293, a payout ball detection SW294, a ball presence detection SW295, a full tank detection SW296, and the like. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function with a prize ball board.

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

  Further, a board external information terminal board 297 is connected to the main control unit 201, and various information executed by the main control unit 201 can be output to the outside. The prize ball control unit 203 is also connected to the frame external information terminal board 298, and can output various information executed by the prize ball control unit 203 to the outside.

(The gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment)
Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the main control unit 201 performs control of the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and the like. Here, pachinko gaming machine 100 has five games consisting of (1) jackpot state, (2) normal state, (3) short-time state, (4) probability variation state, and (5) latent probability variation state. Have a state. Each gaming state will be described below.

  The jackpot state is a gaming state that is executed when a jackpot is won. The jackpot state is continued until a predetermined jackpot end condition set for each jackpot type is satisfied. For example, in the first embodiment, in the case of 15 round probability change / normal jackpot, the “big hit game of 15 rounds” is the jackpot end condition. In addition, in the 2 rounds probable jackpot, “digestion of 2 rounds of jackpot game” is the jackpot end condition. In the jackpot game, the big prize opening 109 is opened for a predetermined period (or until there is a predetermined number of prizes). When the jackpot end condition is satisfied, the game state is set for each jackpot type.

  The normal state is a gaming state that is executed at normal times. In other words, the gaming state is executed when the gaming state is not other. In the normal state, the jackpot determination is performed using the table for the low probability state, and for example, the jackpot is won with a probability of 1/300. Further, in a normal state, the electric tulip 107 does not open very much by a predetermined electric tulip control process (or closes immediately after being opened). For this reason, in a normal state, it is difficult to win a game ball to the second start port 106.

  The short-time state is a gaming state that is executed after a jackpot state due to a normal jackpot for 15 rounds. The short-time state is continued until a predetermined short-time end condition is satisfied. For example, in the first embodiment, “100-time fluctuation of special symbol (special diagram 1 and special diagram 2)” is the short-time end condition. When the short-time end condition is satisfied, the normal state is entered. In the short time state, the jackpot determination is performed using the table for the low probability state, and the jackpot is won with the same probability as in the normal state. In the short time state, the electric tulip 107 is frequently opened by a predetermined electric tulip control process, and it is easier to win a game ball to the second starting port 106 than in the normal state.

  The probability change state is a gaming state that is executed after the jackpot state due to the 15-round probability change jackpot. The probability variation state is continued until a predetermined probability variation termination condition is satisfied. For example, in the first embodiment, “winning any one of the jackpots” is a probability change termination condition. In the probability variation state, the jackpot determination is performed using the table for the high probability state, and for example, the jackpot is won with a probability of 1/30. In the certain change state, the electric tulip 107 is frequently opened by a predetermined electric tulip control process, and it is easier to win a game ball to the second starting port 106 than in the normal state.

  The latent probability changing state is a gaming state that is executed after the jackpot state due to the two-round probability changing jackpot. The latent probability changing state is continued until a predetermined probability changing end condition (winning of any jackpot) is satisfied, as in the probability changing state. In the latent probability variation state, the jackpot determination is performed using the table for the high probability state, and the jackpot is won with the same probability as the probability variation state. In addition, the latent probability changing state is different from the probability changing state, and the electric tulip 107 is controlled in the same manner as in the normal state. That is, in the latent probability changing state, it is more difficult to win a game ball to the second starting port 106 than in the probability changing state.

  In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the normal state and the short-time state are low-probability states with a low probability of jackpots, and the probability variation state and the latent probability variation state are higher than the probability states that the jackpot probability is low. Is in a high probability state.

(Basic operation of pachinko machines)
Next, an example of the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 100, when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106, performs a big hit lottery according to the winning starting port. For example, when a game ball wins the first start opening 105, a first big hit lottery is performed. At this time, the special figure 1 of the first special figure display unit 112a is variably displayed. Then, after a predetermined period, the special figure 1 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the first big hit lottery.

  Further, when the game ball wins the second start opening 106, the second big hit lottery is performed. At this time, the special figure 2 of the second special figure display unit 112b is variably displayed. Then, after a predetermined period, the special figure 2 is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the second big hit lottery.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 variably displays a special symbol (Special Fig. 1 or Special Fig. 2), the image display unit 104 displays the symbol for rendering (hereinafter referred to as "Rendering Symbol") according to the variation. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the image display unit 104 displays and stops the effect symbol. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot (the jackpot was won in the first jackpot lottery or the second jackpot lottery), the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a specific combination indicating a jackpot. The effect design is stopped and displayed (for example, “7/7/7”).

  When the production symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific combination indicating a big win, the pachinko gaming machine 100 sets the gaming state to the big win state and opens the big winning opening 109 for rounds (for example, 15 rounds) according to the type of the winning big hit. . If the game ball wins the big winning opening 109 during the opening, the pachinko gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls.

  When the jackpot state is reached, the pachinko gaming machine 100 executes a jackpot effect for the jackpot. For example, in the jackpot effect, a background image for the jackpot effect is displayed on the image display unit 104. At this time, the winning jackpot type may be displayed. Further, even if the 15-round probability change jackpot is won, a promotion effect of “winning for 15 rounds probability change jackpot” may be displayed at a predetermined timing.

  The jackpot state ends when the jackpot end condition set for each winning jackpot type is satisfied, and the pachinko gaming machine 100 enters another gaming state. For example, if a 15-round probability change jackpot is won, the pachinko gaming machine 100 enters a probability change state when the jackpot state ends. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 becomes a short-time state when the big hit state ends when the 15-round normal jackpot is won, and enters a latent probability changing state when the big hit state ends when the two-round probability changing big win is won.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs a normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 108. At this time, the normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 113 is displayed in a variable manner. Then, after a predetermined period, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the symbol indicating the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating the normal symbol (the normal symbol lottery is won per common symbol), the pachinko gaming machine 100 opens the electric tulip 107 for a predetermined period.

(Processing executed by the main control unit)
Next, processing executed by the main control unit 201 will be described. Each process described below is performed by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 executing a program stored in the ROM 212.

