JP2005028004A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the attractiveness of the games by enabling the execution of a specified performance when the variable display of the display figures is stopped. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine, in the special game state offered as the higher probability state or the time shortened state under the control made after the end of the big win game state, a CPU 103 of the main board 11 carries out the judgment on whether the big win is generated or not as the result of the display each time the conditions for the special pattern game are held. This allows the establishment of the prescribed conditions for the judgement to the effect that the big wins are not generated or others. In the game machine, when the random number value extracted from the prescribed random counter represents the criterion value for the execution of the prescribed additional performance, the variable display start command for the direction to the effect that the additional informing performance is executed as the prescribed performance is transmitted to a display control board 12. The CPU of the display control board 12 determines the timing for executing the additional informing performance and the display aspect in the variable display device to start the execution of the additional informing performance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more specifically, based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied after the variable display execution condition is satisfied, a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each is obtained. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a variable display device that variably displays and controls a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a display result of identification information becomes a predetermined specific display result.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, variable display is performed by updating and displaying predetermined identification information (hereinafter referred to as display symbols) on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as LCD). There are provided a number of games that are enhanced by a so-called variable display game that determines whether or not to give a predetermined game value based on a display result as a result.

  Some variable display games are played by using the above-described display device as an image display device (hereinafter referred to as a special game). The special figure game updates the display symbol based on the detection of the game ball that passes through the start winning opening (the variable display start condition is met), and stops when the display symbol update is completely stopped. A game in which a symbol pattern is a predetermined display mode determined as a “big hit”. When a “big hit” is made in a special game, a special electric combination called a big prize opening or an attacker is opened, and a state in which a game ball can be won extremely easily is provided to a player for a certain period of time. This state is referred to as a “specific game state” or a “hit game state”.

In recent gaming machines, a sub-board that separates control related to display operations such as display symbols on the display device from the game control means in order to reduce the control burden on the game control means (circuit) that controls the progress and control of the game. Etc. For example, the game control means determines at least the variable display time from when the variable display of the display symbol is started until the stop symbol is confirmed, and the final stop symbol, and commands that can specify these are given to the effect control means. The display control means independently decides whether to display the display symbols, whether to give a reach notice or a jackpot notice, whether to display a predetermined background and character, etc. The thing is known (for example, patent document 1).
JP 2000-262691 A (pages 11-18, 20, 20, 40-42, etc.)

  However, conventionally, a period during which a character or the like can appear is limited during variable display of display symbols. When the display symbol is variably displayed, the player's interest is often directed to the variable display result. For this reason, it may be difficult to improve the interest of the game due to the effect of displaying characters and the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a gaming machine that can improve the gaming interest by enabling execution of a predetermined effect while variable display of display symbols is stopped. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application satisfies the variable display execution condition (for example, it was determined to be Yes in step S100 by winning the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6). A plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) each of which can be identified based on the fact that the variable display start conditions (for example, the previous variable display and the big hit gaming state in the variable display device 4 have been completed) are established later. A variable display device (for example, the variable display device 4) that variably displays is provided, and the display result of the identification information is the same as the specific display result (for example, the jackpot combination of symbols shown in FIG. 49B). A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that is controlled to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player, Based on a game control means for controlling the progress of the technique (for example, a game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11) and a control signal from the game control means, an effect is provided by variable display by the variable display device. Effect control means (for example, CPU 112 or VDP 115 mounted on the display control board 12) for controlling the effect means to be executed, and the game control means is a signal transmission means (for example, a control signal is transmitted to the effect control means). The part where the CPU 103 executes the command control process in step S27) and a predetermined condition (for example, Yes is determined in step S258, Yes is determined in step S268, No is determined in step S305). In the variable display device based on the fact that A predetermined effect different from the variable display of information (for example, FIGS. 53 (B) to (D), FIGS. 54 (B) to (E), FIGS. 55 (B) to (E), FIGS. 58 (B) and (C) ), An effect determining means for determining whether or not to execute an effect by display as shown in FIGS. 59D and 59E (for example, the CPU 103 performs variable display pattern setting processing in step S112, more specifically, step S112). The effect control means is a signal receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from the game control means (for example, the CPU 112 executes a command reception interrupt process). And the timing for executing the predetermined effect (for example, timing before execution of variable display as shown in FIGS. 51 (B) to (D) and FIG. 57 (A)), and FIGS. (C), FIG. 57 ( B) timing timing determining means (such as the timing at which the CPU 112 executes the processes of steps S406, S407, S413, and S414). Is information for designating a variable display pattern to be executed as variable display of identification information when it is determined by the effect determination means that the predetermined effect is not performed and the variable display start condition is satisfied. A function of transmitting a normal pattern control signal (e.g., a normal variable display start command) indicating information for specifying a time at which the variable display of the identification information is executed, and a determination that the predetermined effect is performed by the effect determination unit. Variable display executed as variable display of identification information when the variable display start condition is satisfied Information for specifying the turn (for example, the variable display pattern specified by the EXT data in the first and second variable display start commands 85XX (h) and 86XX (h) with the effect) and the time when the variable display of the identification information is executed (For example, the time specified by the EXT data in the first and second variable display start commands 85XX (h) and 86XX (h) with the effect) and information for instructing to execute the predetermined effect ( For example, the MODE data in the first and second variable display start commands with effects and the information for specifying the time when the predetermined effect is executed (for example, MODE data in the first and second variable display start commands with effects) A special pattern control signal (for example, a variable display start command with first and second effects) indicating EXT data combination) And the effect timing determining means receives the special pattern control signal by the signal receiving means (for example, it is determined Yes in step S403 or S411) and the predetermined effect is determined. The execution control means determines the variable display of the identification information using the variable display pattern corresponding to the special pattern control signal received by the signal receiving means (for example, FIGS. 53E and 54F). ), Display as shown in FIG. 55 (F), FIG. 58 (D), and FIG. 59 (B)) and the execution of the effect determined by the effect timing determining means based on the special pattern control signal. The predetermined effect is executed at the timing.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, the effect determination means determines whether or not to execute a predetermined effect different from the variable display of the identification information by the variable display and different from the variable display of the identification information. When the signal transmission means determines that the special pattern control signal is to be executed, a special pattern control signal is transmitted to the effect control means. In the effect control means, when the special pattern control signal is received by the signal receiving means, the effect timing determining means determines the execution timing of the predetermined effect, and the effect control means is a variable display pattern corresponding to the special pattern control signal. In addition to executing variable display of the identification information using, a predetermined effect is executed at the execution timing of the effect determined by the effect timing determining means. As a result, a predetermined effect different from the variable display of identification information can be executed at the execution timing of the effect determined based on the special pattern control signal. This makes it possible to improve the game entertainment. Moreover, such an interesting effect can be executed at various execution timings determined based on the special pattern control signal.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 2, after the specific gaming state is ended, the game control means until the number of executions of variable display of the identification information reaches a predetermined variable display number (for example, “100”). Meanwhile, special game control means (for example, a probability change flag or a time flag is turned on) for controlling to a special game state (for example, a game state in which probability variation control or time reduction control is performed) advantageous to a player different from the specific game state. The CPU 103 includes a portion for executing the jackpot determination process in step S204 and the variable display pattern setting process in step S112), and the effect control means is put into the special game state by the special game control means. A variable display count that is less than the predetermined variable display count to be controlled (eg, “70” specified by execution of step S405). Minority notification means (for example, a portion where the CPU 103 executes the special game start processing in step S118, and a CPU 112 which notifies “50”, “30”, etc.) (for example, notification by display as shown in FIG. 49E). The effect determining means includes, as the predetermined condition, the variable display frequency of the identification information notified by the minority notification means as the predetermined condition. Before reaching (for example, when reaching 50 times, before reaching 50 times), the special game state continues as the predetermined effect until the predetermined number of times in the variable display after the variable display number notified by the minority notification means. It is determined whether or not to notify that it is to be performed (for example, determination in step S258 or S260), and the effect control hand Is determined to notify that the special game state is continued up to a predetermined number of times in the variable display after the variable display number notified by the minority notification means as the predetermined effect by the effect determination means. (For example, when it is determined Yes in step S260), as the predetermined effect, an effect that informs that the special game state is further controlled (for example, FIGS. 53B to 53D, FIG. 54). (B) to (E), and effects by display as shown in FIGS. 55 (B) to (E) are executed. According to this configuration, the variable display count that is smaller than the predetermined variable display count controlled to the special game state by the special game control means is notified by the minority notification means, and the variable display count for which the variable display count of the identification information is notified. Before reaching the number of times, it is possible to execute an effect that informs that it is controlled to the special gaming state. Thereby, an interesting production in the special gaming state is possible, and the gaming interest can be improved.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 3, when the specific gaming state is ended (for example, after the big hit ending process of step S117 is completed, the minority notification means executes a special gaming state start effect display process of step S156). ), A variable display count smaller than the predetermined variable display count is notified. According to this configuration, since the notification of the variable display count by the small number notification means is performed at the end of the specific gaming state, the notification content can be impressed strongly to the player, and the player's sense of expectation can be improved.

