JP2005006669A - Game performance device, and game performance system for multiple game performance devices - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game performance device and a game performance system which can realize a new performance flowing among a plurality of game performance devices and eliminate complicated wirings for performance control among the plurality of game performance devices in the case that the plurality of the game performance devices are arranged side by side. <P>SOLUTION: This game performance device comprises: a performance control means for controlling a series of performance in a reporting means; a timing means for the performance for starting timing due to the establishment of a condition for starting timing for the performance; a performance start delay means for delaying the point of time of starting a part of performance contents by a start delay time period timed by the timing means for the performance; a start delay time selection means capable of arbitrarily selecting one start delay time period from two or more kinds of the start delay time periods; a performance content extension means for extending the time from the start to the end of a part of the performance contents; and a performance content extension time selection means capable of selectively setting a performance content extension time period arbitrarily beforehand from the plurality of performance content extension time periods. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【００５３】
ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａは、遊技者にとって有利な遊技である特別遊技（大当たり遊技）への移行となる大当たりを判定する大当たり判定手段に用いられる。このラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａの数値Ｑ１は、遊技機１の電源投入時、‘０’から始まり、所定時間（この例では２ｍｓｅｃ）ごとに１ずつ加算され、数値が‘６２９’に至ると、次に‘０’に書き換えられて前記加算を繰り返すようになっている。前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａの数値Ｑ１は、遊技球が前記始動口１０に入球して前記特別図柄変動開始スイッチによって検出された時に取得され、予め決定されている大当たり数値、この実施例では通常確率状態時（低確率状態時）には‘５’，‘５００’と対比され、高確率状態時（確率変動状態時）には‘５’，‘５０’，‘１００’，‘２００’，‘３００’，‘３５０’，４００’，‘４５０’，‘５００’，‘６００’と対比されて大当たりか否か判断される。
【００５４】
ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｒ１は、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａによる大当たり判定結果が外れとなる場合において、リーチ状態を経るリーチ変動となるか否かを決めるリーチ変動有無決定用のものである。前記リーチ変動とは、前記特別図柄表示部４２で特別図柄が変動表示開始された後、確定停止表示される前段階において、特定の図柄態様、つまり大当たりの組合せが表示されやすい可変表示態様になったと遊技者に思わせるリーチ状態を経る変動方法をいう。前記リーチ状態の１つとして、前記特別図柄表示部４２の各表示領域の内、最終停止図柄を表示する表示領域だけを残して、残りの２つの表示領域で特別図柄が特定の組合せ（例えば同一図柄）となるように停止表示する場合を挙げることができる。この例では、前記特別図柄表示部４２で特別図柄が変動表示開始した後、確定停止表示される前段階において、中央表示領域だけを残して、残りの２つの表示領域で図柄が特定の組合せ（例えば同一図柄）となるように停止表示する場合がリーチ状態として設定されている。
【００５５】
前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｒ１は、遊技機１の電源投入時、‘０’から始まり、所定時間（２ｍｓｅｃ）ごとに１ずつ加算され、数値が‘４９’に至ると、次に‘０’に書き換えられて前記加算を繰り返すようになっている。当該ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｒ１の数値Ｑ２は、前記始動口１０への入球が前記特別図柄変動開始スイッチによって検出された時に取得され、大当たり判定結果が外れの場合に、その数値が予め決定されているリーチ成立数値と対比されてリーチ変動有無が判断される。なお、この実施例では、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａによる大当たり判定結果が大当たりとなる場合には、必ずリーチ状態が成立するようになっているので、このラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｒ１は使用されない。
【００５６】
ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｔ１は、前記特別図柄表示部４２における特別図柄等の変動時間や変動の仕方等を定める変動態様（本実施例では変動態様１〜７）を決定するのに利用される。前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｔ１の数値Ｑ３は、遊技機１の電源投入時、‘０’から始まり、所定時間（２ｍｓｅｃ）ごとに１ずつ加算され、数値が‘３５’に至ると、次に‘０’に書き換えられて再び前記加算を繰り返すようになっている。前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｔ１の数値は、前記始動口１０への入球が前記特別図柄変動開始スイッチによって検出された時に取得される。
【００５７】
ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１は、大当たり成立時、前記特別図柄表示部４２の左側表示領域、中央表示領域、右側表示領域に確定停止して揃う確定大当たり停止図柄組合せ（大当たり表示態様）を決定するものである。このラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１の数値Ｑ４は、電源投入時に‘０’から始まって所定時間（２ｍｓｅｃ）ごとに‘１’ずつ加算され、‘１１’に至ると、次に‘０’に書き換えられて前記加算を繰り返すようになっている。ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１の数値は、前記始動口１０への入球が前記特別図柄変動開始スイッチによって検出された時に取得される。前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１の数値には、各数値に対応する大当たり停止図柄組合せが予め割り当てられている。実施例においては、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１の数値が‘０’の場合には‘０，０，０’となる０のぞろ目、‘１’の場合には‘１，１，１’となる１のぞろ目、‘２’の場合には‘２，２，２’となる２のぞろ目、‘３’の場合には‘３，３，３’となる３のぞろ目というように、各数値のぞろ目が大当たり停止図柄組合せとなっている。
【００５８】
なお、この実施例の遊技機１は確率変動機能を備えた機種であり、大当たり成立時における大当たり停止図柄組合せが確変図柄である‘１’、‘３’、‘５’、‘７’、‘９’、‘１１’の何れかの奇数のぞろ目であるときには、大当たり（特別遊技）の発生に加えて、大当たり終了後に確率変動が生じ、次回の大当たり発生確率が平常時における通常遊技状態（低確率状態、１／３１５）よりも高い確率変動状態（高確率状態、５／３１５）に移行し、次回の大当たりまで高確率状態が継続するようになっている。また、大当たり成立時における大当たり停止図柄組合せが通常図柄である‘０’、‘２’、‘４’、‘６’、‘８’、‘１０’の何れかの偶数のぞろ目であるときには、大当たり終了後、通常遊技状態（低確率状態、１／３１５）とされ、次回の大当たりまで低確率状態が継続するようになっている。
【００５９】
ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３は、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａによる大当たり判定結果が外れとなる場合において、前記特別図柄表示部４２に確定停止表示する外れ図柄組合せ（外れ表示態様）の決定に用いられるものである。前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１の数値Ｑ５は左側表示領域の左特別図柄、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２の数値Ｑ６は右側表示領域の右特別図柄、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ３の数値Ｑ７は中央表示領域（最終停止図柄表示領域）の中特別図柄（最終停止特別図柄）にそれぞれ対応する。
【００６０】
前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１の数値は、電源投入時に‘０’から始まって所定時間（２ｍｓｅｃ）ごとに‘１’ずつ加算され、‘１１’に至ると、次に‘０’に書き換えられて再び前記加算が繰り返される。また、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２の数値は、電源投入時に‘０’から始まって、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１の数値が‘０’に書き換えられる際に‘１’ずつ加算され、‘１１’に至ると、次に‘０’に書き換えられて再び前記加算が繰り返される。さらに、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ３は、電源投入時に‘０’から始まって、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２の数値が‘０’に書き換えられる際に‘１’ずつ加算され、‘１１’に至ると、次に‘０’に書き換えられて再び前記加算が繰り返される。これによって、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の各数値範囲が同一であっても、当該ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の数値が同期（同一の組合せで加算）するのを避けることができる。
【００６１】
前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の各数値が‘０’の場合には０、‘１’の場合には１、‘２’の場合には２というように、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の各数値が、遊技の外れ時に前記特別図柄表示部４２の左側表示領域、右側表示領域、中央表示領域に表示される確定停止表示図柄として設定されている。そして、前記特別図柄変動開始スイッチによって入球が検出されるごとにラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３から取得される数値の組合せによって、外れ時に前記特別図柄表示部４２の左側表示領域、中央表示領域、右側表示領域に表示される確定停止図柄が定まる。
【００６２】
前記取得されたＱ１〜Ｑ７の乱数値については、それぞれ最大４個、前記主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３における該当領域に格納され、順次使用される。
【００６３】
ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈは、前記普通図柄表示部４５に停止表示する普通図柄（小当たり判定図柄）を決定するとともに小当たり（普通図柄の当たり）を判定するもので、遊技機１の電源投入時、‘０’から始まって所定時間（２ｍｓｅｃ）ごとに‘１’ずつ加算され、‘９’に至ると、次に‘０’に書き換えられて再び前記加算が繰り返される。このラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの数値Ｑ８は、前記普通図柄変動開始用左ゲート１９及び普通図柄変動開始用右ゲート２１を通過した遊技球を前記普通図柄変動開始スイッチで検出するごとに取得され、最大４個まで前記主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３の普通図柄数値記憶領域に格納される。
【００６４】
また、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの数値Ｑ８には、各数値に対応する普通図柄（小当たり判定図柄）が予め割り当てられている。実施例においては、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの取得乱数値が‘１’のときは普通図柄表示部４５に停止表示する普通図柄（小当たり判定図柄）が‘１’となる等、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの取得乱数値がそのまま普通図柄表示部４５に停止表示する普通図柄（小当たり判定図柄）として割り当てられている。
【００６５】
なお、この実施例では、普通図柄の当たり確率は１／２となっており、具体的には、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの取得乱数値Ｑ８が奇数である場合、小当たりを形成し、普通図柄も当たり図柄で停止させ、通常遊技状態時には０．５秒間の始動口１０の入球領域拡大を１回、高確率遊技状態時には１．７秒間の始動口１０の入球領域拡大を３回行うようになっている。また、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの取得乱数値Ｑ８がその他の場合には小当たりとならず、普通図柄も外れで停止して、前記始動口１０が前記入球領域狭小状態のままとされる。
【００６６】
また、前記主制御回路７０に設けられる主なフラグとして、この実施例では大当たり（特別遊技）フラグＡ１、リーチフラグＲ１、確率変動フラグＢ１、客待ちセットフラグＣ１等が挙げられる。これらのフラグは、初期設定時には全て０にセットされる。
【００６７】
ここで、前記遊技機１における遊技及び前記客待ち状態の時に行われる客待ち演出について説明する。前記発射装置６４により遊技領域６へ向けて発射された遊技球が、前記種々の入賞口（始動口１０を含む。）に入賞（入球）すると所定数の遊技球が賞球として上側球受け皿３６に払い出される。
【００６８】
前記普通図柄変動開始用左ゲート１９及び普通図柄変動開始用右ゲート２１の何れかを遊技球が通過し、前記普通図柄変動開始スイッチで遊技球が検出されると、前記主制御回路７０へ入球信号が送られ、それに伴って、前記主制御回路７０のラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの数値（Ｑ８）が取得され、その取得乱数値が主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３の普通図柄数値記憶領域に一旦格納される。そして、当該格納された数値に基づいて小当たり（普通図柄の当たり）の判定が行われ、その判定に基づき前記主制御回路７０から前記表示制御回路９０へ制御信号（コマンド）が送信（出力）される。さらに、前記送信された制御信号に基づいて前記普通図柄表示部４５で普通図柄が変動を開始し、前記小当たり（普通図柄当たり）の場合には前記普通図柄表示部４５で普通図柄が小当たり図柄で停止、この例では奇数で停止し、始動口１０の可動片１０ａ、１０ｂが拡開して、前記入球領域拡大状態になり、遊技球が入球し易くなる。そして、前記始動口１０に遊技球が入球すると、所定数の遊技球が賞球として払い出される。
【００６９】
また、前記始動口１０に遊技球が入球し、前記特別図柄変動開始スイッチによって入球遊技球（入賞球）が検出されると、前記主制御回路７０へ入球（入賞）信号が送られ、それに伴って、前記主制御回路７０のラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａ，ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｒ１，ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｔ１，ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１，ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３等の各種数値（Ｑ１〜Ｑ７等）が取得され、その取得乱数値が前記主制御回路７０におけるＲＡＭ７３の該当する記憶領域に一旦格納される。そして、当該格納された各数値に基づいて大当たりの判定、リーチ変動の有無決定、変動態様の決定、停止図柄組合せの決定等が行われ、前記特別図柄表示部４２で左特別図柄、中特別図柄、右特別図柄が、前記決定された変動態様に応じて上下方向に変動を開始する。また、前記特別図柄表示部４２には、前記決定変動態様の種類に応じたキャラクターや背景図柄等も表示される。
【００７０】
さらにまた、前記始動口１０への入球個数は、前記主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ（入球数記憶手段）７３に設定上限数（本実施例で４個）まで記憶され、前記記憶入球数に応じた数だけ前記特別図柄変動数記憶表示器５１に点灯表示される。前記記憶された入球数及び前記特別図柄変動数記憶表示器５１の点灯数は、前記変動開始ごとに減らされ、残った記憶入球数の回数が、前記特別図柄の変動開始保留数とされる。
【００７１】
前記特別図柄の変動開始後、前記変動態様に設定されている変動時間あるいは短縮された変動時間後に特別図柄が停止して、停止図柄が確定表示される。この例では、前記特別図柄表示部４２の左表示領域、中央表示領域、右表示領域で前記特別図柄が同時に変動を開始し、前記左表示領域、右表示領域、中央表示領域の順で特別図柄が変動停止して、停止図柄が確定表示される。その際、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｒ１の取得乱数値によっては、前記リーチ変動を伴う演出表示が行われ、前記リーチ状態を経た後に前記特別図柄が最終停止して確定表示されることがある。
【００７２】
前記特別図柄表示部４２で停止表示された特別図柄が、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１の取得乱数値に従う特定の組み合わせである大当たり停止図柄組合せ、この例ではぞろ目であると、大当たりになり、特別遊技状態に移行する。初期設定時におけるおいて大当たりとなる確率は、通常確率状態（低確率状態）の１／３１５に設定されている。前記特別遊技状態になると、前記大入賞口１５の開閉板６１が開いて前記遊技領域６の表面を落下してくる遊技球を受け止め、前記大入賞口１５へ入賞（入球）可能にし、該大入賞口１５への入賞があると、賞球払出装置（図示せず）により所定数の遊技球が賞球として払い出される。前記開閉板６１は、所定時間（例えば２９．５秒）経過後、或いは前記入賞球数カウントスイッチで検出された入賞球数が所定個数（例えば１０個）となった時点で閉じるようにされている。なお、前記入賞球数カウントスイッチで検出された入賞球数は、前記特別図柄表示部４２に、０〜１０までの数字又は棒グラフのように表示されるようになっている。
【００７３】
また、前記大入賞口１５の開放中又は大入賞口１５が閉じてから約２秒以内に、前記特定領域入賞口への入賞球を特定入賞球検出スイッチが検出すると、前記大当たりを再度繰り返す継続権利が発生し、所定最高回数（例えば最高１５回又は１３回）、前記開閉板６１の開放を繰り返すようになっている。
【００７４】
前記大当たりの際に、前記大当たり停止図柄組合せが確変図柄である‘１’、‘３’、‘５’、‘７’、‘９’、‘１１’の何れかの奇数のぞろ目であるときには、大当たり終了後に、前記高確率状態が発生し、次回の大当たり発生時まで、大当たり発生確率が通常確率（低確率状態、１／３１５）よりも高い高確率状態（確変状態、５／３１５）に移行する。
【００７５】
前記確率変動状態（高確率状態）時に普通図柄が当たりとなると、前記始動口１０の入賞領域拡大回数を通常の１回から３回に増大させると共に、入賞領域拡大時間を通常の０．３秒から１．７秒に増加させる。
【００７６】
また、前記遊技の行われていない状態、いわゆる客待ち状態の時に、遊技状態に左右されない後述の非依存契機が発生すると、前記報知手段、すなわち、前記ランプ表示器３５、前記表示装置９の特別図柄表示部４２、前記スピーカ３８の少なくとも一つを利用して一連の演出が客待ち演出として行われる。例えば、図８に示すように、前記遊技用演出装置２００が組み込まれた遊技機１が左右方向の横一列に複数台設置されている場合において、全台が客待ち状態時になり、遊技状態に左右されない非依存契機が発生すると、全台においてそれぞれ一連の演出が行われる。その際、前記一連の開始が、例えば前記左端の１台目の遊技機１から右端の最後の遊技機１にかけて順に所定の開始遅延時間ずつ遅れ、それによって全台間にわたって、一連の演出が左から右へ流れるように行われる。具体的な例で示すと、左端の１台目の遊技機１から右端の最後の遊技機１へかけて、前記ランプ表示器３５の点灯開始が順に所定の開始遅延時間ずつ遅れ、それによって左端から右端へ光が流れるように演出されたり、左端の１台目の遊技機１から右端の最後の遊技機１へかけて、前記表示装置の特別図柄表示部４２で図柄（前記特別図柄とは異なる図柄）の表示開始が所定時の開始遅延時間ずつ遅れ、それによって左端から右端へ図柄が動くように演出されたり、左端の１台目の遊技機１から右端の最後の遊技機１へかけて、前記スピーカ３８からの発生開始が順に所定の開始遅延時間ずつ遅れ、それによって左端から右端へ音が移動するように演出されたりする例を挙げることができる。なお、前記複数台の遊技機１において、遊技が行われている遊技機１については、前記一連の演出が行われず、遊技が行われていない遊技機１のみについて前記一連の演出が行われる。また、前記左端から右端に至った一連の演出の内容は、再度左端から始められ、前記客待ち状態の間繰り返し行われる。
