Pachinko machine

Abstract

To enhance interest in a predictive performance for suggesting a change in reliability of a pattern corresponding to reservation storage.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine executes a changing performance for changing a reservation pattern or a varying pattern during display to another kind of reservation pattern or varying pattern having different reliability, and executes a predictive performance for suggesting execution of the changing performance. Although a changing performance is not executed for a reservation pattern occurring after that when a special reservation pattern is under display, the special reservation pattern may be displayed at the occurrence timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pachinko machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, when a game ball wins (enters) through a start port, determination information (random number value) for a pass / fail determination is stored, and a hold symbol corresponding to the determination information is displayed. In a big win game that repeats a plurality of rounds of opening a big winning port when a big win occurs in a pass / fail determination based on the determination information, there is known one that changes the display mode of the hold symbol being displayed (also referred to as hold change). For example, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to change the display mode of the hold symbol by checking the determination information before making a pass / fail determination based on the stored determination information, and it is possible to execute a precursor effect that suggests the possibility of a change in the display mode before changing the display mode of the hold symbol.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when hold changes are thus executed for a plurality of items, there is a problem that it becomes complicated and difficult to understand which hold symbol to focus on. If the hold change or precursor effect is made to correspond to only one hold symbol out of a plurality of hold symbols, the focus is easy to understand, but then the hold change or precursor effect that should originally be executed for other hold symbols will not be executed, which may reduce the opportunity for enjoyment. Therefore, improvement was needed.

[0005] The main object of the gaming machine of the present invention is to perform appropriate display control regarding the change in the display mode of the symbol corresponding to the determination information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 made in view of the above problems is a pinball gaming machine that performs a special game when winning in a win / loss determination, extracts numerical data due to the ball entering the start port, and stores the extracted numerical data as retained memory in a retained memory means, a win / loss determination means that performs a win / loss determination based on the numerical data related to the retained memory, a pre-reading determination means that performs a pre-reading determination on the numerical data related to the retained memory before the win / loss determination based on the retained memory is made, a display means that can display the corresponding symbol of the retained memory, and displays any one of a plurality of types of pre-reading corresponding symbols with different degrees of reliability, which is the degree of probability of winning based on the normal corresponding symbol and the pre-reading determination, corresponding to the retained memory, and an effect means that performs a change effect of displaying another type of corresponding symbol instead of the currently displayed corresponding symbol, and the effect means includes a change effect prohibition means that prohibits the change effect for the corresponding symbol of the retained memory extracted after the pre-reading corresponding symbol when any one of the pre-reading corresponding symbols is being displayed, and it is characterized in that the display of the pre-reading corresponding symbol can be executed for the corresponding symbol displayed when newly retained even if the change effect is prohibited by the change effect prohibition means.

[0007] According to the above configuration, when a pre-reading corresponding symbol is being displayed, since the change effect is not executed for the newly generated corresponding symbol, it is possible to prevent the change effect from being executed for a corresponding symbol different from the pre-reading corresponding symbol that is being focused on, and to prevent the player from being disappointed. Also, since there is a possibility that a pre-reading corresponding symbol will be displayed when the corresponding symbol is being displayed, it is possible to maintain the sense of expectation for the newly generated corresponding symbol.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, characterized in that when the change effect is prohibited by the change effect prohibition means, the probability of displaying a pre-reading corresponding symbol as the newly displayed corresponding symbol is higher than when the change effect is not prohibited.

[0009] According to the above configuration, since the opportunity to display the predictive corresponding symbol is reduced because the change effect is prohibited, it is possible to prevent the opportunity to display the predictive corresponding symbol from being reduced by making it easier to display the predictive corresponding symbol when newly displayed. In addition, when a new hold memory is generated while the predictive corresponding symbol is being displayed, it becomes easier to display the predictive corresponding symbol. Therefore, it is possible to allow the player to play the game without stopping the launch of the game balls while the predictive corresponding symbol is being displayed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments at all, and various forms can be adopted as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. [Description of Configuration] (1) Regarding the overall configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 50 of the present embodiment has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51 forming a vertically long fixed outer frame holding frame. Hinges 53 are provided on the upper and lower left sides of the outer frame 51, and the front frame (glass frame) 52 into which the plate glass 61 is fitted and the inner frame described later are configured to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 51 by the hinges 53. Further, a game board 1 (FIG. 2) held by the inner frame is provided behind the plate glass 61 of the front frame 52.

[0012] Speakers 66 are installed on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52, and game sounds are output therefrom to improve the taste of the game. In addition to the frame side decorative lamp 65 that emits light according to the game state, an LED for notifying an abnormality of the game is provided on the front frame 52. At the lower part of the front frame 52, an upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally formed. Also, on the right side of the lower tray 63, a firing handle 64 is provided. By operating the firing handle 64 clockwise, the firing device is activated, and the game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 are fired toward the game board 1.

[0013] The lower tray 63 is configured to receive the prize balls that overflow from the upper tray 55. By operating the ball discharge lever, the game balls accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to the dollar box provided in the game parlor. Also, in the center of the upper tray 55, an effect button 67 and a jog dial 68 are provided. This pachinko machine 50 is a so-called CR machine, and is attached with a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that performs reading and writing of prepaid cards. Also, on the right side of the upper tray 55, a ball lending button 57, a settlement button 58, and a balance indicator 59 are provided.

[0014] Note that 39 in FIG. 1 is a cylinder lock that locks the front frame 52 and the inner frame to the outer frame 51. When a predetermined key is inserted into the cylinder lock 39 and the key is operated clockwise, the inner frame is opened. When it is operated counterclockwise, the front frame 52 is opened. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, on the game board 1, a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by an outer rail 2a and an inner rail 2b is formed. In the game area 3, a center case 5 is mounted at the center thereof, and a normal symbol operation gate 17 is installed horizontally to the left toward the center case 5. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 17, a plurality of types of random numbers for determining the success or failure of the normal symbol are extracted, and a success or failure determination (normal symbol lottery) based on the extracted random numbers is performed.

[0015] Immediately below the center case 5, a first start port 11 and a second start port 12 at which a jackpot lottery (in other words, a success or failure determination) accompanied by a variable display of a special symbol (also referred to as a special symbol) is performed due to the entry of a game ball are arranged vertically side by side. The first start port 11 is always configured to allow game balls to enter, but the second start port 12 is configured as a normal electric accessory that is opened by winning in the normal symbol lottery, and can only be entered when winning in the normal symbol lottery.

[0016] When game balls enter the first and second start ports 11 and 12, a plurality of types of numerical data (for example, random numbers) are extracted and stored as pending memory. The second start port 12 configured as a normal electric accessory is opened for a predetermined time for a predetermined number of times when winning in a normal symbol lottery. Specifically, for example, in the normal mode, it is opened once for about 0.5 seconds by one win, and in the time-saving mode, it is opened twice for about 2.6 seconds by one win.