  In the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, the predetermined condition is satisfied every time the variable display of the identification information is executed. According to this configuration, since the predetermined effect is executed every time the variable display of the identification information is executed, the predetermined effect can be executed at various timings, and the player's expectation can be expected due to unexpected effects. A feeling can be improved.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 5, the game control means determines whether or not to display the specific display result as a display result of a variable display executed based on the execution condition of the variable display being satisfied. It includes pre-determination means (for example, a portion where the CPU 103 executes the jackpot determination process in step S204) that is determined before the display result is derived and displayed, and the effect determination means uses the pre-determination means as the predetermined condition. When it is determined that the specific display result is not displayed (for example, determination of No in step S305), it is determined whether or not to execute the predetermined effect (for example, determination of steps S258 and S260). According to this configuration, only when it is determined that the specific display result is not displayed by the prior determination unit, the determination regarding whether or not to execute the predetermined effect is performed. The burden of control can be reduced.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 6, the effect control means stores a plurality of types of data indicating an effect pattern (for example, an additional effect display control pattern, a big hit number display control pattern, etc.) executed as the predetermined effect. The effect pattern based on the effect pattern data storage means (for example, the display control pattern memory 141) and the fact that the signal receiving means has received the special pattern control signal (for example, determined as Yes in step S403 or S411). Production pattern data selection means for selecting and determining any one of the data indicating the production patterns stored in the data storage means (for example, the part where the CPU 112 executes the processes of steps S408, S409, S415, and S416), and the production Selection result by pattern data selection means (Partial eg CPU112 executes the special symbol variable display during the processing of steps S152, and the like VDP115) effect pattern execution means for executing effect pattern based and a. According to this configuration, the production pattern can be selected by the production pattern data selection unit on the side of the production control unit, and the production pattern can be executed by the production pattern execution unit. The burden of control on the means can be reduced.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 7, variably displayed within a predetermined period (for example, a period from the end of the big hit gaming state to the execution of 100 special figure games without the display result being a big hit). Counting means for counting the number of times the specific display result is displayed as a display result (for example, a big hit number counter 127), and the effect determination means is configured to determine the number of times counted by the counting means as the predetermined condition. Whether or not to notify that the number of times that the specific display result has been displayed as the predetermined effect has reached the predetermined number when the predetermined number of times (for example, “5” as the big hit number notification determination value) is reached In the determination (for example, determination in step S270), the effect control means determines that the number of times the specific display result is displayed as the predetermined effect by the effect determination means is the predetermined number of times. When it is determined to notify that it has become (for example, when it is determined Yes in step S270), the number of times that the specific display result is displayed becomes the predetermined number of times as the predetermined effect. An effect of notifying the effect (for example, notification by display as shown in FIGS. 58B and 58C, 59D and 59E) is executed. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify that the number of times the specific display result is displayed as a predetermined number of times as the predetermined effect, so that an interesting effect can be obtained when the variable display of the identification information is stopped. It becomes possible and can improve amusement interest.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 8, the signal transmitting means includes data (for example, MODE data) that specifies signal classification and data (for example, EXT data) that specifies a variable display pattern to be executed by variable display of identification information. ), And a special pattern control signal that selects the data that specifies the classification of the signal according to the determination result by the effect determination means As a result, the same variable display pattern as that of the normal pattern control signal is designated, and an instruction to execute the predetermined effect is given. According to this configuration, it is possible to perform a variety of performance operations while minimizing a change part in the design, and it is possible to reduce the burden of control by reducing the data capacity and to improve the game entertainment.

  The present invention has the following effects.

  According to the gaming machine having the configuration described in claim 1, when the effect determining means determines that a predetermined effect different from the variable display of the identification information is to be executed, the signal transmitting means generates the special pattern control signal. Based on the special pattern control signal transmitted to the display control means and received by the effect timing determining means by the signal receiving means, the execution timing of a predetermined effect is determined. The effect control means executes variable display of the identification information using the variable display pattern corresponding to the special pattern control signal, and executes the predetermined effect at the execution timing of the effect determined by the effect timing determination means. . As a result, a predetermined effect different from the variable display of identification information can be executed at the execution timing of the effect determined based on the special pattern control signal. This makes it possible to improve the game entertainment. Moreover, such an interesting effect can be executed at various timings determined based on the special pattern control signal.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 2, before the variable display count of the identification information reaches the variable display count notified by the minority notification means, the special gaming state is further notified by the minority notification means as a predetermined effect. Since it is possible to execute an effect of notifying that the variable display after the variable display number is continued up to a predetermined number of times, it is possible to produce an interesting effect in the special gaming state, and to improve the game entertainment.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 3, since the number of variable display times is notified by the minority notification means when the specific gaming state is finished, the notification content can be impressed strongly to the player, and the player's expectation Can be improved.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 4, since the predetermined effect is executed every time the variable display of the identification information is executed, it becomes possible to execute the predetermined effect at various timings, and an unexpected effect. This can improve the player's expectation.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 5, since it is determined whether or not to execute the predetermined effect only when it is determined that the specific display result is not displayed, the control burden on the game control means is reduced. can do.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 6, since the effect pattern can be selected by the effect pattern data selecting means and the effect pattern can be executed by the effect pattern executing means. The burden of control on the means can be reduced.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 7, when the number of times that the specific display result is displayed as the display result of the variable display within the predetermined period reaches the predetermined number, the specific display result is displayed as the predetermined effect. Since the effect of notifying that the number of times has reached the predetermined number can be executed, an interesting effect is possible when the variable display of the identification information is stopped, and the game entertainment can be improved.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 8, the variable display pattern that is the same as the normal pattern control signal is selected by selecting the data for which the special pattern control signal specifies the classification of the signal according to the determination result by the effect determination means. Since it is designated and instructed to execute a predetermined effect, it is possible to perform various effects while suppressing a change in design. As a result, it is possible to reduce the control burden by reducing the data capacity, and it is possible to improve game entertainment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation, the reach display state means that the symbol that has not been derived yet displayed (referred to as the reach variation symbol) when the symbol that has been derived and displayed constitutes part of the jackpot symbol is displayed in a variable manner. Or all or some of the symbols are variably displayed synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol. Specifically, in a plurality of predetermined display areas, a predetermined line is determined by stopping a predetermined pattern, and a predetermined pattern is displayed in some display areas on the effective line. In the state where variable display is being performed in the display area on the active line that has not yet stopped when the is stopped (for example, the left, middle, right display area is a big hit symbol (For example, “7”) is stopped and the right display area is still in variable display), or all or part of the display area on the active line Is a variable display in synchronism while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol (for example, variable display is performed in all of the left, middle and right display areas and the same is displayed regardless of which state is displayed. Variable display is performed with the pattern being aligned. And is that state).

  In the reach display state, an effect different from normal may be performed with a lamp or sound. This production is called reach production. In the reach display state, the display position and size of the symbol, variable display speed, display color, etc. are changed in various ways, and a character image (a display image simulating a person etc., which is different from the symbol) is displayed. Or changing the display mode of the background. Various effects displayed in the reach display state are referred to as reach effects display. The display mode in the reach display state including the reach effect display is also referred to as a reach display mode.

  The gaming machine in the present embodiment is a gaming machine that performs a special game with an image display device such as an LCD, and a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type first type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card. And a gaming machine such as a slot machine equipped with an LCD.