【００７７】
次に、前記主制御回路７０が実行する処理について説明する。前記主制御回路７０のＣＰＵ７２は、所定の割り込み時間（この例では２ｍｓｅｃ）ごとに、前記主制御回路７０のＲＯＭ７４に記憶されている各プログラムに従いメイン処理Ｍを行う。図１０はメイン処理Ｍのフローチャートである。
【００７８】
メイン処理Ｍでは、まず今回電源が投入されたか否か判断され（Ｓ１０）、今回電源投入された場合には、初期設定処理（Ｓ２０）が行われる。
【００７９】
初期設定処理（Ｓ２０）では、スタックの設定、割り込み時間（この例では２ｍｓｅｃ）の設定、ＣＰＵの設定、ＳＩＯ、ＰＩＯ、ＣＴＣの設定等が行われる。このメイン処理Ｍは割り込み時間ごとに繰り返し行われるが、初期設定処理（Ｓ２０）については、電源投入時のみに必要な処理であり、最初の１巡目のみに実行され、その後は実行されずに次の出力処理（Ｓ３０）に移る。
【００８０】
出力処理（Ｓ３０）では、前記主制御回路７０におけるワンチップマイクロコンピュータ７１のコマンドバッファ（図示せず）内に出力コマンドデータがある場合、その出力コマンドデータを対応するサブ制御手段（表示制御回路９０、発光体制御回路８８、音声制御回路１２０等）等へ出力する。コマンドの例として、変動態様コマンド、停止図柄指令コマンド、図柄停止コマンド、客待ち演出コマンド等が挙げられる。
【００８１】
入力処理（Ｓ４０）では、各種のセンサーが信号を感知した場合の入力処理が行われる。前記センサーには、前記普通図柄変動開始用左ゲート１９及び普通図柄変動開始用右ゲート２１の遊技球通過を検出する普通図柄変動開始スイッチ（普通図柄ゲートセンサー）、前記始動口１０に入賞した球を検出する特別図柄変動開始スイッチ（始動口センサー）、前記大入賞口１５における入賞球を検出する入賞球数カウントスイッチ（カウントセンサー）、特定入賞球検出スイッチ（特定領域センサー）等を挙げることができる。
【００８２】
乱数更新処理（Ｓ５０）では、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａ、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｒ１、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｔ１、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの各数値Ｑ１〜Ｑ８に対して更新が繰り返される。この乱数更新処理（Ｓ５０）は、前記メイン処理Ｍの実行時間毎（２ｍｓｅｃ毎）に必ず１回行われる。各カウンタの更新数値は主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３の各カウンタと対応する乱数記憶エリアにそれぞれ一旦記憶される。なお、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２及びラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ３については、前記したようにラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１と関連したタイミングで数値が加算され、前記ＲＡＭ７３の乱数記憶エリアにそれぞれ記憶されるようになっている。
【００８３】
次に始動口１０の入賞が特別図柄変動開始スイッチ（始動口センサー）で検出されたか否か確認される（Ｓ６０）。始動口１０への入賞が検出された場合には、続いて乱数取得処理が行われ（Ｓ７０）、前記主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３に記憶されている前記各種更新乱数値Ｑ１〜Ｑ７が読み出されて取得され、前記主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３に記憶される。また、前記Ｓ６０で始動口１０での入賞が無いと判断された場合、前記乱数取得処理（Ｓ７０）は行われず、次の判定条件成立判断（Ｓ８０）へジャンプする。なお、前記普通図柄当たり判定・普通図柄決定用のラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｈの数値Ｑ８は、前記普通図柄変動開始用左ゲート１９及び普通図柄変動開始用右ゲート２１を遊技球が通過して普通図柄変動開始スイッチで検出されたときに取得される。
【００８４】
判定条件成立か否かの判断（Ｓ８０）では、大当たり当否判定条件が成立しているか否かが確認される。前記大当たり当否判定条件が成立しているとは、現在特別遊技実行中ではない、或いは特別図柄変動中ではないことをいう。そして、前記大当たり当否判定条件成立と判断された場合には、大当たり当否判定処理（Ｓ９０）、リーチ有無決定処理（Ｓ１００）、確定停止特別図柄決定処理（Ｓ１１０）、変動態様決定処理（Ｓ１３０）、客待ち演出設定処理（Ｓ１５０）等が実行される。一方、前記Ｓ８０で大当たり当否判定条件不成立と判断された場合には、客待ち演出設定処理（Ｓ１５０）にジャンプする。
【００８５】
大当たり当否判定処理（Ｓ９０）では、図１１に示すように、まず、確率変動フラグＢ１が１か否か確認され（Ｓ９１）、該確率変動フラグＢ１が１ではなく０の場合、すなわち低確率状態時（１／３１５）では、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ａの取得乱数値Ｑ１が大当たり数値である‘５’，‘５００’と対比され（Ｓ９２）、前記取得乱数値Ｑ１が前記大当たり数値の何れかであれば大当たりとなり、大当たりフラグＡ１が１にセットされると共に、該大当たりフラグＡ１（＝１）が主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３内に格納される（Ｓ９３）。一方、前記確率変動フラグＢ１が１の場合、すなわち高確率状態時（５／３１５）では、前記取得乱数値Ｑ１が大当たり数値である‘５’，‘５０’，‘１００’，‘２００’，‘３００’，‘３５０’，‘４００’，‘４５０’，‘５００’，‘６００’と対比され（Ｓ９４）、前記取得乱数値Ｑ１が前記大当たり数値の何れかと一致すれば大当たりとなり、大当たりフラグＡ１が１にセットされると共に、該大当たりフラグＡ１（＝１）が主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３内に記憶される（Ｓ９３）。
【００８６】
リーチ有無決定処理（Ｓ１００）では、前記特別図柄表示部４２でリーチ状態となるか否かの決定がなされる。図１２に示すように、このリーチ有無決定処理（Ｓ１００）では、大当たりフラグＡ１が１か否か確認され（Ｓ１０１）、大当たりフラグＡ１が１ではなく０、つまり大当たり不成立となる場合、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｒ１の記憶取得乱数値Ｑ２が読み出され、その取得乱数値Ｑ２が‘２４’又は‘４９’であるか否か判断される（Ｓ１０２）。そして、取得乱数値Ｑ２が‘２４’又は‘４９’ではない場合、リーチ無しに決まる。一方、前記取得乱数値Ｑ２が‘２４’又は‘４９’である場合、リーチ有りに決定され、リーチフラグＲ１が１にセットされると共に、該リーチフラグＲ１（＝１）が主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３内に格納される（Ｓ１０３）。また、前記Ｓ１０１で大当たりフラグＡ１が１の場合、つまり大当たり（特別遊技実行可）となる場合にも、リーチ有りとなることが決定し、リーチフラグＲ１が１にセットされると共に、該リーチフラグＲ１（＝１）が主制御回路７０のＲＡＭ７３内に格納される（Ｓ１０３）。
【００８７】
確定停止特別図柄決定処理（Ｓ１１０）では、前記大当たり当否判定処理（Ｓ９０）に基づき特別図柄表示部４２に確定（最終）停止表示する特別図柄の決定が行われる。図１３に示すように、この確定停止特別図柄決定処理（Ｓ１１０）では、まず、前記大当たりフラグＡ１の値が１か否か確認される（Ｓ１１１）。Ａ１の値が１と判断された場合、すなわち大当たり（特別遊技実行可）となる場合、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−ＡＺ１の記憶取得乱数値Ｑ４が読み出され、その取得乱数値Ｑ４に対して予め決められている図柄の組合せが、特別図柄表示部４２に確定停止表示される確定大当たり図柄組合せとして決定される（Ｓ１１２）。
【００８８】
それに対して、前記Ｓ１１１で大当たりフラグＡ１の値が１でない、すなわち前記値が０と確認され、外れと判定された場合には、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の記憶取得乱数値Ｑ５〜Ｑ７が読み出され、その取得乱数値Ｑ５〜Ｑ７が一致するか否か判断され（Ｓ１１３）、取得乱数値Ｑ５〜Ｑ７が一致する場合、続いてリーチ有り（リーチ外れ）か否か、ここでは前記リーチフラグＲ１が１か否か確認される（Ｓ１１４）。そして、リーチ無しと判断された場合、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２（下特別図柄用）の取得乱数値Ｑ６を１加算し、その値とラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１，Ｂ３の取得乱数値Ｑ５，Ｑ７に対して予め決められている図柄が、特別図柄表示部４２の左側表示領域、中央表示領域、右側表示領域に確定停止表示される外れ図柄として決定される（Ｓ１１５）。一方、前記Ｓ１０４で、リーチ有りと判断された場合、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ３（中特別図柄用）の取得乱数値Ｑ７を１加算し、その値とラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１，Ｂ２の取得乱数値Ｑ５，Ｑ６に対して予め決められている図柄が各表示領域に確定停止表示される外れ図柄として決定される（Ｓ１１６）。
【００８９】
また、前記Ｓ１１３で、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の取得乱数値Ｑ５〜Ｑ７の内、少なくとも１つが異なる数値となる場合には、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１の取得乱数値Ｑ５とラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２の取得乱数値Ｑ６が一致するか否か判断され（Ｓ１１７）、両値が一致する場合、さらにリーチ有りか否か判断される（Ｓ１１８）。そして、リーチ無しの場合、前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２の取得乱数値Ｑ６を１加算し、その値とラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１，Ｂ３の取得乱数値Ｑ５，Ｑ７に対して予め決められている図柄が各表示領域に確定停止表示される外れ図柄として決定される（Ｓ１１５）。一方、リーチ有りの場合、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の取得乱数値Ｑ５〜Ｑ７に対して予め決められている図柄が各表示領域に確定停止表示される外れ図柄として決定される（Ｓ１１９）。
【００９０】
さらに、前記Ｓ１０７でラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１の取得乱数値Ｑ５とラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２の取得乱数値Ｑ６が一致しない場合、続いてリーチ有りか否か判断される（Ｓ１２０）。そして、リーチ有りと判断された場合には、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ２の取得乱数値Ｑ６を強制的にラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１の取得乱数値Ｑ５と同一数値に変更し、かつラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ３の取得乱数値Ｑ７を強制的に前記ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１の取得乱数値Ｑ５に１加算した数値に変更し、それらの数値とラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１の取得乱数値Ｑ５に対して予め決められている図柄が各表示領域に確定停止表示される外れ図柄として決定される（Ｓ１２１）。一方、前記Ｓ１１９で、リーチ無しと判断された場合、ラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の取得乱数値Ｑ５〜Ｑ７に対して予め決められている図柄が各表示領域に確定停止表示される外れ図柄として決定される（Ｓ１１９）。
【００９１】
変動態様決定処理（Ｓ１３０）では、前記特別図柄表示部４２における変動態様が決定される。前記変動態様には前記特別図柄の変動中に前記特別図柄表示部４２で表示される画像の表示態様、すなわち前記特別図柄の変動の仕方（変動方法、変動時間を含む。）、キャラクターの種類及び動作、背景画像や文字画像の有無等が含まれる。本実施例における変動態様は、変動態様１〜７の７種類に設定されている。この変動態様決定処理（Ｓ１３０）では、図１４に示すように、最初に前記大当たりフラグＡ１が１か否かが確認される（Ｓ１３１）。前記Ｓ１３１において、大当たりフラグＡ１が１ではなく０の場合、つまり大当たり不成立となる場合には、次にリーチフラグＲ１が１か否かが確認される（Ｓ１３２）。リーチフラグＲ１が１ではなく０の場合、つまりリーチ不成立となる場合には、リーチ無しの外れ変動態様１に決定され、その決定変動態様のコマンドが前記主制御回路７０のワンチップマイクロコンピュータ７１における出力コマンドバッファに格納される（Ｓ１３７）。
【００９２】
前記Ｓ１３２で、前記リーチフラグＲ１が１の場合、つまりリーチ成立となる場合には、次に変動態様決定用カウンタであるラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｔ１の取得乱数値Ｑ３が、‘０’〜‘２０’，‘２１’〜‘３０’，‘３１’〜‘３５’の何れの範囲に属するかが判断され（Ｓ１３３，Ｓ１３４）、前記Ｑ３の各範囲に対して設定されているリーチ有り外れ変動態様２〜４にそれぞれ決定されると共にその決定変動態様のコマンドが前記主制御回路７０のワンチップマイクロコンピュータ７１における出力コマンドバッファに格納される（Ｓ１３８〜１４０）。なお、前記リーチ有り外れ変動態様２〜４に決定され、前記決定変動態様のコマンドが出力コマンドバッファに格納された（Ｓ１３８〜Ｓ１４０）後は、前記リーチフラグＲ１が０にセットされ（Ｓ１４４）、この変動態様決定処理（Ｓ１３０）が終了する。
【００９３】
一方、前記Ｓ１３１において、前記大当たりフラグＡ１が１の場合、すなわち大当たりの場合には、次に変動態様決定用カウンタであるラベル−ＴＲＮＤ−Ｔ１の取得乱数値Ｑ３が、‘０’〜‘２’，‘３’〜‘１５’，‘１６’〜‘３５’の何れの範囲に属するかが判断され（Ｓ１３５，Ｓ１３６）、前記Ｑ３の各範囲に対して設定されているリーチ有り大当たり変動態様５〜７にそれぞれ決定されると共にその決定変動態様のコマンドが前記主制御回路７０のワンチップマイクロコンピュータ７１における出力コマンドバッファに格納される（Ｓ１４１〜１４３）。なお、前記リーチ有り大当たり変動態様５〜７に決定され、前記決定変動態様のコマンドが出力コマンドバッファに格納された（Ｓ１４１〜Ｓ１４３）後は、前記大当たりフラグＡ１及びリーチフラグＲ１が０にセットされ（Ｓ１４４）、この変動態様決定処理（Ｓ１３０）が終了する。
【００９４】
客待ち演出設定処理（Ｓ１５０）では、現在、前記特別図柄表示部４２で特別図柄が変動中、大当たり中（特別遊技実行中）及びその他の遊技中（前記特別図柄表示部４２に表示されている図柄を用いる遊技中）の何れか、あるいは何れでもない客待ち中か否か判断され（Ｓ１５１）、客待ち中であれば、次に客待ちセットフラグＣ１が１か否か判断される（Ｓ１５２）。前記客待ちセットフラグＣ１が１でなければ、客待ち演出コマンドが前記主制御回路７０のコマンドバッファにセットされ（Ｓ１５３）、その後に前記客待ちセットフラグＣ１が１にセットされて（Ｓ１５４）、この客待ち演出設定処理（Ｓ１５０）が終了する。それに対して、前記Ｓ１５２で客待ちセットフラグＣ１が１の場合には、その時点でこの客待ち演出設定処理（Ｓ１５０）が終了する。また、前記Ｓ１５１で、現在前記特別図柄表示部４２で特別図柄が変動中、大当たり中（特別遊技実行中）及びその他の遊技中の何れかである、すなわち客待ち中ではないと判断された場合には、前記客待ちセットフラグＣ１が０にセットされて（Ｓ１５４）、この客待ち演出設定処理（Ｓ１５０）が終了する。
【００９５】
その他の処理（Ｓ１５６）においては、前記各処理のほか、前記特別遊技を実行するための特別遊技実行処理や、小当たりに関する処理や、始動口の入賞領域を拡大するための始動口入賞領域拡大処理やエラーの処理等の遊技状態時に必要となる処理が行われる。それらの処理は本発明の特徴とは直接関係しないため、詳細な説明を省略する。
【００９６】
次に、前記主制御回路７０に対しサブ制御手段として機能し、前記一連の演出に対する制御を行う演出制御手段（前記ランプ表示器３５で演出を行う場合には前記発光体制御回路８８、前記特別図柄表示部４２で演出を行う場合には前記表示制御回路９０、前記スピーカ３８で演出を行う場合には前記音声制御回路１２０とされる。）が行うサブ制御メイン処理Ｖについて詳述する。
【００９７】
前記サブ制御手段として機能する演出制御手段には、計測タイマ、待機演出カウントデータ、待機演出開始データ、シナリオタイマ、シナリオカウンタ、客待ちフラグＣ２が設けられている。
【００９８】
前記計測タイマは、本発明において、遊技状態とは関係なく時間を計る非依存計時手段に相当するものであり、前記遊技機１の電源投入から初期値（例えば０）より始まって、一定の間隔で常に１ずつ加算される。本実施例では３０秒間に相当する１５０００カウントに至ると０にリセットされ、再び１ずつ加算される。
【００９９】
前記待機演出カウントデータは、前記計測タイマが３０秒間計測されると１加算され、２に至ると次に０に戻るようになっている。
【０１００】
前記待機演出開始データは、前記サブ制御手段によって客待ち演出コマンドが受信されるとその時点で前記待機演出カウントデータに２加算した値にセットされる。前記待機演出開始データと前記待機演出カウントデータを利用して客待ち演出の開始時期が調節される。
【０１０１】
前記シナリオカウンタは、一連の演出において各演出内容を連続的に行うためにサブ制御手段に設けられたカウンタであり、このシナリオカウンタにしたがって一連の演出が組み立てられる。本実施例では、前記シナリオカウンタの値は０〜１２の整数に設定されている。
【０１０２】
前記シナリオタイマは、前記一連の演出において同一の演出内容が連続して行われる時間を決定するためにサブ制御手段に設けられたタイマであり、本発明における演出用計時手段に相当する。前記シナリオタイマは、ある部分では切り替え手段（本実施例では前記全台数切り替えスイッチ８２及び自己番号認識スイッチ８３が相当する。）によって任意に設定することが可能となっている。
【０１０３】
また、前記客待ちフラグＣ２は、遊技機１の電源投入時における初期設定では０に設定される。
【０１０４】
前記サブ制御メイン処理Ｖは、所定の割り込み時間（この例では２ｍｓｅｃ）ごとに、前記演出制御手段（サブ制御手段）における制御データＲＯＭ（前記発光体制御回路８８では制御データＲＯＭ８８１、前記表示制御回路９０では制御データＲＯＭ９２、前記音声制御回路１２０では制御データＲＯＭ１２１）に記憶されている各プログラムに従い、サブ制御手段で行われる。図１６はサブ表示制御メイン処理Ｖのフローチャートである。
【０１０５】
サブ制御メイン処理Ｖでは、まずコマンド受信処理が行われる（２１０）。前記コマンド処理（Ｓ２１０）では、図１７に示すように、まず主制御回路７０からコマンドを受信したか否かが判断され（Ｓ２１１）、コマンドを受信したと判断された場合には、次に、そのコマンドが客待ち演出コマンドであるか他のコマンドであるか判断される（Ｓ２１２）。
【０１０６】
前記Ｓ２１２において客待ち演出コマンドであると判断された場合には、前記客待ちフラグＣ２が１にセットされ（Ｓ２１３）、前記シナリオカウンタ及び前記シナリオタイマがそれぞれ０にセットされる（Ｓ２１４，２１５）。その後、前記待機演出開始データが前記待機演出カウントデータ＋２の値にセットされて（Ｓ２１６）、このコマンド受信処理（Ｓ２１０）が終了する。それに対して、前記Ｓ２１２で受信コマンドが前記客待ち演出コマンドではないと判断された場合には、前記客待ちフラグＣ２が０にセットされ（Ｓ２１７）、その他のコマンド（例えば前記表示制御回路９０においては、前記変動態様コマンド、前記停止図柄指令コマンド、前記図柄停止コマンド等。）の受信処理が行われて（Ｓ２１８）、このコマンド受信処理（Ｓ２１０）が終了する。また、前記Ｓ２１１でコマンドを受信していないと判断されると、その時点でこのコマンド受信処理（Ｓ２１０）は終了する。
【０１０７】
待機演出カウントデータ更新処理（Ｓ２２０）では、図１８に示すように、まず、前記計測タイマが０にリセットされてから３０秒経過したか否かが、前記計測タイマの値から判断される（Ｓ２２１）。３０秒経過した場合、前記待機演出カウントデータに１加算されると共に（Ｓ２２２）、前記計測タイマが０にセットされる（Ｓ２２３）。それに対し。前記Ｓ２２１において３０秒経過前であると判断されると、前記計測タイマが１加算される（Ｓ２２４）。
【０１０８】
演出シナリオタイマ更新処理（Ｓ２３０）では、図１９に示すように、まず、前記シナリオタイマの値がＦＦＦＦであるか否か判断される（Ｓ２３１）。前記シナリオタイマの値がＦＦＦＦである場合、前記待機演出カウントデータと前記待機演出開始データが等しいか否か判断され（Ｓ２３２）、等しい場合には前記シナリオタイマが０にセットされ（Ｓ２３３）、等しくない場合にはそのままこの演出シナリオタイマ更新処理（Ｓ２３０）が終了する。それに対し、前記Ｓ２３１でシナリオタイマの値がＦＦＦＦではないと判断されると、次に前記シナリオタイマの値が０否か判断され（Ｓ２３４）、０でない場合には前記シナリオタイマの値から１減算され（Ｓ２３５）、０の場合にはそのままこの演出シナリオタイマ更新処理（Ｓ２３０）が終了する。
【０１０９】
前記コマンド受信処理処理（Ｓ２１０）、前記待機演出カウントデータ更新処理（Ｓ２２０）及び前記演出シナリオタイマ更新処理（Ｓ２３０）によって、客待ち演出が常に特定のタイミングで開始されることになる。具体的には、前記待機演出カウントデータ更新処理（Ｓ２２０）では、遊技状態に影響を受けない計測タイマの計時を利用して３０秒毎に待機演出カウントデータが１ずつ加算されて２に至ると次の加算で０に戻るようにされ、前記コマンド受信処理（Ｓ２１０）では、前記主制御回路７０から客待ち演出コマンドを受信した時に、前記待機演出カウントデータの値に２加算した値が待機演出開始データの値にセットされ、前記演出シナリオタイマ更新処理（Ｓ２３０）では、前記待機演出カウントデータと待機演出開始データが等しくなったときにシナリオタイマが０にセットされ、前記シナリオタイマが０となったときに、後述するコマンド演出データセット処理（Ｓ２４０）において一連の演出のための出力データがセットされるため、前記遊技状態に影響を受けない計測タイマの計時を利用してシナリオタイマが０になることが、本発明における非依存契機の発生に相当する。また、前記待機演出カウントデータは常に３０秒ごとに１加算されるカウントデータであるため、前記客待ち演出コマンドを受信した時には、客待ち演出までに最短でも３０秒の時間を確保できると共に、客待ち演出開始タイミングの統一を図ることが可能になる。