[0017] Below the second start port 12, a large winning port 14 composed of a special electric accessory that is opened during a big win game (in other words, a special game) that occurs when winning in a big win lottery is provided. In addition, a plurality of general winning ports 31 to 34 are provided in the lower left area of the game area 3. In the lower right area of the game board 1, a 7-segment special symbol display device 9, a special symbol pending number display device 18 composed of 4 LEDs, a normal symbol display device 7 composed of 2 LEDs, and a normal symbol pending number display device 8 composed of 4 LEDs are installed.

[0018] In the center case 5 of the game board 1 shown in FIG. 2, an LCD panel of an effect symbol display device 6 (the overall illustration is omitted) is disposed at the center, and on the screen of the LCD panel, a symbol effect for notifying the result of the big win lottery is performed by variably displaying the effect symbol. In addition, the center case 5 is provided with a warp entrance, a warp gutter, a stage, etc., in the same manner as well-known ones.

[0019] A large number of game nails 4 are implanted in the game area 3 of the game board 1, and an out port is provided at the bottom of the board surface. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the back side of the pachinko machine 50 has a configuration in which an inner frame 70 for detachably attaching the game board 1 is housed in an outer frame 51. The inner frame 70, similar to the front frame 52, has its upper and lower positions on one side edge (the right side as viewed in FIG. 3) coupled to hinges 53 provided on the outer frame 51 and is installed so as to be openable and closable. A game ball flow-down passage is formed in the inner frame 70, and a ball tank 71, a tank rail 72, and a payout unit 73 are provided from above (upstream), and a payout device is provided in the payout unit 73. With this configuration, when a game ball wins a prize at the winning opening of the game board 1, a predetermined number of game balls (bonus balls) stored in the ball tank 71 are paid out from the payout device and paid out to the upper tray 55 through the flow-down passage. Also, in the present embodiment, the payout device is configured to pay out game balls (loan balls) in response to an operation of the ball loan button 57.

[0020] Also, on the back side of the pachinko machine 50, a main control device 80, a payout control device 81, a performance symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, a firing control device, and a power supply board 85 are provided. The main control device 80, the performance symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 1, and the payout control device 81, the firing control device, and the power supply board 85 are provided on the inner frame 70. Although the firing control device is not shown in FIG. 3, the firing control device is arranged on the back side (the game board 1 side) of the payout control device 81.

[0021] Also, an external connection terminal board 78 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 71, and signals indicating the game state and game results are sent to a hall computer (not shown) through the external connection terminal board 78. (2) Regarding the electrical configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 50 will be described. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4, this pachinko machine 50 is configured around the main control device 80. Note that in this block diagram, so-called relay boards and power supply boards that simply relay signals are not described. Also, although detailed illustration is omitted, each of the main control device 80, the payout control device 81, the effect symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input port, an output port, and the like. Also, the CPU, ROM, and RAM are not provided in the launch control device 84 and the power supply board, but this is not the only case, and the CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. may be provided in the launch control device 84 and the like.

[0022] Detection signals from the first start port SW11a that detects a game ball entering the first start port 11, the second start port SW12a that detects a game ball entering the second start port 12, the normal symbol operation SW17a that detects a game ball entering the normal symbol operation gate 17, the count SW14a for counting game balls entering the big winning port 14, and the general winning port SW31a that detects game balls entering the general winning ports 31 to 34 are input to the main control device 80.

[0023] The main control device 80 operates according to the program installed therein, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-described detection signals and the like, and outputs them to the payout control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device 83. Also, the main control device 80 controls the displays of the special symbol display device 9, the special symbol hold count display device 18, the normal symbol display device 7, and the normal symbol hold count display device 8 connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 90.

[0024] Furthermore, the main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the big winning port 14 by controlling the big winning port solenoid 14b, and controls the opening and closing of the second start port 12 by controlling the general electric accessory solenoid 12b. The output signal from the main control device 80 is also output to the test signal terminal, and management signals such as symbol variation and big win are output to the external connection terminal board 78 and sent to the hall computer 87.

[0025] The main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 can communicate bidirectionally. The payout control device 81 operates the payout motor 20 according to a command sent from the main control device 80 to pay out prize balls. In the present embodiment, a detection signal of the payout SW 21 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the payout control device 81, and a configuration is used in which the payout control device 81 counts the prize balls. In addition to this, it is also conceivable to use a configuration in which the detection signal of the payout SW 21 is input to both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 both count the prize balls.

[0026] Note that the payout control device 81 receives signals from the glass frame opening SW 35, the inner frame opening SW 36, the ball depletion SW 23, the payout SW 21, and the full cup SW 22. When a signal indicating that the lower tray 63 is full is input by the full cup SW 22, or when a signal indicating that there are few or no game balls in the ball tank 71 is input by the ball depletion SW 23, the payout control device 81 stops the payout motor 20 and stops the payout operation of the prize balls. Also, the full cup SW 22 and the ball depletion SW 23 are configured to continue outputting signals until their states are resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 20 when the signals stop being output.

[0027] Also, the payout control device 81 communicates with the CR unit 56 via the CR unit terminal board 24 to operate the payout motor 20 and discharge the lent balls. The lent balls paid out are detected by the payout SW 21, and the detection signal is input to the payout control device 81. Also, the CR unit terminal board 24 is connected to the settlement display device 25 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The settlement display device 25 is provided with a ball lending button 57 for requesting the lending of game balls and a settlement button 58 for requesting settlement.

[0028] Also, the payout control device 81 transmits information regarding prize balls, information indicating the open / closed state of the frames (inner frame 70, front frame 52), etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78, and transmits a firing stop signal to the firing control device 84. Note that, in this embodiment, the game balls are configured to be paid out. However, it may be configured to store the prize balls generated according to winning or the like without paying them out.

[0029] The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 30 to launch the game balls into the game area 3. In addition to the payout control device 81, a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 64, a touch signal from the touch SW 28, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop SW 29 are input to the launch control device 84. The rotation amount signal is output when the player operates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop switch signal is output when the player presses the launch stop SW 29. Note that if the touch signal is not input to the launch control device 84, the game balls cannot be launched. In addition, when the launch stop switch signal is input, the game balls cannot be launched even if the player touches the launch handle 64.

[0030] The sub-integrated control device 83 receives the data and commands transmitted from the main control device 80, distributes them to the data for effect display control, sound control, and lamp control, and transmits the commands for effect display control, etc. to the effect symbol control device 82. The sound control and lamp control are distributed to each control part (functional parts as the sound control device and the lamp control device) included in itself.

[0031] Then, the functional part as the sound control device controls the sound output from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, and the functional part as the lamp control device controls various LEDs and the lamp 26 by operating the lamp driver based on the data for lamp control. In addition, an effect button 67 and a jog dial 68 are connected to the sub-integrated control device 83. When the player operates the effect button 67 and the jog dial 68, the signals are input to the sub-integrated control device 83.

[0032] The sub-integrated control device 83 and the effect symbol control device 82 can communicate bidirectionally. The effect symbol control device 82 controls the effect symbol display device 6 based on the data and commands received from the sub-integrated control device 83 (both those transmitted from the main control device 80 and those generated by the sub-integrated control device 83) to display effect images such as effect symbols. [Explanation of Operations] Next, an overview of the operation of the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described.