  Moreover, even if it is a ball and ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, as long as it has an image display device, for example, a pachinko game machine classified as a second type or a third type, a general electric machine, or It may be a ball game machine with a probability setting function called pachikon. Furthermore, it is applicable not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card, but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with cash. That is, any form of game machine may be used as long as it has an image display device such as an LCD and can variably display symbols as identification information.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. A variable display device 4 is provided at a substantially central position of the game area so as to display a special symbol as identification information that can be identified. Under the variable display device 4, an ordinary variable winning ball device (start winning port) 6 is arranged. A special variable winning ball apparatus (large winning opening) 7 is disposed below the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6. In addition, a normal symbol display 40 is provided at the top of the variable display device 4.

  The variable display device 4 is composed of, for example, an LCD or the like, and is composed of numbers, characters, characters, etc. in a variable display game (special game) in which a game ball is awarded to the normal variable winning ball device 6. Display symbols that function as a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified are displayed in a variable display area so as to be variably displayed. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of image display in the variable display device 4. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, three variable display portions 41 a to 41 c are arranged in the display area 41 of the variable display device 4, and left, middle, and right special symbols are variably displayed on the variable display portions 41 a to 41 c. Shall.

  In the special symbol game performed by the variable display device 4, after a specific time has elapsed after starting the variable symbol special display, the display result of the special symbol is derived and displayed in a predetermined order, and the final symbol (final stop symbol) is displayed. Stop display. The pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a specific gaming state (also referred to as a big hit gaming state) when the combination of the confirmed symbols is a specific display result that is a predetermined big hit combination (a big winning stop symbol form). In this big hit gaming state, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened and opened until a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. While playing, the game ball that falls on the surface of the game board 2 is received. The opening cycle can be repeated up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 times).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a left symbol displayed as a special symbol on the left variable display portion 41a, a middle symbol displayed as a special symbol on the middle variable display portion 41b, and a right symbol displayed as a special symbol on the right variable display portion 41c. Each consists of 8 symbols, and symbols “1” to “8” are attached to each symbol. For example, in each of the left, middle, and right variable display portions 41a to 41c, when variable display of a special symbol is started during a special symbol game, an update display is performed from a special symbol with a small symbol number to a large special symbol. When the special symbol with the symbol number “8” is displayed, the special symbol with the symbol number “1” is displayed next.

  In the special symbol game by the variable display device 4, after starting the variable symbol variable display, when the same special symbol is derived and displayed as a display result on the left, middle, and right variable display portions 41a to 41c, and confirmed. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a big hit gaming state. After the big hit gaming state is finished, a special gaming state in which either the probability variation control (probability variation control) or the time reduction control (time reduction control) is performed. In this embodiment, a special symbol having an odd symbol number is used as a probability variable big hit symbol, and the same probability variable big hit symbol is derived and displayed on each variable display unit 41a to 41c as a variable display display result in the special symbol game. If it does, it will be a promising big hit. When the variable display result of the special figure game is a probable big hit, after the big hit gaming state is finished, the positive change control is continuously performed until a predetermined number of special figure games (in this embodiment, 100 times) are executed. Probability is improved. In the probability improvement state in which the probability variation control is performed, the variable symbol display time of the special symbol in the special game is shorter than that in the normal game state, and the display result is a predetermined specific display result to be the big hit game state. Probability is improved over the normal gaming state. The normal gaming state is a gaming state other than the big hit gaming state, the probability improvement state, and the time reduction state, and the probability that the display result in the special game is a big hit combination is an initial setting state such as immediately after the power is turned on. Is controlled in the same way.

  In this embodiment, a special symbol having an even symbol number is set as a normal big hit symbol, and the same normal big hit symbol is derived and displayed on each variable display unit 41a to 41c as a variable display display result in the special symbol game. It is usually a big hit when it is confirmed. When the variable display result of the special figure game is normally a big hit, after the big hit gaming state is finished, the time-shortening control is continuously performed until the special figure game is executed a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times). Time is shortened. In the time reduction state in which time reduction control is performed, the probability of becoming a big hit gaming state as a specific display result in each special figure game is the same as the normal gaming state, but the special symbol variable display time in the special figure game is normal. It becomes shorter than in the game state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the display result of the special figure game executed in the special game state becomes a big hit, depending on the display result (probable big hit or normal big hit) in the special figure game, The special game state is continuously controlled until a predetermined number of special figure games are executed.

  In the probability improvement state in which the probability variation control is performed and the time shortening state in which the time reduction control is performed, the variable display time in the normal symbol variable display (ordinary symbol game) by the normal symbol display device 40 is shorter than that in the normal game state. At the same time, the probability that the display result is a winning symbol in each normal game is improved. At this time, the opening time of the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6 may be longer than that in the normal gaming state, and the number of times of opening may be increased compared to that in the normal gaming state. As described above, the special game state is a game state advantageous to the player, which is different from the big hit game state. However, since it is not always determined to be the big hit gaming state in the probability improvement state, the degree of advantage for the player is small compared to the big hit gaming state. However, compared to the normal gaming state, the probability of being a big hit gaming state is increased, which is advantageous for the player. In the time reduction state, the probability variation control is not performed, and the probability of being in the big hit gaming state is the same as that in the normal gaming state, so the degree of advantage for the player is small compared to the probability improvement state. However, as compared with the normal game state, the variable display time in the special game is shortened, and the probability that the display result is a win in the normal game by the normal symbol display device 40 is improved. In addition to the longer opening time, the number of opening times increases, which is advantageous for the player. As described above, the probability improvement state and the time reduction state are special game states in which the degree of advantage for the player is different from the big hit game state.

  In the special game state, a countdown display unit 42 is provided in the display area 41 of the variable display device 4 as shown in FIG. In the countdown display section 42, for example, notification information 42a as shown in FIG. 2B is displayed as information indicating the remaining number of special figure games that can be executed in the special gaming state (the remaining number of variable displays).

  The normal symbol display 40 is configured to include a light emitting diode (LED) or the like, and is lit in a normal diagram game where a game ball passes through one of the passing gates 5 provided in the game area. Flashing, emission color, etc. are controlled. When a display with a predetermined hit pattern is performed in this normal figure game, the display result in the normal figure game is “win”, and the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is passed for a predetermined time. Tilt control.

  The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is a tulip-type accessory (ordinary electric motor) having a pair of movable wing pieces that are controlled to move between a vertical (normally open) position and a tilt (enlarged open) position by a solenoid 21 (FIG. 5). It is configured as an accessory). The special symbol variable display based on the winning of the game ball on the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is stored in the special figure holding memory 120 (FIG. 8) described later up to a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, four times).

  The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes an opening / closing plate that opens and closes a winning area by a solenoid 22 (FIG. 5). This opening / closing plate is normally closed, and when the special display game is performed by the variable display device 4 based on the winning of the game ball to the normal variable winning ball device 6, the solenoid is activated when the big hit gaming state is achieved. 22 is set so that the winning area is opened (opening cycle) until a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are generated. Receiving a game ball falling in the game area. The opening cycle can be repeated up to 16 times, for example. A game ball won in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is detected by a predetermined detection unit. In response to the detection of a winning ball, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by a main board 11 and a payout control board 15 (FIG. 4) described later.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill with a built-in lamp, an out port, and the like. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a game effect lamp 9 that lights or flashes and speakers 8L and 8R that generate sound effects.

  FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and shows an arrangement layout of main boards. The pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment mainly includes a power supply board 10, a main board 11, a display control board 12, a sound control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a payout control board 15, and an information terminal board 16. Are arranged at appropriate positions. In addition, the display control board 12, the audio | voice control board 13, and the lamp | ramp control board 14 may be arrange | positioned in the state accommodated in one box, for example in the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, as an independent board | substrate, for example. Furthermore, the display control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14 may be configured as a single board.

  The power supply board 10 supplies a predetermined power supply voltage to each circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 mainly has a function of generating random numbers used in the variable display game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, a display control board 12, an audio control board 13, a lamp control board 14, and A function for outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information to a sub-side control board composed of a payout control board 15 and the like as a control signal for controlling the progress of the game, and various functions for a hall management computer It has a function to output information.