(Main process)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the main processing executed by the main control unit. For example, this main process is started when the main control unit 201 is turned on, and is continuously executed while the main control unit 201 is activated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the main process, the main control unit 201 first waits for 1000 ms (step S301), and then permits access to the RAM 213 (step S302). When permitting access to the RAM 213, the main control unit 201 determines whether the RAM clear switch is ON (step S303).

  If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S303: Yes), the main control unit 201 clears the RAM (step S304). Here, the RAM clear is a known technique, and detailed description thereof is omitted, but various information (for example, information indicating a gaming state) stored in the RAM 213 is set to a predetermined initial state.

  When the RAM is cleared, the main control unit 201 sets a work area at the time of clearing (step S305), and performs initial setting of the peripheral part (step S306). Here, the peripheral portions are the effect control unit 202, the prize ball control unit 203, and the like. Initial setting of the peripheral part is performed by transmitting an initial setting command for instructing execution of the initial setting to each control unit.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is not ON (step S303: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether the backup flag is ON (step S307). If the backup flag is ON (step S307: Yes), the main control unit 201 determines whether the checksum is normal (step S308).

  If the checksum is normal (step S308: Yes), the main control unit 201 executes a recovery process (see FIG. 4) (step S309). If the backup flag is not ON (step S307: No) or the checksum is not normal (step S308: No), the main control unit 201 proceeds to step S304 and clears the RAM.

  Next, the main control unit 201 sets a period (for example, 4 ms) of a built-in CTC (timer counter) (step S310). The main control unit 201 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, using the period set here. When the CTC cycle is set in step S310, the main control unit 201 executes power-off monitoring processing for monitoring power-off (step S311).

  When the power-off monitoring process is executed, the main control unit 201 updates the variation pattern random number (step S312), and sets the interrupt prohibition setting for the timer interrupt process (step S313). Then, the main control unit 201 updates the initial value random number (step S314), performs an interrupt permission setting for the timer interrupt process (step S315), and proceeds to step S311. Thereafter, the main control unit 201 repeatedly executes the processing from step S311 to step S315.

(Recovery processing)
Next, the contents of the recovery process shown in step S309 in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the recovery processing. Here, the restoration process is a process for returning the gaming state or the like to the state before power-off, for example, based on the contents backed up in the RAM 213 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the recovery process, the main control unit 201 first sets the work area of the RAM 213 at the time of recovery (step S401). After setting the work area, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off was a jackpot state (step S402).

  If the gaming state that was being executed at the time of power-off is a jackpot state (step S402: Yes), the main control unit 201 is a jackpot state indicating that it is a jackpot state for the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203 A command is transmitted (step S403).

  If the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off is not the big hit state (step S402: No), then the main control unit 201 determines whether the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off was a probability change state (step S402). S404). If the gaming state that was being executed at the time of power-off is a probability change state (step S404: Yes), the main control unit 201 transmits a probability change state command indicating that it is a probability change state to the effect control unit 202 (step S404). S405).

  If the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off is not the probability change state (step S404: No), the main control unit 201 then determines whether the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off was the latent probability changing state ( Step S406). If the gaming state being executed at the time of power-off is the latent probability changing state (step S406: Yes), the main control unit 201 transmits a latent probability changing state command indicating that it is a latent probability changing state to the effect control unit 202. (Step S407).

  If the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off is not the latent probability changing state (step S406: No), the main control unit 201 then determines whether the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off was a time-shortening state ( Step S408). If the gaming state executed at the time of power-off is the time-short state (step S408: Yes), the main control unit 201 transmits a time-short state command indicating the time-short state to the effect control unit 202 (step S408). S409).

  If the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off is not the time-short state (step S408: No), the main control unit 201 determines that the gaming state that was being executed when the power was turned off was the normal state, and the effect control unit 202 A normal state command indicating a normal state is transmitted to (step S410).

  After transmitting the command indicating the gaming state in any of step S403, step S405, step S407, step S409, and step S410, the main control unit 201 sets the peripheral part (step S411). As described above, here, the peripheral portion refers to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203. The peripheral unit is set by outputting a recovery setting command for executing a predetermined recovery setting to each control unit. After setting the peripheral portion in step S411, the main control unit 201 sets the backup flag to OFF (step S412), ends the recovery process, and proceeds to step S310 of the main process.

(Timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing executed by the main control unit. For example, the timer interrupt process is executed by interrupting the main process at the cycle set in step S310 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, in the timer interrupt process, the main control unit 201 first executes a random number update process (step S501). Although detailed description and illustration are omitted because of a known technique, for example, in the random number update process, a big hit random number used for the first big hit lottery or the second big hit lottery is updated.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes a switch process (step S502). Although detailed description and illustration are omitted because of a known technique, for example, in the switch process, a winning of a game ball to the first starting port 105 and the second starting port 106 is detected, and a random number at the time of winning is obtained. . In addition, the winning of game balls to the big winning opening 109 and the normal winning opening 110 is detected, and a winning ball command corresponding to the winning winning opening is set.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes symbol processing (step S503). Here, the symbol process includes a special symbol process related to the special symbol and a normal symbol process related to the normal symbol. In the special symbol process, the special symbol is changed / stopped and a jackpot lottery is performed (see FIG. 6). In the normal symbol processing, the normal symbol is changed / stopped and the normal symbol lottery is performed (detailed explanation is omitted).

  When the symbol process is executed, the main control unit 201 executes an electric accessory control process (step S504). Although detailed description and illustration are omitted because of a known technique, in the electric accessory control process, operation control of various electric accessories connected to the main control unit 201 such as the electric tulip solenoid 231 and the big prize opening solenoid 232 is performed. Do it.

  Next, the main control unit 201 executes a prize ball process related to a prize ball (step S505), and executes an output process for outputting the command set in the RAM 213 to the effect control unit 202 or the like by the above process. (Step S506), the timer interrupt process is terminated. When the timer interrupt process ends, the main control unit 201 returns to the main process.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol processing. Here, the special symbol process is one process included in the symbol process in step S503 of FIG. In the special symbol process, the main control unit 201 first determines whether or not the game state being executed is a jackpot state (step S601). If it is a big hit state (step S601: Yes), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process as it is without variably displaying the special symbol.

  If it is not a big hit state (step S601: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether the special symbol is being variably displayed (step S602). If the special symbol is not being variably displayed (step S602: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the holding number U2 for the game ball won to the second starting port 106 is 1 or more (step S603).

