JP2004321556A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of urging the continuation of shooting of game media, when executing a preview performance based on retention memory. <P>SOLUTION: In a pattern variable processing, a performance control CPU, if a notification performance execution flag is set, adds 1 to a notification performance execution number counter, which counts the number of times of receiving an execution command of the notification performance during the execution of the retention display notification. Then, voice number data corresponding to the count value of the notification performance execution number counter in a determined notification performance mode group which is determined, when the retention notification executed at present is started, are output to a voice output board. A voice signal is output to a speaker by the voice output board and the notification performance is performed with the output sound. Therefore, if there is a start win during the execution of the variable display notification, a prescribed notification performance can be executed so as to urge the continuation of the shooting of the game media. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes variable display means that can variably display identification information that can be identified, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, the identification information is determined based on the satisfaction of the variable display start condition. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that starts variable display and, when a display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result, can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There are things to be done. Furthermore, variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, so that when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result, it can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player. There are things that have been configured.
[0003]
The specific game state means a state that is advantageous to a player who has been given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific game state is, for example, a state in which the state of the variable winning ball device is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a hit ball (big hit game state), or a state in which the right to generate a state advantageous to the player has been generated. And a state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state in which a condition for paying out prize game media is easily satisfied.
[0004]
In a pachinko gaming machine, when a display result of a variable display unit that displays a special symbol (identification information) is a combination of a predetermined specific display mode, it is generally referred to as a “big hit”. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the state shifts to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each open period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the winning prizes is won, the winning prize opening is closed. The number of opening of the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed. If the predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied at the time when the special winning opening is closed, the big hit gaming state ends.
[0005]
Also, in the variable display means, a symbol other than the symbol which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) continues for a predetermined time and stops, swings, and expands in a state in which it matches the specific display result The state of being reduced or deformed, or multiple symbols fluctuating synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol has been switched, so the possibility of a big hit occurring before the final result is displayed continues In this state (hereinafter, these states are referred to as a reach state), an effect performed is referred to as a reach effect. The reach state and the state thereof are referred to as a reach mode. Further, a variable display including a reach effect is referred to as a reach variable display. By making the fluctuation pattern different from the fluctuation pattern in the normal state in the reach state, the interest of the game is enhanced. If the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display means does not satisfy the condition for reaching the reach state, the result is "missing" and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.
[0006]
Some of such gaming machines have a so-called advance notice function for notifying in advance that the reach mode or the big hit mode is displayed on the variable display means. The notice effect based on the notice function is, for example, at the stage before the final stop symbol is determined, the variable display mode of the special symbol and the background image are changed, a predetermined character appears or changes, or provided on the gaming machine. This is performed by blinking a light emitting unit such as a lamp or an LED, or outputting a sound or a sound effect from a sound output unit such as a speaker provided in the gaming machine.
[0007]
Also, in the gaming machine as described above, it is determined whether or not the variable display result is a big hit for all of the hold memories, and when it is determined that a big hit is included, a notice effect based on a notice function is provided. (For example, see Patent Document 1). The hold memory stores the number of symbols for which the execution condition of the variable display has been satisfied but the actual variable display has not been started yet, and is also referred to as start winning memory. There is an upper limit to the maximum number of pending storages, and the upper limit is, for example, four.
[0008]
Further, there is also a gaming machine that executes a notice effect by a reserved storage number display that displays the reserved storage number (for example, see Patent Document 2). In such a gaming machine, among the holding memories displayed on the holding memory number display, a holding memory that becomes a big hit is displayed so as to be distinguishable from other holding memories, and a player is notified that a big hit will occur. Foretell.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-68027 (paragraph 0020, FIGS. 4 and 5)
[0010]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-243224 (paragraphs 0123 to 0125, FIGS. 49 and 50)
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the number of reserved memories increases or decreases in accordance with the progress of the game, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when the number of reserved memories increases when a notice effect is performed, which reserved memory is targeted There is a possibility that it becomes difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the notice has been given. Further, in the notice effect described in Patent Literature 2, it is clear which reservation memory is used for the notice, but conversely, the player is interested in the reservation memory that is not the notice object. For example, there is a problem that the firing of the game balls is stopped until the variable display based on the hold storage, which is the target of the notice, is started, and the operating rate of the game machine is reduced.
[0012]
In view of the above, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of recognizing to some extent a reserved storage to be notified when a preliminary announcement effect based on the reserved storage is performed, and promoting the continuation of launching the game medium. The purpose is to provide.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A gaming machine according to the present invention includes variable display means (for example, a variable display device 9) that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, and sets a predetermined variable display execution condition (for example, a start winning: After the winning of the game ball in the starting winning port 14 is established, the start condition of the variable display (for example, the previous variable display of the special symbol and the big hit game state are finished and the starting winning memory number is not 0) The variable display of the plurality of types of identification information is started in accordance with the order in which the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied based on the establishment of the variable display. Is the same symbol), a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific game state (for example, a jackpot game state) that is advantageous to the player, and is used for determination relating to variable display of identification information. Numerical data updating means (for example, a counter for generating random numbers) for updating numerical data (for example, a count value of a counter for generating random numbers) within a predetermined range; Numerical data extracting means for extracting numerical data to be updated by the data updating means (for example, a part of the game control means for executing steps S119 to S123 of the starting port switch passing process, in particular, each random number of step S121 is stored in a starting winning storage area And a numerical data storage means for storing the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extracting means so that the order of extraction is identifiable (for example, passing through a starting port switch in the game control means). A portion for executing steps S119 to S123 of the process, particularly according to the number of storages in step S121 A part for executing processing for saving in the storage area) and a reserved display individually set in advance corresponding to a predetermined number of numerical data stored in the numerical data storage means (for example, a number corresponding to the number of numerical data) Note that the number of the numerical data does not need to match the number of the start storage display areas in which the blue display or the like is performed. When the display area is provided and the numerical data is 10 or more (for example, 50), ten start storage display areas may be displayed in blue correspondingly. (For example, the variable display device 9, especially the start storage display area 18), and a hold display control means (for example, an effect control means) for displaying the hold display in a predetermined hold display mode. ), And when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied, the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extracting means when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied is determined by a predetermined determination value (for example, a jackpot). (E.g., a portion for executing a notice setting process in the game control unit, particularly, steps S208 and S209) for executing a pre-determination process for determining whether or not the determination value matches the determination value and the reach determination value. Execution portion) and when the execution condition satisfaction condition determination means determines that the execution condition of the variable display corresponding to the numerical data determined to be matched is satisfied, When the variable display executed before the variable display executed based on the predetermined announcement effect (for example, the announcement result (for example, the big hit) True announcement determination means (for example, a part that executes steps S214, S217, and S221 in the game control means) for determining whether to execute the hold display notification or the hold range notification executed when When the condition satisfaction determination means determines that the value does not match the predetermined determination value, it is executed before the variable display executed based on the satisfaction of the variable display execution condition corresponding to the numerical data determined to be not satisfied. Whether or not to execute a false announcement effect in the same manner as a predetermined announcement effect (for example, a hold display notification or a hold range notification executed even though the result of the notification is not obtained) when the variable display is performed. (For example, a part of the game control means for executing steps S234, S237, and S241), and holding of the hold display. By displaying a display mode in a specific hold display mode (for example, a distinguishable color, a distinguishable lighting state (blinking presence / absence, flashing interval, etc.)), a hold notice effect for executing a predetermined notice effect or a false notice effect is performed. Execution means (for example, a part of the effect control means for executing steps S635 to S637 and S642) and whether or not the predetermined notice effect determined by the true notice determination means is executed by the hold notice effect execution means When the notice effect execution determining means (for example, steps S111 and S112 in the game control means) and the notice effect execution judgment means determine that the predetermined notice effect is being executed, a new variable display is executed. A specific execution condition determination unit (for example, a unit that executes step S311 in the game control unit) that determines whether the condition is satisfied. Minute) and when it is determined that the execution condition of the variable display is newly satisfied by the specific execution condition determination means (for example, when the starting-port switch passing process is performed and Y is determined in steps S111 and S112). Whether or not to execute a notification effect for notifying that the running notification effect being performed is the predetermined notification effect determined by the true notification determination means (for example, an effect of performing notification by an output sound by voice output). Information effect deciding means (for example, a part for executing step S113 in the game control means) which determines the information effect, and the information effect to execute the information effect in response to the information effect deciding means determining to execute the information effect. Execution means (for example, a part for executing step S854 in the effect control means).
[0014]
The notice effect execution determining means also determines whether or not the false notice effect determined by the false notice determination means is being executed by the hold notice effect executing means (for example, step S114). When it is determined that the false announcement effect determined by the false announcement determination means by the effect execution determination means is being executed by the hold announcement effect execution means, it is determined whether or not the execution condition of the variable display is newly established. (For example, step S311), when the specific execution condition determination unit determines that the execution condition of the variable display is newly satisfied (for example, the start-up opening switch passage process is performed, and Y is determined in steps S111 and S114). At the time), whether or not to execute a false notification effect in the same manner as the notification effect at a predetermined ratio (for example, an effect of performing false notification with an output sound by voice output). A false notification effect determining means (for example, a portion for executing steps S115 and S116 in the game control means) to be determined is provided, and the notification effect executing means determines that the false information effect is to be executed, and An effect may be performed (for example, step S854).
[0015]
When the notification effect execution means executes the notification effect or the false notification effect a plurality of times during the execution of one predetermined notice effect or the false notice effect, the notification mode is performed in a plurality of stages in each notification effect or each false information effect. (For example, a change such as each notification effect in the notification effect mode group 1 shown in FIG. 39, or a change such as a notification effect up to the third notification effect in the notification effect mode group 3). Good.
[0016]
The notification when executing the notification effect (for example, the notification effect in the notification effect mode group 1), rather than the execution of the false notification effect as the notification mode for changing in a plurality of stages (for example, the notification effect in the notification effect mode group 3). The number of change stages of the mode is set to be large (for example, up to three stages when using the notification and presentation mode group 3, up to four stages when using the notification and presentation mode group 1). Is preferred.
[0017]
In the game state, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result is a normal state (for example, a state in which the game is progressing at a normal jackpot probability instead of a probable state in which the jackpot probability is increased) ) Is a gaming machine controllable to one of a special state (e.g., a probable change state) and a normal state that are improved as compared with the normal state. (For example, a part of the game control means for executing step S201).
[0018]
When the execution condition satisfaction time determination means determines that the true announcement determination means will execute the preliminary announcement effect, the special advance restriction processing that restricts the execution of the advance determination processing until the true announcement target variable display based on the determination is executed. It may be configured to include a preliminary determination restricting unit (for example, a part of the game control unit that executes step S203).
[0019]
When it is determined that the predetermined announcement effect is being executed by the announcement effect execution determination means, it is determined whether or not the game medium has won a predetermined prize area (for example, prize holes 29, 30, 33, and 39). Specific prize determination means (for example, a part of the game control means for executing the process of step S21) is provided, and the notification effect deciding means is also provided with an advance notice when the specific prize determination means determines that there is a new prize. A configuration for determining whether or not to execute a notification effect for notifying that the effect is the predetermined advance effect determined by the true announcement determination means (for example, not only the start winning opening 14 but also the winning opening 29, It is determined whether or not a notification effect is to be executed even when a game ball wins at 30, 33, 39. That is, a configuration in which the notification effect can be executed in accordance with a prize at the winning opening 29, 30, 33, 39. That.) And it may have been.
[0020]
The predetermined determination value is, for example, a specific display result determination value (for example, a big hit determination value) that determines that the display result of the variable display is a specific display result.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overall configuration of a first-type pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front.
[0022]
The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape and provided in a game frame so as to be openable and closable. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be freely opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanical components and the like are attached, and various components attached to them (excluding a game board described later). And a structure including:
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray (upper tray) 3. A surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a hitting ball are provided below the hitting ball supply tray 3. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure that includes a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front of the game board 6.
[0024]
In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display device (special variable display unit) 9 including a plurality of variable display units each variably displaying a symbol as identification information is provided. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display sections (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. Note that the variable display section may be a fixed area, but may move or change its size in the display area of the variable display device 9 during the progress of the game. Further, the variable display device 9 is provided with four special symbol start storage display areas (start storage display areas) 18 for displaying the number of effective winning balls in the start winning opening 14, that is, the number of start winning memories. Every time there is a valid start prize (start prize when the number of start prize stored is less than 4), the start storage display area 18 for changing the display color (for example, changing from blue display to yellow display) is increased by one. Then, every time the variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the start storage display area 18 in which the display color is changed is reduced by one (that is, the display color is returned to the original).
[0025]
Since the symbol display area and the start storage display area 18 are provided separately from each other, it is possible to display the number of stored start winnings even during variable display. In addition, the start storage display area 18 may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. In this case, the display of the number of start winning combinations may be interrupted during the variable display. In this embodiment, the start storage display area 18 is provided on the variable display device 9. However, a display (special symbol start storage display) for displaying the number of winning winning storages is different from the variable display device 9. You may make it provide separately.
[0026]
Below the variable display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15 including a starting winning port 14 is provided. The winning ball that has entered the starting winning port 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the starting port switch 14a (see FIG. 2). Further, the variable winning ball device 15 includes left and right opening and closing pieces for performing opening and closing operations. This opening / closing piece is opened by a solenoid 16 (see FIG. 2).
[0027]
An opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 (see FIG. 2) in a specific game state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. A winning ball that has entered one (V winning area) of the winning balls guided to the back of the game board 6 from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the V winning switch 22 (see FIG. 2). It is detected by the count switch 23 (see FIG. 2). On the back of the game board 6, a solenoid 21A (see FIG. 2) for switching the route in the special winning opening is also provided.
[0028]
When a game ball wins at the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a (see FIG. 2), a predetermined random number value is extracted unless the normal symbol start winning memory reaches the upper limit. Then, if the variable display in which the display state changes on the ordinary symbol display 10 can be started, the variable display of the display of the ordinary symbol display 10 is started. If it is not possible to start the variable display in which the display state changes on the ordinary symbol display 10, the value of the ordinary symbol start winning memory is increased by one. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, there is provided a normal symbol start storage display 41 having a display unit of four LEDs for displaying the number of normal symbol start winning storage. Each time there is a prize in the gate 32, the ordinary symbol start storage display 41 increases the number of lit LEDs by one. Then, every time the variable display of the ordinary symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. The special symbol and the ordinary symbol can be variably displayed on one variable display device. In that case, the special variable display unit and the normal variable display unit are realized by one variable display device.
[0029]
In this embodiment, the left and right lamps (the symbols become visible when turned on) are alternately lit, so that the variable display of the normal symbol is performed, and the variable display continues for a predetermined time (for example, 29.2 seconds). Then, if the left lamp is lit at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. Whether or not to win is determined by whether or not the value of the random number extracted when the gaming ball has won the gate 32 matches a predetermined hit determination value. When the display result of the variable display on the ordinary symbol display device 10 is a hit, the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time, so that a game ball is easily won. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 changes from a disadvantageous state to an advantageous state for the player when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a hit symbol.