  A control command sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12 is a display control command. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the main board 11 and signal lines of display control commands sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a display control command is sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12 through eight signal lines of display control signals CD0 to CD7. A signal line for a display control INT signal for transmitting a strobe signal is also wired between the main board 11 and the display control board 12.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a display control command sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12 used in this embodiment. The display control command is composed of 2 bytes, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The leading bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always “1”, and the leading bit of the EXT data is “0”. Note that the command form shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and other command forms may be used. In this example, the control command is composed of 2-byte data. However, the data composing the control command only needs to be composed of a plurality of bytes.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the command 80XX (h) instructs to start the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 4 and specifies the variable display pattern to be executed in the variable symbol special display. This is usually a variable display start command. In the following, it is assumed that XX (h) is an unspecified hexadecimal number, and is a value that is arbitrarily set according to the instruction content by the display control command. On the display control board 12 side, in accordance with the EXT data included in the normal variable display start command, it is determined whether or not the total variable display time of the special symbol and the display result of the variable display become the specific display result of the jackpot combination. It is possible to specify the result and the determination result whether or not to reach.

  The commands 85XX (h) and 86XX (h) specify that the variable symbol special display is to be started, specify the variable symbol display pattern to be executed in the special symbol variable symbol display, and the special symbol variable symbol display. Is a variable display start command with an effect for instructing to execute a predetermined effect different from. In addition, with commands 85XX (h) and 86XX (h), a time for executing a predetermined effect is also specified. In this embodiment, the command 85XX (h) is used as the first presentation (# 1) variable display start command, and is added to the special figure game number notified at the end of the big hit gaming state to continue control to the special gaming state. This is used to instruct the execution of an extra notification effect that informs the user that the action is to be performed. Further, in this embodiment, the command 86XX (h) is used as the second effect (# 2) variable display start command, and the special game executed in the special game state after the big hit game state is ended is displayed. This is used to instruct the execution of the big hit number notification effect for notifying that the result is a big hit and the number of times the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state again becomes a predetermined number (for example, “5”).

  Here, comparing the normal variable display start command 80XX (h) with the variable display start commands with effects 85XX (h) and 86XX (h), the same EXT data is assigned to the same type of variable display pattern. The value of MODE data indicating the classification of the command differs depending on whether or not to execute a predetermined effect. On the display control board 12 side, whether or not the total variable display time of the special symbol and the display result of the variable display are big hits corresponding to the EXT data included in the first and second variable display start commands with effects. The determination result can be specified. On the display control board 12 side, when the MODE data included in the display control command sent from the main board 11 is 85 (h), it is determined that the additional notification effect is executed, and the MODE data is 86 (h). ), It is determined that the big hit number notification effect is executed.

  Commands 91XX (h), 92XX (h), and 93XX (h) are special symbol designation commands for designating the left, middle, and right fixed symbols of the special symbol. In each special symbol designation command, the symbol number of the special symbol is set in XX (h). Command A000 (h) is a special symbol confirmation command for instructing the end of variable symbol variable display.

  The command B0XX (h) is a probability variation start command indicating that probability variation control is started when the big hit gaming state ends, and a special figure that can be executed in the probability improvement state in which probability variation control is performed based on the EXT data. Designate the number of special figure games for display to be notified as the number of games. The command B1XX (h) is a time-short start command indicating that the time-short control is started when the big hit gaming state is finished, and the special command that can be executed in the time-short state in which the time-short control is performed based on the EXT data. Designate the number of special figure games for display to be notified as the number of games. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the number of special-purpose games for display set as EXT data of a probability change start command and a time-short start command. On the display control board 12 side, in response to the EXT data included in the probability change start command and the short time start command, the number of special-figure games to be notified when the big hit gaming state is completed can be specified. The command B200 (h) is a probability change end command indicating that the probability change control is ended, and the command B300 (h) is a time reduction end command indicating that the time reduction control is ended.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main board 11 has a normal variable winning ball device 6 which is a start winning port, a special variable winning ball device 7 which is a big winning port, and winning of game balls to other winning ports, and Wirings from each winning opening switch 70 for detecting the passing of the game ball at the passing gate 5 are also connected. Further, the main board 11 is connected to wirings to solenoids 21 and 22 for performing movable control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 and opening / closing control in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. .

  The main board 11 includes a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 107, a solenoid circuit 108, and the like. The game control microcomputer 100 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and is controlled according to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 used as a work memory, and the program. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 and an I / O (Input / Output) port 104 are included.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the game control microcomputer 100 includes a special figure holding memory 120, a random counter 121, a determination table memory 122, a symbol determination table memory 123, and a display setting table memory 124. , A probability variation counter 125, a time reduction counter 126, a big hit number counter 127, a display number counter 128, a flag memory 129, and a variable display time timer 130 are provided.

  In the special figure holding memory 120, a condition (execution condition) for executing the variable display (special game) of the special symbol when the game ball wins the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 is established, but the previous variable display is displayed. This is a memory for storing a pending state in which a condition (start condition) for actually starting variable display is not satisfied due to reasons such as being executed. The special figure holding memory 120 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with four entries. Each entry has a holding number and a random number as numerical data extracted by the winning order in the winning order to the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6. A numerical value (a value of random R1 described later) is stored in association with each other. Each time the special symbol determination command A000 (h) is sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12 and the special symbol variable display ends once or the big hit gaming state ends, the highest level (holding) The variable display start condition based on the information of the number “1”) is established, and the variable display based on the highest level information is executed. At this time, the registration information below the second place (holding number “2”) is advanced by one place. Further, when a game ball newly wins the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6 during variable display of a special symbol or in a big hit gaming state, the random number value by the winning is the highest number of empty entries, with the upper limit being four. Registered in

  The random counter 121 counts determination random numbers and display random numbers used for game control. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number counted by the random counter 121. As shown in FIG. 9, the random counter 121 counts random R1 to R8. The random R1 is a big hit determination random number that determines whether or not to control the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the big hit gaming state by generating a big hit, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “299”. Random R2 is a random number for reach determination that determines whether or not to reach the reach display state at the time of loss, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “1530”. Random R3 is a display random number for determining a variable display pattern used for variable display of a special symbol, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “108”.

  Random R4-1 is a random number that determines the fixed symbol of the special symbol at the time of big hit and the fixed symbol in the left variable display portion 41a at the time of losing, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “106”. Random R4-2 is a random number that determines a fixed symbol in the middle variable display portion 41b at the time of losing, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “162”. Random R4-3 is a random number that determines a definite symbol in the right variable display portion 41c at the time of normal loss that is not reached, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “72”. Random R5 is a random number for determining whether or not to perform probability variation control for shifting to the probability improvement state after the big hit gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 ends, and is a value in the range of “0” to “9” Take. The random R6 is a random number used to determine the variable display count of the special figure game that is notified to the player or the like that it can be executed in the special game state when the big hit game state is ended, and “0”. It takes a value in the range of “9”. Random R7 is a random number used to determine whether or not to execute an extra notification effect each time a special game start condition is established in the special gaming state, and is in the range of “0” to “29”. Takes a value. Random R8 is a random number used to determine whether or not to execute the big hit number notification effect, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “29”.

  The determination table memory 122 illustrated in FIG. 8 stores a plurality of determination tables that are set for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations. Specifically, the determination table memory 122 includes a normal / short time big hit determination table 150 shown in FIG. 10 (A), a probable change big hit determination table 151 shown in FIG. 10 (B), and an extra notification effect determination table shown in FIG. 152, the jackpot number notification effect determination table 153 shown in FIG. 12 is stored.

  The normal / short-time big hit determination table 150 shown in FIG. 10 (A) and the probability variation big hit determination table 151 shown in FIG. 10 (B) determine whether or not the display result of the special game by the variable display device 4 is a big hit. It is a table for judging. Each of the big hit determination tables 150 and 151 stores setting data for associating the value of the random R1 with the display result of the special figure game. In the probability change big hit determination table 151, more random R1 values are assigned to the display result of “big hit” than the normal / short time big hit determination table 150. That is, by determining the display result of the special figure game using the probability change jackpot determination table 151, it is possible to achieve a probability improvement state in which the probability of winning the jackpot is higher than in the normal gaming state.