  If the holding number U2 is 1 or more (U2 ≧ 1) (step S603: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the holding number U2 as a new holding number U2 (step S604). Then, the main control unit 201 performs a second jackpot lottery process using the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball is detected by the second start port SW222 and the second jackpot lottery table (step S605). . In the second jackpot lottery process, the main control unit 201 determines whether the jackpot is a jackpot and the type of jackpot in the case of the jackpot (15 round probability variation / normal jackpot / two round probability variation jackpot).

  If the holding number U2 is 0 (U2 = 0) (step S603: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether the holding number U1 for the game ball won to the first start port 105 is 1 or more ( Step S606).

  If the holding number U1 is 0 (U1 = 0) (step S606: No), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process as it is. If the holding number U1 is 1 or more (U1 ≧ 1) (step S606: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the holding number U1 as a new holding number U1 (step S607). Then, the main control unit 201 performs a first jackpot lottery process using the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball is detected by the first start port SW221 and the first jackpot lottery table (step S608). . In the first jackpot lottery process, the main control unit 201 determines whether the jackpot is a jackpot and the type of jackpot in the case of the jackpot (15 round probability variation / normal jackpot, two round probability variation jackpot).

  When the second big hit lottery process is executed in step S605 or the first big hit lottery process is executed in step S608, the main control unit 201 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S609). Although a detailed description is omitted, in the variation pattern selection process, a variation time of a special symbol is selected based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery process. For example, in the variation pattern selection process, if the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, it is easier to select a longer variation time than when the lottery is lost.

  When the variation pattern selection process is executed, the main control unit 201 sets a variation start command in the RAM 213 (step S610). The variation start command includes information on processing results such as the above jackpot lottery processing and variation pattern selection processing. The change start command also includes information indicating the game state being executed. The variation start command set in the RAM 213 is output to the effect control unit 202 when the output process in step S506 in FIG. 5 is executed.

  When the variation start command is set, the main control unit 201 causes the special symbol display unit 112 to start the special symbol variation display (step S611). At this time, in the case of variably displaying based on the lottery result of the second big hit lottery process, the special figure 2 of the second special symbol display unit 112b is variably displayed. When variably displaying based on the lottery result of the first jackpot lottery process, the special figure 1 of the first special symbol display unit 112a is variably displayed. When the variation display of the special symbol is started, the main control unit 201 starts measuring the elapsed time from the start of the variation display (step S612) and ends the special symbol processing.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol is being variably displayed in step S602 (step S602: Yes), the main control unit 201 determines whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed (step S613). Specifically, the main control unit 201 determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the variable display has passed a predetermined variable time selected before the start of the variable display.

  If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S613: No), the main control unit 201 ends the special symbol process as it is. If the fluctuation time has elapsed (step S613: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a fluctuation stop command for stopping and displaying the special symbol in the RAM 213 (step S614). The change stop command set in the RAM 213 is output to the effect control unit 202 at a predetermined timing such as when the output process of step S506 in FIG.

  When the change stop command is set, the main control unit 201 stops and displays the special figure 1 or the special figure 2 during the change display (step S615). After that, the main control unit 201 resets the measured elapsed time (step S616), performs a stop process (see FIG. 7) (step S617), and ends the special symbol process.

(Processing during stoppage)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the stopping process. This stop process is the process shown in step S617 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, in the stop process, the main control unit 201 first determines whether or not the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is a predetermined symbol that represents a jackpot (step S701).

  If it is a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot (step S701: Yes), the main control unit 201 determines whether the symbol is a predetermined symbol indicating a probability variation jackpot (step S702). If it is the predetermined symbol indicating the probability variation jackpot (step S702: Yes), the main control unit 201 determines whether the symbol is a predetermined symbol indicating the two-round probability variation jackpot (step S703).

  If it is not a predetermined symbol indicating a 2-round probability variation jackpot (step S703: No), the main control unit 201 determines that the game is a 15-round probability variation jackpot, and sets a probability variation state command in the RAM 213 as a gaming state after the jackpot (step S704). ). If it is a predetermined symbol indicating a two-round probability change jackpot (step S703: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a latent probability change state command in the RAM 213 as a gaming state after the jackpot (step S705).

  If it is not the predetermined symbol indicating the probability variation jackpot in step S702 (step S702: No), the main control unit 201 determines that it is a 15-round normal jackpot, and sets a short-time state command in the RAM 213 as a gaming state after the jackpot. (Step S706), the count value J of the time reduction counter is set to 100 (Step S707).

  After performing any of step S704, step S705, and step S707, the main control unit 201 sets a jackpot state command in the RAM 213 (step S708), starts the jackpot state (step S709), and terminates the in-stop process. To do.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol stopped and displayed in step S701 is a symbol indicating a deviation (No in step S701), it is determined whether or not the count value J of the time reduction counter is “0” (step S710). If the count value J is “0” (step S710: Yes), the main control unit 201 ends the stopped process as it is.

  If the count value J of the time reduction counter is not “0” (step S710: No), a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the count value J is set as a new J (step S711). Then, the main control unit 201 determines whether J calculated in step S711 is “0” (step S712). If it becomes “0” (step S712: Yes), the main control unit 201 sets a normal state command in the RAM 213 (step S713), and ends the stop process. If it is not “0” (step S712: No), the main control unit 201 ends the stopping process as it is.

(Large winnings processing)
Next, the processing contents of the special winning opening process will be described. The big prize opening process is a process included in the electric accessory control process shown in step S504 of FIG. FIG. 8-1 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the processing contents of the special winning opening process. In the big prize opening process, the main control unit 201 first determines whether or not the winning combination is being made (step S801). Here, the win means, for example, various jackpots (15 round probability variation / normal jackpot, 2 round probability variation jackpot), and small hits.

  Here, the small win is a specific offense that performs the same operation (direction, opening of the big prize opening) as in the case of winning the two-round probability variable big win. Although details will be described later, in the case of winning a small hit, the big winning opening 109 is opened for two rounds as in the case of the two rounds probable big hit. However, in the case of a small hit, the game state is not changed thereafter. For example, if a win is won in the normal state, the normal state is maintained thereafter.

  If it is not winning (step S801: No), the main control unit 201 ends the big prize opening process as it is. If it is hit (step S801: Yes), it is determined whether the opening is in progress (step S802). If the opening is not in progress (step S802: No), the process proceeds to step S821 shown in FIG.