[0033] The pachinko machine 50 is provided with a first start port 11 that can always be won, and a second start port 12 that is opened for a certain period of time by winning in the above-described normal symbol lottery and allows winning. A jackpot lottery is conducted based on the numerical data (random numbers) extracted due to winning in the first and second start ports 11 and 12. When the jackpot lottery is conducted, the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 9, and the result of the jackpot lottery is notified by stopping and displaying these to show the determined symbol.

[0034] In parallel with this, on the screen of the effect symbol display device 6, after performing the variable display of the effect symbols and then stopping and displaying them, a symbol effect for notifying the result of the jackpot lottery is performed by displaying the determined symbol of the effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol. In the symbol effect, as an example, the variable display of three effect symbols is performed. Also, in the symbol effect, for example, a reach that suggests winning in the jackpot lottery is performed by stopping and displaying two specific effect symbols (for example, two effect symbols of the same type) in advance. As reaches, a normal reach and an SP reach are provided. The SP reach has a higher probability of winning in the jackpot lottery than the normal reach. Also, a symbol effect for notifying that the jackpot lottery was not won without performing a reach is also described as a normal loss.

[0035] In addition, in the pachinko machine 50, the random numbers extracted by winning in the first and second start openings 11 and 12 are stored as hold memories up to a maximum of four, the number of hold memories is displayed by the hold number display device 18, and hold symbols corresponding to each hold memory are displayed in a predetermined area on the screen of the effect symbol display device 6 by the sub-integrated control device 83. Also, when winning in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot game for a predetermined number of rounds is played.

[0036] And after the end of the jackpot game, the pachinko machine 50 shifts to a special state. Note that in the special state, the game state may shift to both or either of the probability-variable mode and the time-saving mode. The probability-variable mode is a game state in which the probability of winning in the jackpot lottery increases, and the time-saving mode is a game state in which the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery increases, the opening time of the second start opening 12 at the time of winning in the normal symbol lottery is extended, and further, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened. Hereafter, a game state that is neither the probability-variable mode nor the time-saving mode is described as the normal mode. Also, the special state may continue for a certain period (the period until a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries are conducted), or may continue until winning the next jackpot lottery. Also, the content of the special state and whether or not to shift to the special state may be determined by the jackpot symbol described later.

[0037] First, the operation of the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 50 will be described in detail. (1) Regarding the main routine First, the main routine in the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 50 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. Note that this main routine is started as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle.

[0038] In S10, the main control device 80 determines whether the main routine has been started by a normal timer interrupt. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S10: Yes), the process proceeds to S20, and if a negative determination is obtained (S10: No), the process proceeds to S15. In S15, the main control device 80 performs initial settings for the CPU, I / O, etc., and transfers the process to S75.

[0039] On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is obtained in S10, the main control device 80 updates the initial value random number (S20), updates the jackpot determination random number (S25), updates the jackpot symbol determination random number (S30), updates the win determination random number (S35), updates the reach determination random number (S40), and updates the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 (S45). The initial value random number is in the range of 0 to 3899, and the size of the random number is 3900.

[0040] Also, the jackpot determination random number is in the range of 0 to 3899, and the size of the random number is 3900. In the normal mode, the number of values that result in a jackpot is 13 (jackpot probability is 1 / 300), and they are 775 to 778, 1775 to 1778, and 2775 to 2779. In the probability variation mode, the number of values that result in a jackpot is a number larger than 13. Furthermore, in the probability variation mode, the number of values that result in a jackpot is configured to include the above random numbers that result in a jackpot in the normal mode. Therefore, depending on the extracted random number, there are random numbers that result in a jackpot regardless of the mode, and there are also random numbers that result in a jackpot in the probability variation mode but not in the normal mode. That is, even if it is planned to result in a jackpot by pre-reading determination because the extraction time is in the probability variation mode, if the probability variation mode ends and the normal mode is entered due to a jackpot based on another random number before the start of the variation display based on the said random number, there may be a case where it does not result in a jackpot contrary to the above pre-reading determination result.

[0041] Also, the value of the jackpot symbol determination random number is in the range of 0 to 59, and the size of the random number is 60. Also, the value of the reach determination random number is in the range of 0 to 228, and the size of the random number is 229. In the normal mode, the number of values that result in a reach is 11, and the values are 0 to 10. In the probability variation mode, the number of values that result in a reach is a number larger than 11.

[0042] Also, the value of the random number 1 for determining the variation pattern is in the range of 0 to 1020, and the size of the random number is 1021. Also, the value of the random number 2 for determining the variation pattern is in the range of 0 to 600, and the size of the random number is 601. Then, the main control device 80 performs a winning confirmation process (S50) for detecting the winning of a game ball at a winning port such as a start port, a determination process (S55) for performing a jackpot lottery due to winning at the start port, and a jackpot game process (S60) for controlling the jackpot game performed when winning in the jackpot lottery. Also, it performs an illegal monitoring process (S65) for detecting the illegal acts of the player, and each output process (S70) for transmitting various information to the hall computer 87 and the like.

[0043] Also, in S75, the main control device 80 repeatedly updates the initial value random number until the next timer interrupt occurs and the main routine is started. (2) Regarding the start winning confirmation process Next, regarding the start winning confirmation process for detecting the winning at the first and second start ports 11 and 12 and generating a hold memory according to the winning, it will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. Note that this process is configured as a subroutine called from the winning confirmation process (S50) executed from the main routine.

[0044] In S100, the main control device 80 determines whether a game ball has won at the first and second start ports 11 and 12 based on the detection signals of the first and second start port SW11a and 12a. If the determination is affirmative (S100: Yes), the process proceeds to S105. If the determination is negative (S100: No), this process ends. In S105, the main control device 80 determines whether the number of hold memories has reached the upper limit value (for example, 4). If the determination is negative (S105: No), the process proceeds to S110. If the determination is affirmative (S105: Yes), this process ends.

[0045] In S110, the main control device 80 extracts a jackpot determination random number used for jackpot lottery, a jackpot symbol determination random number for determining a special symbol (jackpot symbol) that is stopped and displayed when winning the jackpot lottery, a reach determination random number for determining whether to perform an effect (normal reach or super reach) that stops and displays an effect symbol indicating a miss after reaching the reach state in the symbol effect, a variation pattern determination random number for determining the variation time of the special symbol, etc., and stores these random numbers (numerical data) as pending storage.

[0046] Then, it generates a "pending number command" indicating the number of pending storage that has not been digested, transmits this to the sub-integrated control device 83, and transfers the process to S115. Note that the pending information (command) transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83 in S110 may be configured to transmit information indicating an increase in pending storage instead of a command indicating the number of pending storage that has not been digested (disappeared).

[0047] In S115, the main control device 80 executes a look-ahead determination process for performing a determination (hereinafter also referred to as look-ahead determination) on the values of the jackpot determination random number, etc. corresponding to the newly generated pending storage, and ends this process. (3) Regarding the look-ahead determination process Next, the look-ahead determination process for determining the values of the jackpot determination random number, etc. corresponding to the newly generated pending storage will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. Note that this process is called from the start winning confirmation process.