【０１１０】
コマンド演出データセット処理（Ｓ２４０）では、図２０〜図２２に示すように、まず前記客待ちフラグＣ２が１か否か確認され（Ｓ２４１）、前記客待ちフラグＣ２が１でなければその他の演出データをセットして（Ｓ２４２）、このコマンド演出データセット処理（Ｓ２４０）を終える。それに対し、前記Ｓ２４１で前記客待ちフラグＣ２が１と判断された場合には、次に前記シナリオタイマが０か否か確認され（Ｓ２４３）、０でなければこのコマンド演出データセット処理（Ｓ２４０）を終える。それに対して、前記Ｓ２４３でシナリオタイマが０であると判断されると、次に前記シナリオカウンタの値が０〜１２の内のいずれの値か確認され（Ｓ２４４〜Ｓ２５６）、シナリオカウンタの値に応じた出力データ（演出内容）がセットされ、さらには前記セットされた出力データに必要な時間のカウント値（本実施例では、一律に、１秒に相当するカウント値が５００にされている。）がセットされた（Ｓ２５７等）後、前記シナリオカウンタが０〜１１の場合には前記シナリオカウンタの値に１加算され（Ｓ２９０）、また前記シナリオカウンタの値が１２の場合にはシナリオカウンタに１がセットされて（Ｓ２８９）、このコマンド演出データセット処理（Ｓ２４０）を終える。前記シナリオタイマへカウント値がセットされることにより、その後シナリオタイマによる計時（シナリオタイマのカウント値の減算）が始まるため、前記客待ちフラグＣ２が１で前記シナリオタイマが０になることが演出用計時開始条件成立となる。以下、図８のように遊技機１（遊技用演出装置）が左右の横一列に５台設置され、前記ランプ表示器３５を利用して一連の演出を行う場合の一例について、前記シナリオカウンタが０〜１２の場合を、図２３のタイムチャートを併用しながら１台目の遊技機１（遊技用演出装置）に関して具体的に説明する。なお、図２３のタイムチャートにおいて、基準線（谷の部分）がランプの消灯状態、基準線に対して凸部分（山の部分）がランプの点灯状態を示す。
【０１１１】
前記シナリオカウンタが０のとき（Ｓ２４４）、すなわち客待ち演出開始待機状態のときには、ランプ表示器３５（３５ａ〜３５ｃ）を消灯させる出力データがセットされ（Ｓ２５７、図２３のア）、前記シナリオタイマがＦＦＦＦにセットされる（Ｓ２５８）。
【０１１２】
前記シナリオカウンタが１，２のとき（Ｓ２４５〜２４６、図２３のイ、ウ）には、前記ランプ表示器３５（３５ａ〜３５ｃ）を点灯させる出力データがそれぞれセットされ（Ｓ２５９，Ｓ２６１）、１秒の点灯に必要な時間のカウント値（本実施例では５００）がそれぞれシナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２６０，Ｓ２６２）。
【０１１３】
前記シナリオカウンタが３のとき（Ｓ２４７）には、前記ランプ表示器３５（３５ａ〜３５ｃ）を消灯させる出力データがセットされ（Ｓ２６３、図２３のエ）、１秒の消灯に必要な時間のカウント値（５００）がシナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２６４）。
【０１１４】
前記シナリオカウンタが４，５のとき（Ｓ２４８〜Ｓ２４９）には、前記ランプ表示器３５（３５ａ〜３５ｃ）を点灯させる出力データがそれぞれセットされ（Ｓ２６５，Ｓ２６７、図２３のオ、カ）、１秒の点灯に必要な時間のカウント値（本実施例では５００）がそれぞれシナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２６６，Ｓ２６８）。
【０１１５】
前記シナリオカウンタが６のとき（Ｓ２５０）には、消灯させる出力データがセットされた（Ｓ２６９、図２３のキ）後に、自己番号（前記自己番号認識スイッチ８３で設定された値。本実施例では１台目の遊技機であるため１に相当する。）が読み込まれ（Ｓ２７０）、前記読み込まれた自己番号に対応するカウント値が前記シナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２７１）。表２は自己番号、全台数並びに［全台数−自己番号］の値に対応するシナリオタイマのカウント値を示す。
【０１１６】
【表２】

【０１１７】
前記自己番号に対応するカウント値をシナリオタイマにセットすることによって、自己番号に対応する時間だけ、次の演出内容（本実施例では点灯演出）の開始時点が遅延され、前記遅延する時間だけ、今回設定された演出内容が継続されることになる。例えば、１台目にあっては、１台目に対応するシナリオタイマのカウント値５００に相当する１秒間だけ、次の演出内容（点灯演出）の開始が遅れ、その遅れる時間（１秒間）、前記Ｓ２６９でセットされた演出内容（消灯）が継続することになる。また、２台目を例にすると、２台目に対応するシナリオタイマのカウント値１０００に相当する２秒間、次の演出内容（点灯演出）の開始が遅れ、その遅れる時間（２秒間）、前記Ｓ２６９でセットされた演出内容（消灯）が継続することになる。
【０１１８】
前記シナリオカウンタが７のとき（Ｓ２５１）には、点灯させる出力データがセットされた（Ｓ２７２、図２３のク）後に、全台数の値（前記全台数切り替えスイッチ８２で設定された値。本実施例では５台の遊技機であるため５に相当する。）が読み込まれ（Ｓ２７３）、前記読み込まれた全台数に対応するカウント値、本実施例では５台に対応するカウント値２５００（５秒に相当する。）が前記シナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２７４）。全台数に対応するカウント値をシナリオタイマにセットすることによって、全台数に対応する時間だけ、前記Ｓ２７２でセットされた演出内容が延長されることになる。本実施例では、全台数５台に対応するシナリオタイマのカウント値２５００に相当する５秒間、前記Ｓ２７２でセットされた演出内容（点灯）が行われることになる。
【０１１９】
前記シナリオカウンタが８のとき（Ｓ２５２）には、消灯させる出力データがセットされた（Ｓ２７５、図２３のケ）後に、［全台数−自己番号］の値が読み込まれ（Ｓ２７６）、前記読み込まれた値に対応するカウント値、例えば本実施例の１台目においては（５台−１台目の値）４に対応するカウント値２０００（４秒に相当する。）が前記シナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２７７）。前記［全台数−自己番号］の値に対応するカウント値をシナリオタイマにセットすることによって、［全台数−自己番号］の値に対応する時間だけ、次の演出内容（本実施例では消灯演出）の開始時点が遅延され、前記Ｓ２７５でセットされた演出内容（消灯）が継続されることになる。また、２台目を例にすると、（５台−２台目の値）である３に対応するカウント値１５００（３秒に相当する。）が前記シナリオタイマにセットされ（Ｓ２７７）、［全台数−自己番号］の値３に対応する時間（３秒）だけ、次の演出内容の開始時点が遅延され、前記Ｓ２７５でセットされた演出内容（消灯）が継続されることになる。なお、５台目においては、［全台数−自己番号］の値が０となるため、シナリオタイマには０がセットされ、直ちに次の演出内容（消灯）が行われることになり、前記Ｓ２７５でセットされた出力データに基づく演出内容（消灯）は行われない。
【０１２０】
前記シナリオカウンタが９のとき（Ｓ２５３）には、前記ランプ表示器３５（を消灯させる出力データがセットされ（Ｓ２７８、図２３のコ）、１秒の消灯に必要な時間のカウント値（本実施例では５００）がシナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２７９）。
【０１２１】
前記シナリオカウンタが１０のとき（Ｓ２５４）には、消灯させる出力データがセットされた（Ｓ２８０、図２３のサ）後に、［全台数−自己番号］の値が読み込まれ（Ｓ２８１）、前記読み込まれた値に対応するカウント値、例えば本実施例の１台目においては（５台−１台目の値）４に対応するカウント値２０００（４秒に相当する。）が前記シナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２８２）。前記［全台数−自己番号］の値に対応するカウント値をシナリオタイマにセットすることによって、［全台数−自己番号］の値に対応する時間だけ、次の演出内容（点灯）の開始時点が遅延され、前記Ｓ２８０でセットされた演出内容（消灯）が継続されることになる。また、２台目を例にすると、（５台−２台目の値）３に対応するカウント値１５００（３秒に相当する。）が前記シナリオタイマにセットされ（Ｓ２８０）、［全台数−自己番号］の値３に対応する時間（３秒）だけ、次の演出内容の開始時点が遅延され、前記Ｓ２８０でセットされた演出内容（消灯）が継続されることになる。なお、５台目においては、［全台数−自己番号］の値が０となるため、シナリオタイマには０がセットされ、直ちに次の演出内容（点灯）が行われることになり、前記Ｓ２８０でセットされた出力データに基づく演出内容（消灯）は行われない。
【０１２２】
前記シナリオカウンタが１１のとき（Ｓ２５５）には、点灯させる出力データがセットされた（Ｓ２８３、図２３のシ）後に、全台数（本実施例では５である。）が読み込まれ（Ｓ２８４）、前記読み込まれた全台数に対応するカウント値、本実施例では５台に対応するカウント値２５００（５秒に相当する。）が前記シナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２８５）。全台数に対応するカウント値をシナリオタイマにセットすることによって、全台数に対応する時間だけ、前記Ｓ２８３でセットされた演出内容（点灯）が行われることになる。
【０１２３】
また、前記シナリオカウンタが０〜１１のときには、前記シナリオタイマがセットされた後にシナリオカウンタが１加算されて（Ｓ２９０）、このコマンド演出データセット処理（Ｓ２４０）が終了する。
【０１２４】
それに対し、前記シナリオカウンタが１２のとき（Ｓ２５６）には、前記ランプ表示器３５を消灯させる出力データがセットされ（Ｓ２８６、図２３のス）、自己番号（本実施例では１台目の遊技機であるため１）が読み込まれ（Ｓ２８７）、前記読み込まれた自己番号に対応するカウント値（例えば１台目に対応するシナリオタイマのカウント値５００）が前記シナリオタイマにセットされる（Ｓ２８８）。このシナリオタイマのセットにより、前記自己番号（本実施例では１台目の遊技機であるため１）のカウント値（５００）に相当する時間（１秒間）だけ、次の演出内容（シナリオカウンタ１で設定される点灯演出）の開始が遅れ、その遅れる時間（１秒間）の間、前記Ｓ２８６でセットされた演出内容（消灯）が継続することになる。この後、前記シナリオカウンタが１にセットされて（Ｓ２８９）、このコマンド演出データセット処理（Ｓ２４０）が終了する。
【０１２５】
前記コマンド演出データセット処理（Ｓ２４０）が行われることによって、各台において一部の演出内容の開始が、自己番号に関連する時間だけ遅れることになり、その遅れる時間だけ現在の演出内容が継続することとなる。これにより、図８のように、左右の横一列に遊技機（遊技用演出装置）が並設された状態で、客待ち演出が開始されると、客待ち演出中の、ある特定の演出内容が開始された時に、当該演出内容が一端の台から他端の台まで、流れるように引き継がれていく演出が可能になる。さらに、前記全台数に対応する時間だけ演出内容を延長させることができるため、左右の横一列に設置された遊技機（遊技用演出装置）の端から端までの長さ（台数）が変化したとしても、流れるような演出が切れてしまったり、逆にいつまでも終わらずに続いてしまうというようなことを避けることが可能になる。
【０１２６】
前記一連の演出は、前記表示装置９においても可能である。図２４は、前記表示装置９の特別図柄表示部４２で一連の演出を行う場合における画面の例である。図２４の例では、竜の図柄が特別図柄表示部４２の画面上を横切るような（左右にスクロールする）演出を行う時に、竜の出現する時間を台ごとに遅延させることで、竜が遊技機群（遊技用演出装置群）の表示装置の中を、あたかも流れる（泳ぐ）ように移動する演出を行うことができる。しかも、遅延可能とされる演出内容の開始から終了までの時間を延長させることによって、一連の演出を途切れ無くスムーズに行うことができる。
【０１２７】
図２４の場合、１台目では、１秒目に竜の頭が画面右から登場して左に消えていき（Ａ）、２秒目に竜の胴体が画面を横切る（Ｂ）。この２秒目のときに、２台目には竜の頭が画面右から登場する。次いで、秒数を重ねるごとに、順に３台目、４台目に竜の頭や胴体が登場し、あたかも隣の台から竜が移ってきたかのように見える。その際、１台目では、竜の体の中央部分（Ｃ）、次に後方部分が登場し（Ｄ）（３，４秒目）、最後に尻尾が画面を横切る（Ｅ）（５秒目）。
【０１２８】
さらに、一列に並べられた遊技機群（遊技用演出装置群）の台数によって竜の大きさを変化させたりすることも可能である。例えば、竜の全身にわたって遊技機群（遊技用演出装置群）を使用して表示したい時には、竜の全体において変化の少ない胴体部分の演出を延長（時間を長くする）させておけば、あたかも竜が遊技機群（遊技用演出装置群）の右端の台から登場し、左端の台に向かって体を伸ばして移動して行くような演出が可能になると共に、頭がちょうど左端の台に到着した時に右端の台には尻尾が登場する（Ｅ）（５秒目）というようなことも可能になる。このときには、セットされるデータは竜の体の中央部分を繰り返し表示するようなループ処理データをセットし、前記シナリオタイマが０になるまで、繰り返し表示すればよい。
【０１２９】
なお、前記実施例では一連の演出に利用する報知手段として発光体と表示装置の例を説明したが、音声発生装置でも同様のことが可能であり、右から左、あるいは左から右へと移っていく波の音など、趣向性の高い演出や、新たな感覚を呼び起こすような演出が可能になる。また、左から右あるいは右から左へ流れるようにするだけでなく、左右から飛び飛びに演出が行われたり、その他様々なパターンの演出を行ったりすることも可能になる。
【０１３０】
また、前記表示装置を用いる例については、前記遊技機に設けられている特別図柄を変動表示させる可変表示器を利用して演出を行う例を挙げたが、前記特別図柄変動表示用とは別に演出用として設けられたものでもよい。また、遊技盤面全体を液晶とするような遊技機においては、隣の台との関連がより明確にされ、さらに迫力、趣向性の高い演出が可能になる。さらにまた、本実施例では、客待ち演出を例にして挙げたが、客待ち演出以外にも、遊技中の一部の背景図柄などを利用して行うようにしてもよい。
【０１３１】
さらにまた、本実施例によれば、横との関連を持たせる演出を行う際に、横に位置する遊技機（遊技用演出装置）等との間で配線を行う必要もなく、余分な配線の手間を減らすことができる。さらに、これにより、遊技機を開け閉めする際にも隣との配線がないため、スムーズに作業を行うことができるという利点もある。
【０１３２】
本発明の遊技用演出装置として、本実施例では、遊技機の演出装置の例を説明したが、遊技性の演出を行うもの、例えば遊技機が設置される島のランプや、遊技機に関連して設けられるその他の表示機等の演出装置でも構わない。また、本実施例では、前記開始遅延時間選択手段は、切り替えスイッチからなるが、その他の形態でも構わないし、個々の遊技機に設けられるのに代えて、一括で操作できるものでも構わない。
【０１３３】
本実施例によれば、報知手段に接続されている演出制御手段に直接、認識スイッチ等の情報が入力されているが、これ以外にも例えば異なる報知手段に接続されている演出制御手段同士を接続し、そのうちの１つに認識スイッチ等の情報を入力し、そこから各演出制御手段に対して前記情報等に基づいた信号を送信し、当該信号に基づいて各演出制御手段が演出を行うようにしてもよい。例えば、計時手段を、認識スイッチが設けられている制御手段に設け、当該制御手段によって演出の遅延を計時し、その情報を報知手段に接続されている演出制御手段に送信し、当該演出手段は、前記送信された信号が入力された時から演出を行わせる構成等が考えられる。このようにした場合には、認識スイッチを、各報知手段が備えられている制御手段に別個に設けることなく、さまざまな制御手段に対して少ない数の認識スイッチで本発明の制御を行うことが可能となる。以上のような構成をとった場合には、制御手段全てが遊技用演出装置となる。このように、本発明を逸脱しない範囲内において種々の制御内容が考えられる。
【０１３４】
【発明の効果】
以上図示し説明したように、請求項１の発明によれば、演出の一部の開始を遅延させることが可能であって、しかもその開始遅延時間が予め任意に選択設定されることから、一列に複数台の遊技用演出装置が並べられるような遊技用演出装置群において、全ての遊技用演出装置で非依存契機が同期しており、同時に演出が開始されるような時に、開始遅延時間選択手段を順番に遅延させるように選択しておけば、少なくとも一部の演出内容については、順番に遅延させることが可能になり、遊技用演出装置群の間を特定の演出が流れていくような、遊技用演出群の全てを利用した演出が可能になる。また、隣の遊技用演出装置と配線等で接続しなくても前記の流れるような演出が可能になる。
【０１３５】
さらに、前記演出開始遅延手段によって遅延される一部の演出内容の開始から終了までの時間を延長させる演出内容延長手段（サブ制御手段におけるＣＰＵ並びにそれによって実行される処理）と、前記延長時間をあらかじめ任意に選択設定可能な演出内容延長時間選択手段（全台数切り替えスイッチ）を備えているため、遊技用演出装置群の端から端までの長さ、つまり遊技用演出装置（遊技機）の台数が変化したとしても、流れるような演出が切れてしまったり、逆にいつまでも終わらずに続いてしまうというようなことを避けることが可能になる。
【０１３６】
請求項２の発明によれば、演出内容の開始遅延時間が予め定められた時間間隔で設定されているため、前記遊技用演出装置群において、設定時間間隔毎に演出が隣に受け渡されていき、よりスムーズな演出を行うことができる。
【０１３７】
請求項３の発明によれば、延長される時間が予め定められた時間間隔で設定されているため、遊技用演出装置群の端から端まで流れる演出の終了時期を調節することが容易になる。
【０１３８】
請求項４の発明によれば、一部の演出の開始から終了までの間のデータ量を少なくし、制御上の負担を軽減することが可能になる。
【０１３９】
請求項５の発明によれば、前記遊技用演出装置群の内、客待ち等となって演出を開始する遊技用演出装置においては、常に遊技状態に左右されずに同時に演出を開始することが可能になり、それによって統一した演出を行うことが可能になる。
【０１４０】
請求項６の発明によれば、遊技が行われていない客待ち時に、前記流れるような演出が可能となり、遊技が行われていない遊技用演出装置群を目立たせることが可能になる。
【０１４１】
請求項７，８，９の発明によれば、発光体や表示画面や音声により、前記遊技用演出装置群において、流れるような演出を行うことができ、高い演出効果を得ることが可能になる。
【０１４２】
請求項１０の発明によれば、隣り合った遊技用演出装置同士の図柄があたかも行き来するような演出が可能になり、演出の幅を広げることができる。
【０１４３】
請求項１１及び１２の発明によれば、複数台の遊技用演出装置からなる遊技用演出装置群において、前記流れるような演出を行うことが可能になるとともに、前記隣り合う台同士の接続が不要なため、隣との配線が省略できることによって作業性を向上でき、コストを低減できるのみならず、隣との配線が邪魔になるおそれがない等、前記の種々の効果が得られる。
【０１４４】
請求項１３の発明によれば、複数台の遊技用演出装置が左右方向に並設された遊技用演出装置群において、一端から他端へ向かって流れるような演出を行うことが可能なため、客待ち演出等において目立ち易く、高い演出効果が可能になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施例に係る遊技機全体について釘を省略して示す正面図である。
【図２】同遊技機全体の裏面図である。
【図３】同遊技機の電気制御を簡略に示すブロック図である。
【図４】同遊技機に組み込まれた遊技用演出装置を簡略に示すブロック図である。
【図５】同遊技機の表示制御回路のブロック図である。
【図６】同遊技機の発光体制御回路のブロック図である。
【図７】同遊技機の音声制御回路のブロック図である。
【図８】本発明の一実施例に係る遊技用演出装置を複数台並設した遊技用演出システムを説明するための概略図である。
【図９】同実施例における切り替えスイッチの設定状態を示す概略図である。
【図１０】同遊技機における主制御回路のメイン処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１１】同遊技機における大当たり判定処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１２】同遊技機におけるリーチ有無決定処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１３】同遊技機における確定停止特別図柄決定処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１４】同遊技機における変動態様決定処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１５】同遊技機における客待ち演出設定処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１６】サブ制御メイン処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１７】同サブ制御メイン処理におけるコマンド受信処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１８】同サブ制御メイン処理における待機演出カウントデータ更新処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図１９】同サブ制御メイン処理における演出シナリオタイマ更新処理に関するフローチャートである。
【図２０】同サブ制御メイン処理におけるコマンド演出データセット処理に関する第１フローチャートである。
【図２１】同コマンド演出データセット処理に関する第２フローチャートである。
【図２２】同コマンド演出データセット処理に関する第３フローチャートである。
【図２３】同実施例におけるランプ表示器を用いて複数台で一連の演出を行う場合のタイムチャートである。
【図２４】表示装置を利用して複数台で一連の演出を行う例の画面を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 遊技機
３ 遊技盤
６ 遊技領域
９ 表示装置
１０ 始動口
３５ ランプ表示器
３８ スピーカ
４２ 特別図柄表示部
７０ 主制御回路
８８ 発光体制御回路
９０ 表示制御回路
１２０ 音声制御回路