  If it is during opening (step S802: Yes), the main control unit 201 determines whether a predetermined opening period has elapsed from the start of opening (step S803). If the opening period has not elapsed (step S803: No), the main control unit 201 ends the big prize opening process.

  If the opening period has elapsed (step S803: Yes), the main control unit 201 executes round number setting processing (step S804). In the round number setting process, the main control unit 201 sets a predetermined number of rounds in accordance with the type of winning big hit (or small winning). For example, 15 rounds are set for 15 round probability variation / normal jackpot, and 2 rounds are set for 2 round probability variation jackpot or small hit.

  After executing the round number setting process, the main control unit 201 determines whether it is a small hit (step S805). If it is a small hit (step S805: Yes), a value obtained by adding 1 to the value for small hit (number of rounds per small hit) K is set as a new K (step S806). If the jackpot is not small (step S805: No), the value obtained by adding 1 to the jackpot value (number of jackpot rounds) R is set as a new R (step S807).

  After calculating a new K in step S806 or a new R in step S807, the main control unit 201 controls the special prize opening solenoid 232 to open the special prize opening 109 (step S808). Then, the main control unit 201 determines whether a predetermined opening period has elapsed since the start of opening (step S809).

  If the predetermined release period has not elapsed (step S809: No), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls (winning number) C that has won the big winning opening 109 in this release is 9 (step S810). If the winning number C is not 9 (step S810: No), the main control unit 201 ends the big winning opening process. If the winning number C is 9 (step S810: Yes), the main control unit 201 controls the big prize opening solenoid 232 to close the big prize opening 109 (step S811). Also, when the predetermined opening period has elapsed in step S809 (step S809: Yes), the main control unit 201 proceeds to step S811, and closes the special winning opening 109.

  After closing the special winning opening 109, the main control unit 201 determines whether or not a small hit is made (step S812), and if it is a small hit (step S812: Yes), the value K for the small hit is set. 2 is determined (step S813). If the small hit value K is 2 (step S813: Yes), K is reset to 0 (step S814), and the process proceeds to step S817. If the value K for small hits is not 2 (step S813: No), the main control unit 201 ends the big prize opening process as it is.

  On the other hand, if the jackpot is not hit in step S812 (step S812: No), whether the jackpot value R has reached the maximum (15 for a 15-round probability change / normal jackpot or 2 for a 2-round probability change jackpot). Determination is made (step S815). If the jackpot value R is not the maximum (step S815: No), the main control unit 201 ends the big prize opening process. If the jackpot value R is maximum (step S815: Yes), R is reset to 0 (step S816), and ending is started (step S817).

  After starting the ending, it is determined whether a predetermined period (ending period) has elapsed since the ending start (step S818). When the ending time has elapsed (step S818: Yes), the winning is ended (step S819), and the process is ended. To do. When the ending time has not elapsed (step S818: No), the main control unit 201 ends the big prize opening process.

  FIG. 8-2 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the processing contents of the special winning a prize opening process. If the opening is not in progress in step S802 of FIG. 8-1 (step S802: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the special winning opening 109 is open (step S821). If the special winning opening 109 is being opened (step S821: Yes), the process proceeds to step S809 in FIG. If the special winning opening 109 is not open (step S821: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether it is ending (step S822).

  If ending is being performed in step S822 (step S822: Yes), the process proceeds to step S818 in FIG. If it is not ending (step S822: No), the main control unit 201 determines whether a predetermined interval period (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (step S823).

  In step S823, if the interval period has elapsed (step S823: Yes), the process proceeds to step S805 in FIG. If the interval period has not elapsed (step S823: No), the main control unit 201 ends the big prize opening process.

(Outline of production performed by pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment)
Next, an outline of effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the effect control unit 202 controls the effect contents of the pachinko gaming machine 100 based on the change start command. For example, the effect control unit 202 variably displays the effect symbol of the image display unit 104 in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol (special symbol 1, special symbol 2). Then, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol (special symbol 1 and special symbol 2).

  Then, the effect control unit 202 displays a background image corresponding to the gaming state on the back of the effect symbol when the effect symbol is changed / stopped. For example, the effect control unit 202 displays a probability variation background for the probability variation state in the probability variation state, and displays a normal background for the normal state in the normal state.

  Further, for example, the effect control unit 202 executes a latent effect regardless of the gaming state after winning the two rounds probable big hit / small win. When the latent effect is executed, the effect control unit 202 displays the same background image regardless of the gaming state. The latent effect is continued until a predetermined latent effect end condition is satisfied. For example, in the first embodiment, “the winning of any jackpot” and “the variation of the special symbol 30 times from the start of the latent effect” are the latent effect end conditions. During this time (while the latent effect is being executed), the player cannot determine the gaming state from the background image.

  When the effect control unit 202 executes the latent effect, the effect execution information (“latency effect flag” described later) indicating that the latent effect is being executed, and information on the latent effect end condition (for example, from the start of the latent effect) Information indicating how many times the symbol has been changed (“change count H” described later) is stored in the RAM 243. As described above, power is supplied to the RAM 243 by the backup power source, and the performance execution information and the information related to the latent effect end condition are retained even when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is powered off.

  Then, the effect control unit 202 refers to the RAM 243 at the time of recovery after the pachinko gaming machine 100 is turned off, and resumes the latent effect based on these if the execution execution information and the information related to the latent effect end condition are stored. To do. The process for performing the above operation will be described below. Each process described below is performed by the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a executing a program stored in the ROM 242.

(Production display processing)
First, processing contents of the effect display process executed by the effect control unit 202 (the effect control unit 202a) will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect display process. The effect display process is interrupted and executed at predetermined intervals (for example, 4 ms) with respect to the main effect process (detailed description is omitted) that is continuously executed while the effect supervision unit 202a is activated.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the effect display process, the effect supervising unit 202a first determines whether an effect is already being executed (step S901). If the production is not in progress (step S901: No), the production supervision unit 202a determines whether a variation start command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S902). If the change start command has not been received (step S902: No), the effect supervising unit 202a directly ends the effect display process.