[0048] In S150, the main control device 80 determines whether the value of the jackpot determination random number related to the newly generated pending storage is a specific value (a value that wins the jackpot lottery). If an affirmative determination is obtained (S150: Yes), the process proceeds to S155, and if a negative determination is obtained (S150: No), the process proceeds to S160. In S155, the main control device 80 generates a look-ahead command 1 indicating that the value of the jackpot determination random number related to the newly generated pending storage is the above specific value, transmits it to the sub-integrated control device 83, and ends this process.

[0049] On the other hand, in S160, the main control device 80 determines whether the values of the reach determination random number related to the newly generated hold memory and the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 are a specific value (the value that results in a SP reach in the symbol effect). If an affirmative determination is obtained (S160: Yes), the process proceeds to S165. If a negative determination is obtained (S160: No), the process proceeds to S170.

[0050] In S165, the main control device 80 generates a look-ahead command 2 indicating that the values of the reach determination random number related to the newly generated hold memory and the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 are the above specific value, and transmits it to the sub-integration control device 83, and ends this process. In S170, the main control device 80 determines whether the values of the reach determination random number related to the newly generated hold memory and the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 are a specific value (the value that results in a normal reach in the symbol effect). If an affirmative determination is obtained (S170: Yes), the process proceeds to S175. If a negative determination is obtained (S170: No), the process proceeds to S180.

[0051] In S175, the main control device 80 generates a look-ahead command 3 indicating that the values of the reach determination random number related to the newly generated hold memory and the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 are the above specific value, and transmits it to the sub-integration control device 83, and ends this process. On the other hand, in S180, the main control device 80 generates a look-ahead command 4 indicating that the jackpot determination random number, the reach determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random numbers 1 and 2 related to the newly generated hold memory are not any of the above specific values, and transmits it to the sub-integration control device 83, and ends this process.

[0052] Thus, in the preliminary determination process of this embodiment, prior to the pass / fail determination process described later, referring to the numerical data stored in the extraction random number hold and storage process of S110, a preliminary determination result indicating whether the numerical data is a specific value is transmitted to the sub-integration control device 83. Note that in the preliminary determination process, it is determined whether the numerical data extracted in the start winning confirmation process is a specific value. Therefore, not limited to the numerical data stored as a hold in S110, the numerical data extracted in the start winning confirmation process and stored in various ways can be used in the preliminary determination process.

[0053] Also, in S155, S165, S175, and S180 of the "preliminary determination process", not only various preliminary determination commands are transmitted, but it may also be configured to transmit the "hold number command" generated in S110 of the above-mentioned "start winning confirmation process" (Fig. 6) to the sub-integration control device 83 together. With this configuration, in S110, it is preferable to generate the "hold number command" and store the "hold number command" in a predetermined buffer until any of S155, S165, S175, and S180 is executed.

[0054] (4) Regarding the pass / fail determination process Next, the pass / fail determination process of performing a big win lottery using the big win determination random number stored as a hold will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figs. 8 to 11. Note that this process is a process executed from the main routine. First, regarding Fig. 8, in S200, the main control device 80 determines whether the special electric accessory is operating, that is, whether a big win game is being executed. If the determination is affirmative (S200: Yes), this process ends; if the determination is negative (S200: No), the process proceeds to S205.

[0055] In S205, the main control device 80 determines whether the variable display in the special drawing is in progress. If the determination is affirmative (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to S280 in Fig. 10; if the determination is negative (S205: No), the process proceeds to S210. In S210, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the special figure is in the confirmed display state. If the determination is affirmative (S210: Yes), the process proceeds to S290 in FIG. 11. If the determination is negative (S210: No), the process proceeds to S215 in FIG. 9.

[0056] Subsequently, regarding FIG. 9, in S215, the main control device 80 determines whether or not there is any pending storage. If the determination is affirmative (S215: Yes), the process proceeds to S220. If the determination is negative (S215: No), this process ends. In S220, the main control device 80 decrements the number of pending storages, selects the oldest pending storage, and moves the information (numerical data such as a random number value) stored in the pending storage to a predetermined buffer for jackpot determination in order to refer to it in S230, S235, S245, S250, S255, S260, and S265 described later, and then proceeds to S225.

[0057] In S225, the main control device 80 determines whether or not a probability variation flag indicating that it is in the probability variation mode is 1. If the determination is affirmative (S225: Yes), the process proceeds to S230. If the determination is negative (S225: No), the process proceeds to S235. In S230, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot lottery based on the jackpot determination random number related to the selected pending storage and a pass / fail determination table (probability variation table) corresponding to the probability variation mode, determines whether or not the lottery is a win, and consumes the pending storage. Then, the process proceeds to S240.

[0058] On the other hand, in S235, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot lottery based on the jackpot determination random number related to the selected pending storage and a pass / fail determination table (normal table) corresponding to the normal mode, determines whether or not the lottery is a win, and consumes the pending storage. Then, the process proceeds to S240. In S240, the main control device 80 refers to the determination result of S230 or S235 to determine whether it has won the jackpot lottery. In the case of an affirmative determination (S240: Yes), the process proceeds to S245, and in the case of a negative determination (S240: No), the process proceeds to S260.

[0059] In S245, the main control device 80 determines the jackpot symbol based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol related to the digested hold memory, and determines the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the like predetermined corresponding to the jackpot symbol. Then, the process proceeds to S250. In S250, the main control device 80 determines the variation time of the special symbol and the like based on the random number for determining the variation pattern related to the digested hold memory, and the process proceeds to S255.

[0060] In S255, the main control device 80 sets the number of rounds of the jackpot game, the opening pattern of the big winning opening, the production time related to the jackpot game, the interval time, and the production mode of the jackpot game, etc., and the process proceeds to S270. On the other hand, in S260 which is shifted to when a negative determination is obtained in S240 (that is, shifted when losing the jackpot lottery), the main control device 80 determines the variation time of the special symbol and the like based on the random number for determining the variation pattern related to the digested hold memory, and the process proceeds to S265.

[0061] In S265, the main control device 80 updates the counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries executable during the probability-variable mode and the counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries executable during the time-saving mode, etc., and the process proceeds to S270. In S270, the main control device 80 transmits a "hold number command" indicating the number of hold memories remaining as a result of the decrement in S220 described above to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the process proceeds to S275.

[0062] Note that the hold information (command) transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83 in S270 may be configured to transmit information indicating a decrease in the hold memory instead of a command indicating the number of hold memories remaining due to digestion (disappearance). In S275, the main control device 80 transmits a variation start command indicating the variation time of the special symbol, the result of the big win lottery, etc. to the sub-integrated control device 83, starts the variation of the special symbol, and ends this process. In this way, the main control device 80 notifies the result of the big win lottery by the result of the variation display of the special symbol.