[0030]
Further, in the probable change state as the special game state, the probability that the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a hit symbol is increased, and one or both of the opening time and the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened are increased. Is more advantageous for the player. Further, in a predetermined state such as a probable change state, the variable display period (variation time) of the ordinary symbol display 10 may be shortened, so that the player may be more advantageous.
[0031]
The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 29, 30, 33, and 39. Winning of the gaming balls to the winning ports 29, 30, 33, and 39 is performed by winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a, respectively. Is detected. At the left and right sides of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 which are blinkingly displayed during the game, and at the bottom there is an out port 26 for absorbing a hit ball which has not won. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit sound effects and voices are provided on the upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided.
[0032]
In this example, a prize ball lamp 51 is provided near the left frame lamp 28b to be lit when there is a remaining prize ball remaining, and a ball to be lit near the right frame lamp 28c when the supply ball runs out. An off lamp 52 is provided.
[0033]
A game ball fired from the hit ball firing device enters the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descends from the game area 7. When the hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 14a, the special display starts variable display (variation) on the variable display device 9 if the variable display of the symbol can be started. If it is not in a state where the variable display of the symbol can be started, the number of memorized start winnings is increased by one.
[0034]
The variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of the special symbols at the time of stoppage is the big hit symbol (specific display mode), the state shifts to the big hit gaming state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the V winning area while the opening and closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V winning switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. Generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).
[0035]
If the combination of special symbols in the variable display device 9 at the time of stoppage is a combination of a big hit symbol (probably variable symbol) with a fluctuation in probability, the probability of the next big hit increases. In other words, a more advantageous state (special game state) for the player, that is, a probable change state.
[0036]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 2 also shows a payout control board 37, a lamp driver board 35, an audio output board 70, and an effect control board 80. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a starting port switch 14a, a V winning switch 22, a count switch 23, winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, A switch circuit 58 for providing signals from the tongue switch 48 and the clear switch 921 to the basic circuit 53; a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15; a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20; A solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21A according to a command from the basic circuit 53 is mounted. The clear switch 921 is mounted on, for example, a power supply board installed in a game machine.
[0037]
Although not shown in FIG. 2, the count switch short-circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 via the switch circuit 58. The switches such as the gate switch 32a, the starting port switch 14a, the V winning switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a may be referred to as sensors. That is, any name can be used as long as it is a game medium detecting means (game ball detecting means in this example) capable of detecting a game ball.
[0038]
In addition, according to data provided from the basic circuit 53, jackpot information indicating occurrence of a jackpot, effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used to start variable display of symbols on the variable display device 9, and occurrence of probability fluctuation. And an information output circuit 64 that outputs an information output signal such as probability change information indicating the above to an external device such as a hall computer via an information terminal board installed on the back of the gaming machine.
[0039]
The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing a control operation according to the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to include at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be externally or internally provided. Since the CPU 56 executes control according to a program stored in the ROM 54, hereinafter, execution (or processing) by the CPU 56 means specifically that the CPU 56 executes control according to the program. is there. The same applies to the CPU mounted on a board other than the main board 31.
[0040]
A part or all of the RAM (may be a CPU built-in RAM) 55 is a backup RAM backed up by a backup power supply created on a power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the content of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period.
[0041]
In this embodiment, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the ordinary symbol start storage display 41 and the decoration lamp 25 provided on the game board, and is provided on the frame side. The display control of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the award ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52 is performed. Note that each lamp may be an LED or another type of light emitter. That is, a lamp or an LED is an example of a light-emitting body, and may hereinafter be collectively referred to as a lamp / LED. In addition, a variable display device decoration LED (center decoration LED) is installed on the upper and left and right portions of the variable display device 9, and a decoration LED inside the special winning opening is installed inside the special winning opening. Has a large winning opening left decoration LED and a large winning opening right decoration LED. The effect control means also controls those light emitters.
[0042]
Note that a drive signal for driving the lamp / LED is created in the lamp driver board 35. Further, when a movable member is provided as a presentation means in the gaming machine, a drive signal for driving the presentation drive means 61 such as a motor for driving the movable member and a solenoid is also supplied to the lamp driver board 35. Created in
[0043]
The display control of the variable display device 9 for variably displaying the special symbols and the ordinary symbol display 10 for variably displaying the ordinary symbols is performed by the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates according to a program stored in a ROM (not shown), and according to a strobe signal (effect control INT signal) from the main board 31, an input driver 102 and an input port. An effect control command is received via 103. The effect control CPU 101 controls the display of the variable display device 9 using the LCD via the output port 104 and the LCD drive circuit 106, and controls the ordinary symbol display 10 via the output port 104 and the lamp drive circuit 107. Display control.
[0045]
Furthermore, effect control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to audio output board 70 via output port 104 and output driver 110. Further, a bus (including an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines such as write / read signals) for inputting and outputting to the effect control CPU 101 is extended to the lamp driver board 35 via the bus driver 105.
[0046]
In the lamp driver board 35, a bus that inputs and outputs to the effect control CPU 101 is connected to an output port 352 and an expansion port 353 via a bus receiver 351. The signal for driving each lamp output from the output port 352 is amplified by the lamp driver 354 and supplied to each lamp. The signal for driving each LED output from the output port 352 is amplified by the LED drive circuit 355 and supplied to each LED. The signal for driving the effect driving means 61 is amplified by the drive circuit 356 and supplied to each lamp.
[0047]
In this embodiment, the lamps / LEDs and the effect driving means provided in the gaming machine are controlled by effect control means including the effect CPU 101 mounted on the effect control board 80. Further, data for controlling the variable display device 9, the ordinary symbol display device 10, the lamp / LED, and the like are stored in the ROM. The effect CPU 101 controls the variable display device 9, the ordinary symbol display device 10, the lamp / LED, and the like based on the data stored in the ROM. Then, the lamp / LED and the effect driving means are driven via the output port 352 mounted on the lamp driver board 35 and each driving circuit. Therefore, when changing the model, if the effect control board 80 is replaced with a new model, the model change can be realized without replacing the lamp driver board 35.
[0048]
The effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70 are independent boards, and they are installed in a single box on the back of the gaming machine, for example. Further, the extension port 353 is installed in consideration of a case where the number of lamps, LEDs, and the like increases when the model is changed, but may not be installed. The drive circuit 356 may not be provided when there is no movable member for production. However, when the model is changed, the movable member for production is considered in consideration of the case where the movable member for production is installed. It is preferable that the member is provided even when no member or the like is present.
[0049]
In the sound output board 70, the sound number data from the effect control board 80 is input via the input driver 702 to a sound synthesis IC 703 using, for example, a digital signal processor. The voice synthesis IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the voice data ROM 704, generates a voice or sound effect corresponding to the read data, and outputs the generated voice or sound effect to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs to the speaker 27 an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the audio synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706.
[0050]
The data corresponding to the sound number data stored in the sound data ROM 704 is a collection of data indicating a sound effect or a sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a special symbol fluctuation period). Upon input of the sound number data, the voice synthesis IC 703 controls the sound output according to the corresponding data in the voice data ROM 704. The sound output control according to the corresponding data is continued until the next sound number data is input. Then, when the next sound number data is input, the voice synthesis IC 703 performs sound output control according to the data in the voice data ROM 704 corresponding to the newly input sound number data.
[0051]
In this embodiment, the sound and sound effect output from the speaker 27 are controlled by the effect control means including the effect control CPU 101. The effect control means outputs sound number data to the sound output board 70. . In the sound output board 70, the sound data ROM 704 stores a large number of data for realizing sounds and sound effects that can appear as the game progresses, and these data are associated with sound number data. . Therefore, the effect control means can realize the sound output control only by outputting the sound number data. Note that the sound number data is, for example, 1-byte data, and is transferred to the sound output board 70 by a serial signal line or a parallel signal line.
[0052]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31. When the power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes a high level, the CPU 56 starts the main processing after step S1. In the main processing, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.
[0053]
In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and the stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the internal device registers are initialized (step S4). After initializing a built-in device (built-in peripheral circuit) CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) (step S5), the RAM is set to an accessible state (step S6). The interrupt mode 2 is an address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of a specific register (I register) built in the game control microcomputer 56 and an interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device. Is a mode indicating an interrupt address.
[0054]
Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 input via the input port only once (step S7). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes a normal initialization process (steps S11 to S14).
[0055]
If the clear switch 921 is not on, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, processing for stopping power supply such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine has been stopped. Confirm (step S8). After confirming that such a protection process has not been performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop processing. In this example, if "55H" is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is a backup (ON state), and if a value other than "55H" is set, it means that there is no backup (OFF state).
[0056]
When the backup is confirmed, the CPU 56 performs a data check (parity check in this example) of the backup RAM area (step S9). In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. If the power is restored after an unexpected power outage or other power supply interruption, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved, and the check result (comparison result) becomes normal (match). If the check result is not normal, it means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of stopping the power supply, the initialization processing executed at the time of turning on the power other than the recovery from the stop of the power supply is executed.
[0057]
If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoring process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the effect control means to the state at the time of stopping the power supply (step S10). ). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the program returns to that address.
[0058]
In this embodiment, whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored is confirmed using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, one of the backup flag and the check data may be used as a trigger for executing the state restoration process.
[0059]
In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S11). In addition, a predetermined work area (for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a payout command storage pointer, a winning ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout) A work area setting process for setting an initial value to a flag for selectively performing a process according to a control state such as a stop flag is performed (step S12). Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the sub-boards (the payout control board 35 and the effect control board 80 in this embodiment) to each sub-board is executed (step S13). Examples of the initialization command include a command indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 (for the effect control board 80) and a command for turning off the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52.
[0060]
Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 56 is set so that the timer is interrupted periodically every 2 ms (step S14). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.
[0061]
When the execution of the initialization process (Steps S11 to S14) is completed, the display random number update process (Step S17) and the initial value random number update process (Step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number update processing and the initial value random number update processing are executed, the interrupt is prohibited (step S16). When the display random number update processing and the initial value random number update processing are completed, the interrupt permission state is set. Is performed (step S19). The display random number is a random number for determining a symbol to be displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number updating process is a process of updating a count value of a counter for generating a display random number. . The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value, such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (big hit determination random number generation counter). In the game control process described later, when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter.
[0062]
When the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt is prohibited because the display random number update process is also executed in the timer interrupt process described later, and therefore, conflicts with the process in the timer interrupt process. This is to avoid the situation. That is, if a timer interrupt occurs during the processing of step S17 and the count value of the counter for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, the continuity of the count value is lost. There are cases. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the processing in step S17.
[0063]
When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the game control processing of steps S20 to S33 shown in FIG. In the game control process, first, the CPU 56 executes a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not the power-off signal has been output (whether or not the power-on signal has been turned on) (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when the voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. Then, in the power-off detection process, upon detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for storing necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the starting port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input through the switch circuit 58, and their states are determined (switches). Processing: Step S21).
[0064]
Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S22). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number for an initial value and a process of updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number for display (steps S23 and S24).
[0065]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Determine whether to generate a big hit (for big hit determination)
(2) Random 2-1 to 2-3 (random 2): For determining a left-center right out-of-spec symbol of a special symbol (special symbol left-center right)
(3) Random 3: Determine a special symbol combination that generates a big hit (for big hit symbol determination)
(4) Random 4: Determine the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol (for fluctuation pattern determination)
(5) Random 5: Determine whether to reach when no big hit occurs (for reach determination)
(6) Random 6: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for determining a normal symbol hit)
(7) Random 7: Determine initial value of random 1 (for determining random 1 initial value)
(8) Random 8: Determine initial value of random 6 (for determining random 6 initial value)
(9) Random 9: Determines whether or not to perform a notice effect (for notice judgment)
(10) Random 10: Determine the effect pattern of the notice effect (for deciding the notice pattern)
[0066]
In step S22 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 56 determines (1) the random number for jackpot determination, (3) the random number for jackpot symbol determination, (6) the random number for jackpot symbol determination, and (9) ), The counter for generating the notice determination random number is incremented (addition of 1). That is, these are the random numbers for determination, and the other random numbers are the random numbers for display or the random numbers for initial values. In addition, in order to enhance the gaming effect, random numbers related to ordinary symbols other than the random numbers (1) to (10) are also used.
[0067]
Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S25). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Further, a normal symbol process is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state.
[0068]
Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the effect control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the effect control command (special symbol command control process: step S27). In addition, a process of setting an effect control command related to a normal symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the effect control command is performed (ordinary symbol command control process: step S28).
[0069]
Further, the CPU 56 performs an information output process of outputting data such as big hit information, start information, and probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer (step S29).
[0070]
Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a (step S30). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to a winning detection based on turning on of any one of the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a. The payout control CPU mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 according to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.
[0071]
Then, the CPU 56 executes a storage process for checking an increase or decrease in the number of stored start winnings (step S31). Further, a test terminal process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine is executed (step S32). Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a drive command is issued to the solenoid circuit 59 (step S33). The solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16, 21, 21A in response to a drive command in order to open or close the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20, or to switch the game ball passage in the big winning port. I do. Thereafter, an interrupt permission state is set (step S34).
[0072]
According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set. May be executed.
[0073]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 7 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 performs a variation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310), and detects that a game ball has won the starting winning port 14 provided on the game board 6 by a starting port. If the switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a starting prize in which the game ball wins the starting prize port 14 has occurred (step S311), after performing a starting port switch passing process (step S312), according to the internal state. , And performs any one of steps S300 to S308. The fluctuation shortening timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.
[0074]
Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Waiting for a state where variable display of special symbols can be started. When the state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of the start winning prize stored is confirmed. If the start winning prize memory number is not 0, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit as a result of the variable display of the special symbol. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S301.
[0075]
Special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301): The stop symbol of the left middle right symbol after the variable display of the special symbol is determined. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.
[0076]
Variation pattern setting process (step S302): A variation pattern (variable display mode) of variable display of a special symbol is determined according to the value of random 4. Further, the variable time timer is started. At this time, the left middle right final stop symbol and information instructing the variation mode (variation pattern) are transmitted to the effect control board 80. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303.
[0077]
Special symbol variation processing (step S303): When a predetermined time (time indicated by the variation time timer in step S302) has elapsed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S304.
[0078]
Special symbol stop processing (step S304): Control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display device 9 are stopped. Specifically, it is set to a state where an effect control command indicating a special symbol stop is transmitted. If the stopped symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S305. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S300.
[0079]
Preliminary winning opening processing (step S305): Control for opening the winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. Further, the execution time of the special winning opening opening process is set by the process timer, and the big hit flag is set. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S306.
[0080]
Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S306): Control for transmitting an effect control command for displaying the special winning opening round to the effect control board 80, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. When the closing condition of the last big winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307.
[0081]
Specific area effective time processing (step S307): The presence or absence of the passage of the V winning switch 22 is monitored to perform processing for confirming that the big hit game state continuation condition is satisfied. If the condition of the big hit game state continuation is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S305. If the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within the predetermined effective time, or if all rounds have been completed, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.
[0082]
Big hit end processing (step S308): Control is performed to cause the effect control means to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.