  If the change start command has been received (step S902: Yes), the effect supervising unit 202a executes a stop symbol selecting process for selecting an effect symbol to be stopped and displayed on the image display unit 104 in the current change (step S903). . For example, when a big hit is caused by the current fluctuation, in the stop symbol selection process, a specific combination of effect symbols indicating the big hit is selected (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”).

  When the stop symbol selection process is executed, the effect supervision unit 202a executes an effect pattern selection process for selecting an effect to be executed in the current variation (step S904). Although a detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique, in the effect pattern selection process, one is selected from a plurality of effects prepared in advance.

  Specifically, the change start command includes information indicating the change time of the special symbol, and in the effect pattern selection process, an effect having the same reproduction time as the change time is selected. Thereby, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can variably display the effect symbol in accordance with the change display of the special symbol, and can stop display of the effect symbol in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol.

  When the effect pattern selection process is executed, the effect control unit 202a executes a background selection process for selecting a background image displayed on the image display unit 104 (step S905). Since the processing content of the background selection processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 12, the description thereof is omitted here.

  When the background selection process is executed, the effect supervision unit 202a starts the effect using the effect pattern selected in step S904 and the background image selected in step S905 (step S906). Specifically, the effect supervising unit 202a outputs the information indicating the selected effect pattern and the information indicating the selected background image to the image / sound control unit 202b and starts the effect. Further, when the lamp is turned on by this effect, an instruction is also output to the lamp controller 202c.

  When the effect is started, the effect supervising unit 202a executes a latent effect flag setting process (step S907) and ends the effect display process. Here, the latent effect flag is a flag indicating whether or not to execute the latent effect. In the pachinko gaming machine 100, the latent effect is performed by causing the image display unit 104 to display a background image for the latent effect (hereinafter referred to as “latent background”). That is, when a latent effect is executed with the latent effect flag ON, a latent background is always selected in the background selection process in step S905 (see FIG. 12). The latent effect flag setting process is a process for setting this latent effect flag to ON, and the processing content will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if the effect is being executed in step S901 (step S901: Yes), it is determined whether a change stop command has been received from the main control unit 201 (step S908). If the change stop command has not been received (step S908: No), the effect supervising unit 202a directly ends the effect display process.

  If the change stop command has been received (step S908: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a ends the production (step S909). Specifically, the production control unit 202a outputs an instruction to the image / sound control unit 202b so as to stop and display the combination of the production symbols selected before the production starts, and the production is finished. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, if a production | presentation symbol is stopped and displayed by the specific combination which shows a jackpot at this time, the production supervision part 202a will start a jackpot production as it is.

  After finishing the effect in step S909, the effect supervising unit 202a executes a latent effect flag release process (step S910), and ends the effect display process. The latent effect flag release process is a process for setting the above-described latent effect flag to OFF, and details of the process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Hidden effect flag setting process of the first embodiment)
Next, the processing contents of the latent effect flag setting process shown in step S907 of FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the latent effect flag setting processing according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in the latent effect flag setting process, the effect supervising unit 202a first determines whether or not the lottery result of the big win lottery with respect to the fluctuation that has started the production is a big win (step S1001).

  If it is a big hit (step S1001: Yes), it is determined whether the type of the big hit is a two round probability variation big hit (step S1002). If it is not two rounds probable big hit (step S1002: No), the production supervision part 202a ends the latent production flag setting process as it is. If it is two rounds probable big hit (step S1002: Yes), the production supervision part 202a sets the latent production flag ON (step S1003), stores it in the RAM 243, and ends the latent production flag setting process. If the latent effect flag is already ON in step S1003, the latent effect flag ON is updated as it is, and the number of fluctuations H described later is reset to zero.

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit in step S1001 (step S1001: No), the production supervising unit 202a determines whether or not the lottery result of the big win lottery with respect to the fluctuation that has started the production is a small win (step S1004).

  If it is a small hit (step S1004: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1003, and the effect supervising unit 202a sets the latent effect flag to ON and ends the latent effect flag setting process. If it is not a small hit (step S1004: No), the production supervision part 202a ends the latent production flag setting process as it is.

  As described above, in the latent effect flag setting process, the latent effect flag is set to ON when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the first embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are (1) winning for 2 rounds probable big win and (2) winning for small win, but it is not limited to this. For example, the latent effect flag may be set to ON even when a 15-round probability variation jackpot is won.

(Hidden effect flag release processing)
Next, the processing content of the latent effect flag cancellation processing shown in step S910 of FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the latent effect flag release processing. As shown in FIG. 11, in the latent effect flag release process, the effect supervision unit 202a first determines whether the latent effect flag is ON (step S1101). If the latent effect flag is OFF (step S1101: No), the effect supervising unit 202a ends the latent effect flag canceling process as it is.

  If the latent effect flag is ON in step S1101 (step S1101: Yes), the effect supervising unit 202a determines whether or not a big hit has occurred due to the change that ended the effect in the previous step S909 (step S1102). If it is a big hit (step S1102: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a sets the latent production flag to OFF (step S1103) and stores it in the RAM 243. Thereafter, the number of fluctuations H from when the latent effect flag is set to ON is reset to 0 (step S1104), and the effect supervision unit 202a ends the latent effect flag release process.

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit in step S1102 (step S1102: No), the production control unit 202a determines whether the number of fluctuations H from when the latent production flag is turned on is 29 or less (H ≦ 29). (Step S1105). If the number of changes H is 29 or less in step S1105 (step S1105: Yes), the effect supervision unit 202a sets 1 to the number of changes H as a new H (step S1106), and stores the new H in the RAM 243. It memorize | stores and complete | finishes a latent effect flag cancellation | release process.

  In step S1105, if the number of fluctuations H is not 29 or less (H = 30) (step S1105: No), the process proceeds to step S1103, and the effect supervising unit 202a sets the latent effect flag to OFF, The latent effect flag release process is terminated.

  As described above, in the latent effect flag release process, the latent effect flag is set to OFF when a predetermined condition (latent effect end condition) is satisfied. In the first embodiment, the predetermined condition is set to (1) winning the big hit, and (2) the variation of 30 times from when the latent effect flag is set to ON. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a lottery for turning off the latent effect flag may be performed for each change, and the latent effect flag may be set to OFF when the lottery is won. The condition for turning off the latent effect flag can be any condition of the manufacturer of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

(Background selection process)
Next, the processing content of the background selection processing shown in step S905 of FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the background selection process. As shown in FIG. 12, in the background selection process, the effect supervising unit 202a first determines whether or not the latent effect flag is ON (step S1201).