  The additional notification effect determination table 152 shown in FIG. 11 is a table used for determining whether or not to execute an additional notification effect. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the setting data for adding the random R7 values “0”, “10”, and “20” as the additional effect execution determination value is stored in the additional notification effect determination table 152. The big hit number notification effect determination table 153 shown in FIG. 12 is a table used to determine whether or not to execute the big hit number notification effect. In the example shown in FIG. 12, setting data for setting the random R8 values “0” to “14” as the big hit number notification determination value is stored in the big hit number notification effect determination table 153.

  The symbol determination table memory 123 shown in FIG. 8 stores a plurality of types of symbol determination tables that are used to determine a fixed symbol of a special symbol that is variably displayed on the variable display device 4. Specifically, the symbol determination table memory 123 includes a normal jackpot symbol determination table 154 shown in FIG. 13 (A), a probability variation jackpot symbol determination table 155 shown in FIG. 13 (B), and FIG. 14 (A). The left symbol determining table 156, the middle symbol determining table 157 shown in FIG. 14B, and the right symbol determining table 158 shown in FIG. 14C are stored.

  The normal jackpot symbol determination table 154 shown in FIG. 13A is displayed when the same normal jackpot symbol is derived and displayed on the left, middle, and right variable display portions 41a to 41c as the display result of the special figure game. It is a table for determining the fixed symbol of a special symbol. For example, the normal jackpot symbol determination table 154 stores setting data that associates the symbol number of a special symbol as a normal jackpot symbol that is selected and determined as a confirmed symbol with the value of the random R4-1.

  The probability variation jackpot symbol determination table 155 shown in FIG. 13B is displayed when the same probability variation jackpot symbol is derived and displayed on the left, middle and right variable display portions 41a to 41c as the display result of the special figure game. It is a table for determining the fixed symbol of a special symbol. For example, the probability variation jackpot symbol determination table 155 stores setting data that associates a symbol number of a special symbol as a probability variation jackpot symbol selected and determined as a confirmed symbol with the value of the random R4-1.

  The left symbol determination table 156 shown in FIG. 14A displays a fixed symbol (left fixed symbol) in the left variable display unit 41a when displaying a display result of losing without making a big hit in a special game. It is a table for determining. For example, the left symbol determination table 156 stores setting data for associating a symbol number of a special symbol as a fixed symbol in the left variable display unit 41a with a value of random R4-1.

  The medium symbol determination table 157 shown in FIG. 14B is a table for determining a fixed symbol (medium fixed symbol) in the medium variable display unit 41b when the display result of the loss is derived and displayed. For example, the middle symbol determination table 157 stores setting data for associating the addition value for the symbol number of the left determined symbol with the value of the random R4-2. That is, at the time of a loss that is not a big hit, an added value determined using the middle symbol determination table 157 based on the random R4-2 value extracted from the random counter 121 is determined using the left symbol determination table 156. By adding to the symbol number of the confirmed symbol, the medium confirmed symbol can be determined. It should be noted that, when the display result of the loss is derived without displaying the big hit after the reach display state is set, and the added value determined using the middle symbol determination table 157 is “0”, it is derived. In order to make the display result to be lost, 1 may be added to the symbol number of the medium fixed symbol.

  The right symbol determination table 158 shown in FIG. 14C is a table for determining a fixed symbol (right fixed symbol) in the right variable display unit 41c when the display result of the loss is derived and displayed. For example, the right symbol determination table 158 stores setting data for associating the addition value for the symbol number of the left confirmed symbol with the value of the random R4-3.

  The display setting table memory 124 shown in FIG. 8 stores data indicating a plurality of types of variable display patterns that can be executed in the special game. Specifically, the display setting table memory 124 includes a variable display pattern table 159 shown in FIG. 15, a jackpot variable display pattern determination table 160 shown in FIG. 16A, and a reach / losing variable display pattern determination shown in FIG. A table 161 is stored.

  The variable display pattern table 159 shown in FIG. 15 includes, for example, a plurality of variable display patterns, a total variable display time of special symbols measured by the variable display time timer 130, and variable display start commands 80XX (h), 85XX (h ) And 86XX (h) EXT data are stored. In this embodiment, the variable display pattern of the normal loss and the shortened loss is a variable display pattern for deriving and displaying the fixed symbol of the loss without entering the reach display state. Here, the total variable display time T2 corresponding to the shortened loss variable display pattern # 2 is set to be shorter than the total variable display time T1 corresponding to the normal loss variable display pattern # 1.

  Each of the variable display patterns of reach A (losing), reach B (losing),... Is a variable display pattern that does not become a big hit in the reach display state. Each of the variable display patterns of reach A (big hit), reach B (big hit),... Is a variable display pattern that is a big hit after reaching the reach display state. In each variable display pattern of reach A, reach B,..., Each reach display mode is different. That is, depending on whether the variable display pattern executed in the special figure game is reach A, reach B,..., Different variable display modes, character images, and the like appear after reaching the reach display state. For example, in the variable display pattern of reach A, after the same fixed symbols are derived and displayed on the left and right variable display portions 41a and 41c to reach the reach display state, the variable display speed of the special symbol in the middle variable display portion 41b is set. When the vehicle is decelerated and a predetermined time has elapsed, the medium fixed symbol is simply derived and displayed. On the other hand, in the variable display pattern other than the reach A, the variable display speed, rotation direction, size, display position, display color, etc. of the special symbol change variously, or after the special symbol is reduced and displayed, A reach effect display in which a predetermined character image, a moving image, or the like is displayed in a space generated by the reduction of the special symbol on 41 is performed.

  In this embodiment, when the variable display start command with effect 85XX (h), 86XX (h) is sent to the display control board 12, it is set corresponding to each variable display pattern shown in FIG. The total variable display time obtained by adding the predetermined time T30 to the total variable display time is the total variable display time measured on the main side (main board 11). Then, after the variable display start command is sent, the special symbol confirmation command A000 (h) is sent when the total variable display time has elapsed.

  In each of the variable display pattern determination tables 160 and 161 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, setting data for associating the value of the random R3 with the variable display pattern is stored and extracted from the random counter 121. Based on the value of the random R3, the variable display pattern to be executed when the special symbol is variably displayed in the special symbol game can be selected and determined.

  The display setting table memory 124 stores a display special figure game number determination table 162 shown in FIG. In the display special figure game number determination table 162, the value of the random R6 and the special figure game number for display notified as the number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state when the big hit game state is ended. Stores setting data for associating.

  The probability variation counter 125 shown in FIG. 8 is for counting the remaining number of special figure games that can be executed in the probability improvement state where probability variation control is performed. In the probability variation counter 125, data indicating “100”, which is the number of times of the special figure game that is predetermined to be executed in the probability improvement state when the display result of the special figure game by the variable display device 4 becomes a big probability big hit. Is set as the initial value. Each time the special symbol variable display in the special game is completed without the display result being a big hit in the probability improvement state, the count value of the probability variation counter 125 is decremented by one.

  The time reduction counter 126 is for counting the remaining number of special figure games that can be executed in the time reduction state in which the time reduction control is performed. In the hour / short counter 126, data indicating “100”, which is the number of times of the special figure game that is predetermined to be executed in the time shortening state when the display result of the special figure game by the variable display device 4 is usually a big hit. Is set as the initial value. Then, every time the special symbol variable display in the special figure game is finished without the display result being a big hit in the time shortening state, the count value of the time reduction counter 126 is decremented by one.

  The big hit number counter 127 is for counting the number of times that the display result of the special figure game is a big hit within a predetermined period after the big hit gaming state is ended. In this embodiment, the count value of the big hit number counter 127 is “1” when the display result of the special figure game executed in the normal gaming state is a big hit. Then, 1 is added when the display result of the special figure game executed within the period in which the game is controlled to the special game state after the jackpot game state is ended is made a jackpot. That is, when the big hit is reached by the predetermined number of times (100 times in the present embodiment) after the end of the big hit gaming state, the count value of the big hit number counter 127 is incremented by one.