２００ 遊技用演出装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a place where the gaming machines are installed in a line, an upper part of a so-called “island”, and the like, and a game production system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a game production device, there is known a production device that uses a notification means incorporated in a pachinko game machine or the like. It was controlled according to a specific pattern independent of the game production device, and was performed independently of each other (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-167219 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-253751 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional game effect device, the effect is only performed according to a specific pattern. Therefore, when an effect is started at the same time in the adjacent game effect device, the adjacent game effect device is exactly the same effect. As a production method (visual or auditory, etc.), there were few changes.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in the case where a plurality of game effect devices are arranged side by side, a novel effect that can flow between a plurality of game effect devices is possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game production device and a game production system capable of omitting connection for production control between two game production devices.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention of claim 1 includes a notification means for notifying the gaming state, and a series of effects are performed using the notification means, and when the effect is performed, it is not affected by the gaming state. An effect that is produced by a dependency trigger, a storage unit that stores an effect mode for the series of effects, and an effect that reads the effect mode from the storage unit and controls the series of effects in the notification unit In a game effect device comprising a control means, an effect timing means for starting timing due to the establishment of an effect timing start condition, and at least part of the effect contents between the start and end of the series of effects Production start delay means for delaying the start time by the start delay time measured by the production time measurement means, and a plurality of types of the start delay time are provided. Start delay time selecting means that can arbitrarily select one start delay time in advance from the kind of start delay time, and from the start to the end of the part of the production contents whose start time can be delayed by the effect start delay means A production content extension means for extending the production time by the production content extension time counted by the production timing means, and a plurality of the production content extension times are provided, and the production content extension time is arbitrarily set in advance from the plurality of production content extension times. The present invention is characterized in that an effect content extension time selection means that can be selected and set is provided.
[0007]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the plurality of types of start delay times are set at predetermined time intervals.
[0008]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the plurality of production content extension times are set at predetermined time intervals.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the effect mode is a combination of a plurality of effect content data stored in the effect content data storage means in a set order, and sequentially according to the order. It consists of the structure which starts, and the said content data of the same effect is repeatedly used in multiple times about at least one part in the said aspect.
[0010]
A fifth aspect of the present invention provides the gaming effect device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a non-dependent timing unit that measures time regardless of the gaming state, The time measured by the dependent time measuring means is used.
[0011]
A sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the effect by the notification means is a customer waiting effect that is performed when a game is not being performed.
[0012]
A seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the notification means is a light emitter.
[0013]
An eighth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the notification means is a voice generating device that generates voice.
[0014]
The invention of claim 9 is the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification means is a display device capable of displaying a symbol.
[0015]
The invention of claim 10 is characterized in that, in claim 9, at least a part of the effect content in the effect mode is to scroll the symbol in the left-right direction.
[0016]
The invention of claim 11 relates to a game effect system characterized in that a plurality of game effect devices according to any one of claims 1 to 10 are provided.
[0017]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the start delay time for delaying the start time point of the part of the effect contents by the effect start delay means is different for each of the game effect devices.
[0018]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the start delay time increases or decreases as a plurality of the game effect devices are arranged side by side in the left-right direction from the one end side to the game effect device on the other end side. It is characterized by that.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an entire gaming machine in which a game effect device according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated, omitting nails of a gaming board, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a game effect device incorporated in the gaming machine, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display control circuit of the gaming machine, FIG. Is a block diagram of a light emitter control circuit of the gaming machine, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an audio control circuit of the gaming machine, and FIG. 8 is a game in which a plurality of game effect devices according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged in parallel. It is the schematic for demonstrating a production system.
[0020]
A gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that uses a game ball as a game medium, and an outer guide rail 4 and an inner guide rail 5 of the game ball are erected on the edge of the game board 3 in a substantially circular shape. On the center line of the game area 6 surrounded by the inner guide rail 5, a display device 9, a start port 10, a special prize winning port 15, which is a special electric accessory, and an out port 17 are arranged in order from the upper part to the lower part thereof. On both upper sides of the ramp wind turbines 18a and 18b, below the normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and normal symbol variation start right gate 21, below the left sleeve winning port 23 and right sleeve winning port 25, and further, On both sides of the big winning opening 15, a left dropping winning opening 27 and a right dropping winning opening 29 are arranged. When a game ball wins (enters) the various winning awards (including the start port 10), a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out as prize balls. Note that when the jackpot, which will be detailed later, is opened, a special winning opening 15 is opened, and a special game that makes it easy to win (win) a game ball in the large winning opening 15 is executed. Reference numerals 22a and 22b denote wind turbines, F1 denotes an outer frame, F2 denotes a front frame attached to the outer frame F1, and G denotes a glass frame attached to the front frame F2 by a hinge so as to be opened and closed.
[0021]
Further, on the front side of the gaming machine 1, a lamp indicator 35 comprising a frame decoration upper lamp 35a, a frame decoration right lamp 35b, and a frame decoration left lamp 35c, each of which is composed of an LED or other lamp as a light emitter, An upper ball receiving tray 36 for receiving the played game balls, a lower ball receiving tray 37 for receiving the game balls when the upper ball receiving tray 36 is saturated, a speaker 38 as a sound generating device for generating sound effects, etc. A launching device 64 that shoots and fires a game ball toward the game area 6 in accordance with the launching operation is assembled. Hereinafter, each required part will be further described in detail.
[0022]
The display device 9 corresponds to a display device capable of displaying symbols, and includes a special symbol display unit 42 and a normal symbol display unit 45 incorporated in the lower left. The special symbol display unit 42 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal, a dot matrix, or an LED display device. In this embodiment, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD module). The normal symbol display unit 45 uses a part of the liquid crystal display as a display area.
[0023]
The special symbol display unit 42 has a special symbol display area divided into a left display region, a central display region, and a right display region arranged side by side, and a special symbol for jackpot determination is displayed in the special symbol display region. Is displayed. The left display area is a left special symbol, the middle display area is a middle special symbol, the right display area is a right special symbol, and a variable display and stop display are possible as a special symbol for jackpot determination. . The special symbol display unit 42 notifies the determination of whether or not the game is a big hit with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed. The special symbols displayed in the left display area, the central display area, and the right display area in this embodiment are “0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11”, respectively. 12 types of designs. The special symbol display unit 42 can display a symbol different from the special symbol, for example, another symbol different from the special symbol, a character, a background, a character, etc. in addition to the special symbol. The symbols (character, background, characters, etc.) can be displayed in a variable manner due to a predetermined condition such as the start of the variation of the special symbol.
[0024]
There are a plurality of variation modes such as the variation time of the special symbol, the variation method (for example, variation speed, symbol expansion / contraction, rotation, etc.), the presence / absence of a symbol different from the special symbol, the type, the variation method, etc. Based on one variation mode selected from a plurality of variation modes, the special symbol display unit 42 performs variation display and stop display of the special symbol and the like.