  If the latent effect flag is ON (step S1201: Yes), the effect supervising unit 202a sets the latent background for the latent effect in the RAM 243 (step S1202), ends the background selection process, and step S906 in FIG. Migrate to If the latent effect flag is OFF (step S1201: No), the effect supervising unit 202a determines whether the gaming state is the probability variation state or the latent probability variation state based on the information indicating the gaming state of the change start command ( Step S1203).

  If it is the probability variation state or the latent probability variation state (step S1203: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a sets the probability variation background for probability variation in the RAM 243 (step S1204), ends the background selection process, and step S906 in FIG. Migrate to If it is not the probability change state or the latent probability change state (step S1203: No), the production supervision unit 202a determines whether the gaming state is a time-short state (step S1205).

  If it is in the time-short state (step S1205: Yes), the production supervising unit 202a sets the time-short background for time-saving in the RAM 243 (step S1206), ends the background selection process, and proceeds to step S906 in FIG. If it is not the time-short state (step S1205: No), the production control unit 202a determines that the state is the normal state, sets the normal background for normal use in the RAM 243 (step S1207), ends the background selection process, The process proceeds to step S906 of step 9.

  As described above, in the background selection process, the latent background is selected regardless of the gaming state when the latent effect flag is ON. Therefore, when the latent background is displayed, the player cannot determine the gaming state from the background image. For this reason, the player can advance the game while having a sense of expectation that “there may be a latent probability change state”.

(Production restoration process)
In addition, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is once cut off and then turned on again, the production supervision unit 202a executes the production restoration process. Specifically, when receiving a command for performing a predetermined setting from the main control unit 201 in step S411 shown in FIG. 4 (recovery process), the effect supervision unit 202a executes the effect recovery process, and the power is turned on. The background image before being blocked is displayed on the image display unit 104.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect restoration process according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, in the effect restoration process, the effect supervising unit 202a first sets a work area of the RAM 243 at the time of restoration (step S1301). After setting the work area, the effect supervising unit 202a determines whether the gaming state at the time of power-off is a jackpot state based on the command transmitted in step S403 (step S1302).

  If it is a jackpot state (step S1302: Yes), the jackpot background for jackpot effect (for example, the background image associated with the round at the time of interruption) is set in the RAM 243 (step S1303), the jackpot effect is resumed, and the effect End the recovery process. If it is not the big hit state (step S1302: No), the effect supervising unit 202a refers to the RAM 243 and determines whether or not the latent effect flag is ON when the power is shut off (step S1304).

  If the latent effect flag is ON (step S1304: Yes), the effect supervising unit 202a sets the latent background in the RAM 243 (step S1305), and ends the effect restoration process. That is, in this case, the production supervision unit 202a receives the gaming state command (for example, the latent probability changing state command) transmitted in any of step S405, step S407, step S409, and step S410. Even if it is a status command, the latent background is set in the RAM 243. When the latent background is set in the RAM 243, the fluctuation count H is also read and set in the RAM 243. As a result, the fluctuation count H can be counted continuously from the fluctuation count H at the time of power-off.

  On the other hand, if the latent effect flag is OFF (step S1304: No), it is determined whether the gaming state at the time of power-off is a probability change state or a latent probability change state (step S1306). If it is in the probability change state or the latent probability change state (step S1306: Yes), the production supervision part 202a sets the probability change background in the RAM 243 (step S1307), and ends the effect restoration process.

  If it is not the probability change state or the latent probability change state (step S1306: No), the production supervision unit 202a determines whether or not the game state at the time of power-off is a time-short state (step S1308). If it is the time-short state (step S1308: Yes), the production supervision part 202a sets the time-short background in the RAM 243 (step S1309), and finishes the production restoration process. If it is not the time-short state (step S1308: No), the production supervision unit 202a sets the normal background in the RAM 243 (step S1310), and ends the production restoration process.

  As described above, in the effect restoration process, the latent background is selected regardless of the gaming state if the information of the latent effect flag ON is stored with reference to the RAM 243 at the time of restoration. Therefore, even after the restoration, the latent effect that was being performed at the time of interruption can be continuously executed as it is.

(Specific example of production performed by pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1)
Next, a specific example of effects produced by the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, effect symbols 1401a, 1401b, 1401c are displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. In addition, a background image is displayed on the back of the production symbols 1401a, 1401b, and 1401c. In FIG. 14A, since the gaming state is the normal state, the normal background 1402 (the background image of the sea in the example shown in FIG. 14) is displayed.

  In the state shown in FIG. 14 (A), when the two round probability variation big hit or small win is won, the latent effect flag is set to ON. FIG. 14B is a display screen when the latent effect flag is set to ON.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, when the latent effect flag is set to ON, the background images on the back of the effect symbols 1401a, 1401b, and 1401c are switched, and the latent background 1403 (in the example shown in FIG. 14, a mountain background image). ) Is displayed. Further, the display screen displays the number of fluctuations H from when the latent effect flag is set to ON (reference numeral 1404 in FIG. 14).

  In the state shown in FIG. 14B, the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is shut off due to a power failure, a momentary interruption, or the like, and then restored to FIG. 14C. As shown in FIG. 14C, a display screen similar to that in FIG. 14B is displayed on the image display unit 104 even after the power is restored.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment stores the latent effect flag in the RAM 243 capable of holding data even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is shut off when the latent effect is executed. It was set as the structure to do. At this time, the number of fluctuations H, which is latent production end condition information, is also stored. Then, when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is restored after power-off, the RAM 243 is referred to, and if the latent effect flag is set to ON, the latent effect is executed regardless of the gaming state. Thereby, according to the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to execute a latent effect as before the interruption even when the power supply is restored after the power supply is cut off, and maintain the player's expectation even after the restoration. can do.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the latent effect flag is set to ON and the latent effect is executed when a two-round probability variation big hit or small win is won. In the second embodiment described below, the “true” latent effect flag is set to ON if the latent probability changing state (or the probability changing state) is in progress, and the “false” latent effect flag is set to be in the normal state (or the short time state). Set to ON. When the true latent effect flag or the false latent effect flag is ON, the pachinko gaming machine 100 executes the latent effect.