  The number-of-displays counter 128 is for counting on the main side the remaining variable display number displayed as the remaining number of times for the special game controlled in the special game state by the countdown display unit 42. A count initial value indicating the number of special-figure games notified to the player or the like when the big hit gaming state is ended is set in the number-of-displays counter 128. That is, when the probability change start command B0XX (h) or the short-time start command B1XX (h) is sent to the display control board 12, the count value corresponding to the number of special figure games for display designated by the EXT data. Is set. The count value is decremented by 1 each time the special game is executed in the special game state. When the first variable display start command with effect 85XX (h) is sent to the display control board 12, the count value of the probability variation counter 125 or the hourly counter 126 is set, and the number of times notified by the extra notification effect. Only the number of special figure games increased can be counted.

  The flag memory 129 is for setting a plurality of types of flags used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the special symbol process flag, the normal symbol process flag, the big hit flag, the probability variation flag, the time reduction flag, the reach state flag, the input state flag, the error flag, the timer interrupt flag, and the like are provided in the flag memory 129.

  The special symbol process flag indicates which process should be selected and executed in the special symbol process (FIG. 27) described later. The normal symbol process flag indicates which process should be selected and executed in a predetermined normal symbol process in order to control the display state of the normal symbol display 40 in a predetermined order. The big hit flag is set to an on state when the display result of the special figure game by the variable display device 4 is a big hit, and is cleared to an off state when the big hit gaming state is finished. The probability variation flag is set to an on state when the display result of the special figure game is a probability variation big hit, and is cleared to return to the normal game state from the probability improvement state. The time reduction flag is set when the display result of the special figure game is a normal big hit, and is cleared to return to the normal game state from the time reduction state.

  The reach state flag is set to the on state when it is determined that the display mode is the reach display mode during the variable display of the special symbol in the special game by the variable display device 4. The input state flag is a flag composed of a plurality of bits that are set or cleared according to the state of various signals input to the I / O port 104, the state of the detection signal input from each winning prize switch 70, and the like. The error flag is a flag composed of a plurality of bits in which bits corresponding to the type of error that has occurred when various errors occur in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time elapses and a timer interrupt is generated.

  The variable display time timer 130 is a down counter for measuring the variable display time that is the execution time of the special game on the main side. Whether or not to execute a variable display pattern and a predetermined effect executed in the special game when the variable display start command is sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12 to the variable display time timer 130. A count value corresponding to the total variable display time determined according to the determination result is set as an initial value.

  The switch circuit 107 shown in FIG. 5 takes in the detection signal from each winning opening switch 70 and transmits it to the game control microcomputer 100. The solenoid circuit 108 drives the solenoids 21 and 22 in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 100. The solenoid 21 is connected to the movable wing piece of the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6 through a link mechanism. The solenoid 22 is connected to the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 through a link mechanism.

  The display control board 12 performs display control and the like for image processing in the special figure game independently of the main board 11. The display control board 12 displays an image used for the special game on the display area 41 of the variable display device 4 based on the display control command sent from the main board 11 and turns on / off the normal symbol display 40. Take control. That is, the display control board 12 controls the display operation of the variable display device 4 based on the display control command from the main board 11, thereby controlling the effect by the image display related to the progress of the game.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the display control board 12. As shown in FIG. 18, the display control board 12 includes an oscillation circuit 110, a reset circuit 111, a display control CPU 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, and a video display processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP: Video Display Processor) 115. CGROM 116 and VRAM (Video RAM) 117.

  The oscillation circuit 110 outputs a reference clock signal to the CPU 112 and the VDP 115, and the reset circuit 111 outputs a reset signal for resetting the CPU 112 and the VDP 115. When the CPU 112 receives a display control command from the main board 11, the CPU 112 reads out control data for performing display control from the ROM 113 while using the RAM 114 as a work area. Further, the CPU 112 sends a drawing command to the VDP 115 based on the read control data. The ROM 113 is a semiconductor memory that stores various control programs used by the CPU 112, and the RAM 114 is a semiconductor memory used as a work area by the CPU 112.

  The VDP 115 has a display device control function for performing image display and a high-speed drawing function, and operates in accordance with a drawing command from the CPU 112. Further, it has a two-dimensional address space independent of the CPU 112, and the VRAM 117 is mapped there. The VDP 115 generates image data according to the data read from the CGROM 116 and develops it on the VRAM 117. Then, R (red), G (green), B (blue) signals and a synchronization signal are output to the variable display device 4. For example, each of the R, G, and B signals is represented by 8 bits, and the variable display device 4 synthesizes each of R, G, and B in 256 gradations according to the instruction from the VDP 115, and synthesizes them to have about 16.7 million multicolors. Display can be made. Note that the number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be other than 8 bits, and the number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be different from each other.

  The CGROM 116 is for storing various image data for displaying images on the variable display device 4. For example, the CGROM 116 stores character image data frequently used among images displayed on the variable display device 4, specifically, a person, an animal, a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like. A VRAM 117 is a frame buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP 115.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the display control board 12 includes a random counter 140, a display control pattern memory 141, a display control setting table memory 142, various timers 143, a flag memory 144, and a special game number counter. 145, a display counter 146, and a reception command buffer memory 147.

  The random counter 140 counts various random numbers that are used to determine the content of effects produced by display on the variable display device 4. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number counted by the random counter 140. As shown in FIG. 20, the random counter 140 counts random R10 and R11. Random R10 is a random number for determining which one of the plurality of types of display control patterns stored in the display control pattern memory 141 is to be used in the special figure game this time, and is in the range of “0” to “9”. Takes a value. Random R11 is a random number for determining the timing for executing a predetermined effect such as an extra notification effect or a jackpot number notification effect, and takes a value in the range of “0” to “5”.

  The display control pattern memory 141 stores a plurality of display control patterns selected based on the display control command received from the main board 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the display control pattern memory 141 includes a symbol variable display control pattern, a probability change start display control pattern, a time-short start display control pattern, an extra effect display control pattern, and a big hit number display control pattern. Store multiple types of each.

  Each symbol variable display control pattern includes data for controlling the display state of the special symbol, and is specified by EXT data of variable display start commands 80XX (h), 85XX (h), 86XX (h) from the main board 11. The selected variable display pattern is selected and determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, each symbol variable display control pattern includes a combination of a symbol process timer set value and symbol display control data that are written in time series, and an end code. Variable display speed, display position, size, display color, display period in the display state, and the like are set in advance.

  Each probability change start display control pattern is composed of control data to be output by displaying on the variable display device 4 notification information indicating that the probability change control is performed when the jackpot gaming state ends. The display is selected in accordance with the display special game number of times specified by the EXT data of the probability change start command B0XX (h) received from the main board 11. That is, by controlling the display operation in the variable display device 4 according to the probability change start display control pattern, an effect display for notifying the player of the number of special figure games that can be executed in the probability improvement state is performed.

  Each time-short start display control pattern is composed of control data for outputting by displaying on the variable display device 4 notification information indicating that the time-shortening control is performed when the jackpot gaming state is ended. The special game for display designated by the EXT data of the short time start command B1XX (h) received from the main board 11 is selected. That is, by controlling the display operation in the variable display device 4 in accordance with the short time start display control pattern, an effect display for notifying the player of the number of special figure games that can be executed in the time-reduced state is performed.

  Each additional effect display control pattern is composed of control data for outputting by displaying on the variable display device 4 notification information indicating that the number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state is increased. Each additional effect pattern includes the timing for executing the additional notification effect when the first variable display start command 85XX (h) with effect is received from the main board 11, the value of the random R10 extracted from the random counter 140, and the like. Selected based on By controlling the display operation in the variable display device 4 in accordance with the additional effect display control pattern, the special game state is set until a special game is executed more times than the number of special game games notified when the big hit game state is completed. An effect is provided for notifying the player of the fact that it will be controlled.

  Each jackpot number display control pattern causes the variable display device 4 to display notification information that the number of times that the jackpot display result has reached a predetermined number without shifting from the special gaming state to the normal gaming state. It consists of control data for output. Each of the big hit number display control patterns includes the timing of executing the big hit number notification effect when the second variable display start command 86XX (h) with effect is received from the main board 11, and the random R10 extracted from the random counter 140. It is selected based on the value of.

  The display control setting table memory 142 shown in FIG. 19 stores a plurality of types of tables set for the CPU 112 to select and determine a display control pattern. Specifically, the display control setting table memory 142 stores an extra effect pattern determination table 170 shown in FIG. 23A, a big hit number display pattern determination table 171 shown in FIG.