[0025]
The normal symbol display unit 45 can change and display a normal symbol consisting of a symbol or a picture as a small hit determination symbol. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol (small hit determination symbol) displayed on the normal symbol display unit 45 in a varying and stopped manner is 10 of “0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9”. It is a street symbol, and is changed and stopped due to a predetermined condition.
[0026]
The start port 10 corresponds to a big hit start port, and is provided directly below the display device 9 and is a entrance area where a game ball can enter between the tips of the two movable pieces 10a and 10b. The movable pieces 10a and 10b are made substantially vertical by the solenoid for the starting port on the back surface, and the ball entering area is difficult to enter (winning) and is expanded into a substantially V-shaped (reverse C-shaped). It is controlled to be able to change between the ball entering area expansion states that are easy to make (winning). The ball entering area of the starting port 10 is enlarged and displayed at a predetermined stop after a normal symbol (small hit determination symbol) of the normal symbol display unit 45 fluctuates. It is done when is established.
[0027]
In addition, a special symbol variation start switch (starting port sensor) for detecting a gaming ball that has entered (winning) the start opening 10 is provided on the back of the game board 3 in the path for the entering game ball (winning ball). The special symbol display unit 42 starts to change the special symbol by detecting the winning game ball (winning ball). At that time, with respect to the game balls detected by the special symbol variation start switch after the game balls have entered the starting port 10, the number is set to the set upper limit number, and in this embodiment, up to four in the number-of-balls storage means. Remembered. Then, the stored number of entered balls is set as the variation start reservation number, and is displayed on a special symbol variation number storage display 51 including an LED or the like provided on the window frame portion 41 on the outer periphery of the display device 9. The variation start of the special symbol is suspended for the number of times corresponding to the variation start pending number, and the number of display of the special symbol variation number storage display 51 is reduced by the decrease of the variation start pending number due to the variation start of the special symbol. It is like that.
[0028]
The normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21 correspond to a small hitting start port, and a normal symbol variation start for detecting a game ball passing through both the gates 19 and 21 is performed. A random number for determining a small hit of the game is obtained by detecting a game ball with the normal symbol variation start switch, and the normal symbol display unit 45 starts normal symbol variation. . The number of normal symbol variation start generated by the game ball passing through the normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21 is stored up to four times, and is displayed at the lower right of the game board 3. It is displayed on the normal symbol variation number storage display 47 located. The left sleeve winning port 23 and the right sleeve winning port 25 include a left sleeve winning port detection switch and a right sleeve winning port detection switch for detecting a winning ball (game ball). 27 and a right drop winning opening 29 are provided with a left drop winning opening detection switch and a right falling winning opening detection switch for detecting a winning ball (entering game ball) on the back of the corresponding game board.
[0029]
The special prize opening 15 includes an opening / closing plate 61 that is opened and closed by a special prize opening opening solenoid on the back of the game board. The big prize opening 15 is normally in a state in which the opening / closing plate 61 is closed, and a part of the big prize opening 15 is opened when the big prize opening 15 is opened so as to be able to win (win). Specific area winning opening 63 is provided. Further, the specific area winning opening 63 is provided with an open / close door (not shown) that is opened and closed by a specific area opening solenoid in a predetermined condition. The specific area winning opening 63 is provided with a specific winning ball detection switch (specific area sensor) for detecting a winning ball (entering game ball) to the specific area winning opening 63, and a big winning is obtained by detecting the winning ball. The right to continue opening the mouth 15 is established. A winning ball count switch (count sensor) for detecting a winning ball that has won the big winning port 15 and has not won the specific area winning port 63 is provided in the approximate center of the big winning port 15. ing.
[0030]
The launching device 64 is configured so that the launching motor inside the gaming machine is actuated by the operation of the operation lever 65, so that the game ball is ejected. The launch ball fired by the launch device 64 is guided to the game area 6 through a launch ball guide path formed between the outer guide rail 4 and the inner guide rail 5 erected on the game board surface. It has become. The game ball guided to the game area 6 by the shooting ball guide path falls while rolling and wins (enters) the start port 10 or each winning port, or wins (wins) anywhere. If it is not a ball, it is configured to be discharged from the out port 17 to the back side of the game board 3. The gaming machine 1 of this example is connected to a play-paid card unit 66, and a ball lending operation is performed by a ball lending operation unit 67 at the lower center of the front surface of the gaming machine 1.
[0031]
In addition, in the present invention, a series of effects are performed using the notification means separately from the change display and stop display of the special symbol due to winning (winning) at the start opening 10. . The production is performed by an after-mentioned non-dependent opportunity that does not depend on the gaming state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the non-dependent opportunity occurs and the game machine 1 is not playing a game, that is, in a so-called customer waiting state, the notification means is used as a customer waiting effect. It has come to be. When the game is not being performed (when waiting for a customer), regardless of whether or not a game ball is being fired by the launching device 64, there is no winning (ball entry) to the start port 10 and the special When the special symbol is not changed on the symbol display unit 42, when the jackpot is not notified by the notification means, or when the jackpot is not being played (special game is not being played).
[0032]
As a notification means used for the series of effects, a light emitter (in this embodiment, a lamp display 35), a display device that can display symbols (in this embodiment, a special symbol display unit 42 of the display device 9), or At least one of the sound generators (speaker 38 in this embodiment) can be mentioned.
[0033]
The series of effects is of a type corresponding to the notification means, and is configured in an effect mode in which a plurality of effect content data are combined in a setting order and sequentially started according to the setting order. For example, in an effect using the light emitter (lamp indicator 35), an effect mode is configured by combining effect content data to be turned off and lighting content data to be turned on, or the sound generating device (speaker 38) is configured. In the effect to be used, effect content data that generates loud sound, effect content data that generates small sound, and silence effect content data are combined to form an effect mode, or the display device (special symbol display unit 42). In the production using, an example can be given in which a production mode is configured by combining a plurality of production content data composed of a design obtained by dividing a horizontally long design into a plurality of designs. Of course, it is not limited to those production contents. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a case where a presentation is performed using a notification means including a lamp indicator 35 as the light emitter.
[0034]
A plurality of control circuits and devices for controlling the game are provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 shows the back side of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing electric control of the gaming machine. As the main control circuit, a main control circuit 70, a display control circuit 90, a light emitter control circuit 88, a payout control circuit 110, an audio control circuit 120, and the like are shown. The main control circuit 70 corresponds to main control means. On the other hand, the display control 90, the light emitter control circuit 88, and the sound control circuit 120 receive signals from the main control means (main control circuit 70). It receives and performs control, and corresponds to sub-control means. Reference numeral 68 in FIG. 2 is a storage tank for game balls, 69 is a tank rail for guiding the game balls, 82 is a total number changeover switch, and 83 is a self-number recognition switch.
[0035]
Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, at least one of the main control means (main control circuit 70) and the effect control means (light emitter control circuit 88, display control circuit 90, audio control circuit 120). And a notification means (consisting of at least one of a light emitter (lamp indicator 35), a display device (special symbol display unit 42), and a sound generator (speaker 38)), and the total number of units. The game effect device 200 is configured by the changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 3, the main control circuit 70 includes a CPU 72 that performs a control operation according to a program, a RAM 73 that functions as a work memory for the CPU 72, and a ROM 74 that stores a game control program. It comprises I / O (input / output) buses 75 and 76 that connect the one-chip computer 71 and the display control circuit 90, an output port 77, a driver 78, a buffer gate 79, an interface 80, and the like.
[0037]
The CPU 72 includes a control unit, a calculation unit, various registers, various flags, etc., and performs calculation control, as well as generation of random values used for game control, such as generation of jackpots (special game state) by special symbols, Random numbers that determine the occurrence of small hits (enlargement of the entrance area of the start opening 10) by normal symbols, and further, control signals (commands) for sub-control means such as the display control circuit 90 and other control devices, such as customer waiting effect commands, etc. Is generated.
[0038]
The RAM 73 is a storage area for the detection signal of the special symbol variation start switch and the detection signal of the normal symbol variation start switch, a storage area for various random numbers generated by the CPU 72, a storage area and a flag for temporarily storing various data. The CPU 72 has a work area, corresponds to the number-of-balls storage means, and stores the number of game balls that enter the start port 10. In addition to the game control program, control data, and control signals (commands) written in the ROM 74, the jackpot and jackpot judgment values are written, and the plurality of variation modes are stored. ing.
[0039]
In addition, the one-chip microcomputer 71 periodically receives an initial reset circuit that initializes various control information when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and a game control program stored in the ROM 74 of the one-chip microcomputer 71 ( In this example, a periodic reset circuit that is executed every 2 msec) is provided.
[0040]
A control signal (command) output from the main control circuit 70 controls various sub-control means and devices via the I / O bus 75, output port 77, and driver 78. That is, the driver 78 is connected to the start port 10, the prize winning port 15, the information output circuit 83, etc., and the output port 77 is connected to the display control circuit 90, the light emitter control circuit 88, and the audio control circuit 120. An audio control circuit 120 is connected to the I / O bus 75. The information output circuit 83 is connected to a hall management device 84 which is a host computer, and outputs various game information such as jackpot information, symbol confirmation information, probability variation information, and the like.
[0041]
The display control circuit 90 receives control signals (commands) from the main control circuit 70 regarding variation modes (variation of special symbols and other symbols, stop, etc.), stop symbols, symbol stop, variation stop preparation, various other gaming states, and effects. ), And performs a predetermined display control process based on the received control signal, the special symbol display unit 42 connected to the display control circuit 90, the normal symbol display unit 45, Control of the normal symbol variation number storage display 47, the special symbol variation number storage indicator 51 and the like, and when performing the series of effects using the special symbol display unit 42, effect control means, This corresponds to production start delay means and production content extension means.
[0042]
The display control circuit 90 has the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and includes a program for displaying the special symbol in the special symbol display unit 42 in a variable display and a fixed stop display, and a normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 45 in a variable display. A display control program for stopping display, a control data ROM 92 for storing control data such as a rendering mode when performing a series of renderings on the special symbol display unit 42, and a variation mode sent from the main control circuit 70 Control data RAM 93 for temporarily storing data, data for special symbols, data for other symbols (including characters, characters, backgrounds, etc.), and a plurality of effect content data, etc. when performing the series of effects. In accordance with control signals (commands) from the image data ROM 96 and the main control circuit 70, the control data ROM 92 and the control data RAM 93 are controlled. Data (including the data of the effect mode when a series of effects are performed on the special symbol display unit 42) is read and calculated according to the read data and the information of the total number changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83. CPU for display control (control unit, arithmetic unit, various control units, arithmetic unit, various registers, various flags, etc., in addition to performing arithmetic control and generating random numbers used for game control and receiving 91, which functions as data determination means), necessary image data from the image data ROM 96 on the basis of a command from the display control CPU 91 (in the case of performing a series of effects on the special symbol display unit 42, the contents of the effects) VDP 94 for generating map data such as the special symbol and background, and the data generated by the VDP 94 Consisting paid to VRAM95 and initial reset circuit 98. The control data ROM 92 corresponds to storage means for storing the effect mode in the present invention when a series of effects are performed on the special symbol display section 42, and the image data ROM 96 is effect content data storage means in the present invention. It corresponds to. The RGB control data from the VDP 94 of the display control circuit 90 is transmitted (output) to the special symbol display unit 42, the normal symbol display unit 45, etc., and the special symbol display unit 42 displays a change and stop display of special symbols and a series. In addition, the normal symbol display unit 45 performs normal symbol change and stop display.
[0043]
The light emitter control circuit 88 is connected to the lamp indicator 35 (frame ornament upper lamp 35a, frame ornament right lamp 35b, frame ornament left lamp 35c) as a light emitter, and the light control mode command is sent from the main control circuit 70. Is selected, the light emission mode is selected, data is set, and the light emission of the lamp indicator 35 is controlled. As shown in FIG. 6, the light emitter control circuit 88 causes the lamp indicator 35 to emit light, so that the control data (control data of the effect mode when the lamp indicator 35 performs the series of effects). And control data ROM 881 for storing the plurality of effect content data), control data RAM 882 for temporarily storing the lamp emission mode sent from the main control circuit 70, and the control based on the control signal from the main control circuit 70. Lamp control for calculating and controlling in accordance with the control data (including the control data of the effect mode and the plurality of effect content data) read from the data ROM 881 and the control data RAM 882 and the information of the total number changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83 CPU 883, and a command based on the command from lamp control CPU 883 Light emission control circuit 884 controls the light emission, and a initial reset circuit 885 or the like. The signal output from the light emission control circuit 884 is input to a lamp display (light emitter) 35, and the lamp display 35 emits light based on the input signal. When the lamp display 35 is used to perform the series of effects, the light emitter control circuit 88 corresponds to effect control means, effect start delay means, and effect content extension means. The control data ROM 881 corresponds to storage means for storing the effect mode and effect content data storage means in the present invention.
[0044]
The payout control circuit 110 controls payout of game media (prize balls or rental balls) by a game media payout device (not shown).
[0045]
The voice control circuit 120 is connected to a speaker 38 as a voice generation device. When a voice control command is received from the main control circuit 70, the voice control circuit 120 performs BGM selection or voice selection, sets data, and controls voice. Do. As shown in FIG. 7, the sound control circuit 120 generates sound from the speaker 38, and therefore includes control data (in the case where a series of effects are performed by the speaker 38, the control data of the effect mode is included). Control data ROM 121 for storing the sound, control data RAM 122 for temporarily storing the sound generation mode sent from the main control circuit 70, data such as various sounds, BGM, etc. Control data read from the control data ROM 121 and the control data RAM 122 based on the control signal from the main control circuit 70 (when the speaker 38 performs a series of effects). Includes the data of the production mode), the total number changeover switch 82, the self-number recognition switch. The voice control CPU 123 performs calculation and control according to the information of 83, and the necessary data from the voice data ROM 124 based on the command from the voice control CPU 123 (the effect content data when the speaker 38 performs a series of effects. A voice synthesis circuit 125 for synthesizing voice generated from the speaker 38, an amplifier 126 for amplifying voice data from the voice synthesis circuit and generating the voice data from the speaker 38, an initial reset circuit 127, and the like. Prepare. The converted audio signal is input to the speaker 38, and the speaker 38 generates audio based on the signal from the audio control circuit 120. When performing the series of effects using the speaker 38, the sound control circuit 120 corresponds to effect control means, effect start delay means, and effect content extension means, and the control data ROM 121 of the sound control circuit 120 is The sound data ROM 124 corresponds to the effect content data storage means in the present invention.
[0046]
The total number changeover switch 82 is used to set a production content extension time, which will be described later, and corresponds to a production content extension time selection means. The total number changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83 are described later. It is used to set the start delay time and corresponds to the start delay time selection means. In this embodiment, the total number changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83 are each configured by a known dip switch, and the ON state with the switch knob up is 1 and the OFF state with the switch down is 0. A numerical value is input by a binary operation. The total number changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83 are connected to the display control circuit 90, the light emitter control circuit 88, and the voice control circuit 120.
[0047]
The total number changeover switch 82 sets the number of game effect devices 200 (in the present embodiment, the same as the number of game machines 1) for performing game effects in relation to each other, and an extended time corresponding to the number of games. Is a changeover switch for setting That is, when configuring a game effect system for a group of game effect devices composed of a plurality of game effect devices, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of game machines in which the game effect device 200 is incorporated. 1 is arranged in a line on the left and right on the island of the game store, and when the related game effects are performed on all the game effect devices 200 (game machines 1) arranged in the line, When the total number of units in the entire row (5 in the example shown in the figure) is set, and when it is intended to perform a game effect for a part of the number, the value of the target number is set. Is set.
[0048]
On the other hand, the self-number recognition switch 83 recognizes the number (order) of its own game effect device 200 (game machine 1) in the game effect system for the game effect device group, and according to its own number. This is a switch for setting the start delay time. In the present embodiment, the game effect device 200 (game machine 1) located at the left end is numbered 1, and the number is increased in order toward the right side. FIG. 9 is a setting example of the total number changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83. As shown in the figure, the total number changeover switch 82 is set to the same numerical value (5 in the figure), and the self-number recognition switch 83 is set to the self-number value in each stand. Is set. It should be noted that the setting of the total number changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83 does not need to be set again unless the number of units is changed or the order of the units is changed. If it is desired to change and set the production content extension time, it can be arbitrarily changed and selected by the switch.
[0049]
The interface 80 of the main control circuit 70 is connected to a special symbol variation start switch, a normal symbol variation start switch, a specific winning ball detection switch, a winning ball count switch, and other winning port detection switches. A detection signal output from a detection switch or the like is transmitted to the one-chip microcomputer 71 via the interface 80.
[0050]
In addition, the main control circuit 70 is connected to a power supply circuit 87, a launch control circuit 100 for controlling the launch of the game ball by the launch device 64, and a payout control circuit 110 for controlling the payout of the game ball. ing.
[0051]
As a plurality of random number counters (random numbers) provided in the main control circuit 70, there are those shown in Table 1 in this embodiment. The random number counter is not limited to that shown in Table 1, and an appropriate random number counter may be provided. The contents of the random number counter in Table 1 are as follows.