[0083]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the starting port switch passage processing (step S312). In the starting port switch passage processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the variable display is being executed on the variable display device 9 (step S111). Whether or not the variable display is being executed is determined, for example, based on whether or not the internal state (special symbol process flag) is the state of step S303. If the variable display is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S119.
[0084]
If the variable display is being performed, the CPU 56, if the jackpot hold display notification execution flag is set (step S112), displays a notification effect (an effect that notifies that the variable display result is a predetermined display result, Alternatively, it is determined whether or not an effect to notify that the variable display result is likely to be a predetermined display result. Specifically, in this example, an effect to notify that a big hit is to be achieved. S113). If the big hit hold display notification execution flag is not set, the CPU 56 determines whether the reach hold display notification execution flag is set (step S114). If the reach hold display notification execution flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S119. If the reach hold display notification execution flag is set, the CPU 56 determines that the notification effect (more specifically, “false notification effect”) is that the variable display result does not become the predetermined display result but becomes the predetermined display result. Specifically, in this example, an effect of not being a big hit but notifying of a big hit, or an effect of not being a reach but notifying a reach is also possible.) It is determined whether or not (step S115).
[0085]
The big hit hold display notification execution flag is set at the start of the big hit hold display notification to notify the player that the display result of the specific variable display on hold is a big hit, and the big hit hold display notification is set. Reset when finished. That is, the big hit hold display notification running flag is a flag indicating whether or not the big hit hold display notification is being executed. The reach hold display notification execution flag is set at the start of the reach hold display notification for informing the player in advance that the display result of the specific variable display on hold will be reach, and the reach hold display notification is set. Reset when finished. That is, the reach hold display notification execution flag is a flag indicating whether or not the reach hold display notification is being executed.
[0086]
In step S113, similarly to the determination as to whether or not to make a big hit, for example, it is determined whether or not to execute the notification effect using a random number or the like for determining the notification effect. In this example, during execution of the jackpot hold display notification, as shown in FIG. 9A, it is determined that the notification effect is to be executed with a probability of 36/64, and the notification effect is executed with a probability of 28/64. Decided not to. That is, in this example, the update range of the random number for the notification effect determination and the allocation of the comparison value to be compared with the extracted value of the random number for the notification effect determination are set so that the determination probability as shown in FIG. Are set in advance.
[0087]
In step S115, similarly to the determination as to whether or not to make a big hit, for example, it is determined whether or not to execute the notification effect using a random number or the like for determining the notification effect. In this example, during execution of the reach hold display notification, as shown in FIG. 9B, it is determined that the notification effect is to be executed with a probability of 8/64, and the notification effect is executed with a probability of 56/64. Decided not to. That is, in this example, the update range of the random number for determining the notification effect and the assignment of the comparison value to be compared with the extracted value of the random number for determining the notification effect are set so that the determination probability as illustrated in FIG. Are set in advance.
[0088]
As shown in FIG. 9, in this example, it is determined that a notification effect is to be performed with a higher probability during execution of the jackpot hold display notification than in execution of the reach hold display notification. Therefore, the reliability of the notification effect can be increased, and the appearance of the notification effect can effectively increase the player's sense of expectation, thereby improving the interest of the game. During the execution of the jackpot hold display notification, the notification effect may always be performed.
[0089]
If it is determined in step S113 or S116 that the notification effect is to be executed (step S116), the CPU 56 sets the address of the command transmission table for specifying the notification effect in the pointer (step S117), and sets the command set as a subroutine. The process is executed (Step S118).
[0090]
The effect control command is transmitted to the effect control board 80 by executing the command set process. In this embodiment, each effect control command that can be transmitted to the effect control means is stored in the command transmission table of the ROM. In the command set process, the CPU 56 sets the effect control command data stored at the address of the ROM 54 indicated by the pointer to an output port for outputting the effect control command data, and indicates that the command is to be transmitted. An effect control INT signal is output.
[0091]
In the above-mentioned steps S111 to S118, when the big hit holding display notification is being executed (Y in step S112) and the variable display effect is being executed on the variable display device 9 (Y in step S111), the starting is started. When a prize is generated (Y in step S311), it is determined whether or not to execute the notification effect (step S113). When the execution is determined to be performed, a notification effect designation command is transmitted (steps S117 and S118). ) Is executed. In addition, when the reach hold display notification is being executed (Y in step S114) and the variable display effect is being executed on the variable display device 9 (Y in step S111), a start winning is generated ( (Y in Step S311), it is determined whether or not to execute the notification effect (Step S115). If it is determined that the notification effect is to be executed, the process of transmitting the notification effect designation command (Steps S117 and S118) is executed.
[0092]
When the processing related to the notification effect is finished, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the number of the winning prize stored has reached the maximum value of 4 (step S119). If the number of stored start winnings has not reached 4, the number of stored start winnings is increased by 1 (step S120), and the values of each random number such as the random number for jackpot determination are extracted and stored in correspondence with the value of the stored number of started winnings. It is stored in the area (special symbol determination buffer) (step S121). Note that extracting a random number means reading a count value from a counter for generating a random number and using the read count value as a random number value. In step S121, random 1 to random 5 are extracted from the random numbers shown in FIG. Then, a fluctuation time reduction determination time for determining whether to shorten the fluctuation time is set (step S122). Further, a notice setting process is executed (step S123).
[0093]
In this embodiment, there are twelve kinds of special symbols in the middle left and right, each of which is “0” to “11”, and the display of the special symbols changes sequentially from “0” on the variable display device 9. A special symbol change is realized. During the change of the special symbol, the display of the display symbol may change discontinuously. Also, when the final stop symbol (fixed symbol) of the special symbol is aligned in the middle left and right, it becomes a big hit, and when the left and right are aligned, it becomes reach. Then, in the case of a big hit, when odd symbols are aligned, the state shifts to a high probability state after the big hit game ends. In addition, in the high probability state, when a big hit occurs, or when a special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times, the high probability state ends and returns to the low probability state.
[0094]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern used in this embodiment. In FIG. 10, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command having a 2-byte configuration. “Time” indicates the fluctuation time of the special symbol (variable display period of the identification information).
[0095]
In this example, each variation pattern of the special symbol is determined to be a probability change big hit, a non-probability change big hit, a reach or not, a reach mode in the case of reach, a notice effect (specifically, A plurality of types are prepared in accordance with differences in various effect modes, such as whether or not to perform a notice effect performed during execution of the variable display effect, and a notice mode when the notice effect is performed.
[0096]
The “normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern that does not involve the reach mode. “Normal reach” is a fluctuation pattern that accompanies the reach mode but does not cause a fluctuation result (stop symbol) to generate a big hit. “Reach A” is a fluctuation pattern having a reach mode different from “normal reach”. The difference in reach mode means that different modes (speed, rotation direction, etc.), characters, and the like appear in the reach change time. For example, in the "normal", the reach mode is realized by only one type of variation mode, whereas in the "reach A", the reach mode including a plurality of variation modes having different speeds and directions of variation is realized.
[0097]
The “reach B” is a variation pattern having a different reach mode from the “normal reach” and the “reach A”. The “reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “normal reach”, “reach A” and “reach B”. The “reach D” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, “reach B”, and “reach C”. In “reach A”, “reach B” and “reach C”, there is a case where a big hit occurs and a case where no big hit occurs.
[0098]
“Advance notice A” to “advance notice D” are notice effects in different effect modes of the continuous notice A to the continuous notice D, respectively. The continuous notice (holding notice) is based on the result of a lottery executed at the time of occurrence of a start winning prize to determine whether or not a big hit is to be made. Announcement effect (effect for notifying that there is a possibility of a big hit or a reach). The continuous announcement may be performed intermittently instead of continuously in a plurality of variable displays. The continuous notice A to the continuous notice D are, for example, the effect means provided in the gaming machine (in this embodiment, the variable display device 9, a lamp / LED for informing the game state (the top frame lamp 28a in this embodiment). , A left frame lamp 28b and a right frame lamp 28c (hereinafter, also referred to as a light emitter) and a speaker 27).
[0099]
In this embodiment, notice effects ([display mode A], [display mode B], [display mode C], [display mode D]) for four types of continuous previews using the variable display device 9 are performed. It is possible. In addition, not only a plurality of announcement effects, but also each announcement effect for realizing a continuous announcement may be referred to as a “continuous announcement effect”. Further, in this embodiment, four types of continuous announcement effects using the luminous body ([luminous body aspect A], [luminous body aspect B], [luminous body aspect C], [luminous body aspect D]) are performed. It is possible. [Emitting body aspect A], [Emitting body aspect B], [Emitting body aspect C], and [Emitting body aspect D] have, for example, different blinking patterns of the illuminant. Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to perform four types of continuous announcement effects using the speaker 27 ([sound mode A], [sound mode B], [sound mode C], and [sound mode D]). is there. [Sound mode A], [Sound mode B], [Sound mode C], and [Sound mode D] have different sound output patterns from the speaker 27, for example.
[0100]
Although not shown in FIG. 10, a shortened display pattern may be used. The shortened display pattern is a variation pattern in which the variation time of the left middle right symbol is extremely short, for example, 1.0 second.
[0101]
Further, in this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns 1 to 89 are used at the time of high probability (during probable change) and at the time of low probability (during non-probable change = normal state). The respective fluctuation times may be shortened. Further, a group of variation patterns used at the time of high probability (a plurality of variation patterns that can be used) may be different from a group of variation patterns used at the time of low probability.
[0102]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol normal processing, the CPU 56 stores the start winning prize in a state where the change of the special symbol can be started (for example, when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300) (step S51). The value of the number (the number of pending storages) is confirmed (step S52). Specifically, the count value of the start winning counter is confirmed. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300 is a case where the symbol is not changed on the variable display device 9 and the big hit game is not being performed.
[0103]
If the number of start winning prizes is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of start winning prizes = 1 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S54), and the number of start prize memories is stored. Is decreased by one (the value of the start winning storage counter is decreased by one), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S55). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of start winning storage = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of start winning storage = n-1. Therefore, the order in which the random numbers stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective numbers of the start winning prizes are extracted always matches the order of the starting prize storing numbers = 1, 2, 3, and 4. Has become. In other words, in this example, the CPU 56 executes the process of shifting the contents of each storage area every time the variable display start condition is satisfied, so that the determination of the prize-winning determination process executed when the start prize occurs. It is possible to easily specify which start winning prize memory the result corresponds to.
[0104]
Next, the CPU 56 reads the big hit determination random number from the random number storage buffer (step S56), and executes the big hit determination module (step S57). When it is determined that a big hit is to be made (step S58), the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag (step S59). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S60).
[0105]
FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the big hit determination table used in the big hit determination module. FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a reach determination table used in the reach determination module. FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notice determination table used in the notice setting processing. As shown in FIG. 12A, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination value is "3" at the time of low probability (at the time of non-probability), and the jackpot determination value is "3" at the time of high probability (at the time of probability change). , “7”, “79”, “103”, and “107”. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, the reach determination values are “0”, “1”, and “11” at the time of low probability (at the time of non-probability), and the reach determination value is “0” at the time of high probability. , “1”, “7”, “9”, “11”, and “12”. Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (C), when there is a hit in the hold storage that does not cause a big hit but reaches, the notice determination values are “0”, “7”, and “17”. When there is a case, the notice determination values are "0" to "30" and "70" to "99".
[0106]
FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing the notice setting process (step S123) in the starting-port switch passing process. In the notice setting process, if the CPU 56 is not in the probable change state (step S201), the execution number counter storing the remaining number of unexecuted notices among the number of executions of the notice effect for realizing the continuous notice effect is stored. Is read (step S202).
[0107]
If the read count value of the execution counter is 0 (step S203), the CPU 56 sets the count value of the start winning counter to the number of processes (step S204) and initializes the count value of the inspection counter. The value is set to 0 (step S205). The inspection number counter is a counter for counting the number of repetitions of the loop processing of steps S206 to S211 and steps S226 to S231 described below.
[0108]
Next, the CPU 56 adds 1 to the count value of the inspection number counter (step S206), and stores the winning prize storage number = (the number indicated by the count value of the inspection number counter) for the big hit determination disturbance stored in the storage area. The numerical value is read (step S207), and the big hit determination module is executed. That is, a big hit determination subroutine is called (step S208). If the big hit determination module determines that the big hit will not be a big hit based on the read random number for big hit determination (N in step S209), the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the number of processes (step S210), and processes after the subtraction. If the number has not become zero, the process proceeds to step S206 (Y in step S211).
[0109]
That is, in this example, the processes of steps S206 to S211 are repeatedly executed until the number of processes becomes zero. However, in this example, if it is determined in step S208 in the loop processing of steps S206 to S211 that a big hit will be made (Y in step S209), the loop processing ends at that point. In other words, in steps S206 to S211, until it is determined that there is a big hit among the pending variable displays, or until the number of processes becomes 0 (all determinations on the pending variable display are completed. ), Each of the jackpot determination random numbers stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of start prize storages = 1 to 4 is read out in order from the earliest extracted time to determine whether or not a jackpot is determined. Is determined.
[0110]
If it is determined in step S208 that a big hit will be made (Y in step S209), the CPU 56 sets a notice determination table when there is a big hit (table on the right side in FIG. 12C) as a use table (step S212). .
[0111]
If the count value of the number-of-inspections counter is 2 or more (Y in step S214), the CPU 56 extracts a random number for advance notice determination stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of stored start winnings = 1 (step S215). If the random number for notice determination matches any of the values set in the notice determination table set as the use table, it is determined to perform continuous notice (step S216).
[0112]
When it is determined that the continuous announcement is to be performed (Y in step S217), the CPU 56 sets the count value of the inspection number counter in the execution number counter for counting the remaining number of consecutive announcement effects in the continuous announcement ( Step S218). Next, the CPU 56 extracts a random number value for the announcement pattern determination stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of stored start winnings = 1 (step S219), and determines an announcement pattern based on the random number for the announcement pattern determination (step S219). Step S220).
[0113]
For the determination of the notice pattern in step S220, for example, a notice pattern determination table (not shown) in which a comparison value to be compared with the extracted value of the notice pattern determination random number is used. In the preview pattern determination table, for example, a combination of the preview effects for the continuous number of times using the continuous preview A to the continuous preview D is set in advance, and the comparison value is assigned to the combination. Therefore, in step S220, a notice effect for a continuous number of times is determined.
[0114]
Specifically, when “4” is set in the execution number counter in step S218, a notice pattern determination table in which combinations of notice effects for four times are set in advance in step S220 is used, and step S219 is performed. Each announcement effect to be executed in each of the four variable displays is determined by the announcement pattern determination random number value extracted in step (1). For example, it is determined that the notice effect is executed in the order of the successive notice A, the successive notice C, the successive notice B, and the successive notice D.
[0115]
Further, when the value of the start winning counter is 2, 3 or 4, the CPU 56 sets a hold display notification start flag (step S221).