  If the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off during the execution of the latent effect, the illegal action is performed when the power is cut off from the latent effect flag (true latent effect flag, false latent effect flag) and the game state command when the power is restored. Determine if there was any. For example, if the game state command at the time of recovery is a latent probability change state command even though the false latent effect flag is set to ON in the normal state and the latent effect is executed, it is determined that there has been an illegal act To do.

  When it is determined that there has been an illegal act, the pachinko gaming machine 100 displays a warning background that is a warning background image on the image display unit 104. Thereby, the presence or absence of cheating can be notified to the people around the pachinko gaming machine 100. The detailed description of the second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

(Hidden effect flag setting process of the second embodiment)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the processing contents of the latent effect flag setting processing according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, in the latent effect flag setting process of the second embodiment, the effect supervising unit 202a first determines whether the lottery result of the jackpot lottery with respect to the fluctuation that started the effect is a jackpot (step) S1501).

  If it is a big hit (step S1501: Yes), it is determined whether the type of the big hit is a two round probability variation big hit (step S1502). If it is not two rounds probable big hit (step S1502: No), the production supervision unit 202a ends the latent production flag setting process. If it is two rounds probable big hit (step S1502: Yes), the true latent effect flag is set to ON (step S1503), stored in the RAM 243, and the latent effect flag setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit in step S1501 (step S1501: No), the production supervising unit 202a determines whether or not the lottery result of the big win lottery with respect to the fluctuation that has started the production is a small win (step S1504). If it is not a small hit (step S1504: No), the production supervision part 202a ends the latent production flag setting process as it is. If it is a small hit (step S1504: Yes), the production supervising unit 202a determines whether the game state being executed is a probability change state or a latent probability change state (step S1505).

  If it is the probability variation state or the latent probability variation state (step S1505: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1503, and the production supervision unit 202a sets the true latent production flag to ON. If it is not the probability variation state or the latent probability variation state, that is, if it is the normal state or the short time state (step S1505: No), the production supervision unit 202a sets the false latent production flag to ON (step S1506), and the latent production flag. The setting process ends.

  As described above, in the latent effect flag setting process of the second embodiment, the true latent effect flag is set to ON when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the second embodiment, these conditions are (1) winning a two-round probability variation jackpot (true latency effect flag) and (2) winning a jackpot in a high probability state. Further, the false latent effect flag is set to ON when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the second embodiment, this condition is (2) winning a small hit in the low probability state. The condition for turning on the true latent effect flag or the false latent effect flag is not limited to this.

  The true latent effect flag set in step S1503 in FIG. 15 or the false latent effect flag set in step S1506 is canceled in the latent effect flag release process shown in FIG. In other words, the true latent effect flag or the false latent effect flag is canceled when any of the jackpots is won or when the special symbol is changed 30 times from when it is set to ON.

(Production restoration processing of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 16A is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating the processing content of the effect restoration processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16-2 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating the processing content of the effect restoration processing according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16A, in the effect restoration process, the effect supervising unit 202a first sets a work area of the RAM 243 at the time of restoration (step S1601). After setting the work area, the effect supervising unit 202a determines whether the gaming state at the time of power-off is a jackpot state based on the command transmitted in step S403 (step S1602).

  If it is a big hit state (step S1602: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a sets a big hit background for the big hit effect (for example, a background image associated with the round at the time of blocking) in the RAM 243 (step S1603), The production is resumed and the production restoration process is terminated. If it is not the big hit state (step S1602: No), the production supervising unit 202a refers to the RAM 243 and determines whether or not the true latent production flag is ON when the power is shut off (step S1604).

  If the true latent effect flag is ON (step S1604: Yes), the effect supervising unit 202a determines whether the probability change state or the latent probability change state is based on the game state command received from the main control unit 201 ( Step S1605). If it is in the probability change state or the latent probability change state (step S1605: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a sets the latent background in the RAM 243 (step S1606), and finishes the production restoration process.

  If it is not the probability change state or the latent probability change state (step S1605: No), the production supervision unit 202a determines that the true latent production flag and the gaming state are inconsistent and there is an illegal act, and the warning background is stored in the RAM 243. After setting (step S1607), the effect restoration process is terminated.

  If the true latent effect flag is OFF in step S1604 (step S1604: NO), the effect supervision unit 202a refers to the RAM 243 and determines whether the false latent effect flag is ON when the power is turned off (step S1608). .

  If the false latent effect flag is ON (step S1608: Yes), the effect supervising unit 202a determines whether it is in the short time state or the normal state based on the game state command received from the main control unit 201 (step S1608: Yes). S1609). If it is in the short time state or the normal state (step S1609: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a sets the latent background in the RAM 243 (step S1610), and finishes the production restoration process.

  If it is not the short-time state or the normal state (step S1609: No), the production supervision unit 202a determines that the false latent production flag and the gaming state are inconsistent and there has been an illegal act, and proceeds to step S1607. The warning background is set in the RAM 243, and the effect restoration process is terminated.

  If the false latent effect flag is OFF in step S1608 (step S1608: No), the effect supervising unit 202a proceeds to step S1611 in FIG. 16-2, and the game state is definitely changed based on the game state command. Whether the state or the latent probability changing state is determined (step S1611). If it is in the probability change state or the latent probability change state (step S1611: Yes), the production supervision unit 202a sets the probability change background in the RAM 243 (step S1612), and ends the effect restoration process.

  If it is not the probability change state or the latent probability change state (step S1611: No), the production supervision unit 202a determines whether the gaming state is a time-short state (step S1613). If it is in the time-short state (step S1613: Yes), the production supervision part 202a sets the time-short background in the RAM 243 (step S1614), and finishes the production restoration process. If it is not the time-short state (step S1613: No), the effect supervising unit 202a sets the normal background in the RAM 243 (step S1615), and ends the effect restoration process.

  As described above, in the effect restoration process of the second embodiment, based on the information of the latent effect flag (true latent effect flag, false latent effect flag) stored in the RAM 243 at the time of restoration, and the game state command, Determine if there was any fraudulent activity when the power was turned off. When there is an illegal act, a warning background is displayed on the image display unit 104.