[0063] In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 that has received the variation start command selects a symbol effect to be displayed on the effect symbol display device 6 from among the effects for the same time as the variation time of the special symbol based on the result of the big win lottery and the variation time of the special symbol, and causes the selected symbol effect to be displayed. Further, the variation start command may also indicate whether the hold memory consumed by the big win lottery is generated by winning at the first start port 11 or by winning at the second start port 12.

[0064] Subsequently, regarding FIG. 10, in S280 which shifts during the variation display of the special symbol, the main control device 80 determines whether the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S280: Yes), the process proceeds to S285, and if the determination is negative (S280: No), this process ends. In S285, the main control device 80 ends the variation display of the special symbol, displays the determined symbol of the special symbol, transmits a symbol determination command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to cause the determined display of the effect symbol, and ends this process.

[0065] Subsequently, regarding FIG. 11, in S290 which shifts during the determined display of the special symbol, the main control device 80 determines whether the duration of the determined display of the special symbol has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S290: Yes), the process proceeds to S295, and if the determination is negative (S290: No), this process ends. In S295, the main control device 80 ends the determined display of the special symbol and proceeds to S300.

[0066] In S300, the main control device 80 determines whether the special drawing that has been finally displayed is a jackpot one. If the determination is affirmative (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305. If the determination is negative (S300: No), the process proceeds to S340. In S305, the main control device 80 refers to the probability variation flag indicating that it is in the probability variation mode. If the probability variation flag is 1, the main control device 80 clears the probability variation flag (S310), and then proceeds to S315.

[0067] In S315, the main control device 80 refers to the time shortening flag indicating that it is in the time shortening mode. If the time shortening flag is 1, the main control device 80 clears the time shortening flag (S320), and then proceeds to S325. Then, the main control device 80 sequentially executes the conditional device operation start process (S325), the accessory continuous operation device operation start process (S330), and the jackpot start effect process (S335), and starts the jackpot game by, for example, transmitting a command indicating the mode of the jackpot game or a command instructing the start of the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 83, and then ends this process.

[0068] On the other hand, in S340 which is the process to proceed when a negative determination is obtained in S300, the main control device 80 refers to the probability variation flag. If the flag is 1 (S340: Yes), the main control device 80 refers to the remaining number of jackpot draws (probability variation number of times) that can be executed during the probability variation mode (S345). If the probability variation number of times is 0 (S345: Yes), the main control device 80 clears the probability variation flag (S350) and proceeds to S355.

[0069] In S355, the main control device 80 refers to the time shortening flag. If the flag is 1 (S355: Yes), the main control device 80 refers to the remaining number of jackpot draws (time shortening number of times) that can be executed during the time shortening mode (S360). If the time shortening number of times is 0 (S360: Yes), the main control device 80 clears the time shortening flag (S365) and proceeds to S370. In S370, the main control device 80 executes the state designation command transmission process and ends this process.

[0070] (5) Jackpot game process Next, the jackpot game process that controls the progress of the jackpot game will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 to 14. This process is a process executed from the main routine. In S400, the main control device 80 determines whether the accessory continuous operation device is operating, that is, whether the jackpot game is being executed. If the determination is affirmative (S400: Yes), the process proceeds to S405. If the determination is negative (S400: No), this process ends.

[0071] In S405, the main control device 80 determines whether the big winning opening 14 is open. If the determination is affirmative (S405: Yes), the process proceeds to S430 in FIG. 13. If the determination is negative (S405: No), the process proceeds to S410. In S410, the main control device 80 determines whether it is during the interval of each round in the jackpot game. If the determination is affirmative (S410: Yes), the process proceeds to S450 in FIG. 13. If the determination is negative (S410: No), the process proceeds to S415.

[0072] In S415, the main control device 80 determines whether it is during the ending effect of the jackpot game. If the determination is affirmative (S415: Yes), the process proceeds to S470 in FIG. 14. If the determination is negative (S415: No), the process proceeds to S420. In S420, the main control device 80 determines whether the start effect time in the jackpot game has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S420: Yes), the process proceeds to S425. If the determination is negative (S420: No), this process ends.

[0073] In S425, the main control device 80 executes the big winning opening release process to open the big winning opening 14, and this process ends. Next, regarding FIG. 13, in S430 which shifts during the opening of the big winning opening 14, the main control device 80 determines whether the number of game balls that have won in the big winning opening 14 has reached 10. And in the case of an affirmative determination (S430: Yes), the process proceeds to S440, and in the case of a negative determination (S430: No), the process proceeds to S435.

[0074] In S435, the main control device 80 determines whether the opening time of the big winning opening 14 has ended. In the case of an affirmative determination (S435: Yes), the process proceeds to S440, and in the case of a negative determination (S435: No), this process ends. In S440, the main control device 80 executes a big winning opening closing process for closing the big winning opening 14, and the process proceeds to S445.

[0075] In S445, the main control device 80 executes a big winning interval process for setting the interval of each round of the big winning game, and this process ends. On the other hand, in S450 which shifts during the interval of each round, the main control device 80 determines whether the interval time of the big winning game has elapsed. In the case of an affirmative determination (S450: Yes), the process proceeds to S455, and in the case of a negative determination (S450: No), this process ends.

[0076] In S455, the main control device 80 determines whether it is the final round of the big winning game. In the case of an affirmative determination (S455: Yes), the process proceeds to S460, and in the case of a negative determination (S455: No), the process proceeds to S465. In S460, the main control device 80 executes a big winning end effect process for performing an effect when ending the big winning game, and this process ends.

[0077] On the other hand, in S465, the main control device 80 executes a big winning opening opening process for opening the big winning opening 14, and this process ends. Next, regarding FIG. 14, in S470 which transitions during the ending performance of the big win game, the main control device 80 determines whether the time of the ending performance has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S470: Yes), the process proceeds to S475. If the determination is negative (S470: No), this process ends.

[0078] In the subsequent S475 and S480, the main control device 80 stops the accessory continuous operation device and the condition device, and the process proceeds to S485. In S485, the main control device 80 determines whether to shift to the probability variable mode after the big win game. If the determination is affirmative (S485: Yes), it sets the number of times of the big win lottery (probability variable times) executable during the probability variable mode (S490), sets the probability variable flag (S495), and the process proceeds to S500.

[0079] In S500, the main control device 80 determines whether to shift to the time shortening mode after the big win game. If the determination is affirmative (S500: Yes), it sets the number of times of the big win lottery (time shortening times) executable during the time shortening mode (S505), sets the time shortening flag (S510), and the process proceeds to S515. In S515 and S520, the main control device 80 executes a process of sending a big win end command to end the performance related to the big win game to the sub-integrated control device 83 and a process of sending a state designation command, and this process ends.