[0116]
The hold display notification means that, by changing the display mode of the start storage display area 18, a jackpot or a reach occurs (or may occur) in the variable display corresponding to the specific hold storage whose display mode has been changed. This is an announcement effect in which the player is notified in advance of the fact. In this embodiment, the hold display notification is executed by changing the display mode of the start storage display area 18 corresponding to the hold storage at which a big hit or a reach occurs. That is, the hold display notification is executed by setting the display mode of the hold storage display indicating the hold storage to a special hold display mode.
[0117]
After the notice setting process shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is executed, the value of the start winning storage counter is reduced by 1 in step S55 shown in FIG. On the other hand, an effect control command instructing to reduce the number of pending storages by one is transmitted. Therefore, when the variable display of the special symbol is started, the number of reserved storages is reduced by one with respect to the number of reserved storages when the notice setting process shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is executed. In other words, if the number of storages to be held when the notice setting process shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is executed is 1, the number of storages to be held becomes 0 when the variable display of the special symbol is actually started. ing. Then, in this embodiment, when the timing for executing the hold display notification comes, it means that there is a new start winning, and the hold storage number is one. When the number of held storages is 1, since the hold display notification has no meaning, in step S221, when the value of the start winning counter is 2 to 4, a hold display notification start flag for starting the hold display notification is set. I try to set it.
[0118]
If there is no big hit in the hold storage (N in step S211), the CPU 56 checks whether or not there is any reach. That is, when the number of processes is 0 in step S211, the CPU 56 checks whether or not there is a reach, and sets a hold range notification start flag when there is a reach. Then, the count value of the start winning counter is set to the number of processes (step S224), the count value of the inspection counter is set to 0 which is the initial value (step S225), and the processes of steps S226 to S231 are executed.
[0119]
In steps S226 to S231, the CPU 56 adds 1 to the count value of the number-of-tests counter (step S226), and stores it in the storage area corresponding to the starting winning storage number = (number indicated by the count value of the number-of-tests counter). The reach determination random number is read (step S227), and the reach determination module is executed. That is, the reach determination subroutine is called (step S228). When the reach determination module determines that the reach is not reached based on the read reach determination random number value (N in step S229), the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the number of processes (step S230), and processes after the subtraction. If the number has not become 0, the process moves to step S226 (Y in step S231).
[0120]
That is, the processes of steps S226 to S231 are repeatedly executed until the number of processes becomes zero. However, if it is determined in step S229 in the loop processing of steps S226 to S231 that the reach is reached, the loop processing ends at that point. That is, in steps S226 to S231, until it is determined that there is a reach among the pending variable displays, or until the number of processes becomes 0 (all determinations on the pending variable display are completed. Up to), the reach determination random numbers stored in the respective save areas corresponding to the number of start winning storages = 1 to 4 are sequentially read out from the earliest extracted time to determine whether or not the reach is reached. Is determined.
[0121]
When it is determined in step S229 that the vehicle reaches the reach (Y in step S229), the CPU 56 sets a notice determination table (a table on the left side in FIG. 12C) at the time of the off-reach as a use table (step S232). .
[0122]
If the count value of the number-of-tests counter is 2 or more (step S234), the CPU 56 extracts a random number for advance notice determination stored in a storage area corresponding to the number of stored start winnings = 1 (step S235). If the random number for advance notice determination matches any of the values set in the advance notice determination table set as the use table, it is determined to perform continuous advance notice (step S236).
[0123]
When it is determined that the continuous announcement is to be performed (Y in step S237), the CPU 56 sets the count value of the inspection number counter in the execution number counter for counting the remaining number of consecutive announcement effects in the continuous announcement ( Step S238). Next, the CPU 56 extracts the random number value for the announcement pattern determination stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of stored start winnings = 1 (step S239), and determines the announcement pattern based on the random number for the announcement pattern determination (step S239). Step S240).
[0124]
For the determination of the notice pattern in step S240, for example, a notice pattern determination table (not shown) in which a comparison value to be compared with the extracted value of the notice pattern determination random number is used. In the preview pattern determination table, for example, a combination of the preview effects for the continuous number of times using the continuous preview A to the continuous preview D is set in advance, and the comparison value is assigned to the combination. Therefore, in step S240, a notice effect for a continuous number of times is determined.
[0125]
Further, the CPU 56 sets the reach hold display notification start flag when the value of the start winning counter is 2 to 4 in the same manner as when there is a big hit in the hold storage (step S241).
[0126]
According to the above-described processing, in this embodiment, it is possible to execute the continuous notice and the hold display notification when there is a big hit in the hold storage or when there is a reach in the hold storage. become. However, even in the case of a loss that does not result in a reach, that is, in a case where there is neither a big hit nor a reach during the hold storage, the continuous notice and the hold display notification may be made executable. In that case, in fact, neither a big hit nor a reach occurs, but by generating such a situation, it is possible to increase the player's interest in continuous notice and on-hold display notification.
[0127]
Further, only when there is a big hit in the hold storage, control may be performed so that the continuous notice and the hold display notification can be executed. Furthermore, even if the hold display notification is executed in a gaming machine that does not perform the continuous announcement effect, the interest of the game can be increased.
[0128]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the big hit determination module used in step S208 and the like. In the big hit determination process, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the state at that time is being changed (step S141). If the change is being made, the CPU 56 determines in the big hit determination table shown in FIG. It is determined to use the probability table (step S142). If the probability is not being changed, it is determined to use the low probability table in the big hit determination table (step S143).
[0129]
Then, it is determined whether or not a value matching the extracted random 1 value is present in the jackpot determination table (steps S144 and S145), and if there is a matching value, it is determined to be a jackpot (step S146). If there is no value to be determined, it is determined not to make a big hit (step S147).
[0130]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the reach determination module used in step S228 and the like. In the reach determination process, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the state at that time is being changed (step S151). If the state is being changed, the CPU 56 determines whether the state is high in the reach determination table shown in FIG. It is determined to use the probability table (step S152). If the probability is not being changed, it is determined to use the low probability table in the reach determination table (step S152).
[0131]
Then, it is determined whether or not a value that matches the value of the extracted random number 5 is in the reach determination table (steps S154 and S155). If there is a value that matches, the reach is determined (step S156). If there is no value, it is determined not to reach (step S157).
[0132]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S61). If the big hit flag is set, the big hit symbol is determined according to the value of the random number for the big hit symbol (random 3) (random 3 read in step S54) (step S62). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol number set in the big hit symbol table according to the value of random 3 is determined as the big hit symbol. In the big hit symbol table, a left middle right symbol number corresponding to each of a plurality of combinations of big hit symbols is set. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S63).
[0133]
If the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 executes the reach determination module (step S65). Here, the reach determination module determines whether or not to reach based on the value of random 3 read from the storage area in step S54, that is, the value stored in the random number buffer (step S64). The left and right symbols are determined according to the value of the random 2-1 and the middle symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-2 (step S67). Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the stop symbol of the middle symbol so that it does not match the big hit symbol. I do. Then, control goes to a step S63.
[0134]
If it is determined in step S66 not to reach, a stop symbol in the case of a loss is determined (step S68). Specifically, the left symbol is determined according to the value read in step S54, that is, the value of the extracted random 2-1. The middle symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-2, and the value of the random 2-3 is determined. The right symbol is determined according to. Here, when the right and left symbols match, the right symbol is shifted by one symbol so that the edge does not become a reach. Then, control goes to a step S63. Note that if the probability change symbol is determined in step S62, a probability change flag indicating that the game will shift to the probability change state after the end of the big hit game is set.
[0135]
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a large hit variation pattern type selection table. The big hit variation pattern type selection table is a table used in the variation pattern setting process in the special symbol process process when it is determined that a big hit occurs at the start of the variation. Each table is set in the ROM 54. As shown in FIG. 18, in the big hit variation pattern type selection table, one big hit variation pattern type table without notice (table TA) used when no notice effect is performed is set as the variation pattern type table. In addition, in accordance with the remaining number of executions of the continuous notice, a notice-winning jackpot variation pattern type table (table T1 to table T4) used when performing a notice effect is set. Note that a plurality of large hit variation pattern type tables as shown in FIG. 18 may be set, and a large hit variation pattern type table with notice (four in this example, T1 to T4) may be set to the number of remaining executions of the continuous notice. A plurality may be set for each.
[0136]
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the reach variation pattern type selection table. The reach variation pattern type selection table is a table used when it is determined that a reach does not occur at the start of the variation but a reach is made. As shown in FIG. 19, in the reach variation pattern type selection table, one reach-less variation pattern type table (table TR) without notice used when no notice effect is performed is set as the variation pattern type table. In addition, a reach variation pattern type table with a notice (tables T5 to T20) used when performing a notice effect is set in accordance with the combination of the remaining number of times of continuous notice and the notice pattern.
[0137]
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern type selection table during a loss. The out-of-offset variation pattern type selection table is a table that is used when it is determined that out-of-shift (not reach) at the start of variation. As shown in FIG. 20, in the out-of-office variation pattern type selection table, one out-of-office out-of-office variation pattern type table (table TH) used when no notice effect is performed is set as the variation pattern type table. In addition, in accordance with the combination of the remaining execution count of the continuous announcement and the announcement pattern, an announcement-without announcement variation pattern type table (table T21 to table T36) used when performing an announcement effect is set.
[0138]
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of each variation pattern type table. Each variation pattern type table is set in the ROM 54. In each variation pattern type table, a comparison value to be compared with the variation pattern determining random number is set in a state where the comparison value is distributed in accordance with each variation pattern. FIG. 21 does not show specific comparison values, but shows the number of comparison values distributed according to each variation pattern.
[0139]
Each comparison value to be compared with the variation pattern determination random number is distributed in consideration of the characteristics of each variation pattern type table, and is only used for variation patterns indicating effects that can appear in relation to the variation pattern type table to be used. Can be sorted. More specifically, for example, since the table TA is a table used when “big hit” and “no notice effect”, in the table TA, a change pattern that is out of place or a change pattern that performs the notice effect (FIG. 10) No comparison value is assigned to the reference value. Further, for example, since the table T5 is a table used when executing the reach effect accompanied by the notice A, the comparison value is distributed to “reach”, “missing”, and “notice A” (see FIG. 10). Can be
[0140]
As shown in FIG. 21, in the variation pattern type table TA, of the 150 comparison values, 125 comparison values correspond to the variation pattern 18, 15 comparison values correspond to the variation pattern 19, and the remaining The comparison value is set so as to correspond to one or more other variation patterns (any one of the variation patterns 21 to 86). In the variation pattern type table TH, all 150 comparison values are sorted in correspondence with variation pattern 1. FIG. 21 shows only a part of the variation pattern type tables, but similarly, the comparison values are allocated and set in the other variation pattern type tables as well.
[0141]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern setting process (step S302) in the special symbol process process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the execution number counter (step S71), and if the read count value of the execution number counter is not 0, performs a notice variation pattern type table selection process (steps S72 and S73). If the count value of the execution number counter read in step S71 is 0, the state of the big hit flag is confirmed (step S74). If the big hit flag is set, the fluctuation used in the fluctuation of the special symbol executed this time is set. A large hit variation pattern type table (TA) without notice is selected as a table used to determine a pattern (step S75). If the big hit flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not to reach in the change of the special symbol executed this time (step S76). Whether or not to reach is determined by the processes of steps S65 and S66 in the special symbol stop symbol setting process. If the reach is determined, the reach variation pattern table without notice (TR) is selected as a table used to determine the variation pattern used in the variation of the special symbol executed this time (step S77). If it is determined not to reach, the variation pattern type table TH is selected (step S78).
[0142]
Next, the CPU 56 extracts a variation pattern determination random number from the variation pattern determination random number counter (step S79), and extracts the variation pattern determination random number and the variation selected in step S73, step S75, step S77, or step S78. A variation pattern is determined using the pattern type table (TA, TR, or T1 to T36) (step S80). Specifically, in step S80, from among the plurality of types of variation patterns prepared in advance (see FIG. 10), the comparison values extracted from the comparison values arranged in the variation pattern type table set as the use table are extracted. It is determined to be a variation pattern in which a comparison value that matches the value of the determined variation pattern determination random number is associated.
[0143]
When the variation pattern is determined, the CPU 56 sets the variation time data of the determined variation pattern in the special symbol process timer (step S81). Then, the CPU 56 sets the address of the determined variation pattern designation command transmission table in the pointer (step S82), and executes a command setting process as a subroutine (step S83).
[0144]
Further, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the hold display notification end determination counter indicating the remaining number of times of the variable display performed during the execution of the hold display notification by 1 (step S84), and if the value after the subtraction is 0, holds the big hit. The display notification execution flag and the reach hold display notification execution flag are reset (steps S85 and S86).
[0145]
In this example, when the hold display notification is started, a value indicating the number of times the special symbol is variably displayed during the execution of the hold display notification is set in the hold display notification end determination counter (see step S171 described later). ), Every time the variable display is started, the value of the hold display notification end determination counter is decremented by 1 (step S84). When the value of the hold display notification end determination counter becomes 0 because the hold display notification disappears from the display screen of the variable display device 9 at the start of the variable display after the value of the hold display notification end determination counter becomes 0. Then, the big hit hold display notification execution flag and the reach hold display notification execution flag are reset (steps S85 and S86).
[0146]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the notice variation pattern type table selection process (step S73). In the notice variation pattern type table selection process, the CPU 56 reads the execution number counter (step S731), and decrements the count value of the execution number counter by 1 (step S732).
[0147]
Next, when the big hit flag is set (Y in step S733), the CPU 56 sets the big hit variation pattern type selection table (see FIG. 18) as a use table (step S735), and executes the remaining number of executions. Any of the big hit variation pattern type tables (T1 to T4) with a notice is selected based on the notice pattern decided to be used (the notice pattern decided in step S220) and set as a use table (step S736). ). The remaining number of executions refers to the number of announcement effects that have not been executed yet among a plurality of announcement effects that are executed as continuous announcements, and here matches the value obtained by adding 1 to the count value of the execution number counter. In addition, in step S736, for example, when the big hit variation pattern type selection table shown in FIG. 18 is used, if the count value of the execution number counter is 2, a notice is given when the remaining execution number is three. The variation pattern type table 3 is selected.
[0148]
If the jackpot flag is not set (N in step S733), the CPU 56 determines that the reach is to be reached in the fluctuation of the special symbol executed this time (Y in step S737), The type selection table (see FIG. 19) is used as the use table (step S739), and the reach variation pattern type table with notice (T5) is based on the remaining number of executions and the notice type (notice pattern) determined to be executed. To T20) and set it as a use table (step S740).
[0149]
If it is determined not to be the reach (step S737), the CPU 56 sets the out-of-office variation pattern type selection table (see FIG. 20) as the use table (step S742), and determines the remaining number of executions and the number of executions. Based on the notice pattern determined in (1), any of the notice-unchanged fluctuation pattern type tables (T21 to T36) is selected and set as a use table (step S743). In step S743, for example, when the out-of-office variation pattern type selection table shown in FIG. 20 is used, if the count value of the execution number counter is 2, the notice variation pattern when the remaining number of executions is 3 is given. From the type tables 29 (T29) to 32 (T32), the notice-unchanged variation pattern type table that is associated with the presentation mode (any of the notices A to D) of the present notice effect in the notice pattern is selected. You. For example, assuming that the announcement effect to be executed when the number of remaining executions is 3 in the announcement pattern is the announcement B, T30 is selected in step S743.