(Specific example of production performed by pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 2)
Next, a specific example of effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, in the pachinko gaming machine 100, effect symbols 1701a, 1701b, and 1701c are displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. In addition, a background image is displayed on the back of the production symbols 1701a, 1701b, and 1701c. In FIG. 17A, since the gaming state is the normal state, a normal background 1702 (in the example shown in FIG. 17, a sea background image) is displayed.

  In the state shown in FIG. 17 (A), when the two round probability variation big hit or small win is won, the latent effect flag is set to ON. For example, in FIG. 17B, it is assumed that a small win is won in the normal state and the false latent effect flag is set to ON.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, when the false latent effect flag is set to ON, the background images on the back of the effect symbols 1701a, 1701b, and 1701c are switched, and the latent background 1703 (in the example shown in FIG. Image) is displayed. Further, the display screen displays the number of times of change H from when the false latent effect flag is set to ON (reference numeral 1704 in FIG. 17).

  In the state shown in FIG. 17B, it is assumed that the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off due to a power failure, a momentary interruption, or the like and then recovered. At this time, when a probability variation state command or a latent probability variation state command is received from the main control unit 201, the state shown in FIG. In FIG. 17C, the production supervision unit 202a determines that there is a contradiction between the false latent production flag and the gaming state, and an illegal act has occurred, and displays a warning background 1705 on the image display unit 104.

  As shown in FIG. 17C, the warning background 1705 includes a message for notifying that there has been an illegal act, and the illegal action can be informed around the pachinko gaming machine 100. Although not shown, an alarm sound may be output from the speaker 254 at this time, or the effect light unit 116 may be lit in red. Thereby, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can be made more conspicuous.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment, based on the game state command at the time of restoration and the latent effect flag (true latent effect flag, false latent effect flag) judge. When it is determined that there has been an illegal act, a warning background is displayed on the image display unit 104 to execute a warning effect. Thereby, when there is a cheating, it can be notified that there was a cheating around the pachinko gaming machine 100, so that cheating can be suppressed.

  As described above, according to the effect control board, the gaming machine, the effect method, and the effect program according to the present invention, the player's expectation can be maintained even after the power is restored.

  The production methods described in the first and second embodiments can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

It is a front view which shows an example of the pachinko game machine concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of the pachinko game machine concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the main process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a recovery process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the timer interruption process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the processing content of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the processing content of a big prize mouth process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of effect display processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the latent effect flag setting process of this Embodiment 1. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a latent effect flag cancellation | release process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a background selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the effect restoration process of this Embodiment 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows a specific example of the production | presentation which the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment 1 performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the processing content of the latent effect flag setting process of this Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the processing content of the production | presentation restoration process of this Embodiment 2. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the processing content of the production | presentation restoration process of this Embodiment 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows a specific example of the production | presentation which the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment 2 performs.

Explanation of symbols

100 Pachinko machines (game machines)
200 Control Unit 201 Main Control Unit (Main Control Board)
202 Production control unit (production control board)
202a Production control unit 202b Image / audio control unit 202c Lamp control unit 203 Prize ball control unit 211, 241, 251 CPU
212, 242, 252 ROM
213, 243, 253 RAM

Claims (7)

In an effect control board that controls the effect content of a gaming machine that has a low probability state and a high probability state that has a higher probability of jackpot than the low probability state, and uses any gaming state to advance the game,
Based on a command from the main control board that carries out the game of the gaming machine, an effect according to the gaming state is executed in a normal state, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the gaming state is the low probability state and the high probability. Effect execution means for executing a latent effect that is hidden without explicitly indicating the gaming state in any of the states;
Storage means for storing information indicating that the latent effect is being executed (hereinafter referred to as “effect execution information”) when the latent effect is executed by the effect executing means;
With
The storage means is storage means capable of holding the performance execution information even when the gaming machine is powered off.
If the performance execution means stores the effect execution information in the storage means when the gaming machine is turned on, the latent effect is produced regardless of whether the gaming state is the low probability state or the high probability state. An effect control board characterized by executing The latent effect is an effect that is continued from the start of the latent effect until the special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times.
The storage means stores the number of times that the special symbol has been changed since the start of the latent effect (hereinafter referred to as “the number of times of change”),
The said effect execution means, if the said frequency | count of change is memorize | stored in the said memory | storage means at the time of the power supply of the said gaming machine, it will perform the said latent effect continued from the said frequency | count of change. Production control board.   The predetermined condition is either a win for a specific jackpot in which the gaming state is set to the high probability state after a jackpot, or a win for a specific offense that performs the same performance as the specific jackpot win. The production control board according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. Determination means for determining whether or not the combination of the gaming state command and the effect execution information is normal based on the game state command transmitted from the main control board and the effect execution information. Further comprising
The production execution means
When the gaming state is the high probability state, the first latent effect is executed, and when the gaming state is the low probability state, the second latent effect is executed.
When the first latent effect is executed, the storage means stores information indicating that the first latent effect is being executed (hereinafter referred to as “first effect execution information”), and the second latent effect is displayed. If executed, information indicating that the second latent effect is being executed (hereinafter referred to as “second effect execution information”) is stored,
The determination means determines that the combination is abnormal if the gaming state command is a high probability state command indicating the high probability state and the effect execution information is the second effect execution information,
2. The effect control according to claim 1, wherein the effect execution unit executes a warning effect to notify that an illegal act has occurred when the determination unit determines that the combination is abnormal. substrate.   A gaming machine comprising: a main control board for performing a game of the gaming machine; and an effect control board according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An effect control board that controls the effect content of a gaming machine that has a low probability state and a high probability state that has a higher probability of jackpot than the low probability state, and that progresses the game using any game state In the production method to
Based on a command from the main control board that carries out the game of the gaming machine, an effect according to the gaming state is executed in a normal state, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the gaming state is the low probability state and the high probability. An effect execution step of executing a latent effect that is hidden without explicitly indicating the gaming state in any of the states;
A storage step of storing, in a storage means, information indicating that the latent effect is being executed (hereinafter referred to as “effect execution information”) when the latent effect is executed in the effect executing step;
Including
In the production execution step, if the production execution information is stored in the storage means when the gaming machine is turned on, the latent production is performed regardless of whether the gaming state is the low probability state or the high probability state. A production method characterized by performing   An effect program for causing a computer to execute the effect method according to claim 6.

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