[0052]
[Table 1]

[0053]
The label-TRND-A is used as a jackpot determination means for determining a jackpot that is a transition to a special game (a jackpot game) that is a game advantageous to the player. The numerical value Q1 of the label-TRND-A starts from “0” when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is incremented by 1 every predetermined time (2 msec in this example). When the numerical value reaches “629”, The value is rewritten to “0” to repeat the addition. The numerical value Q1 of the label-TRND-A is acquired when the game ball enters the start port 10 and is detected by the special symbol variation start switch, and is a jackpot value determined in advance, which is usually in this embodiment. Contrast with '5' and '500' in the probability state (low probability state), and in the high probability state (probability variation state) '5', '50', '100', '200', It is judged whether or not it is a big hit by comparing with “300”, “350”, 400 ”,“ 450 ”,“ 500 ”,“ 600 ”.
[0054]
The label-TRND-R1 is used for determining whether or not reach variation is determined to determine whether or not the reach variation through the reach state occurs when the jackpot determination result by the label-TRND-A is out of the range. The reach variation is a variable display mode in which a specific symbol mode, that is, a combination of jackpots, is easily displayed in a stage before the fixed symbol display is started after the special symbol display unit 42 starts variably displaying. This is a variation method that goes through a reach state that makes the player think that the player has reached. As one of the reach states, only the display area for displaying the final stop symbol is left among the display areas of the special symbol display unit 42, and the special symbols are combined in a specific combination (for example, the same) in the remaining two display areas. A case where the display is stopped so as to be a symbol) can be given. In this example, after the special symbol display unit 42 starts variably displaying in the special symbol display unit 42, in a stage before the fixed stop display is performed, only the central display region is left, and the symbols are displayed in a specific combination in the remaining two display regions ( For example, the case where the display is stopped so as to be the same symbol) is set as the reach state.
[0055]
The label-TRND-R1 starts from “0” when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is incremented by 1 every predetermined time (2 msec). When the numerical value reaches “49”, it is rewritten to “0” next. The above addition is repeated. The numerical value Q2 of the label-TRND-R1 is acquired when the entrance to the starting port 10 is detected by the special symbol variation start switch, and when the jackpot determination result is out, the numerical value is determined in advance. The reach change is determined by comparing with the reach establishment value. In this embodiment, when the jackpot determination result by the label-TRND-A is a jackpot, the reach state is always established, so the label-TRND-R1 is not used.
[0056]
The label-TRND-T1 is used to determine a variation mode (variation modes 1 to 7 in this embodiment) that determines a variation time, a variation method, and the like of the special symbol in the special symbol display unit 42. The value Q3 of the label-TRND-T1 starts from “0” when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is incremented by 1 every predetermined time (2 msec). The above addition is repeated again by rewriting to '. The numerical value of the label-TRND-T1 is acquired when a ball entering the start port 10 is detected by the special symbol variation start switch.
[0057]
The label-TRND-AZ1 determines a confirmed jackpot stop symbol combination (a jackpot display mode) that is fixedly stopped in the left display area, the central display area, and the right display area of the special symbol display unit 42 when the jackpot is established. is there. The numerical value Q4 of the label-TRND-AZ1 starts from “0” when the power is turned on and is incremented by “1” every predetermined time (2 msec). When reaching “11”, it is rewritten to “0” next. The addition is repeated. The numerical value of the label -TRND-AZ1 is acquired when the ball entering the starting port 10 is detected by the special symbol variation start switch. A jackpot stop symbol combination corresponding to each numerical value is assigned in advance to the numerical value of the label-TRND-AZ1. In the embodiment, when the numerical value of the label-TRND-AZ1 is “0”, it is “0, 0, 0” which is “0, 0, 0”, and when it is “1”, “1, 1, 1”. 1 slot, 2 for 2 and 2 for 2; 3 for 3, 3 for 3, 3 Like the eyes, each of the numbers is a jackpot stop symbol combination.
[0058]
Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is a model having a probability variation function, and the jackpot stop symbol combination when the jackpot is established is a probable variation symbol '1', '3', '5', '7', ' In the case of an odd number of 9 'and' 11 ', in addition to the occurrence of jackpot (special game), probability fluctuation occurs after the jackpot ends, and the next jackpot occurrence probability is the normal game state in normal times It shifts to a probability fluctuation state (high probability state, 5/315) higher than (low probability state, 1/315), and the high probability state continues until the next jackpot. Also, when the jackpot stop symbol combination at the time of jackpot establishment is an even number of any of '0', '2', '4', '6', '8', '10' which is a normal symbol After the jackpot, the normal gaming state (low probability state, 1/315) is set, and the low probability state continues until the next jackpot.
[0059]
The labels -TRND-B1 to B3 are used for determining an out symbol combination (out-of-display mode) to be confirmed and stopped on the special symbol display unit 42 when the jackpot determination result by the label -TRND-A is out. Is. The numerical value Q5 of the label-TRND-B1 is the left special symbol of the left display area, the numerical value Q6 of the label-TRND-B2 is the special right symbol of the right display area, and the numerical value Q7 of the label-TRND-B3 is the central display area (final stop) It corresponds to the medium special symbol (final stop special symbol) respectively.
[0060]
The numerical value of the label-TRND-B1 starts from “0” when the power is turned on, and is incremented by “1” every predetermined time (2 msec). When it reaches “11”, it is rewritten to “0” and then rewritten again. The addition is repeated. The value of the label-TRND-B2 starts from “0” when the power is turned on, and is incremented by “1” when the value of the label-TRND-B1 is rewritten to “0”. Then, it is rewritten to “0” and the addition is repeated again. Further, the label-TRND-B3 starts from “0” when the power is turned on, and is incremented by “1” when the numerical value of the label-TRND-B2 is rewritten to “0”, and reaches “11”. Then, it is rewritten to “0” and the addition is repeated again. Thereby, even if the numerical ranges of the labels -TRND-B1 to B3 are the same, it is possible to avoid that the numerical values of the labels -TRND-B1 to B3 are synchronized (added in the same combination).
[0061]
The labels -TRND-B1 to B3 are 0 when each numerical value of the labels -TRND-B1 to B3 is "0", 1 is "1", and 2 is "2". Are set as the fixed stop display symbols displayed in the left display area, right display area, and central display area of the special symbol display section 42 when the game is off. And each time a ball is detected by the special symbol variation start switch, a combination of numerical values acquired from the labels -TRND-B1 to B3, the left display region of the special symbol display unit 42, the central display region, The fixed stop symbol displayed in the right display area is determined.
[0062]
The obtained random number values of Q1 to Q7 are stored in the corresponding areas in the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70, and are used sequentially.
[0063]
The label -TRND-H is for determining a normal symbol (small hit determination symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 45 and determining a small hit (normal symbol hit). When the gaming machine 1 is turned on, , “1” is added every predetermined time (2 msec) starting from “0”, and when “9” is reached, it is rewritten to “0” and the addition is repeated again. The numerical value Q8 of this label-TRND-H is obtained every time the game ball that has passed through the normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21 is detected by the normal symbol variation start switch. Up to four are stored in the normal symbol value storage area of the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70.
[0064]
In addition, a normal symbol (small hit determination symbol) corresponding to each numerical value is assigned in advance to the numerical value Q8 of the label-TRND-H. In the embodiment, when the obtained random number value of the label -TRND-H is “1”, the normal symbol (small hit determination symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 45 becomes “1”, etc. The acquired random number value of H is assigned as a normal symbol (small hit determination symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 45 as it is.
[0065]
In this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal symbol is ½. Specifically, when the acquired random number Q8 of the label-TRND-H is an odd number, a small hit is formed, The symbol is also stopped at the winning symbol, and in the normal gaming state, the entrance area of the starting port 10 is expanded once for 0.5 seconds, and in the high probability gaming state, the entrance area of the starting port 10 is expanded for 1.7 seconds three times. To do. In addition, the acquired random number Q8 of the label-TRND-H is not a small hit in other cases, and the normal symbol is also stopped when it is out of place, so that the starting port 10 is kept in a state where the entrance area is narrow. .
[0066]
Further, as main flags provided in the main control circuit 70, in this embodiment, a jackpot (special game) flag A1, a reach flag R1, a probability variation flag B1, a customer waiting set flag C1, and the like can be cited. These flags are all set to 0 at the initial setting.
[0067]
Here, a description will be given of a game in the gaming machine 1 and a customer waiting effect performed in the customer waiting state. When the game balls launched toward the game area 6 by the launching device 64 are won (entered) in the various winning holes (including the starting port 10), a predetermined number of gaming balls are used as upper balls in the upper ball tray. It is paid out to 36.
[0068]
When a game ball passes through one of the normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21 and is detected by the normal symbol variation start switch, the main control circuit 70 is entered. A spherical signal is sent, and accordingly, the numerical value (Q8) of the label-TRND-H of the main control circuit 70 is acquired, and the acquired random number value is temporarily stored in the normal symbol numerical value storage area of the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70. Is done. Then, based on the stored numerical value, a small winning (ordinary symbol winning) determination is performed, and a control signal (command) is transmitted (output) from the main control circuit 70 to the display control circuit 90 based on the determination. Is done. Further, the normal symbol starts to change in the normal symbol display unit 45 based on the transmitted control signal, and in the case of the small hit (per normal symbol), the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 45 Stopping at the symbol, in this example, stopping at an odd number, the movable pieces 10a, 10b of the starting port 10 are expanded to enter the above-mentioned entrance area expansion state, and it becomes easy for a game ball to enter. When a game ball enters the start port 10, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls.
[0069]
In addition, when a game ball enters the start port 10 and a game ball (winning ball) is detected by the special symbol variation start switch, a ball (winning) signal is sent to the main control circuit 70. Accordingly, various values (Q1 to Q7) of the main control circuit 70 such as label-TRND-A, label-TRND-R1, label-TRND-T1, label-TRND-AZ1, label-TRND-B1 to B3, etc. And the obtained random number value is temporarily stored in a corresponding storage area of the RAM 73 in the main control circuit 70. Then, based on each stored numerical value, determination of jackpot, determination of presence / absence of reach variation, determination of variation mode, determination of stop symbol combination, etc. are performed, and the special symbol display unit 42 performs left special symbol, middle special symbol, etc. The right special symbol starts to fluctuate in the vertical direction in accordance with the decided variation mode. The special symbol display unit 42 also displays characters, background symbols, and the like corresponding to the type of the determined variation mode.
[0070]
Furthermore, the number of balls entered into the starting port 10 is stored in the RAM (ball number storage means) 73 of the main control circuit 70 up to a set upper limit number (four in this embodiment), and the number of balls entered The special symbol variation number storage display 51 is lit and displayed in the number corresponding to the number. The stored number of entered balls and the number of lighting of the special symbol variation number storage display 51 are reduced every time the variation starts, and the number of remaining stored balls is set as the variation start pending number of the special symbol. The
[0071]
After the start of the variation of the special symbol, the special symbol stops after the variation time set in the variation mode or the shortened variation time, and the stop symbol is fixedly displayed. In this example, the special symbols start to fluctuate simultaneously in the left display area, the central display area, and the right display area of the special symbol display unit 42, and the special symbols in the order of the left display area, the right display area, and the central display area. Stops changing and the stop symbol is fixedly displayed. At that time, depending on the obtained random number value of the label-TRND-R1, an effect display accompanied by the reach variation may be performed, and after the reach state, the special symbol may be finally stopped and fixedly displayed.
[0072]
If the special symbol stopped and displayed in the special symbol display unit 42 is a jackpot stop symbol combination that is a specific combination according to the acquired random number value of the label-TRND-AZ1, in this example, it is a jackpot, Transition to the special game state. The probability of winning a jackpot at the time of initial setting is set to 1/315 of the normal probability state (low probability state). In the special gaming state, the open / close plate 61 of the grand prize opening 15 is opened to receive the game ball falling on the surface of the gaming area 6, enabling winning (winning) to the big prize opening 15, When there is a prize at the big prize opening 15, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls by a prize ball payout device (not shown). The opening / closing plate 61 is closed after a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed or when the number of winning balls detected by the winning ball count switch reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). Yes. The number of winning balls detected by the winning ball count switch is displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 as a number from 0 to 10 or as a bar graph.
[0073]
Further, when the specific winning ball detection switch detects the winning ball to the specific area winning port within about 2 seconds after the large winning port 15 is opened or within a period of about 2 seconds after the closing of the large winning port 15, the big win is repeated again. The right is generated and the opening / closing plate 61 is repeatedly opened a predetermined maximum number of times (for example, a maximum of 15 or 13 times).
[0074]
At the time of the jackpot, the jackpot stop symbol combination is an odd number of any one of '1', '3', '5', '7', '9', and '11', which is a probable variation symbol Sometimes, after the jackpot is over, the high probability state occurs, and until the next jackpot occurrence, the probability of jackpot occurrence is higher than the normal probability (low probability state, 1/315) (probability state, 5/315) Migrate to
[0075]
When a normal symbol is hit in the probability variation state (high probability state), the winning area expansion number of the start port 10 is increased from normal 1 to 3 times, and the winning area expansion time is increased to a normal 0.3 second. From 1.7 to 1.7 seconds.
[0076]
In addition, when a non-dependent event described later that does not depend on the gaming state occurs in a state where the game is not being performed, that is, a so-called customer waiting state, the notification means, that is, the lamp display 35 and the special display device 9 A series of effects is performed as a customer waiting effect using at least one of the symbol display unit 42 and the speaker 38. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case where a plurality of gaming machines 1 in which the game effect device 200 is incorporated are installed in a horizontal row in the left-right direction, all of them are in a waiting state for customers, and are in a gaming state. When a non-independent trigger occurs, a series of effects are performed on all units. At that time, the start of the series is delayed by a predetermined start delay time in order from the first gaming machine 1 at the left end to the last gaming machine 1 at the right end, for example. It is done to flow from right to left. Specifically, from the first game machine 1 at the left end to the last game machine 1 at the right end, the lighting start of the lamp display 35 is sequentially delayed by a predetermined start delay time, thereby causing the left end From the first gaming machine 1 at the left end to the last gaming machine 1 at the right end, the special symbol display unit 42 of the display device (what is said special symbol?) The display start of the different symbols) is delayed by a predetermined start delay time, so that the symbols move from the left end to the right end, or from the first gaming machine 1 on the left end to the last gaming machine 1 on the right end An example can be given in which the start of generation from the speaker 38 is sequentially delayed by a predetermined start delay time, thereby producing a sound that moves from the left end to the right end. Note that in the plurality of gaming machines 1, the series of effects are not performed for the gaming machines 1 in which a game is being performed, and the series of effects are performed only for the gaming machines 1 in which no game is being performed. Further, the contents of a series of effects from the left end to the right end are started again from the left end and are repeated during the waiting state.
[0077]
Next, processing executed by the main control circuit 70 will be described. The CPU 72 of the main control circuit 70 performs main processing M according to each program stored in the ROM 74 of the main control circuit 70 at every predetermined interrupt time (2 msec in this example). FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the main process M.
[0078]
In the main process M, it is first determined whether or not the current power is turned on (S10). When the power is turned on this time, an initial setting process (S20) is performed.
[0079]
In the initial setting process (S20), stack setting, interrupt time setting (2 msec in this example), CPU setting, SIO, PIO, CTC setting, and the like are performed. The main process M is repeatedly performed at every interruption time. However, the initial setting process (S20) is a process necessary only when the power is turned on, and is executed only in the first round and is not executed thereafter. The process proceeds to the next output process (S30).
[0080]
In the output process (S30), if there is output command data in the command buffer (not shown) of the one-chip microcomputer 71 in the main control circuit 70, the output command data is displayed in the corresponding sub-control means (display control circuit 90). , The light emitter control circuit 88, the sound control circuit 120, etc.). Examples of commands include a variation mode command, a stop symbol command command, a symbol stop command, a customer waiting effect command, and the like.
[0081]
In input processing (S40), input processing is performed when various sensors detect signals. The sensor includes an ordinary symbol variation start switch (ordinary symbol gate sensor) for detecting the passing of the game symbol of the normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21, and the ball that has won the start opening 10. A special symbol variation start switch (starting opening sensor) for detecting a winning ball, a winning ball count switch (count sensor) for detecting a winning ball in the large winning opening 15, a specific winning ball detection switch (specific area sensor), and the like. it can.
[0082]
In the random number update process (S50), each numerical value Q1 of the label-TRND-A, the label-TRND-R1, the label-TRND-T1, the label-TRND-AZ1, the label-TRND-B1 to B3, and the label-TRND-H Update is repeated for ~ Q8. This random number update process (S50) is always performed once every execution time of the main process M (every 2 msec). The updated numerical value of each counter is temporarily stored in a random number storage area corresponding to each counter of the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70. For label-TRND-B2 and label-TRND-B3, numerical values are added at the timing related to label-TRND-B1, as described above, and stored in the random number storage area of RAM 73, respectively. Yes.