[0150]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the storage processing (step S31) in the 2 ms timer interrupt processing. In the storage processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the count value of the start winning prize storage counter is the same as the count value of the previous start winning prize storage counter (step S161). If they are not the same, that is, if there is a change in the number of stored start winnings, the address of the command transmission table for designating the start winning storage according to the number of stored start winnings is set in the pointer (step S162), and the command set as a subroutine The process is executed (Step S163). Then, the count value of the start winning prize storage counter is set in the previous start winning prize storage counter (step S164).
[0151]
When the number of stored start winnings changes by the above processing, an effect control command for designating the number of stored start winnings is transmitted to the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 (steps S161 to S163).
[0152]
Next, when the big hit holding range notification start flag is set (step S165), the flag is reset (step S166), and the big hit holding display notification execution flag is set (step S167). The big hit holding display notification execution flag is a flag that is set when the holding display notification for informing that a big hit is to be started, and is reset when the holding display notification ends. That is, the big hit hold display notification execution flag is a flag for determining whether or not the hold display notification for notifying that a big hit will be made is being performed.
[0153]
If the reach hold range notification start flag is set (step S168), the flag is reset (step S169), and the reach hold display notification execution flag is set (step S170). The reach hold display notification execution flag is a flag that is set when the hold display notification for informing of the reach is started, and is reset when the hold display notification ends. That is, the reach hold display notification execution flag is a flag for determining whether or not hold display notification for notifying that reach is to be performed is being performed.
[0154]
Then, when the hold display notification is started, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the number of the hold storage to be notified by the hold display notification to the hold display notification end determination counter, that is, while the hold display notification is being executed. A value indicating the number of times of variable display performed is set (step S171). For example, if the display result of the variable display corresponding to the third hold storage is a big hit and it is determined that the big hit will be announced, the variable display performed during the execution of the hold display notification is performed. Since the number of times is two (when the variable display corresponding to the target hold storage is performed, the hold display notification has disappeared, and the variable display corresponding to the target hold storage is not included), the hold display is performed. 2 is set to the notification end determination counter. After that, the address of the command notification table for specifying the hold notification, which can specify the number of the hold storage to be notified by the hold display notification, is set in the pointer (step S173), and the command set process as a subroutine is executed (step S174). ). By the processing in steps S173 and S174, an effect control command for designating the hold notification is transmitted to the effect control board 80.
[0155]
Next, a method of transmitting a control command from the game control means to the effect control means will be described. In this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via eight signal lines of effect control signals D0 to D7. Further, a signal line of an effect control INT signal for transmitting a strobe signal (effect control INT signal) is also provided between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80. In addition to the effect control commands, control commands to other electric component control boards (for example, payout control means) are also transmitted by eight signal lines and one INT signal signal line.
[0156]
In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte represents MODE (classification of command), and the second byte represents EXT (type of command). The first bit (bit 7) of MODE data is always "1", and the first bit (bit 7) of EXT data is always "0". Such a command form is an example, and another command form may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.
[0157]
In this example, the effect control command data of 8 bits of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a process of fetching 1-byte data by an interrupt process. Therefore, from the point of view of the effect control means, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers the capture of the effect control command data.
[0158]
The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control means can recognize it. Recognizable means in this example that the level of the effect control INT signal changes, and sent only once so as to be recognizable means, for example, that each of the first and second bytes of the effect control command data Accordingly, the effect control INT signal is output only once in a pulse form (rectangular wave form).
[0159]
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the effect control command sent to the effect control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 25, commands 8000 (H) to 8058 (H) are effect control commands for designating a variation pattern of a special symbol in the variable display device 9 that variably displays a special symbol. It should be noted that the command for specifying the variation pattern (variation pattern command) also serves as the variation start instruction.
[0160]
The command 88XX (H) (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is an effect control command relating to a variation pattern of a normal symbol. The command 89XX (H) is an effect control command for designating a stop symbol of a normal symbol. The command 8A00 (H) is an effect control command for instructing to stop variable display of a normal symbol.
[0161]
Commands 91XX (H), 92XX (H), and 93XX (H) are effect control commands for designating a left middle right stop symbol of a special symbol. A symbol number is set in “XX”. The command 9400 (H) is an effect control command for specifying execution of a notification effect.
[0162]
The command A000 (H) is an effect control command for instructing to stop the variable display of the special symbol. The command BXXX (H) is an effect control command transmitted from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. The commands C000 (H) to EXXXX (H) are effect control commands relating to the change of the special symbol and the display state of the variable display device 9 irrespective of the jackpot game.
[0163]
Command D000 (H) is an effect control command for designating a customer waiting demonstration.
[0164]
The command E0XX (H) is an effect control command that indicates the number of the start storage display areas 18 for changing the display color in the display area for displaying the number of start winning storages in the variable display device 9. For example, the effect control means changes the display color of the number of start storage display areas 18 designated by “XX (H)” in each start storage display area 18. That is, the command E0XX (H) is a command for instructing the control of the display area provided for notifying the information of the reserved number. It should be noted that the command related to the number of the start storage display areas 18 for changing the display color may be configured to indicate an increase or decrease in the number of the areas for changing the display color. In this embodiment, since the upper limit of the start winning prize memory is 4, “XX” is one of 0 to 4.
[0165]
The command E400 (H) is a command transmitted when the state changes from the high probability state to the low probability state, and the command E401 (H) is transmitted when the state changes from the low probability state to the high probability state. Command.
[0166]
The command E5XX (H) is an effect control command indicating designation of hold notification. “XX” indicates the number of the reserved display area to be notified, and in this example, is “2” to “4”. For example, when “XX” indicates “2”, it means that the second suspended display area from the left of the four suspended display areas is an area corresponding to the variable display to be notified.
[0167]
The effect control means of the effect control board 80, upon receiving the above-described effect control command from the game control means of the main board 31, changes the display states of the variable display device 9 and the ordinary symbol display 10 according to the contents shown in FIG. At the same time, the display state of the lamp / LED is changed, and the sound number data is output to the sound output board 70 if necessary. Note that control commands other than the example shown in FIG. 25 are also transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means. For example, a control command indicating the display state of the prize ball lamp 51 or the ball out lamp 52 and the number of lights of the ordinary symbol start storage display 41, and a more detailed effect control command relating to the big hit game are also transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means. Sent to.
[0168]
The variable display start designation command indicating the start of the variable display and the variable display mode designation command capable of specifying the variable display mode are realized by an effect control command for specifying the variation pattern, and the identification information designation command capable of specifying the display result of the identification information. Is realized by an effect control command of left symbol designation, middle symbol designation, right symbol designation, and the variable display end designation command indicating the end of variable display is realized by a special symbol stop effect control command. Further, in this embodiment, the effect control command for specifying the variation pattern is also used as the variable display start specifying command indicating the start of the variable display and the variable display mode specifying command for specifying the variable display mode. The designated command and the variable display mode designating command that can specify the variable display mode may be separated.
[0169]
Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control CPU 101. In the main process, first, an initialization process for clearing a RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a 2 ms timer for determining an activation interval of effect control is performed (step S701). Then, effect control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for confirming monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt processing. In the main process, if the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.
[0170]
In this embodiment, the timer interrupt takes every 2 ms. That is, the effect control process is activated every 2 ms. Further, in this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interruption process, and the specific effect control process is executed in the main process. However, the effect control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.
[0171]
In the effect control process, first, effect control CPU 101 analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs an effect control process (step S705). In the effect control process processing, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from among the processes corresponding to the control state. Then, a process of updating the notice random number counter is executed (step S706). After that, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S702.
[0172]
In the present embodiment, a notice random number counter for determining which of the effect means (one or more) is to be used for continuous notice and a notice start timing for each variable display are used. There is a notice random number counter.
[0173]
Next, the process of receiving the effect control command from the main board 31 will be described. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six effect control commands having a 2-byte configuration is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is composed of a 12-byte area of the reception command buffers 1 to 12. Then, a command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is to be stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format. For example, three symbol designating command storage areas (2 × 3 = 6 bytes command receiving buffer) and one other command storing area for designating a variation pattern (for example) A buffer configuration such as 2 × 1 = 2 byte command receiving buffer) may be used. Similarly, the audio control means and the ramp control means may be of a buffer format other than the ring buffer format.
[0174]
The effect control INT signal from the main board 31 is input to the interrupt terminal of the effect control CPU 101. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the effect control CPU 101 is interrupted. Then, the effect control CPU 101 executes an effect control command receiving process in the interrupt process. In the reception processing of the effect control command, the effect control CPU 101 stores the received effect control command data in the received command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter.
[0175]
FIGS. 28 and 29 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the received command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 checks the contents of the command stored in the command receiving buffer.
[0176]
In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether a received command is stored in the command receiving buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where they match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the received command is stored in the command receiving buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the received command from the command receiving buffer (step S612). After reading, the value of the read pointer is incremented by one.
[0177]
If the received effect control command is an effect control command (91XX (H)) specifying a special symbol left (step S613), the effect control CPU 101 stores the data indicating the left symbol indicated by “XX” in the left RAM. It is stored in the symbol storage area (step S614). If the effect control command (92XX (H)) is designated in the special symbol (step S616), the effect control CPU 101 stores the data indicating the medium symbol indicated by "XX" in the medium symbol storage area in the RAM. It is stored (step S617). Then, if the special symbol right designation effect control command (93XX (H)) (step S618), the effect control CPU 101 stores the data indicating the right symbol indicated by “XX” in the right symbol storage area in the RAM. It is stored (step S619).
[0178]
If the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating a variation pattern (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 stores the EXT data of the command in the variation pattern data storage area (step S622). The receiving flag is set (step S623).
[0179]
If the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating a notification effect (step S624), effect control CPU 101 sets a notification effect execution flag (step S625).
[0180]
If the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating the number of start winning prizes (step S631), the effect control CPU 101 sets the number of start prize memories in the start prize number storage area in the RAM to the number specified by the effect control command. (Step S632). Further, the number of the start storage display areas 18 whose display colors are changed (displayed ON) on the variable display device 9 is updated (step S633). In this embodiment, the display color of the ON display is yellow, and the display color of the OFF display (the state indicating that there is no hold storage) is blue. Further, the value of the notice random number counter is incremented by 1 (step S634). When the count value of the notice random number counter exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to 0. When a plurality of advance random number counters are provided, for example, an advance random number counter n (if four advance random number counters are provided, When the count value of (n = 1 to 3) is returned to 0, the count value of the notice random number counter n + 1 may be incremented by one.
[0181]
If the number of stored start winnings has decreased (step S635), if the hold display notification execution flag is set, that is, if the hold display notification is being executed (step S636), the target of the hold display notification is set. Is shifted by one (step S637). Specifically, if the fourth start storage display area 18 is displayed in red before the update in step S633, the third start storage display area 18 is displayed in red. When the third start storage display area 18 is displayed in red, the second start storage display area 18 is displayed in red. When the second start storage display area 18 is displayed in red, the first start storage display area 18 is displayed in red.
[0182]
When the number of start winning storages decreases during the execution of the hold display notification by the processing of steps S635 to S637, the portion where the hold display notification is made is shifted by one in the four start storage display areas 18.
[0183]
Further, when the part for which the suspension display notification is made disappears (step S638), the suspension display notification execution flag is reset (step S639). The case where the part where the hold display notification is performed disappears is a case where the change of the special symbol based on the hold memory (for example, the hold memory that becomes a big hit) which has triggered the start of the execution of the hold display notification is started. The effect control CPU 101 can determine whether or not the part for which the hold display notification is made disappears, based on the command for specifying the hold notification received from the game control means and the number of times of execution of step S637. For example, when the third hold storage is designated by the hold notification designation command received from the game control means, the process of step S637 is executed three times because the third hold storage is a hold memory that becomes a big hit or a reach. Then, the portion where the notification of the reserved range is made disappears.
[0184]
Further, if the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating hold notification (step S641), effect control CPU 101 turns on one of the four start storage display areas 18 (indicating that there is a hold memory). The start storage display area 18 of the hold display area designated by the hold notification designation command is controlled to be displayed in red (step S642).
[0185]
In this embodiment, the hold display mode of the hold display notification is displayed in red. However, any other display mode can be used as long as it can be distinguished from the display mode of the start storage display area 18 which is not the target of the hold display notification. It may be. For example, the display area of the start storage display area 18 that is the target of the hold display notification is made larger than the display area of the other start storage display area 18, or the start storage display area that is the target of the hold display notification is displayed. The display area of the display area 18 may be enlarged, and the color of the display area may be different from the color of the display area of the other start storage display area 18.
[0186]
Then, the CPU 56 sets the hold display notification execution flag indicating that the hold display notification is being executed (step S643), and sets the initial value “0” in the notification effect execution number counter for counting the number of notification effect executions. Is set (step S644). Further, the CPU 56 selects one notification effect mode group from the plurality of notification effect mode groups, and determines the notification effect mode group to be used (step S645).
[0187]
If the received command read in step S612 is another effect control command, a flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S646).
[0188]
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the range of the count values of the effect means determining counter and the notice start timing determining counter of the notice random number counter described above. The announcement random number counter for effect means determination takes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 150 in this example. In addition, the notice start timing determination counter takes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 11 in this example.
[0189]
FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method of selecting an effect means based on an effect means determination random number and a method of determining an effect start timing of a continuous announcement. FIG. 31 (A) shows an example of a big hit production means determining table used when the received fluctuation pattern command indicates a big hit, and FIG. 31 (B) shows the received fluctuation pattern command. An example of an out-of-stage staging means determination table used when the pattern command indicates an out-of-place is shown. Each effect means determination table shown in FIG. 31 is stored in the ROM mounted on the effect control board 80. The value set in each effect means determination table is referred to as effect means determination determination value.
[0190]
As shown in FIG. 31, according to the value of the random number for effect means determination, (1) speaker 27 (represented as “sound” in FIG. 31), (2) lamp / LED (light emitter), ( 3) Variable display device 9 (shown as "display" in FIG. 31), (4) speaker 27 and variable display device 9, (5) lamp / LED and variable display device 9, (6) speaker 27 Any one of the lamp / LED and the variable display device 9 is selected as the production means for producing the production of the continuous notice.
[0191]
In the selection method illustrated in FIG. 31, the effect control unit performs the variable display at a higher rate when the variable display result specifies the big hit by the variation pattern command than in the case where the variable display result specifies the loss. The device 9 is selected as the production means used for the production of the continuous announcement. That is, when the predetermined variable display result (in this example, a big hit) is specified by the variation pattern command, the effect determination means included in the effect control means is a specific effect means of the plurality of types of effect means (this example). Then, the variable display device 9) is selected at a high rate.
[0192]
Further, when the variable display command specifies that the variable display result is a big hit, the rate at which the plurality of effect means are selected is higher than when the loss is specified. Therefore, when the effect of the continuous notice is executed by the plurality of effect means, the player can strongly expect that a big hit actually occurs. Then, when it is specified that the variable display result is out of order by the variation pattern command, the ratio of selecting all (three in this example) effect means is extremely low. Therefore, when the effect of the continuous notice is performed by all the effect means, the player can further strongly expect that a big hit will actually occur.