[0080] (6) Regarding the performance Next, the performance of the pachinko machine 50 of the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the sub-integrated control device 83 displays various performance images on the performance screen of the performance symbol display device 6 based on the command received from the main control device 80. Specifically, when a hold memory occurs, a hold symbol corresponding to the hold memory is displayed. In this embodiment, as an example, below the area where symbol effects are performed on the effect screen 100, first to fourth hold areas 101 to 104 arranged in the left-right direction are provided, and hold symbols 600 to 602 are displayed in each hold area (see Fig. 15(a)). Note that the numbers of the hold areas decrease as going to the left. Each time a hold memory occurs, hold symbols are displayed in order from the hold area with the smallest number. Then, when the hold memory is cleared, the hold symbol corresponding to the hold memory is erased, and the display position of the hold symbol being displayed at that time moves to the hold area adjacent to the left.

[0081] Also, a jackpot lottery based on the hold memory is performed. When the symbol effect is started, a variable symbol 610 corresponding to the jackpot lottery (in other words, the hold memory cleared by the jackpot lottery) is displayed in a variable area 105 located to the left of the first hold area 101. When the symbol effect ends, the variable symbol is erased, and a new variable symbol corresponding to the next cleared hold memory is displayed.

[0082] Also, as hold symbols and variable symbols, a plurality of types with different display modes are provided. Each type of symbol corresponds to a different reliability. Reliability means the degree of possibility that the jackpot lottery based on the hold memory is a jackpot (in other words, the probability of winning in the jackpot lottery). In other words, reliability means the degree of expectation that a player can have of winning the jackpot. As an example, as hold symbols, four types are provided, namely a normal hold symbol and first to third special hold symbols (collectively also called special hold symbols), and as variable hold symbols, four types are provided, namely a normal variable symbol and first to third special variable symbols (collectively also called special variable symbols) (see Fig. 15(b)).

[0083] Then, in the order of the normal hold symbol, the first special hold symbol, the second special hold symbol, and the third special hold symbol, the reliability increases. Also, the normal variable symbol, the first to third special variable symbols respectively correspond to the normal hold symbol, the first to third special hold symbols, and the corresponding variable symbol and hold symbol have the same order of reliability. When the hold memory is cleared, the variable symbol corresponding to the hold symbol that was last displayed corresponding to the hold memory is displayed. Note that the variable symbol and the hold symbol may be different symbols, but in such a case, for example, it is preferable to indicate the correspondence between the variable symbol and the hold symbol by color, shape, etc.

[0084] In addition, in the pachinko machine 50, a change effect is performed to display another type of hold symbol or variable symbol instead of the hold symbol or variable symbol being displayed. Note that the change effect may be performed at the timing of newly displaying the variable symbol. That is, when newly displaying the variable symbol, a change effect may be performed by displaying a variable symbol corresponding to a hold symbol of a type different from the hold symbol of the hold memory immediately before digestion. Also, as the change effect, two types may be provided: one that improves the reliability of the hold symbol or variable symbol (hereinafter also referred to as the corresponding symbol) and one that decreases the reliability, or only the one that improves the reliability may be provided. Also, it is good to have a configuration that outputs a change sound when changing the corresponding symbol by the change effect to notify the player that the change effect has been performed. In this case, a change sound corresponding to the type of the corresponding symbol displayed after the change effect may be output. Also, a similar sound may be output for the hold symbol displayed at the time of winning according to the corresponding symbol.

[0085] In addition, the pachinko machine 50 performs a precursor effect to suggest that a change effect will be performed at the timing of the change effect that arrives during or immediately after the execution of the precursor effect. As an example, the precursor effect is performed in a display mode of displaying an image 620 adjacent to the hold symbol 604 (see Fig. 15(c)). The precursor effect is provided in two modes: a normal precursor effect and a pseudo-precursor effect. When the normal precursor effect is performed, a change effect is performed at the timing of the change effect. When the pseudo-precursor effect is performed, a change effect is not performed at the timing of the change effect. Note that the change effect may be executed without performing the precursor effect to change the type of the corresponding symbol.

[0086] And in the pachinko machine 50, hold symbols corresponding to the number of hold memories and symbols in fluctuation corresponding to the fluctuation are displayed. However, when the first to third special hold symbols or the first to third special symbols in fluctuation are displayed, no precursor effect (normal precursor effect and pseudo-precursor effect) and change effect are executed for the hold symbols corresponding to those held later.

[0087] Note that when a hold memory occurs, there is a possibility that the first to third special hold symbols that were previously displayed may still be displayed.

[0088] By doing so, the precursor effect and the change effect are executed only for the first displayed special hold symbol or special symbol in fluctuation, so it is possible to focus on the first displayed special hold symbol or special symbol in fluctuation. Even if a special hold symbol is displayed, it is possible to create a sense of expectation even when a hold memory occurs.

[0089] Also, the reliability of the target retained memory may be indicated by the change timing of the special retained symbol displayed first. For example, it may be considered that the later the change timing is, the higher the reliability of the target retained memory. Also, for example, when the change timing arrives after a reach or when the change timing arrives after developing into an SP reach, it may indicate relatively high reliability or a jackpot. The reliability of the target retained memory may be indicated by the timing when the special retained symbol is displayed. For example, the reliability is the highest when the retained memory occurs and is displayed as the fourth one or when the retained symbol changes at the same timing when the same special retained symbol is displayed, and the reliability may be made lower in the order of the third, second, and first display timings. By doing so, the number of players who try to store retained memories increases, so it becomes possible to make it easier to play the game without stopping the launch of the game ball.

[0090] Also, a plurality of types of preliminary stage effects with different display modes may be provided. And the degree of probability (hereinafter referred to as the expectation degree) that each type of preliminary stage effect is a normal preliminary stage effect may be made different.

[0091] (7) Regarding specific examples Next, specific examples of pseudo-preliminary stage effects and the like will be described. In the effect screen 100 of FIG. 16(a), a symbol effect based on the retained memory corresponding to the normal variable symbol 11 is being performed, and one normal retained symbol 605 and one normal variable symbol 611 are being displayed. Then, a normal preliminary stage effect 620 is performed on the normal retained symbol 605 (see FIG. 16(b)), and due to the accompanying change effect, the normal retained symbol 605 changes to the first special retained symbol 608 (see FIG. 16(c)). Further, a new retained memory occurs and the normal retained symbol 606 is added (see FIG. 16(d)).

[0092] After that, when the variation of the normal variation symbol 611 ends with a deviation, the normal variation symbol 611 is erased, the symbol variation corresponding to each hold memory corresponding to the first special hold symbol 608 is started, and the special hold symbol 608 is shifted and displayed to the position corresponding to the variation symbol, and the first special variation symbol 613 is displayed. At this time, the normal hold symbol 606 is also shifted to the left (see Fig. 16(e)).

[0093] And during the variation of the first special variation symbol, a new hold memory occurs, and the second special hold symbol 607 is displayed as the corresponding hold symbol (see Fig. 16(f)). In this embodiment, when the special hold symbol or the special variation symbol is displayed in this way, the execution of the precursor effect and the change effect is not performed for the subsequent hold symbols, but when a hold memory occurs and a hold symbol is displayed, the special hold symbol is displayed. Also, although an example of executing a precursor effect on the normal hold symbol and performing a change effect has been shown, a precursor effect is also executed on the special hold symbol and a change effect that changes to a different special hold symbol is also executed. (8) Regarding the hold start process Next, the hold start process for displaying the hold symbol and the like will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 17. This process is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83.