[0083]
Next, it is confirmed whether or not a winning of the starting port 10 is detected by a special symbol variation start switch (starting port sensor) (S60). When a winning at the start port 10 is detected, a random number acquisition process is subsequently performed (S70), and the various updated random number values Q1 to Q7 stored in the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70 are read out. And is stored in the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70. If it is determined in S60 that there is no winning at the starting port 10, the random number acquisition process (S70) is not performed, and the process jumps to the next determination condition establishment determination (S80). The numerical value Q8 of the normal symbol determination / ordinary symbol determination label -TRND-H is a normal symbol as the game ball passes through the normal symbol variation start left gate 19 and the normal symbol variation start right gate 21. Acquired when detected by the fluctuation start switch.
[0084]
In the determination of whether or not the determination condition is satisfied (S80), it is confirmed whether or not the big hit determination condition is satisfied. The fact that the jackpot winning / failing determination condition is satisfied means that the special game is not currently being executed or that the special symbol is not changing. When it is determined that the jackpot winning / failing determination condition is satisfied, the jackpot winning / failing determining process (S90), the reach presence / absence determining process (S100), the fixed stop special symbol determining process (S110), the variation mode determining process (S130), A customer waiting effect setting process (S150) and the like are executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S80 that the jackpot determination condition is not satisfied, the process jumps to the customer waiting effect setting process (S150).
[0085]
In the jackpot determination process (S90), as shown in FIG. 11, first, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation flag B1 is 1 (S91). If the probability variation flag B1 is not 1 but 0, that is, a low probability state. At the time (1/315), the acquired random number value Q1 of the label -TRND-A is compared with '5' and '500' which are jackpot values (S92), and the acquired random number value Q1 is any of the jackpot values If this is the case, the jackpot flag A1 is set to 1, and the jackpot flag A1 (= 1) is stored in the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70 (S93). On the other hand, when the probability variation flag B1 is 1, that is, in the high probability state (5/315), the obtained random number value Q1 is a jackpot value “5”, “50”, “100”, “200”, Contrast with “300”, “350”, “400”, “450”, “500”, “600” (S94), if the acquired random number value Q1 matches any of the jackpot numbers, a jackpot flag is set. A1 is set to 1 and the jackpot flag A1 (= 1) is stored in the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70 (S93).
[0086]
In the reach presence / absence determination process (S100), the special symbol display unit 42 determines whether or not a reach state is reached. As shown in FIG. 12, in the reach determination process (S100), it is confirmed whether or not the big hit flag A1 is 1 (S101). The stored acquired random number value Q2 of TRND-R1 is read, and it is determined whether or not the acquired random number value Q2 is '24' or '49' (S102). If the acquired random value Q2 is not “24” or “49”, it is determined that there is no reach. On the other hand, when the obtained random number Q2 is “24” or “49”, it is determined that there is a reach, the reach flag R1 is set to 1, and the reach flag R1 (= 1) is set in the main control circuit 70. It is stored in the RAM 73 (S103). Further, when the jackpot flag A1 is 1 in S101, that is, when the jackpot (special game execution is possible), it is determined that there is a reach, the reach flag R1 is set to 1, and the reach flag is set. R1 (= 1) is stored in the RAM 73 of the main control circuit 70 (S103).
[0087]
In the fixed stop special symbol determination process (S110), the special symbol to be fixed (final) stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is determined based on the jackpot winning / failing determination process (S90). As shown in FIG. 13, in the fixed stop special symbol determination process (S110), first, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the jackpot flag A1 is 1 (S111). When the value of A1 is determined to be 1, that is, when the jackpot (special game execution is possible), the stored acquired random number value Q4 of the label -TRND-AZ1 is read and predetermined with respect to the acquired random number value Q4 The combination of the displayed symbols is determined as a confirmed jackpot symbol combination that is confirmed and stopped on the special symbol display unit 42 (S112).
[0088]
On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot flag A1 is not 1 in S111, that is, if the value is confirmed to be 0 and determined to be out, the stored and acquired random values Q5 to Q7 of the labels -TRND-B1 to B3 are determined. Is read out and it is determined whether or not the obtained random number values Q5 to Q7 match (S113). If the obtained random number values Q5 to Q7 match, it is determined whether or not there is a reach (reach out of reach). It is confirmed whether or not the reach flag R1 is 1 (S114). If it is determined that there is no reach, the obtained random number value Q6 of the label-TRND-B2 (for the lower special symbol) is incremented by 1, and this value is added to the obtained random number values Q5, Q7 of the labels-TRND-B1, B3. On the other hand, the predetermined symbol is determined as an off symbol that is fixedly stopped and displayed in the left display area, the central display area, and the right display area of the special symbol display section 42 (S115). On the other hand, if it is determined in S104 that there is a reach, the obtained random number value Q7 of the label-TRND-B3 (for the medium special symbol) is incremented by 1, and the obtained random number value of the labels-TRND-B1, B2 is added. Symbols determined in advance for Q5 and Q6 are determined as out-of-sequence symbols to be confirmed and stopped in each display area (S116).
[0089]
If at least one of the obtained random numbers Q5 to Q7 of the labels -TRND-B1 to B3 is a different numerical value in S113, the obtained random number Q5 of the label -TRND-B1 and the label -TRND-B2 It is determined whether or not the acquired random number value Q6 matches (S117). If both values match, it is further determined whether or not there is a reach (S118). When there is no reach, the obtained random number value Q6 of the label-TRND-B2 is incremented by 1, and the predetermined pattern for the obtained random number values Q5, Q7 of the labels-TRND-B1, B3 is It is determined as an off symbol to be confirmed and stopped in each display area (S115). On the other hand, if there is a reach, the symbols predetermined for the acquired random numbers Q5 to Q7 of the labels -TRND-B1 to B3 are determined as outliers that are fixedly stopped and displayed in each display area (S119).
[0090]
Further, if the acquired random value Q5 of the label-TRND-B1 and the acquired random value Q6 of the label-TRND-B2 do not match in S107, it is subsequently determined whether or not there is a reach (S120). When it is determined that there is a reach, the acquired random value Q6 of the label -TRND-B2 is forcibly changed to the same numerical value as the acquired random value Q5 of the label -TRND-B1, and the label -TRND-B3 The acquired random number value Q7 is forcibly changed to a value obtained by adding 1 to the acquired random number value Q5 of the label-TRND-B1, and these numerical values and the acquired random value Q5 of the label-TRND-B1 are determined in advance. The symbol is determined as a deviated symbol that is confirmed and stopped in each display area (S121). On the other hand, if it is determined in S119 that there is no reach, the symbols predetermined for the acquired random numbers Q5 to Q7 of the labels -TRND-B1 to B3 are displayed as stop symbols that are fixedly displayed in each display area. It is determined (S119).
[0091]
In the variation mode determination process (S130), the variation mode in the special symbol display unit 42 is determined. The variation mode includes a display mode of an image displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 during the variation of the special symbol, that is, a variation method (including variation method and variation time) of the special symbol, a character type, and the like. Operation, presence / absence of background image and character image, etc. are included. The variation modes in the present embodiment are set to seven types of variation modes 1-7. In this variation mode determination process (S130), as shown in FIG. 14, it is first confirmed whether or not the jackpot flag A1 is 1 (S131). If the jackpot flag A1 is 0 instead of 1 in S131, that is, if the jackpot is not established, it is next checked whether the reach flag R1 is 1 (S132). When the reach flag R1 is not 1 but 0, that is, when the reach is not established, it is determined as the out-of-reach fluctuation mode 1, and the command of the determined fluctuation mode is determined in the one-chip microcomputer 71 of the main control circuit 70. It is stored in the output command buffer (S137).
[0092]
In S132, when the reach flag R1 is 1, that is, when reach is established, the obtained random number value Q3 of the label -TRND-T1 which is a variation mode determination counter is set to '0' to '20'. , '21' to '30', and '31' to '35' are determined (S133, S134), and reach / displacement variation mode 2 set for each range of Q3. -4 and the command of the determined variation mode are stored in the output command buffer in the one-chip microcomputer 71 of the main control circuit 70 (S138-140). After the reach / displacement variation modes 2 to 4 are determined and the command of the determined variation mode is stored in the output command buffer (S138 to S140), the reach flag R1 is set to 0 (S144), This variation mode determination process (S130) ends.
[0093]
On the other hand, if the jackpot flag A1 is 1 in S131, that is, if it is a jackpot, the obtained random number value Q3 of the label -TRND-T1 that is the variation mode determination counter is set to '0' to '2'. , '3' to '15', and '16' to '35' are determined (S135, S136), and the jackpot variation mode with reach 5 set for each range of Q3. -7 and commands of the determined variation mode are stored in the output command buffer in the one-chip microcomputer 71 of the main control circuit 70 (S141 to 143). The jackpot flag A1 and the reach flag R1 are set to 0 after the reach jackpot variation modes 5 to 7 are determined and the command of the determined variation mode is stored in the output command buffer (S141 to S143). (S144), this variation mode determination process (S130) ends.
[0094]
In the customer waiting effect setting process (S150), the special symbol is currently changing in the special symbol display unit 42, the jackpot (special game is being executed), and other games (displayed on the special symbol display unit 42). It is determined whether or not the customer is waiting for any of the following (S151). If the customer is waiting, it is next determined whether or not the customer waiting set flag C1 is 1 (S152). ). If the customer waiting set flag C1 is not 1, a customer waiting effect command is set in the command buffer of the main control circuit 70 (S153), and then the customer waiting set flag C1 is set to 1 (S154), This customer waiting effect setting process (S150) ends. On the other hand, if the customer waiting set flag C1 is 1 in S152, the customer waiting effect setting processing (S150) is terminated at that time. Also, when it is determined in S151 that the special symbol display unit 42 is currently changing, special jackpot (special game is running) or other games, that is, not waiting for customers The customer waiting set flag C1 is set to 0 (S154), and this customer waiting effect setting process (S150) is completed.
[0095]
In the other process (S156), in addition to the above-described processes, a special game execution process for executing the special game, a process related to a small hit, and a start opening prize area expansion for expanding a start area winning area Processing required in the gaming state such as processing and error processing is performed. Since these processes are not directly related to the features of the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0096]
Next, an effect control means that functions as a sub-control means for the main control circuit 70 and controls the series of effects (in the case of performing an effect on the lamp display 35, the light emitter control circuit 88, the special The sub-control main process V performed by the display control circuit 90 when performing an effect on the symbol display unit 42 and the audio control circuit 120 when performing an effect on the speaker 38 will be described in detail.
[0097]
The production control means functioning as the sub-control means is provided with a measurement timer, standby production count data, standby production start data, scenario timer, scenario counter, and customer waiting flag C2.
[0098]
In the present invention, the measurement timer corresponds to an independent time measuring means for measuring time regardless of the game state, and starts from an initial value (for example, 0) from the power-on of the gaming machine 1 and is at a constant interval. Is always incremented by one. In this embodiment, when it reaches 15000 counts corresponding to 30 seconds, it is reset to 0 and incremented by 1 again.
[0099]
The standby effect count data is incremented by 1 when the measurement timer is measured for 30 seconds, and returns to 0 when it reaches 2.
[0100]
The standby effect start data is set to a value obtained by adding 2 to the standby effect count data at that time when a customer waiting effect command is received by the sub-control means. The waiting time start time is adjusted using the standby effect start data and the standby effect count data.
[0101]
The scenario counter is a counter provided in the sub-control means for continuously performing the contents of each effect in a series of effects, and a series of effects is assembled according to the scenario counter. In this embodiment, the value of the scenario counter is set to an integer of 0-12.
[0102]
The scenario timer is a timer provided in the sub-control means for determining the time during which the same effect content is continuously performed in the series of effects, and corresponds to the effect time measuring means in the present invention. The scenario timer can be arbitrarily set by a switching means (corresponding to the total number changeover switch 82 and the self-number recognition switch 83 in this embodiment) in a certain part.
[0103]
The customer waiting flag C2 is set to 0 in the initial setting when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.
[0104]
The sub-control main process V is performed every predetermined interruption time (in this example, 2 msec) in the control data ROM (control data ROM 881 in the light emitter control circuit 88, the display control circuit) in the effect control means (sub-control means). The sub-control unit 90 performs the control according to each program stored in the control data ROM 92 at 90 and the control data ROM 121) at the voice control circuit 120. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the sub display control main process V.
[0105]
In the sub control main process V, a command reception process is first performed (210). In the command processing (S210), as shown in FIG. 17, it is first determined whether or not a command has been received from the main control circuit 70 (S211), and if it is determined that a command has been received, It is determined whether the command is a customer waiting effect command or another command (S212).
[0106]
When it is determined in S212 that the command is a customer waiting effect command, the customer waiting flag C2 is set to 1 (S213), and the scenario counter and the scenario timer are set to 0 (S214, 215). . Thereafter, the standby effect start data is set to the value of the standby effect count data +2 (S216), and this command reception process (S210) is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined in S212 that the received command is not the customer waiting effect command, the customer waiting flag C2 is set to 0 (S217), and other commands (for example, in the display control circuit 90). Are received (S218), and the command receiving process (S210) is terminated. If it is determined in S211 that no command has been received, the command receiving process (S210) ends at that time.
[0107]
In the standby effect count data update process (S220), as shown in FIG. 18, it is first determined from the value of the measurement timer whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed since the measurement timer was reset to 0 (S221). ). When 30 seconds have elapsed, 1 is added to the standby effect count data (S222), and the measurement timer is set to 0 (S223). For it. If it is determined in S221 that 30 seconds have elapsed, the measurement timer is incremented by 1 (S224).
[0108]
In the effect scenario timer update process (S230), as shown in FIG. 19, it is first determined whether or not the value of the scenario timer is FFFF (S231). If the value of the scenario timer is FFFF, it is determined whether the standby effect count data and the standby effect start data are equal (S232). If they are equal, the scenario timer is set to 0 (S233) and is equal. If not, the effect scenario timer update process (S230) ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S231 that the scenario timer value is not FFFF, then it is determined whether or not the scenario timer value is 0 (S234). If it is not 0, 1 is subtracted from the scenario timer value. (S235), in the case of 0, the effect scenario timer update process (S230) ends as it is.
[0109]
By the command reception process (S210), the standby effect count data update process (S220) and the effect scenario timer update process (S230), the customer waiting effect is always started at a specific timing. Specifically, in the standby effect count data update process (S220), the standby effect count data is incremented by 1 every 30 seconds using the time of the measurement timer that is not affected by the gaming state, and reaches 2. In the command reception process (S210), when a customer waiting effect command is received from the main control circuit 70, a value obtained by adding 2 to the value of the standby effect count data is a standby effect. In the effect scenario timer update process (S230), the scenario timer is set to 0 when the standby effect count data is equal to the standby effect start data, and the scenario timer becomes 0. Output data for a series of effects is set in a command effect data set process (S240) described later. That the scenario timer utilizing counting the measuring timer is not affected by the game state is 0 corresponds to the generation of independent trigger in the present invention. In addition, since the standby effect count data is always count data incremented by 1 every 30 seconds, when receiving the customer wait effect command, it is possible to secure at least 30 seconds before the customer wait effect. It is possible to unify the waiting production start timing.
[0110]
In the command effect data set process (S240), as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, first, it is confirmed whether or not the customer waiting flag C2 is 1 (S241). Data is set (S242), and this command effect data set process (S240) is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S241 that the customer waiting flag C2 is 1, then it is confirmed whether or not the scenario timer is 0 (S243). If it is not 0, this command effect data set process (S240). Finish. On the other hand, if it is determined in S243 that the scenario timer is 0, then the scenario counter value is confirmed to be any value from 0 to 12 (S244 to S256). Corresponding output data (production contents) is set, and further, the count value of the time required for the set output data (in this embodiment, the count value corresponding to 1 second is uniformly set to 500. ) Is set (S257, etc.), if the scenario counter is 0-11, 1 is added to the scenario counter value (S290), and if the scenario counter value is 12, the scenario counter 1 is set (S289), and the command effect data set process (S240) is completed. When the count value is set in the scenario timer, time measurement by the scenario timer (subtraction of the count value of the scenario timer) starts thereafter, so that the customer waiting flag C2 is 1 and the scenario timer is 0. The timing start condition is met. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 8, the scenario counter is an example in which five gaming machines 1 (game production devices) are installed in a horizontal row on the left and right sides and a series of presentations are performed using the lamp display 35. The case of 0 to 12 will be specifically described with respect to the first gaming machine 1 (game effect device) while using the time chart of FIG. In the time chart of FIG. 23, the reference line (valley portion) indicates the lamp off state, and the convex portion (peak portion) with respect to the reference line indicates the lamp lighting state.
[0111]
When the scenario counter is 0 (S244), that is, when waiting for the customer waiting effect start, output data for turning off the lamp display 35 (35a to 35c) is set (S257, FIG. 23A), and the scenario timer is set. Is set to FFFF (S258).
[0112]
When the scenario counter is 1 or 2 (S245 to 246, A and C in FIG. 23), output data for lighting the lamp display 35 (35a to 35c) is set (S259, S261), 1 A count value (500 in this embodiment) of time required for lighting the second is set in each scenario timer (S260, S262).