[0193]
In this embodiment, the effect means determination table is divided into two cases: a case where the variable display result indicated by the variation pattern command is a big hit and a case where the variable display result is not a big hit. , May be divided into three cases. Furthermore, it may be divided into four cases: a specific jackpot, a non-specific jackpot, a reach, and a miss.
[0194]
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method of selecting an effect mode of a notice effect based on a received variation pattern command. FIG. 32 shows an example of a notice mode determination table for determining a notice effect of a continuous notice according to the received fluctuation pattern command. The notice mode determination table shown in FIG. 32 is stored in the ROM mounted on the effect control board 80. The value set in the notice mode determination table is referred to as a notice mode determination value.
[0195]
In this example, one of the mode A, the mode B, the mode C, and the mode D is selected as the production mode of the continuous announcement according to the type of the received variation pattern command. In addition, the modes A to D are the display modes A to D described above when the variable display device 9 is selected as the production means, and are described above when the lamp / LED is selected as the production means. These are the light-emitting modes A to D described above, and the sound modes A to D described above when the speaker 27 is selected as the effect means.
[0196]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, any one of steps S800 to S806 is performed according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is performed.
[0197]
Variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not an effect control command (variation pattern command) capable of specifying the variation time has been received by the command reception interrupt process. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag indicating that the variation pattern command has been received (variation pattern reception flag) has been set. The variation pattern reception flag is set when it is confirmed by the command analysis processing that the effect control command for designating the variation pattern has been received (step S623).
[0198]
Preview selection process (step S801): It is checked whether or not a continuous preview effect is to be performed, and an effect mode of the preview effect in the case of performing the preview effect, and the effect means to be used for the advance effect is selected to determine the effect mode.
[0199]
All symbol variation start processing (step S802): Control is performed so that the variation of the left middle right symbol is started.
[0200]
Symbol variation processing (step S803): The switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern is controlled, and the end of the variation time is monitored. Also, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.
[0201]
All symbol stop wait setting process (step S804): At the end of the fluctuation time, if an effect control command instructing to stop all symbols (effect control command of special symbol stop) has been received, the fluctuation of the symbols is stopped and the stop symbol ( (Confirmed symbol) is displayed.
[0202]
Big hit display processing (step S805): After the end of the fluctuation time, the control of the positive change big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed.
[0203]
Processing during jackpot game (step S806): Control during jackpot game is performed. For example, upon receiving an effect control command for display before opening the special winning opening or display when opening the special winning opening, display control of the number of rounds is performed.
[0204]
FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is composed of a plurality of combinations of the process timer set value and the effect control execution data. Effect control execution data includes display control execution data and lamp control execution data. In the display control execution data, data indicating the display state of the variable display device 9 during the special symbol fluctuation period is set. For example, in the display control execution data 1, data indicating the display state of the variable display device 9 at the start of the variable display is set. In the lamp control execution data, data indicating the display state of the lamp / LED during the fluctuation period of the special symbol is set. For example, in the lamp control execution data 1, data indicating the display state of the lamp / LED at the start of the variable display is set. Then, during the special symbol fluctuation period, when the timing of switching the display state (for example, the timing of the appearance of a new character on the variable display device 9 or the timing of switching the lamp / LED from the lighting state to the lighting state) arrives, the effect control means. Controls the display state of the variable display device 9 and the lamp / LED according to the next effect control execution data in the process data. In the process timer set value, a time according to the switching timing is set.
[0205]
In this way, the effect control means controls the effect means based on the program and the process data stored in the ROM, and controls the plurality of effect means (in this embodiment, the variable display device 9 and the lamp / LED). The related program is stored in the ROM mounted on the effect control board 80. The ROM storing these programs can be configured as one ROM. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. Further, among the process data stored in the ROM, the process timer set value is shared. Therefore, the ROM capacity of the effect control means can be reduced. The effect control execution data may be one effect control execution data as long as the display control execution data and the lamp control execution data can be shared. As described above, in this embodiment, at least a part of the data relating to the control of the plurality of effect means (in this embodiment, data excluding the data stored in the audio data ROM 704) is stored in the same ROM. can do.
[0206]
The process data shown in FIG. 34 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, the process data is prepared according to each of the variation patterns. In addition, it is prepared according to the type of effect means used for the notice effect. For example, the process data in the case where the notice effect of the notice A is executed by the variable display device 9 in the change pattern 2 is prepared separately from the process data in the case where the notice effect of the notice A is executed by the lamp / LED in the change pattern 2. ing. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 selects the process data to be used according to the variation pattern and the type of the effect means used for the notice effect.
[0207]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. In the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the fluctuation pattern reception flag has been set (step S871). If set, the flag is reset (step S872). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the notice selection process (step S801) (step S873).
[0208]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a notice selection process (step S801) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. In the notice selection process, effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to give a notice based on the received variation pattern command (step S811). Specifically, it is determined with reference to the EXT data of the received variation pattern command whether or not there is a variation pattern command designating execution of a notice effect. The determination is made, for example, such that the same value as the value indicated by the EXT data of the received fluctuation pattern command is included in the notification mode determination value set in the notification mode determination table shown in FIG. It is performed by determining whether or not it is.
[0209]
Next, when the effect control CPU 101 determines that the notice is to be given (step S812), the effect control CPU 101 uses the notice mode determination table shown in FIG. 31 to obtain the same value as the value indicated by the EXT data of the received variation pattern command. It is determined to execute the notice effect in the notice mode associated with the notice value for the notice mode determination (step S813). The notice mode data indicating the notice mode determined in step S813 is stored in the effect mode buffer provided in the RAM provided in the effect control board 80.
[0210]
Further, effect control CPU 101 extracts an effect means determining notice random number (step S814), and an effect means determining table corresponding to the jackpot / losing determination result determined based on the EXT data of the received variation pattern command. Is set in the use table. Then, an effect means corresponding to the same effect means determination determination value as the value of the extracted effect means determination notice random number is determined as an effect means used in the notice effect (step S815). The effect means name data indicating the effect means determined to be used for the notice effect in step S815 is stored in the effect means name buffer provided in the RAM provided in the effect control board 80.
[0211]
Further, effect control CPU 101 sets the notice start time determination timer and starts the timer (step S816). Further, the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the all symbol change start process (step S802) (step S817). The notice start time determination timer is a timer for determining a timing at which a notice effect is started after a symbol change is started on the variable display device 9. If it is determined in step S812 that the announcement effect is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S817.
[0212]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the whole symbol change start process (step S802) in the effect control process process. In the all symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first selects process data corresponding to the variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol (step S881). Then, the process timer corresponding to the effect execution data 1 in the selected process data is started (step S882). Further, LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data 1 in the process data (step S883). For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the display control execution data 1 is given to the variable display device 9 using an LCD. A ROM address may be set in the display control execution data, more detailed control data may be stored in an area starting from the address, and the LCD control may be performed according to the control data. Further, lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data 1 in the process data (step S884). For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the lamp control execution data 1 is given to each lamp / LED. A ROM address is set in the lamp control execution data, more detailed control data is stored in an area starting from the address, and the lamp / LED control is performed according to the control data. Good.
[0213]
The sound number data corresponding to the variation pattern is output to the sound output board 70 (step S885). In the audio output board 70, the audio synthesis IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the audio data ROM 704, generates a sound or a sound effect corresponding to the read data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs to the speaker 27 an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the audio synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 707.
[0214]
After that, a variation time timer (a timer corresponding to the variation time of the special symbol) is started (step S886), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol variation process (step S887).
[0215]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the symbol change process (step S803) in the effect control process process. In the symbol change processing, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the notification effect execution flag is set (step S851). If it is set, the flag is reset (step S852), and the notification effect execution number counter is incremented by 1 (step S853).
[0216]
The notification effect execution number counter is a counter for counting the number of times a notification effect execution instruction is received during execution of the hold display notification. For example, when the count value of the notification effect execution counter is incremented to 3 in step S853, a third notification effect execution instruction is issued from the main board 31 after the suspension notification notification currently being executed is started. That would have been done.
[0219]
Next, the effect control CPU 101 outputs sound number data corresponding to the count value of the notification effect execution number counter in the notification effect mode group determined when the currently executed suspension notification notification is started (see step S645). A process for outputting to the output board 70 is performed (step S854). In the audio output board 70, the audio synthesis IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the audio data ROM 704, generates a sound or a sound effect corresponding to the read data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs to the speaker 27 an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the audio synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 707.
[0218]
In this example, the notification effect ends before the special symbol is fixedly displayed in the variable display.
[0219]
Next, effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the notice start time determination timer has timed out (step S855). If the time-out has occurred, the effect control CPU 101 sets the effect means set in the effect means name buffer, that is, the data indicating the effect means determined to execute the continuous announcement effect, and the effect set in the effect mode buffer. The process data corresponding to the aspect (aspects A, B, C, or D) is selected (step S856). That is, thereafter, it is decided to control the production of the production means using the selected process data. When the speaker 27 is used in the continuous announcement effect, sound number data corresponding to the continuous announcement effect mode is output to the audio output board 70 (steps S857 and S858).
[0220]
The effect control means terminates the effect control of the notice effect before the variable time timer times out, that is, before the variable display result is determined. This end time is a big hit, for example, before the left and right symbols stop (before it is determined whether or not to reach the reach) when the announcement effect is executed as the reach announcement notice for announcing the reach effect display mode. When the announcement effect is executed as the big hit announcement for giving notice of the effect, for example, it may be performed during a variable display period after the left and right symbols are aligned (after reaching). Such a notice effect does not actually notify the occurrence of a big hit game, but is effective for enriching the variation of the game effect. In addition, the type of the notice used for the non-probable variable jackpot announcement and the type of the notice used for the probable variable jackpot announcement are separately set so that the non-probable variable jackpot announcement and the probable variable jackpot announcement are separately executed. Good.
[0221]
When the process timer times out (step S859), the effect control CPU 101 switches the effect control execution data in the process data (step S860). That is, in the process data, the process timer set next is started (step S861), and the LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data set next (step S862). In addition, lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data set next in the process data (step S863).
[0222]
If the fluctuation time timer has timed out (step S864), the monitoring timer for monitoring the reception of the special symbol stop effect control command is started (step S865), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to the wait for all symbol stop. A value corresponding to the process is set (step S866).
[0223]
FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a notification effect mode group. In each of the notification effect mode groups, a combination of a plurality of notification effect modes is set in advance. As shown in FIG. 39, the notification effect mode group 1 is a notification effect mode group that can be selected at the time of a big hit (when the jackpot notice is executed by the hold display notification). ", Output the sound of" Le "in the second notification effect, output the sound of" Mi "in the third notification effect, and output the sound of" Fa "in the fourth notification effect Each of the notification effect modes described above. Therefore, if there are four winnings in the start winning opening 14 during execution of the hold display notification, and if the notification effect mode group 1 is selected, every time a prize is generated, the notification effect is displayed as "D". , "Re", "mi", and "fa" are output in such a manner that the scale changes sequentially in a stepwise manner.
[0224]
The notification effect mode group 2 is an information effect mode group that can be selected at the time of a big hit or at the time of a reach (when the reach announcement is executed by the hold display notification), and a “beep” sound is generated in the first notification effect. Each of the second to fourth notification effects outputs a "picone" sound, and each notification effect mode is configured. Therefore, if there are four winnings in the start winning opening 14 during execution of the hold display notification, and if the notification effect mode group 2 is selected, every time a prize is generated, the notification effect is set to “Peak”. , "Picone", "picone", and "picone".
[0225]
The notification effect mode group 3 is a notification effect mode group that can be selected at the time of an off-state (when the display result of the variable display to be notified is out of order but the hold display notification is being performed), and is the first time. The sound of "do" is output in the notification effect, the sound of "re" is output in the second notification effect, the sound of "mi" is output in the third notification effect, and the sound of "mi" is output in the fourth notification effect. Each of the notification effect modes for outputting the sound of “レ”. Therefore, if there are four winnings in the start winning opening 14 during execution of the hold display notification, if the notification effect mode group 3 is selected, every time a prize is generated, the notification effect is set to the third time. Until the sound output, the scale of "do,""re," and "mi" changes gradually in a step-by-step manner. Is done.
[0226]
Note that the notification effect mode groups shown in FIG. 39 are merely examples, and various types of notification effect mode groups may be provided in advance at the time of a big hit, at the time of a reach, and at the time of a loss. Also, in each of the notification effect mode groups shown in FIG. 39, the output sound up to the fourth execution number is defined. However, when the execution number becomes the fifth or more, the execution number becomes the fourth. What is necessary is just to output the output sound at a certain time. Further, in each of the notification effect mode groups, the output sound when the number of executions is the fifth or later may be determined in advance. In this case, for example, in the notification effect mode group 1, the output sound after the fifth time may be determined so as to be “SO”, “LA”, “SI”,.
[0227]
Further, as shown in FIG. 39, in the notification effect mode group 1 and the notification effect mode group 3, the same output sound is output up to the third execution, and a different output sound is output the fourth time. In this case, the start winning prize is performed three times during the execution of the hold display notification, and the fourth starting winning prize is output after the output sounds “do”, “re”, and “mi” are output. If the output sound is "F", it is determined that a big hit will occur, and if the output sound at the time of the fourth starting prize is "R", it will be determined to be a miss. In other words, after a sound output in which the scale is sequentially changed step by step as “do”, “re”, and “mi” is made, a big hit occurs when a further stepwise change “fa” is output. Is determined, and when a sound different from the normal change of the scale of "R" is output as a sound, it is determined that the sound is shifted. In this manner, a result that is advantageous for the player is obtained when the stepwise change is repeated a predetermined number of times, and a result that is advantageous to the player is notified when the stepwise change is interrupted before the predetermined number of times. Since the effect is performed, a variety of effects can be produced, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0228]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (step S804) in the effect control process process. In the all symbol stop waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not an effect control command instructing stop of all symbols (effect control command for stopping special symbols) has been received (step S841). If the effect control command instructing to stop all the symbols has been received, control is performed to stop the symbols with the stored stopped symbols (step S842).
[0229]
Then, when the big hit symbol is displayed in step S842, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S805) (step S844).
[0230]
If the big hit symbol is not displayed in step S842 (if a lost symbol is displayed), the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800). (Step S844).
[0231]
If an effect control command designating all symbol stops has not been received, it is checked whether the monitoring timer has timed out (step S848). If a timeout has occurred, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and control is performed to display an error screen on the variable display device 9 (step S849). Then, control goes to a step S843.
[0232]
According to the above-described control, in this embodiment, if a start winning is generated during execution of the variable display while the hold display notification is being performed, the variable display corresponding to the hold storage to be notified by the hold display notification is performed. A notification effect for notifying that the display result of the display is a predetermined display result (for example, a big hit) is executed. Therefore, even when the hold display notification is being executed, it is possible to prompt the player to perform a game operation (specifically, an operation for firing a game ball) to make the notification effect appear, The continuation of the launch of the ball can be encouraged.