[0094] In S700, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether it has received the look-ahead command and the hold count command transmitted from the main control device 80 with the occurrence of the hold memory. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S700: Yes), it proceeds to S705, and if a negative determination is obtained (S700: No), this process ends. In S705, it is determined whether the prohibition flag is 0. If an affirmative determination is obtained, it proceeds to S710, and if a negative determination is obtained, it proceeds to S735. The prohibition flag is a flag for making the settings of the hold symbol and the precursor effect to be different according to the situation. In S710, the sub-integrated control device 83 sets a preliminary effect for the hold symbol and the changing symbol. Specifically, it determines the number of times, the execution timing, and the mode of the preliminary effect performed before the digestion of a new hold memory or during the symbol effect for the hold memory.

[0095] In subsequent S715, the sub-integrated control device 83 sets a hold symbol corresponding to a new hold memory (the hold symbol first displayed), or a change effect for the hold symbol and the changing symbol, and finally the hold and changing symbols to be displayed. Specifically, it determines the number of times and the execution timing of the change effect performed before the digestion of a new hold memory or during the symbol effect for the hold memory, and the type of the hold symbol displayed after the change effect. When it is determined in S710 to execute the normal preliminary effect, the execution of the change effect associated with the normal preliminary effect is determined. Also, due to the change effect, hold symbols with a reliability difference of two or more levels may be newly displayed for the hold symbol before the change effect. The hold symbol first displayed is determined by the selection rate in FIG. 21. In this embodiment, when the change effect is executed, a configuration is adopted in which the preliminary effect is always executed, but the change effect may be executed without the preliminary effect. For example, when the hold symbol shifts when the pass / fail determination is executed, the hold symbol may have a change effect, or when moving the hold symbol to the changing symbol, the hold symbol may be changed to a different one from the hold symbol with the changing symbol displayed when moving the changing symbol. Further, during a period with a short variation time such as during time saving, since the variation may end halfway through the preliminary effect during the period with a short variation time, the change effect may be executed without executing the preliminary effect.

[0096] In subsequent S720, the sub-integrated control device 83 displays the type of hold symbol determined to be first displayed in S715. Then, it determines whether the hold symbol and the changing symbol determined in S725 are to be displayed as a special hold symbol or a special changing symbol. If they are to be displayed (S725: Yes), it sets the prohibition flag to 1 and ends this process. If they are not to be displayed (S725: No), it ends this process as it is.

[0097] In S735 which is executed when a negative determination is made in S705 and the process migrates, similar to S710, the sub-integration control device 83 sets a precursor effect for the held symbol and the changing symbol. Specifically, it determines the number of times, execution timing, and mode of the precursor effect that are performed before the digestion of a new held memory or during the symbol effect for the held memory. However, different from S710, this is the processing in the case where a previously generated held symbol is a special held symbol or a special changing symbol is being displayed, or there is a case where a change effect is executed for a special held symbol or a special changing symbol. It is set not to execute the precursor effect until the validity determination for the previously generated held symbol is executed and the variable display of the validity determination ends. Then, in S740, similar to S710, the sub-integration control device 83 sets a change effect for the held symbol (the initially displayed held symbol) corresponding to the new held memory, or for the held symbol and the changing symbol. Specifically, it determines the number of times and execution timing of the change effect that are performed before the digestion of the new held memory or during the symbol effect for the held memory, and the type of the held symbol displayed after the change effect. When it is determined in S735 to execute the normal precursor effect, the execution of the change effect associated with the normal precursor effect is also determined. In S740 as well, similar to S735, this is the processing in the case where a previously generated held symbol is a special held symbol or a special changing symbol is being displayed, or there is a case where a change effect is executed for a special held symbol or a special changing symbol. It is set not to execute the change effect until the validity determination for the previously generated held symbol is executed and the variable display of the validity determination ends. Also, the initially displayed held symbol is determined by the selection rate in FIG. 21. In the subsequent S745, the sub-integration control device 83 displays the type of held symbol determined to be initially displayed in S740.

[0098] In addition, if there are multiple occurrences or planned occurrences of special hold symbols and special changing symbols in advance, and there is a hold symbol for which the change effect and precursor effect set in S735 and S740 are prohibited, it is set so that the change effect and precursor effect are not executed until the variable display corresponding to the hold symbol ends. That is, it is set so that the change effect and precursor effect are not executed until the special hold symbol and the special changing symbol no longer appear or are no longer planned to appear in the previously occurred hold symbol. In this way, in order to prevent the change effect from becoming complicated, a prohibition flag is provided to make the execution of the change effect not complicated. However, when displaying the hold symbol corresponding to the newly generated hold memory, the special hold symbol is displayed regardless of the presence or absence of the prohibition flag. Also, it may be determined not to execute the precursor effect and the change effect. Further, in this embodiment, the execution timing and number of times of the change effect are determined after determining the execution timing and number of times of the precursor effect, but the precursor effect may be determined after determining the change effect.

[0099] In this embodiment, when displaying a new hold symbol, it is possible to display the special hold symbol even when the special hold symbol or the special changing symbol is already being displayed or has been determined to be displayed. However, for the hold symbol corresponding to the newly generated hold memory, the timing for executing the change effect has become less than before. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21, the configuration is such that there is a high possibility of displaying the special hold symbol when displaying the hold symbol. Note that FIG. 21 shows the appearance rate of the hold symbols displayed when a hold symbol corresponding to a new hold memory occurs. Conventionally, the hold symbol to be displayed is selected based on the result of success or failure and the variation pattern. However, for FIG. 21, it is the total appearance rate obtained by summarizing the overall appearance rate, and the detailed appearance rate is omitted. In addition, when a special hold symbol or a special changing symbol has been displayed previously or it has been determined that it will be displayed, the special hold symbol to be displayed may be regarded as having a higher reliability even if it is the same special hold symbol as compared to the special hold symbol when no special hold symbol or special changing symbol has been displayed previously or it has not been determined that it will be displayed, or special hold symbols with high reliability may be more likely to be selected even among special hold symbols, so as to make it easier. In this way, when a special hold symbol or a special changing symbol has been displayed previously or it has been determined that it will be displayed, there is a high possibility that a special hold symbol will be displayed, or by increasing the reliability even for the same special hold symbol, it is possible to give the player a novel and interesting experience because the hold effect is executed by control with a different selection rate from the conventional one. In this application, depending on the presence or absence of a prohibition flag, different setting processes are used to determine scenarios such as at what timing and to which symbol the hold symbol and the changing symbol will change in the change of the hold symbol and the changing symbol, and based on that scenario, a precursor effect is generated or the hold is changed. Even when a special hold symbol has been displayed or it has been determined that it will be displayed, by defining a scenario, it is ensured that the hold change and the precursor effect are not executed during the execution of the special hold symbol and the special changing symbol. However, regardless of the presence or absence of the prohibition flag, a scenario is determined, and when the prohibition flag is 1, it may be configured to wait for a change until it can change without changing at the timing of executing the change effect. Also, for the hold symbol generated when the prohibition flag is 1, it may be configured that the change effect for the hold symbol is not executed (which means only those that do not change as a scenario are selected), and the change effect is not executed until it becomes a changing symbol. (9) Regarding the symbol effect process Next, the symbol effect process for performing symbol effects and the like will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 18. This process is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83.