[0113]
When the scenario counter is 3 (S247), output data for turning off the lamp indicators 35 (35a to 35c) is set (S263, FIG. 23D). Counting time required for turning off for 1 second. A value (500) is set in the scenario timer (S264).
[0114]
When the scenario counter is 4 or 5 (S248 to S249), output data for turning on the lamp display 35 (35a to 35c) is set (S265, S267, o in FIG. 23), 1 A count value (500 in this embodiment) of time required for lighting the second is set in each scenario timer (S266, S268).
[0115]
When the scenario counter is 6 (S250), the output data to be turned off is set (S269, the key in FIG. 23), and then the self-number (the value set by the self-number recognition switch 83. In this embodiment) Since this is the first gaming machine, it corresponds to 1.) is read (S270), and a count value corresponding to the read self-number is set in the scenario timer (S271). Table 2 shows the count value of the scenario timer corresponding to the self number, the total number, and the values of [total number-self number].
[0116]
[Table 2]

[0117]
By setting the count value corresponding to the self-number in the scenario timer, the start time of the next effect content (lighting effect in the present embodiment) is delayed by the time corresponding to the self-number, and only the time to delay, The production contents set this time will be continued. For example, in the case of the first device, the start of the next effect content (lighting effect) is delayed by one second corresponding to the count value 500 of the scenario timer corresponding to the first device, and the delay time (1 second), The content of the effect set in S269 (extinguishment) continues. Further, taking the second unit as an example, the start of the next effect content (lighting effect) is delayed for two seconds corresponding to the count value 1000 of the scenario timer corresponding to the second unit, and the delay time (two seconds), The contents of the effect set in S269 (lights off) will continue.
[0118]
When the scenario counter is 7 (S251), after the output data to be turned on is set (S272, FIG. 23), the total number of values (the value set by the total number changeover switch 82). In the example, since it is five gaming machines, it corresponds to 5.) is read (S273), the count value corresponding to the total number of the read, the count value 2500 corresponding to the five in this embodiment (5 seconds) Is set in the scenario timer (S274). By setting the count value corresponding to the total number in the scenario timer, the content of the effect set in S272 is extended for the time corresponding to the total number. In the present embodiment, the effect contents (lighting) set in S272 are performed for 5 seconds corresponding to the count value 2500 of the scenario timer corresponding to all five units.
[0119]
When the scenario counter is 8 (S252), after the output data to be turned off is set (S275, FIG. 23), the value of [total number-self number] is read (S276), and the read For example, in the first unit of this embodiment, a count value 2000 (corresponding to 4 seconds) corresponding to 4 (corresponding to 4 seconds) is set in the scenario timer. (S277). By setting the count value corresponding to the value of [total number-self number] in the scenario timer, the next effect content (in the present embodiment, the extinguishing effect for the time corresponding to the value of [total number-self number]) is set. ) Start time is delayed, and the effect contents (light-off) set in S275 are continued. Taking the second unit as an example, a count value 1500 (corresponding to three seconds) corresponding to 3 which is (the fifth unit-2 unit value) is set in the scenario timer (S277), [all The start time point of the next effect content is delayed by the time (3 seconds) corresponding to the value 3 of “number-self-number”, and the effect content (light-off) set in S275 is continued. In the fifth unit, since the value of [total number-self number] is 0, the scenario timer is set to 0, and the next presentation content (lights off) is immediately performed. Production contents (lights off) based on the set output data are not performed.
[0120]
When the scenario counter is 9 (S253), output data for turning off the lamp indicator 35 is set (S278, FIG. 23), and the count value of the time required for turning off for 1 second (this embodiment) In the example, 500) is set in the scenario timer (S279).
[0121]
When the scenario counter is 10 (S254), after the output data to be turned off is set (S280, FIG. 23), the value of [total number-self number] is read (S281) and the read For example, in the first unit of this embodiment, a count value 2000 (corresponding to 4 seconds) corresponding to 4 (corresponding to 4 seconds) is set in the scenario timer. (S282). By setting the count value corresponding to the value of [total number-self-number] in the scenario timer, the start time point of the next effect (lighting) is set for the time corresponding to the value of [total number-self-number]. The content of the effect (extinguishment) set in S280 is continued after being delayed. Taking the second unit as an example, a count value 1500 (corresponding to three seconds) corresponding to (fifth unit-second unit value) 3 is set in the scenario timer (S280), and [total number- The start time point of the next effect content is delayed by the time (3 seconds) corresponding to the value 3 of the “self-number”, and the effect content (light-off) set in S280 is continued. In the fifth unit, since the value of [total number-self-number] is 0, 0 is set in the scenario timer, and the next effect content (lighting) is immediately performed. Production contents (lights off) based on the set output data are not performed.
[0122]
When the scenario counter is 11 (S255), after the output data to be turned on is set (S283, FIG. 23), the total number (5 in this embodiment) is read (S284). The count value corresponding to the total number of read units, in this embodiment, the count value 2500 corresponding to 5 units (corresponding to 5 seconds) is set in the scenario timer (S285). By setting the count value corresponding to the total number in the scenario timer, the effect content (lighting) set in S283 is performed for the time corresponding to the total number.
[0123]
When the scenario counter is 0 to 11, the scenario counter is incremented by 1 after the scenario timer is set (S290), and the command effect data set process (S240) is terminated.
[0124]
On the other hand, when the scenario counter is 12 (S256), output data for turning off the lamp display 35 is set (S286, FIG. 23), and the self-number (the first game in this embodiment) is set. 1) is read because it is a machine (S287), and the count value corresponding to the read self-number (for example, the count value 500 of the scenario timer corresponding to the first unit) is set in the scenario timer (S288). . By setting this scenario timer, the next production content (scenario counter 1) is only for the time (one second) corresponding to the count value (500) of the self-number (because it is the first gaming machine in this embodiment). The start of the lighting effect set in (1) is delayed, and during the delay time (1 second), the effect content (light-off) set in S286 is continued. Thereafter, the scenario counter is set to 1 (S289), and the command effect data set process (S240) is completed.
[0125]
As a result of the command effect data set process (S240), the start of some effect contents is delayed by the time related to the self-number in each unit, and the current effect contents are continued for the delay time. It will be. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, when a customer waiting effect is started in a state where gaming machines (game effect devices) are arranged side by side in a horizontal row on the left and right, a specific effect content during the customer waiting effect When is started, it is possible to produce an effect in which the content of the effect is handed down so as to flow from the base at one end to the base at the other end. Furthermore, since the contents of the production can be extended for the time corresponding to the total number of machines, the length (number of machines) from end to end of the gaming machines (game production devices) installed in the left and right horizontal rows has changed. However, it is possible to avoid a situation where a flowing production is cut off or that it continues indefinitely.
[0126]
The series of effects can also be performed on the display device 9. FIG. 24 is an example of a screen when a series of effects are performed on the special symbol display section 42 of the display device 9. In the example of FIG. 24, when performing an effect such that the dragon symbol crosses the screen of the special symbol display unit 42 (scrolls to the left and right), the dragon appears in the game by delaying the dragon appearance time for each unit. It is possible to produce an effect of moving as if flowing (swim) through the display device of the machine group (game production device group). In addition, by extending the time from the start to the end of the contents that can be delayed, a series of effects can be performed smoothly without interruption.
[0127]
In the case of FIG. 24, in the first vehicle, the head of the dragon appears from the right side of the screen in the first second and disappears to the left (A), and the body of the dragon crosses the screen in the second second (B). At the second second, the dragon head appears from the right side of the second unit. Next, every time a second is accumulated, a dragon head or torso appears in the third and fourth units in order, and it looks as if the dragon has moved from the next platform. At that time, in the first car, the central part of the dragon's body (C), then the rear part appears (D) (3, 4 seconds), and finally the tail crosses the screen (E) (5 seconds) ).
[0128]
Furthermore, it is possible to change the size of the dragon depending on the number of gaming machine groups (game effect device groups) arranged in a line. For example, if you want to display the entire body of a dragon using a gaming machine group (game production device group), if you extend the production of the body part with little change in the entire dragon (lengthen the time), it will be as if the dragon Appeared from the rightmost stand of the gaming machine group (game directing device group), and it was possible to produce the effect of stretching and moving toward the leftmost stand, and the head just arrived at the leftmost stand. Then, it is possible to have a tail (E) (5th second) on the rightmost stand. At this time, as the data to be set, loop processing data that repeatedly displays the central part of the dragon's body may be set, and displayed repeatedly until the scenario timer becomes zero.
[0129]
In the above-described embodiment, the example of the light emitter and the display device has been described as the notification means used for a series of effects. However, the same can be applied to the sound generation device. This makes it possible to produce highly interesting effects such as the sound of the waves that are going on, and effects that evoke new sensations. In addition to flowing from the left to the right or from the right to the left, it is also possible to produce effects from the left and right, and to produce various other patterns.
[0130]
In addition, with respect to the example using the display device, an example is given in which a presentation is performed using a variable display that variably displays special symbols provided in the gaming machine, but separately from the special symbol variation display. It may be provided for production. In addition, in a gaming machine in which the entire game board surface is a liquid crystal, the relationship with the adjacent table is made clearer, and a more powerful and attractive performance can be achieved. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the customer waiting effect is taken as an example, but in addition to the customer waiting effect, it may be performed using some background symbols during the game.
[0131]
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to perform wiring with a game machine (game production device) or the like positioned next to the side when performing an effect having a relation with the side, and extra wiring is required. Can be reduced. In addition, this also has the advantage that when the game machine is opened and closed, there is no wiring next to it, so that the work can be performed smoothly.
[0132]
In this embodiment, an example of a game machine effect device has been described as a game effect device according to the present invention. However, a game effect device, such as an island lamp on which a game machine is installed, or a game machine is related. It may also be an effect device such as another display provided. Further, in this embodiment, the start delay time selection means is composed of a changeover switch. However, other forms may be used, and instead of being provided in each gaming machine, the start delay time selection means may be operable in a lump.
[0133]
According to the present embodiment, information such as a recognition switch is directly input to the effect control means connected to the notification means, but other than this, for example, the effect control means connected to different notification means Connect to each of them, input information such as a recognition switch to one of them, send a signal based on the information to each effect control means, and each effect control means performs an effect based on the signal You may do it. For example, the timing means is provided in the control means provided with the recognition switch, the delay of the effect is timed by the control means, and the information is transmitted to the effect control means connected to the notification means. A configuration in which an effect is performed from when the transmitted signal is input can be considered. In such a case, the control of the present invention can be performed with a small number of recognition switches for various control means without separately providing the recognition switch in the control means provided with each notification means. It becomes possible. In the case of adopting the above configuration, all the control means become the game effect device. As described above, various control contents can be considered without departing from the present invention.
[0134]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to delay the start of part of the production, and the start delay time is arbitrarily selected and set in advance. In a group of game production devices in which a plurality of game production devices are arranged at the same time, when a non-dependent opportunity is synchronized in all the game production devices and the production starts simultaneously, the start delay time is selected. If the means are selected to be delayed in order, at least some of the contents of the effects can be delayed in order, and a specific effect flows between the game effect devices. It is possible to produce using all of the game production groups. In addition, the above-described effect can be achieved without connecting to the adjacent game effect device by wiring or the like.
[0135]
Further, the production content extension means (the CPU in the sub-control means and the processing executed thereby) for extending the time from the start to the end of the part of the production content delayed by the production start delay means, and the extension time Because it is equipped with an effect content extension time selection means (total number changeover switch) that can be arbitrarily selected and set in advance, the length from end to end of the game effect device group, that is, the number of game effect devices (game machines) Even if the change occurs, it is possible to avoid a situation where the flowing production is cut off or that it does not end indefinitely.
[0136]
According to the invention of claim 2, since the start delay time of the production contents is set at a predetermined time interval, the production is handed over at the set time interval in the gaming production device group. It is possible to produce a smoother performance.
[0137]
According to the invention of claim 3, since the extended time is set at a predetermined time interval, it becomes easy to adjust the end time of the effect flowing from end to end of the game effect device group. .
[0138]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of data from the start to the end of a part of the effects and reduce the control burden.
[0139]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the game effect device which starts the effect after waiting for a customer or the like in the game effect device group, the effect can always be started simultaneously without being influenced by the game state. It becomes possible, and it becomes possible to perform a unified production.
[0140]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to produce the flowing effect when waiting for a customer who is not playing a game, and it is possible to make a group of game effect devices that are not playing a game stand out.
[0141]
According to the seventh, eighth, and ninth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to perform a flowing effect in the game effect device group using a light emitter, a display screen, and a sound, and to obtain a high effect. .
[0142]
According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to produce an effect as if the symbols of the adjacent game production devices go back and forth, and the production can be widened.
[0143]
According to the inventions of claims 11 and 12, in the game effect device group composed of a plurality of game effect devices, the flowing effect can be performed and the connection between the adjacent tables is unnecessary. For this reason, it is possible to improve the workability by omitting the wiring with the neighbor and not only reduce the cost, but also obtain the various effects described above, such as the possibility that the wiring with the neighbor does not get in the way.
[0144]
According to the invention of claim 13, in the game effect device group in which a plurality of game effect devices are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction, it is possible to perform an effect that flows from one end to the other end. It is easy to stand out in a waiting-to-stand production, and a high production effect is possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an entire gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention with nails omitted.
FIG. 2 is a back view of the entire gaming machine.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing electric control of the gaming machine.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a game effect device incorporated in the gaming machine.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a display control circuit of the gaming machine.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a light emitter control circuit of the gaming machine.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a voice control circuit of the gaming machine.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a game effect system in which a plurality of game effect devices according to an embodiment of the present invention are arranged side by side.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a setting state of a changeover switch in the same embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart relating to main processing of a main control circuit in the gaming machine.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart regarding jackpot determination processing in the gaming machine.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart regarding reach presence / absence determination processing in the gaming machine.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart related to a fixed stop special symbol determination process in the gaming machine.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart regarding a variation mode determination process in the gaming machine.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart regarding customer waiting effect setting processing in the gaming machine;
FIG. 16 is a flowchart related to sub-control main processing;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart regarding command reception processing in the sub-control main processing;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart regarding standby effect count data update processing in the sub-control main processing.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart related to a presentation scenario timer update process in the sub-control main process.
FIG. 20 is a first flowchart regarding a command effect data set process in the sub-control main process.
FIG. 21 is a second flowchart regarding the command effect data set processing;
FIG. 22 is a third flowchart regarding the command effect data set processing;
FIG. 23 is a time chart in the case where a series of effects are performed by a plurality of units using the lamp display in the same example.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example screen in which a series of effects are performed with a plurality of units using a display device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 gaming machine
3 Game board
6 game areas
9 Display device
10 Start port
35 Lamp indicator
38 Speaker
42 Special symbol display
70 Main control circuit
88 Light emitter control circuit
90 Display control circuit
120 Voice control circuit
200 Game production device

Claims (13)

An informing means for informing a gaming state is provided, and a series of effects is performed using the informing means, and when the effect is performed, the effect is performed by an independent trigger that is not influenced by the gaming state. Was
Storage means for storing an effect mode for the series of effects;
Effect control means for reading the effect mode from the storage means and controlling the series of effects in the notification means;
In a game production device equipped with
Production timekeeping means for starting timekeeping due to the production time start condition being established,
Production start delay means for delaying the start time of at least part of the production content between the start and end of the series by the start delay time measured by the production time measurement means,
A plurality of types of the start delay time, and a start delay time selection unit capable of arbitrarily selecting one start delay time from the plurality of types of start delay times;
Production content extension means for extending the time from the start to the end of some production contents whose start time can be delayed by the production start delay means by the production content extension time measured by the production timing means;
A game effect device comprising a plurality of effect content extension times, and an effect content extension time selection means capable of selectively setting an effect content extension time in advance from the plurality of effect content extension times. The game effect device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of start delay times are set at predetermined time intervals. The game effect device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of effect content extension times are set at predetermined time intervals. The production mode includes a configuration in which a plurality of production content data stored in the production content data storage unit are combined in a set order and sequentially started according to the order, and at least a part of the production mode is the same. 4. The game production device according to claim 1, wherein the production content data is repeatedly used a plurality of times. The gaming effect device is provided with an independent time measuring means for measuring time regardless of the gaming state, and the non-dependent opportunity uses time measured by the independent time measuring means. The game effect device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The game effect device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the effect by the notification means is a customer waiting effect that is performed when a game is not being performed. The game effect device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification means is a light emitter. The game effect device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification means is a sound generation device that generates sound. The game effect device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the notification means is a display device capable of displaying a symbol. The game effect device according to claim 9, wherein at least a part of the effect content in the effect mode is to scroll the symbol in the left-right direction. A game production system comprising a plurality of the game production devices according to any one of claims 1 to 10. 12. The plurality of game effect devices according to claim 11, wherein the start delay time for delaying the start time of the part of the effect contents by the effect start delay means is different for each of the game effect devices. A production system for games. 13. The game delay device according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of the game effect devices are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the start delay time increases or decreases from the one end side to the game effect device on the other end side. A game production system for the plurality of game production devices described.

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