[0233]
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of sound number data output from the effect control board 80 to the audio output board 70. As shown in FIG. 41, the sound number data includes sound number data corresponding to a variation pattern of a special symbol, sound number data during a jackpot game, sound number data corresponding to sound modes A to D of continuous notice, and notification. Includes sound number data according to the effect mode. The sound number data corresponding to the sound modes A to D of the continuous announcement are sound number data output from the effect control board 80 to the sound output board 70 in step S858 described above. The sound number data according to the notification effect mode is the sound number data output from the effect control board 80 to the sound output board 70 in step S854.
[0234]
Upon receiving the sound number data, the sound synthesis IC 703 of the sound output board 70 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the sound data ROM 704. Then, a sound or a sound effect corresponding to the read data is generated and output to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs to the speaker 27 an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the audio synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 707.
[0235]
42 to 45 are explanatory diagrams illustrating specific examples of the notification effect in the case where the preliminary notification by the hold display notification is being performed.
[0236]
As shown in FIG. 42 (a), it is assumed that a game ball wins in the starting winning opening 14 and the number of held memories increases by one during the change of the special symbol when the number of held memories is two. Therefore, as shown in (b), the number of reserved memories becomes 3 during the change of the special symbol. Further, as shown in (b), it is assumed that the result of the change of the special symbol based on the newly generated holding storage becomes a big hit symbol, and that the hold display notification is made in the third holding storage area.
[0237]
That is, in the above-described notice setting process (see FIGS. 13 to 14), when the value of the number-of-inspections counter (K) becomes 3, it is determined in step S209 that a big hit occurs. Then, it is determined that the continuous notice is to be performed, and that the suspension display notification is to be performed, and that the third suspension storage area that will be a big hit is determined to have a special display mode. Then, during the change of the special symbol, the display mode of the third hold storage area in the start storage display area 18 is displayed in a special display mode as shown in (b). In addition, in (b), the number of hold storages becomes 3, and the display mode of the third hold storage area in the start storage display area 18 is a special display mode (a display mode in which stars appear in this example). The display state after is shown.
[0238]
After that, it is assumed that after the change in the off symbol ends as shown in (c), the change of the special symbol starts as shown in (d). At the start of the change, the number of pending storages is two, as shown in (d). At the start of the change, the start storage display area 18 in which the display mode is the special display mode is shifted by the control of the effect control unit (see steps S636 and S637). As a result, the part where the suspension display notification is made becomes the second suspension display area.
[0239]
During the change of the special symbol shown in (d) (during the execution of the variable display when the hold display notification is being performed), as shown in (e), the game ball wins in the starting winning opening 14 and is held and stored. Is increased by one. Therefore, as shown in (e), the number of reserved memories becomes 3 during the change of the special symbol. Further, as shown in (e), in response to occurrence of a prize in the starting winning port 14, a notification effect by a sound output of "beep" from the speaker 27 is executed.
[0240]
That is, when the start winning is generated, it is determined as Y in step S116, and the notification effect designation command is transmitted. When the notification effect designation command is received, the effect control CPU 101 selects, for example, the notification effect mode group 2 in step S645, and outputs sound number data for outputting a sound "peep" in step S854.
[0241]
After that, it is assumed that the change of the special symbol is started as shown in (g) after the change is finished in the off symbol as shown in (f). At the start of the change, the number of pending storages is two, as shown in (g). At the start of the change, the start storage display area 18 in which the display mode is the special display mode is shifted by the control of the effect control unit (see steps S636 and S637). As a result, the portion where the suspension display notification is made becomes the first suspension display area.
[0242]
During the change of the special symbol shown in (g) (during the execution of the variable display when the hold display notification is being performed), as shown in (h), the game ball wins in the starting winning port 14 and is held and stored. Is increased by one. Therefore, as shown in (h), the number of reserved memories becomes 3 during the change of the special symbol. Further, as shown in (h), in response to occurrence of a prize in the starting winning port 14, a notification effect by voice output of "picone" from the speaker 27 is executed.
[0243]
That is, when the start winning is generated, it is determined as Y in step S116, and the notification effect designation command is transmitted. Upon receiving the notification effect designation command, effect control CPU 101 outputs, in step S854, sound number data to be output as a sound of “picone” corresponding to the number of executions 2 of the determined notification effect mode group 2.
[0244]
After that, as shown in (i), after the change has been completed in the off symbol, as shown in (j), it is assumed that the change of the special symbol corresponding to the reserved memory to be notified is started. At the start of the change, the number of pending storages is two, as shown in (j). At the start of the change, the start storage display area 18 in which the display mode is the special display mode is shifted by the control of the effect control unit (see steps S636 and S637). As a result, the part where the suspension display notification is made disappears. As a result of the change, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed as shown in (k).
[0245]
If the hold display notification is a false notification (false hold display notification), even if a game ball wins in the starting winning opening 14 during the change of the special symbol when the hold display notification is being performed. , The number of pending storages increases by one, but since the probability of being determined to be N in step S116 is high (see FIG. 9B), the probability that the notification effect is not executed is high. Then, as a result of the change of the special symbol to be notified by the hold display notification, the missing symbol is stopped and displayed.
[0246]
That is, in this example, when a winning start occurs, it is determined that the notification effect is not to be executed in step S115 after it is determined to be Y in step S114. Therefore, the notification effect designation command is not transmitted, and the notification effect is not executed.
[0247]
As described above, when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied during the execution of the variable display effect while the hold display notification is being performed (specifically, the start winning is generated), the suspension is performed. Since the display effect of notifying that the display result of the variable display effect that is the target of the notification by the display notification is a big hit is configured to be performed, the hold display notification based on the hold storage is being performed. In addition, the game operation for establishing the execution condition of the variable display intended to confirm the authenticity of the notice (specifically, the ball is operated by operating the hit ball operation handle 5 for firing the game ball). There is an effect that can be encouraged.
[0248]
That is, when the hold display notification is made, the player can confirm the authenticity of the hold display notification by making the start winning port 14 win during the execution of the hold display notification. Therefore, even during execution of the hold display notification, the player fires the game ball to confirm the authenticity of the advance notice, and the hitting operation can be suppressed. The operating rate can be increased.
[0249]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, even if the display result of the variable display effect which is the target of the notification by the hold display notification does not become a big hit, the effect control means may perform the hold display notification (false hold display notification). ), A notification effect (false notification effect) for notifying that the display result of the variable display effect targeted for notice by the hold display notification will be a big hit in accordance with the execution condition of the variable display being satisfied. Is performed, the appearance frequency of the apparent notification effect can be increased, and the chance of giving the player a sense of expectation can be increased.
[0250]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the effect control unit performs the notification effect or the false notification effect a plurality of times consecutively during the execution of one hold display notification, in each notification effect or each false notification effect, Since the notification mode is configured to be changed in a plurality of stages, the notification effect and the false notification effect can be varied.
[0251]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the effect control means changes the notification mode in a plurality of stages and continuously performs the notification effect or the false notification effect a plurality of times, the predetermined number of times is performed only when the notification effect is performed. When the notification effect is performed, the notification effect is configured to be performed in a predetermined notification mode in a plurality of notification modes, so that a sense of expectation can be increased step by step. That is, if the stepwise change is interrupted in the middle, it is determined that the presentation is a false information production, and if the stepwise change is repeated a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the presentation is an information production. The expectation can be raised each time the game is played, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0252]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game control means is configured to reject execution of the notice setting process (specifically, the process after step S202 in the notice setting process) in the probable change state (Y in step S201). In the probable change state in which the player's expectation of the occurrence of the big hit has already increased, the control effect can be reduced by not executing the announcement effect by the notification of the hold display or the like.
[0253]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the game control means determines that the hold display notification is to be performed, the notification setting process (specifically, until the variable display targeted for the notification by the hold display notification is performed is executed. More specifically, since the configuration (step S203) of rejecting the execution of the step S204 in the notice setting processing is rejected, the notice setting processing can be simplified and the control content can be prevented from becoming complicated. In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that the continuous notice is to be executed, the notice setting process is not executed until the variable display targeted for the notice is started, and the continuous notice is executed. Even when it is determined that the hold display notification is to be executed, the notification setting processing is performed until the variable display targeted for the notification by the hold display notification is executed. Is not executed.
[0254]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the notification effect is executed when there is a winning in the starting winning port 14 irrespective of whether or not an effective starting winning is achieved. Even if the value is set, the launch of the game ball can be promoted.
[0255]
In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 (C), if there is a variable display based on the start winning memory in which the variable display result is a big hit, the variable hit is changed to a big hit. It is determined that the continuous notice is performed with a higher probability than when there is no notice. Therefore, the reliability of the continuous announcement (the rate at which a large jackpot actually occurs when the continuous announcement is performed) is high, and the player can strongly expect the occurrence of the big announcement by the occurrence of the continuous announcement. It should be noted that it may be determined that the continuous announcement is performed with a higher probability in the case of the probability change big hit than in the case of the non-probability change big hit. With this configuration, in the case of a probability change big hit, the probability of executing the continuous announcement increases, and the continuous announcement with higher reliability for the player is realized. In other words, the effect control means can perform an effect based on the number of reserved memories that suggests that a big hit or a probable big hit will appear in the future. In the above-described embodiment, if a predetermined announcement effect appears over a plurality of variable displays, a big hit may be always made in the last variable display in which an announcement effect indicating a continuous announcement appears.
[0256]
Also, in the above embodiment, when there is a random number for jackpot determination that matches the jackpot determination value in the hold storage, other jackpots that have not yet determined whether or not they match the jackpot determination value have been performed. Even if the random number for determination is present in the hold storage, since the determination process of determining whether or not the random number value matches the jackpot determination value is completed, control of the determination process can be simplified. In addition, it is possible to reduce the control load of the process of determining whether or not the random number for jackpot determination in the hold storage matches the jackpot determination value.
[0257]
Even if there is a jackpot determination random number that matches the jackpot determination value during the hold storage, the determination process may be continued, and all the jackpot determination random numbers may be determined. In this case, for example, the count value of the inspection counter when the first determination that there is a jackpot determination random number matching the jackpot determination value in the hold storage is stored, and the stored count value is stored. May be determined in step S214 as to whether or not is equal to or greater than 2.
[0258]
In the above-described embodiment, the number of inspections is determined by determining the order in which the variable display start condition relating to the random number value for jackpot determination matching the jackpot determination value is satisfied among the pending variable displays. The number of executions is set to the same number as the number specified by the inspection number counter, and in each variable display for the number of executions, a predetermined announcement effect over a plurality of variable displays is executed. Therefore, the number of executions of the notice effect can be set to an appropriate number. That is, it is possible to reliably avoid the occurrence of a big hit in the middle of the continuous announcement effect, and to surely generate the big hit in the variable display in which the last announcement effect by the continuous announcement effect appears. .
[0259]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, during the execution period of the predetermined announcement effect over a plurality of variable displays, the execution process of the determination process as to whether the random number value for the jackpot determination in the hold storage matches the jackpot determination value or not. Is prohibited, it is possible to simplify the process of determining whether or not to perform a predetermined announcement effect over a plurality of variable displays, and to avoid complication of the control contents. In addition, during the execution period of the notice effect, it is possible to prevent that the notice effect is determined to be further performed and the notice effect is separately executed, and to prevent the notice effect from being performed repeatedly. Can be.
[0260]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the process of determining whether or not the random number for jackpot determination in the hold storage matches the jackpot determination value (step S208) is performed when the variable display start condition is satisfied. Since the configuration is such that the determination process (step S57) for determining the display result is performed by a common module, the control program used in the gaming machine can be simplified, and the capacity of the control program can be reduced. be able to.
[0261]
Further, in the above embodiment, as described in the notice setting process shown in FIG. 13, the determination process (the loop process of steps S206 to S211) using the jackpot determination random number value stored in the hold state is performed. After that, if the number of inspections is not equal to or more than a predetermined number (for example, 2 or more), it is determined that the continuous announcement effect is not performed regardless of the determination result in the above determination processing (that is, the determination processing is performed). However, the above determination processing may be performed only when the start winning counter is equal to or more than a predetermined number. That is, when the start winning counter is not equal to or more than the predetermined number, the determination process (the loop process of steps S206 to S211) using the jackpot determination random number value stored on hold is not executed (that is, the determination process is executed). The configuration may be such that the execution unit is invalidated). Even in the case of such a configuration, it is possible to surely match the determination result of executing the predetermined notice effect over a plurality of variable displays with the effect content based on the determination result, and It is possible to reliably execute a predetermined announcement effect over the variable display of. Further, it is possible to prevent unnecessary processing from being executed.
[0262]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that the continuous announcement is to be performed using the effect parts such as the variable display device 9, it is determined whether or not the hold display notification is also performed. Conversely, whether or not to execute the hold display notification may be determined first, and when it is determined to perform the hold display notification, whether or not to execute the continuous notice may be determined.
[0263]
In the above-described embodiment, when the timing at which the variable display can be started is reached, the game control means sets a big hit in the variable display determined to be executed in the future based on the stored contents of the hold storage. Or, it was determined whether or not to execute the continuous announcement effect and the hold display notification by confirming whether or not a reach was included. However, when the execution condition of the variable display was satisfied (when the start winning prize occurred), the continuous You may make it determine whether to perform a notice effect and a hold display notification.
[0264]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the notification effect is executed in response to the occurrence of the start winning. However, the present invention is not limited to the starting winning, and other winning openings 29, 30, 33, and 39 may occur. The notification effect may be executed in response to the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 32. Even in the case of such a configuration, the firing of the game ball can be promoted during the execution of the hold display notification, so that it is possible to prevent the operating rate from being reduced by an action such as a hitting.
[0265]
In the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not a start winning has occurred (step S311). When it is determined that the starting winning has occurred, it is determined whether or not variable display is being performed (step S111). When it is determined that the display is being performed, it is determined whether or not the suspension display notification is being performed (steps S112 and S114). However, the above determination processes are performed in any order. Is also good. For example, it may be determined whether or not the variable display has been started during execution of the hold display notification, and whether or not a start winning has occurred during execution of the variable display.
[0266]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the notification effect mode groups 1 to 3 are selected is described. Any sound may be used.
[0267]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the notification effect is provided by the output sound by the audio output. However, the notification effect is provided by lighting or blinking of a light emitting body such as a lamp or an LED, or a predetermined screen display on the variable display device 9. May be performed.
[0268]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the effect control means is configured to independently determine the effect means to be used for the continuous announcement effect. However, the effect control means may determine the effect means to be used by the game control means.
[0269]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the continuous announcement effect is continuously performed for a plurality of times of the variable display of the special symbol by the number of times of execution, but is performed for a plurality of times of the variable display of the special symbol. It may be executed intermittently (for example, the first and third times in three variable displays).
[0270]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the effect of the continuous announcement by the variable display device 9 may be in any form, and in addition to the effect by the character, a slip effect (several symbols in a low speed fluctuation state). The announcement effect may be performed by changing the variation mode of the special symbol, such as an effect of changing at a high speed, or a return effect (an effect of changing in the opposite direction after passing through the stop position of the symbol). Further, a notice effect may be performed by changing the background. Further, the announcement effect by the character and the announcement effect by the other variable display device 9 may be executed together.