[0100] In S750, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether it has received a variation start command from the main control device 80. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S750: Yes), it proceeds to S755, and if a negative determination is obtained (S750: No), this process ends. In S755, the sub-integrated control device 83 starts pattern rendering via the rendering screen of the rendering pattern display device 6 or the like with a variation time and mode corresponding to the variation start command, and proceeds to S760.

[0101] In S760, the sub-integrated control device 83 erases the held pattern corresponding to the digested held memory (in other words, the oldest held memory), and if there are other held memories, updates the display position of the held pattern corresponding to the held memory. Further, the sub-integrated control device 83 displays the changing pattern corresponding to the digested held memory. Then, this process ends. Note that when performing a change rendering at the start of displaying the changing pattern, the sub-integrated control device 83 may display a changing pattern corresponding to a type of held pattern different from the held pattern displayed immediately before the digestion of the held memory.

[0102] Further, the sub-integrated control device 83 may set a precursor rendering for the newly displayed changing pattern in the same manner as in S710 and S735 based on the result of the jackpot lottery indicated by the variation start command, the variation time, or the like.

[0103] Further, the sub-integrated control device 83 may set a change rendering for the newly displayed changing pattern in the same manner as in S715 and S740 based on the result of the jackpot lottery indicated by the variation start command, the variation time, or the like. At this time, the setting is made based on the result of the jackpot lottery or the like so that the reliability of the held pattern displayed after the change rendering is appropriate. (10) Execution process of precursor rendering, etc. Next, the execution process of precursor rendering and change rendering, which is the precursor rendering, etc. execution process, will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 19. This process is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83.

[0104] In S800, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether the execution timing of the precursor effect has arrived. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S800: Yes), the process proceeds to S805. If a negative determination is obtained (S800: No), the process proceeds to S810. In S805, the sub-integrated control device 83 executes the precursor effect according to the setting contents in S710 and S735 of the hold start process, and proceeds to S810.

[0105] In S810, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether the execution timing of the change effect has arrived. If an affirmative determination is obtained (S810: Yes), the process proceeds to S815. If a negative determination is obtained (S810: No), this process ends. In S815, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs the change effect according to the setting contents in S715 and S740 of the hold start process, and ends this process. (11) Regarding the hold change restart process Figure 20 is a flowchart of the hold change restart process. In this process, it is determined whether the variation has stopped, that is, whether a symbol determination command has been received from the main control device 80 at S285 (S850). If the symbol determination command has been received (S850: Yes), the symbol effect is ended by causing the symbol effect to be definitely displayed (S855). And if the prohibition flag is 1 at SS860 (S860: Yes), it is determined whether there is a special hold symbol and a setting in which the special symbol during variation is displayed or changed in the hold symbol corresponding to the currently held memory (S865). If it is determined that there is none (S865: Yes), the prohibition flag is cleared to 0 (S870), and this process ends. If a negative determination is made in S850, S860, and S865, this process ends as it is. Note that the definite display of the symbol effect means, for example, ending the shaking of the effect symbol that was temporarily stopped in the shaking display and ending the operation display of the effect symbol.

[0106] The above is the configuration of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which, based on hold memory generation and a prefetch command, not only the hold symbol but also the changing symbol is determined in terms of the manner and timing of change. However, when hold memory is generated, only the hold symbol is executed, and the change timing of the changing symbol and the type of the changing symbol may be determined at the timing when the hold memory is variably displayed. In this case, it is determined in advance whether to make the changing symbol a special changing symbol when hold memory is generated. For subsequent holds, if there is such a determined one, it may be configured not to execute hold change and precursor effects, or for subsequent holds, if there is such a determined one, it may be configured not to execute change effects during the changing hold.

[0107] [Effect] In the pachinko machine 50 of the above-described embodiment, when a special hold symbol or a special changing symbol of an old hold memory is being displayed, it gives way to the hold symbol of a newer hold memory and does not execute the precursor effect and the change effect. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the confusion that the precursor effect or the hold change effect may be executed for something other than the special hold symbol that is being displayed and attracting attention. Also, for the hold symbol to be displayed at the time of generation even in a new hold memory, it is possible to display a special hold symbol. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the loss of the sense of expectation for a newly generated hold memory when a special hold symbol or a special changing symbol is being displayed.

[0108] [Correspondence with Claims] The correspondence between the terms used in the description of the above-described embodiment and the terms used in the description of the claims is shown. The pachinko machine 50 corresponds to an example of a ball shooting game machine. Also, S110 of the start winning confirmation process corresponds to an example of hold memory means, S155, S165, S175, S180 of the prefetch determination process correspond to an example of confirmation means, S230, S235 of the validity determination process correspond to an example of validity determination means, and the sub-integrated control device 83, the effect symbol control device 82, and the effect symbol display device 6 correspond to an example of display means and effect means.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 1...Game board, 3...Game area, 5...Center case, 6...Effect symbol display device, 7...Normal symbol display device, 8...Normal symbol hold count display device, 9...Special symbol display device, 11...First start port, 12...Second start port, 14...Big winning port, 17...Normal symbol operation gate, 18...Special symbol hold count display device, 50...Pachinko machine, 80...Main control device, 82...Effect symbol control device, 83...Sub-integrated control device, 84...Launch control device, 85...Power supply board.

Claims

Claim 1 A pachinko machine that performs a special game when winning in a win / loss determination, comprising: Retention storage means for extracting numerical data due to a ball entering a start port and storing the extracted numerical data as retention storage; Win / loss determination means for performing the win / loss determination based on the numerical data related to the retention storage; Pre-reading determination means for performing a pre-reading determination on the numerical data related to the retention storage before the win / loss determination based on the retention storage is performed; Display means capable of displaying a corresponding symbol for the retention storage, and displaying, corresponding to the retention storage, any one of a plurality of types of pre-reading corresponding symbols having different reliabilities, which are the degrees of probability of winning based on the normal corresponding symbol and the pre-reading determination, as the corresponding symbol; Effect means for performing a change effect of displaying another type of the corresponding symbol instead of the currently displayed corresponding symbol; The effect means includes change effect prohibition means for prohibiting a change effect for the corresponding symbol of the retention storage extracted after the pre-reading corresponding symbol when any one of the pre-reading corresponding symbols is being displayed; A pachinko machine characterized in that even when the change effect is prohibited by the change effect prohibition means, the display of the pre-reading corresponding symbol can be executed for the corresponding symbol displayed when newly stored. Claim 2 The pachinko machine according to claim 1, characterized in that when the change effect is prohibited by the change effect prohibition means, the probability of displaying the pre-reading corresponding symbol as the corresponding symbol newly displayed is higher than when the change effect is not prohibited.

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