  In the additional effect pattern determination table 170 shown in FIG. 23A, setting data that associates the execution timing of the additional notification effect, the value of the random R10, and the additional effect display control pattern is stored. An additional effect display control pattern can be selected and determined based on the execution timing of an additional notification effect determined according to the value of the random R11 extracted from the counter 140.

  The big hit count display pattern determination table 171 shown in FIG. 23B stores setting data that associates the execution timing of the big hit count notification effect, the value of the random R10, and the big hit count display control pattern. Is configured to be able to select and determine the big hit number display control pattern based on the execution timing of the big hit number notification effect determined according to the value of the random R11 extracted from the random counter 140.

  Various timers 143 shown in FIG. 19 include a plurality of types of timers used for display control of the variable display device 4. For example, the various timers 143 include a symbol display process timer, an effect time timer, a monitoring timer, and the like. The symbol display process timer counts down the process timer set value set in the symbol variable display control pattern as an initial value, thereby measuring a period during which the special symbol is variably displayed in a manner according to the symbol variable display control pattern. The effect time timer is a down counter for measuring the execution time of effect display including variable display of special symbols in the special game on the sub side. This effect time timer is set in the variable display time timer 130 on the main board 11 side when the variable display start commands 80XX (h), 85XX (h), and 86XX (h) are received from the main board 11. A count initial value corresponding to the total variable display time is set. The monitoring timer is for measuring the elapsed time since the production time timer has timed out, and times out when a display control command is not received from the main board 11 for a predetermined time or more.

  The flag memory 144 is for setting a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared in accordance with the display state of the variable display device 4 and the command received from the main board 11. For example, the flag memory 144 includes a display control process flag, a variable display start flag, a valid flag, an extra effect flag, a big hit count display flag, a probability change start flag, a time reduction start flag, a special game state flag, a special game start display flag, a timer An interrupt flag or the like is provided.

  The display control process flag indicates which process should be selected / executed in the special figure display control process (described later) (FIG. 42). The variable display start flag is set to an on state when variable display start commands 80XX, 85XX (h), 86XX (h) are received from the main board 11. The valid flag is set to ON when a special symbol designation command 91XX (h), 92XX (h), 93XX (h) is received from the main board 11. The additional effect flag is set to the on state when the first variable display start command 85XX (h) with effect is received from the main board 11. The big hit number display flag is set to the on state when the second variable display start command 86XX (h) with effect is received from the main board 11. The probability variation start flag is set to the on state when the probability variation start command B0XX (h) is received from the main board 11. The time reduction start flag is set to an on state when the time reduction start command B1XX (h) is received from the main board 11.

  In addition, the special game state flag provided in the flag memory 144 is set to the on state while the special game state in which the probability change control or the time reduction control is performed. The special game start display flag is set to the on state while the effect display for notifying the number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state is being performed by the variable display device 4 after the jackpot game state is ended. The The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time elapses and a timer interrupt is generated.

  The special game number counter 145 is for counting the remaining number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state in which the probability changing control or the time-shortening control is performed on the sub side. The special game number counter 145 has, as an initial value, data indicating “100”, which is the number of special figure games predetermined to be executed in the special game state when the probability change start command or the short time start command is received. Is set. Then, every time the special game is completed without the display result being a big hit in the special game state, the count value of the special game number counter 145 is decremented by one. The display count counter 146 is for counting the remaining variable display count displayed as the remaining count of the special figure game controlled in the special game state by the countdown display section 42 on the sub side.

  The reception command buffer memory 147 is provided with a plurality of reception command buffers for storing display control commands received from the main board 11. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the reception command buffer memory 147. In the example shown in FIG. 24, twelve received command buffers are provided, and the received command buffer for storing received commands is designated by the command reception number counter. The command reception number counter takes values from “0” to “11”. Each reception command buffer is composed of, for example, 1 byte. By using a plurality of reception command buffers as ring buffers, six display control commands having a 2-byte structure can be stored.

  The audio control board 13 and the lamp control board 14 shown in FIG. 4 execute the audio output control and the lamp output control independently from the main board 11 based on the control command transmitted from the main board 11. This is a control board. That is, the sound control board 13 controls the sound output related to the progress of the game by controlling the sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R based on the control command from the main board 11. Further, the lamp control board 14 controls lighting / flashing operation of the lamp related to the progress of the game by controlling the lighting / extinguishing operation of the game effect lamp 9 based on the control command from the main board 11. . The payout control board 15 performs payout control for game balls, prize balls, and the like. The information terminal board 16 is for outputting various game-related information to the outside.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a game control main process executed by the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11. In the main board 11, when the power supply voltage from the power supply board 10 is supplied, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 first executes the game control main process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 performs the necessary initial setting (step S12) after setting the interrupt prohibition (step S11). In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 102 is cleared. Further, by setting a register of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100, a timer interrupt is generated periodically (for example, every 2 milliseconds). When the initial setting is completed, after interrupting is permitted (step S13), a loop process is started.

  By executing the game control main process, a timer interrupt is repeatedly generated every 2 milliseconds. When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 103 executes the game control interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. .

  When the game control interrupt process is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to determine the state of the detection signal input from each winning port switch 70 via the switch circuit 107 (step S21). . Subsequently, by executing predetermined error processing, abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and if necessary, a warning can be generated according to the diagnosis result (step S22). Thereafter, a random number update process for determination (step S23) for updating random numbers R1, R2, and R5 to R8, which are random numbers for determination counted by the random counter 121, and a display for updating random numbers R3 and R4, which are display random numbers. The random number update process (step S24) is sequentially executed.

  Next, the CPU 103 executes special symbol process processing (step S25). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the special symbol process flag provided in the flag memory 129 to control the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Following the special symbol process, the CPU 103 executes a normal symbol process (step S26). In the normal symbol process, a corresponding process is selected and executed in accordance with the normal symbol process flag provided in the flag memory 129 in order to control the normal symbol display 40 in a predetermined order.

  Further, the CPU 103 executes a predetermined command control process to send a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the display control board 12 and perform operations such as an effect operation according to the gaming state. Control is instructed (step S27). For example, the CPU 103 controls the signal output operation from the I / O port 104 based on the control data set in the predetermined command transmission table, and so on, for the sub-side control board such as the display control board 12. A control signal for controlling the progress of the game is transmitted. The display control command sent from the main board 11 by this command control processing is received by the CPU 112 of the display control board 12, and display control of the variable display device 4 and lighting control of the normal symbol display 40 are performed according to the display control command. .

  Further, the CPU 103 outputs the contents of the storage area for various output data to each output port included in the I / O port 104 by executing predetermined information output processing (step S28). In this information output process, a command for outputting jackpot information, starting information, probability variation information, etc. to the hall management computer is also sent from the main board 11 to the information terminal board 16.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103 executes a predetermined solenoid output process to control the movement of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball device 6 and open / close the opening / closing plate in the special variable winning ball device 7 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Driving is performed (step S29). Thereafter, by executing predetermined prize ball processing, the number of prize balls can be set based on the detection signal input from each prize opening switch 70, and a payout control command can be output to the payout control board 15. (Step S30).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the special symbol process executed in step S25. When the special symbol process is started, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the game ball has won the normal variable winning ball device 6 by detecting a detection signal input from the starting ball detection switch included in each winning port switch 70, A determination is made by checking an input state flag or the like provided in the flag memory 129 (step S100). When the game ball is won and the detection signal from the start ball detection switch is turned on (step S100; Yes), the winning process is executed (step S101), and when the game ball is not won (step S100; No), the winning process is skipped.

  In the winning process of step S101, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memories in the special figure reservation memory 120 is equal to or greater than the upper limit “4”. At this time, if the value of the random R1 corresponding to the hold number “4” is stored in the special figure hold memory 120, it is determined that the hold storage number is “4” or more. If the number of reserved memories is “4” or more, the start of the special figure game by the current winning is invalid and nothing is performed. On the other hand, when the number of reserved memories is less than “4”, the number of reserved memories is incremented by 1, and the random R1 value for jackpot determination is extracted from the random counter 121, and the extracted random R1 value is specially displayed. Set to the beginning of the empty entry in the reserved memory 120.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 selects one of the nine processes of steps S110 to S118 shown in FIG. 27 based on the value of the special symbol process flag stored in the flag memory 129. Below, each process of step S110-S118 is demonstrated.