[0271]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the maximum number of the winning prize stored is four, but may be three or less or five or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the number of stored winning a prize may be changed by the establishment of a predetermined condition. Specifically, for example, the maximum number is four at normal times, but if a big hit occurs, the maximum number of hits may be 15 until the big hit game state ends.
[0272]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the number of the start storage display areas 18 and the maximum value of the start winning storage number match, but the number of the start storage display areas 18 is set to be larger than the maximum value of the start winning storage number. It is good also as composition provided with a small number. In this case, if the number of start winning prizes stored is equal to or greater than the number of the start storage display areas 18, a hold display may be performed in all the start storage display areas. Specifically, ten startup storage display areas 18 are provided, and when the maximum number of startup winning storage numbers is 50, ten startup storage display areas 18 are provided when ten or more are held. Displays a pending display.
[0273]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the main board 31 is configured to transmit the range display pattern specifying command following the start winning memory number specifying command when performing the hold storage display advance notice. At the same time when the start winning prize storage number is updated at 80, the target start storage display area 18 is displayed as a notice target (step S642). After transmitting the designation command, the configuration is such that the range display pattern designation command is transmitted with a delay for a predetermined period, and after the start winning storage number is updated, the target start storage display area 18 is displayed as a notice object after a predetermined period elapses. May be configured.
[0274]
In the above-described embodiment, the following types of gaming machines are also shown.
When the notification effect execution means executes the notification effect or the false notification effect a plurality of times during the execution of one predetermined notice effect or the false notice effect, each time the information effect or the false effect is generated each time one prize is generated. The notification effect is executed, and the notification mode is changed in a plurality of stages in each of the notification effects or the false notification effects (for example, a change such as each notification effect in the notification effect mode group 1 shown in FIG. 39, or a notification effect mode group). 3) The gaming machine is configured to change as in the notification effect up to the third time in 3).
[0275]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the notification effect is performed when a prize is generated while the hold storage display notice is being executed and the variable display effect is being executed. If a notice is being executed, a notification effect may be executed when a prize is generated even when the variable display effect is not being executed. In this case, for example, the game control means is configured to perform the processing of step S112 and subsequent steps without performing the processing of step S111, and the effect control means is configured to execute a notification effect (specifically, steps S853 to S854). ) May be performed in response to the notification effect designation command (specifically, after step S624).
[0276]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the lamp driver board 35 connected to the effect CPU 101 for the illuminant control by the bus is provided, and the sound output board 70 on which the data ROM is mounted for the sound control. Although data (sound number data) is configured to be output, both may have the same configuration. That is, for each of the illuminant control and the sound control, a respective driver board connected to the effect CPU 101 by bus is provided. Data (data designating a control data number) may be output.
[0277]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the hold display notification that changes the display mode of one hold display area to be notified to a special mode is executed, but the hold display area to be notified is included. It may be configured to execute the suspension range notification for changing the display mode of the plurality of suspension display areas to a special mode. In addition, the "hold range notification" means that the display mode of a plurality of hold storage displays including the hold storage display corresponding to the variable display that becomes a big hit (or reach) is a special mode, and the variable display that becomes a big hit is given. This means that the corresponding hold memory is present in the hold memory displayed in the special mode.
[0278]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the “hold display notification” is displayed in a special mode by setting the display mode of the hold storage display corresponding to the variable display that becomes a big hit (or a reach) to a special mode. This means that the currently held storage is a storage that corresponds to the variable display that causes a big hit.
[0279]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the “reporting effect” means that when the hold display notification or the hold range notification is being performed, the display result of the variable display that is the target of the announcement is a big hit (or reach). Means a production to inform that
[0280]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the “fake hold display notification” means that the hold storage display corresponding to the variable display that does not become a big hit (or reach) is displayed in a special manner. This means falsely informing that the stored hold memory is a hold memory corresponding to a variable display that causes a big hit. The “false hold range notification” means that a special mode is used to display a plurality of hold storage displays that do not include the hold storage display corresponding to the variable display serving as a jackpot (or reach). This means falsely informing that the hold memory corresponding to the display exists in the hold memory displayed in the special mode. Note that the “fake hold display notification” and “fake hold range notification” may be simply referred to as “hold hold notification” and “hold range notification”.
[0281]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the “false notification effect” means that when the false hold display notification or the false hold range notification is executed, the display result of the variable display that is the target of the announcement is a big hit ( Or reach) means production to falsely inform. Note that the “false information effect” may be simply referred to as “information effect”.
[0282]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of each of the above-described embodiments, when the stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbol, the predetermined game value is given to the player. It is a first-class pachinko gaming machine that can be awarded, and is a card reader (CR: Card Reader) -type first-class pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card, but performs ball lending with a prepaid card. The present invention is applicable not only to the CR-type pachinko game machine but also to a pachinko game machine that lends balls with cash. Further, when there is a prize in a predetermined area of the electric accessory which is opened based on the winning start, a second-type pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined game value can be given to the player, or a variable display based on the starting prize. The present invention can be applied to a third-type pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory which is opened when a stop symbol is a predetermined combination of symbols.
[0283]
In each of the above embodiments, the “special game state” means a state that is advantageous to a player who is likely to be a big hit. Specifically, the "special game state" is, for example, a probable state in which the probability that the special symbol is aligned with the big hit symbol is a high probability state, a time-saving state in which the number of times the normal symbol changes per unit time is increased, a variable winning ball This is a high-probability state in which the probability of a big hit is increased, such as an open period in which the opening period and the number of times of opening of the device 15 are increased. In the time reduction state, the number of winnings per unit time increases because the number of times the variable prize ball device 15 is opened is increased, and the number of special symbols that can be displayed variably per unit time is increased. Can be said to have been raised. Similarly, in the extended open state, the number of winnings per unit time increases because the opening period and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and the number of times of variable display of the special symbol per unit time increases. Therefore, it can be said that the probability of a big hit is increased.
[0284]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the holding notice effect executing means for executing the predetermined notice effect or the false notice effect by displaying the holding display mode of the hold display in the specific hold display condition. And a predetermined announcement effect executed by the announcement effect execution determination unit that determines whether or not the predetermined announcement effect determined by the true announcement determination unit is being executed by the suspension announcement effect execution unit. Specific execution condition determining means for determining whether or not a new variable display execution condition is satisfied when it is determined that the variable display of the identification information is being performed, and a specific execution condition determination. A notification effect for notifying that the notice effect being executed is the predetermined notice effect determined by the true notice determination means when it is determined that the execution condition of the variable display is newly established by the means. A notification effect determining means for determining whether or not to execute, and a notification effect executing means for executing the notification effect in response to the notification effect determining means determining that the notification effect is to be executed. Because of the feature, when performing a notice effect based on the reservation memory, the execution of a variable display intended to allow the player to recognize the reservation memory to be notified and to confirm the authenticity of the notice There is an effect that a game operation for satisfying the condition can be prompted.
[0285]
In the invention according to claim 2, the notice effect execution determining means also determines whether or not the false notice effect determined by the false notice determination means is being executed by the hold notice effect executing means, and the specific execution condition determining means. Indicates whether the execution condition of the variable display is newly satisfied when it is determined that the fake notice effect determined by the fake notice decision means by the notice effect execution determination means is being executed by the hold notice effect execution means. Is determined, and when it is determined that the execution condition of the variable display is newly satisfied by the specific execution condition determination means, it is determined whether or not to execute a false notification effect in the same manner as the notification effect at a predetermined ratio. It is provided with false information effect determination means, and the information effect execution means is configured to execute the false information effect in response to the decision to execute the false information effect. Performance Frequency of occurrence can be increased, it is possible to increase the opportunity to have a sense of expectation to the player.
[0286]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the notification effect or the false notification effect is executed a plurality of times during the execution of one predetermined notice effect or the false notice effect, the notification effect or each false information is performed. Since the information mode is configured to be changed in a plurality of stages in the effect, the information effect and the false information effect can be varied.
[0287]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the number of change steps of the notification mode when executing the notification effect is set to be larger than when the false notification effect is executed as the notification mode for changing to a plurality of steps. Expectations can be raised.
[0288]
In the invention according to claim 5, the game state is controlled to one of a special state in which the probability that the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result is improved as compared to the normal state, and the normal state. A possible gaming machine, wherein the execution condition satisfaction time determination means is configured to include the specific advance determination restriction means for restricting the execution of the preliminary determination processing in the special state, so that the player In the special state in which the expectation has already been raised, the control load can be reduced by not executing the predetermined announcement effect or the false announcement effect.
[0289]
In the invention described in claim 6, when the execution condition satisfaction determination means determines that the real announcement determination means executes the advance notice effect, the real announcement target variable display based on the determination is performed in advance. Since the configuration includes the special preliminary determination restricting means for restricting the execution of the determination processing, the preliminary determination processing can be simplified, and the control content can be prevented from becoming complicated.
[0290]
In the invention according to claim 7, when the notice effect execution determination means determines that the predetermined notice effect is being executed, the specific prize judgment means for judging whether or not the game medium has won a predetermined prize area. When the notification effect determination means determines that there is a new prize by the specific prize determination means, the notice effect being executed is a predetermined notice effect determined by the true notice determination means. Since it is configured to determine whether or not to execute the notification effect for notifying, it is also possible to prompt a game operation for causing a prize to enter a prize area intended to confirm the authenticity of the notice.
[0291]
In the invention according to claim 8, since the predetermined determination value is a specific display result determination value that determines that the display result of the variable display is a specific display result, the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display result. It can be surely foretold.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a game control board (main board).
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of an effect control board, a lamp driver board, and a sound output board.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a main process executed by a CPU on a main board.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a starting port switch passing process.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution probabilities of the notification effects at the time of executing the jackpot hold display notification and at the time of executing the reach hold display notification.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fluctuation pattern.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a special symbol normal process.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a big hit determination table, a reach determination table, and a notice determination table.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a notice setting process.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a notice setting process.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a big hit determination module.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a reach determination module.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop symbol setting process.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a large hit variation pattern type selection table.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a reach variation pattern type selection table.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern type selection table when falling off.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern type table.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a variation pattern setting process.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a notice variation pattern type table selection process.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a storage process.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of an effect control command.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control CPU.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a command reception buffer.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a command analysis process.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a command analysis process.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a notice random number counter.
FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an effect means determination table.
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a fluctuation pattern command and an effect mode of a notice effect.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an effect control process.
FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a variable pattern command command reception waiting process.
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a notice selection process.
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an all symbol change start process.
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a symbol change process.
FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification effect mode group.
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an all symbol stop waiting process.
FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of sound number data.
FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the notification effect.
FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a notification effect.
FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the notification effect.
FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the notification effect.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine
9 Variable display device
18 Start memory display area
31 Main board
56 CPU
80 Production control board
101 Effect Control CPU

Claims (8)

A variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which is identifiable; after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, the variable display is started based on the satisfaction of the variable display start condition. The variable display of a plurality of types of identification information is started in accordance with the order in which the execution conditions are satisfied, and when the display result of the variable display of the plurality of types of identification information becomes a specific display result, a specific game state advantageous to a player is obtained. A controllable gaming machine,
Numerical data updating means for updating numerical data used for determination relating to variable display of identification information within a predetermined range,
Numerical data extracting means for extracting numerical data to be updated by the numerical data updating means when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied,
Numeric data extracted by the numerical data extraction means, numerical data storage means for storing the extraction order can be specified,
Hold number display means for performing a predetermined hold display individually corresponding to a predetermined number of numerical data stored in the numerical data storage means,
Holding display control means for displaying the holding display in a predetermined holding display mode;
Prior determination processing for determining whether the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extracting means matches a predetermined determination value when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied. Execution condition determination means for executing
When the execution condition satisfaction condition determination means determines that the predetermined determination value is met, the execution is performed based on the satisfaction of the variable display execution condition corresponding to the numerical data determined to be matched. True notice determining means for determining whether to execute a predetermined notice effect when a variable display executed before the variable display is performed,
When the execution condition satisfaction condition determination means determines that the condition does not match the predetermined determination value, the variable display is executed based on the satisfaction of the variable display execution condition corresponding to the numerical data determined not to match. False announcement determination means for determining whether to execute a false announcement effect in the same mode as the predetermined announcement effect when the variable display executed before is performed,
Hold notice effect execution means for executing the predetermined notice effect or the false notice effect by displaying the hold sign form of the hold sign in a specific hold sign form,
Notice effect execution determining means for determining whether or not the predetermined notice effect determined by the true notice determination means is being executed by the hold notice effect executing means,
A specific execution condition determining unit that determines whether or not a new variable display execution condition is newly satisfied when it is determined that the predetermined announcement effect is being executed by the advance announcement effect execution determining unit;
When the specific execution condition determining means determines that the execution condition of the variable display is newly satisfied, to notify that the notice effect being executed is the predetermined notice effect determined by the true notice determination means. Notification effect determination means for determining whether to execute the notification effect of,
A game machine comprising: a notification effect execution unit that executes the notification effect in response to the notification effect determination unit determining to execute the notification effect. The notice effect execution determining means also determines whether the false notice effect determined by the false notice determination means is being executed by the hold notice effect executing means,
The specific execution condition determining unit is configured to newly execute the execution condition of the variable display when the preliminary announcement effect determined by the preliminary announcement determination unit is determined to be being executed by the suspension announcement effect execution unit. It is determined whether or not
A notification effect for determining whether or not to execute a false notification effect in the same manner as the notification effect at a predetermined ratio when it is determined that the execution condition of the variable display is newly satisfied by the specific execution condition determination means; Equipped with a determining means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification effect performing means executes the false information effect in response to the decision to execute the false information effect. The notification effect executing means, when executing the notification effect or the false notification effect a plurality of times during the execution of one predetermined notice effect or the false notice effect, performs the notification mode in a plurality of stages in each notification effect or each false information effect. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the game machine is changed. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the number of change stages of the notification mode when executing the notification effect is set to be greater than when the false notification effect is executed as the notification mode for changing to a plurality of stages. A gaming machine capable of controlling a gaming state to one of a special state in which the probability that a display result of variable display of identification information becomes a specific display result is improved as compared to the normal state, and the normal state. ,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the execution condition determination unit includes a specific advance determination restricting unit that regulates execution of the advance determination process in the special state. The execution condition fulfillment time determination means is configured to, when the true announcement determination means decides to execute the advance notice effect, perform a special decision to restrict the execution of the advance judgment processing until the true announcement target variable display based on the decision is executed. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a preliminary determination restricting means. When a predetermined announcement effect is determined to be executed by the announcement effect execution determination unit, a specific prize determination unit that determines whether the game medium has won a predetermined prize area is provided,
The notification effect deciding means, even when the specific prize judging means judges that there is a new prize, informs that the notice effect being executed is the predetermined notice effect determined by the true notice deciding means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein it is determined whether or not to execute a notification effect for the game. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined determination value is a specific display result determination value that determines that a display result of the variable display is a specific display result.

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