  The special symbol normal process of step S110 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is the initial value “0”. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing special symbol normal processing. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the number of reserved memories in the special symbol reservation memory 120 is “0” (step S201). At this time, if the value of the random R1 corresponding to the hold number “1” is not stored in the special figure hold memory 120, it is determined that the hold storage number is “0”. When the number of reserved memories is “0” (step S201; Yes), the process is terminated by displaying a demonstration screen on the variable display device 4 via the display control board 12. On the other hand, when the number of reserved memories is other than “0” (step S201; No), the value of the random R1 stored corresponding to the reserved number “1” is read from the special figure reservation memory 120 (step S202). At this time, 1 is subtracted from the reserved storage number, and the value of the random R1 stored in the second to fourth entries (holding numbers “2” to “4”) of the special figure holding memory 120 is increased by one entry. Shift (step S203).

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes the jackpot determination process to determine whether or not to win the jackpot based on the value read in step S202, that is, the value of the random R1 already extracted in the winning process in step S101 described above. Is determined (step S204). FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the big hit determination process executed in step S204.

  In the big hit determination process shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the probability variation flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on (step S301). When the probability variation flag is off (step S301; No), the normal / short time big hit determination table 150 shown in FIG. 10A is set as a table for determining whether or not to win (step S302). . On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is on (step S301; Yes), the probability variation big hit determination table 151 shown in FIG. 10B is set as a table for determining whether or not to win (step S303). .

  Subsequently, based on the value of the random R1 read in step S202, the CPU 103 determines whether or not to make a big hit using the big hit determination table 150 or 151 set in step S302 or S303 (step S304). Then, it is determined whether or not the determination result is “big hit” (step S305). If it is “big hit” (step S305; Yes), the big hit flag provided in the flag memory 129 is set to an on state (step S305; Yes). Step S306).

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 determines whether any of the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on (steps S307 and S308). When either the probability change flag or the time-short flag is on (step S307; Yes or step S308; Yes), it is determined that the display result of the special figure game has been a big hit while controlling to the special game state. Thus, the count value of the big hit number counter 127 is incremented by 1 (step S309). On the other hand, when both the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag are off (step S307; No and step S308; No), it is determined that the display result of the special figure game executed in the normal gaming state is a big hit, The count initial value “1” is set in the big hit number counter 127 (step S310).

  Further, following step S309 or S310, the CPU 103 extracts a random R5 value from the random counter 121 (step S311), and determines whether or not the extracted random R5 value is an odd number (step S312). . In this embodiment, when the value of the random R5 is an odd number (step S312; Yes), the probability variation flag provided in the flag memory 129 is set to the on state, and the time reduction flag is cleared to the off state (step). S313). At this time, the count value of the probability variation counter 125 is set to “100”, and the count value of the hour / hour counter 126 is set to “0” (step S314).

  When the value of random R5 is an even number in step S312 (step S312; No), the probability variation flag is cleared and turned off, and the time reduction flag is set on (step S315). At this time, the count value of the probability variation counter 125 is set to “0”, and the count value of the hour / hour counter 126 is set to “100” (step S316).

  When it is determined in step S305 that the determination result is not “big hit” (step S305; No), steps S306 to S316 are skipped, and the big hit determination process is terminated. When the big hit determination process is thus completed, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to “1” which is a value corresponding to the confirmed special symbol setting process (step S205 in FIG. 28).

  The confirmed special symbol setting process of step S111 shown in FIG. 27 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “1”. In this process, as shown in FIG. 30, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the big hit flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on (step S211). When the big hit flag is off (step S211; No), the value of the random R2 is extracted from the random counter 121 (step S212), and it is determined whether or not to reach (step S213). For example, when the value of the random R2 extracted in step S212 is any one of “105” to “1530”, it is determined not to reach, and when it is any one of “0” to “104”, the reach is determined. To decide. Also, a table with different random R2 values to reach depending on whether or not the probability variation flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on is prepared, and the table selected according to the state of the probability variation flag is used. It may be determined whether or not to reach.

  When it is determined not to reach in step S213 (step S213; No), the CPU 103 clears the reach state flag provided in the flag memory 129 and turns it off (step S214). Then, based on the value of random R4-1 extracted from the random counter 121, the left determined symbol is determined using the left symbol determining table 156 shown in FIG. 14A (step S215). Further, based on the value of the random R4-2 extracted from the random counter 121, the medium fixed symbol is determined using the medium symbol determination table 157 shown in FIG. 14B (step S216), and extracted from the random counter 121. Based on the value of the random R4-3, the right determined symbol is determined using the right symbol determining table 158 shown in FIG. 14C (step S217). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S227.

  Further, when it is determined to reach in step S213 (step S213; Yes), the CPU 103 sets the reach state flag to the on state (step S218), and the value of the random R4-1 extracted from the random counter 121. Based on the above, the left determined symbol is determined using the left symbol determining table 156 (step S219). Subsequently, in this embodiment, it is determined that a special symbol having the same symbol number as that of the left determined symbol is set as the right determined symbol (step S220), and an arbitrary special symbol different from the left and right determined symbols is set in the middle. It is determined to be a confirmed symbol (step S221). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S227.

  When it is determined in step S211 that the big hit flag is on (step S211; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the probability variation flag is on (step S222 in FIG. 31). When the probability variation flag is off (step S222; No), the normal big hit symbol determination shown in FIG. 13A is performed as a table for determining the same fixed symbol in the left, middle, and right variable display portions 41a to 41c. The table for use 154 is set (step S223). On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is ON (step S222; Yes), the probability variation big hit symbol determination table 155 shown in FIG. 13B is set (step S224).

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 extracts the value of the random R4-1 from the random counter 121 (step S225), and the left, middle, and right variable display using the jackpot symbol determination table 154 or 155 set in step S223 or S224. The determined symbols that are the same in the units 41a to 41c are determined (step S226). After executing step S226, the process proceeds to step S227 shown in FIG. In step S227, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “2” which is a value corresponding to the variable display pattern setting process.

  The variable display pattern setting process of step S112 shown in FIG. 27 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. 32 to 34 are flowcharts showing the variable display pattern setting process. In this variable display pattern setting process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the big hit flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on (step S241). When the big hit flag is off (step S241; No), it is determined whether either the probability variation flag or the hourly flag is on (steps S242 and S243). When the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag are both off (step S242; No and step S243; No), it is determined whether or not the reach state flag is on (step S244).

  When it is determined in step S244 that the reach state flag is off (step S244; No), the CPU 103 stores the variable display pattern 159 shown in FIG. The normal loss variable display pattern # 1 is selected and determined (step S245). After executing step S245, the process proceeds to step S249.

  When it is determined in step S244 that the reach state flag is ON (step S244; Yes), the CPU 103 uses a reach / losing variable display pattern determination table 161 shown in FIG. 16B as a table for selecting a variable display pattern. Setting is made (step S246). Subsequently, the value of random R3 is extracted from the random counter 121 (step S247), and based on the extracted value of random R3, the variable display pattern to be executed in this special figure game using the reach lose variable display pattern determination table 161 Is selected and determined (step S248). In step S249, a setting for sending the normal variable display start command 80XX (h) to the display control board 12 is performed. Specifically, command transmission control data including 80 (h) MODE data corresponding to the normal variable display start command, EXT data corresponding to the variable display pattern selected and determined in step S245 or step S248, and the like. The normal variable display start command 80XX (h) is set to be able to be sent to the display control board 12 by the command control processing in step S27 shown in FIG. After executing step S249, the process proceeds to step S272.

  When it is determined in step S242 or step S243 that the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is on (step S242; Yes or step S243; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the reach state flag is on ( Step S250 in FIG. 33). Here, when the reach state flag is off (step S250; No), the variable display pattern # 2 of the shortened loss stored in the variable display pattern table 159 shown in FIG. A display pattern is selected and determined (step S251). After executing step S251, the process proceeds to step S255.

  When it is determined in step S250 that the reach state flag is on (step S250; Yes), the CPU 103 selects and determines the variable display pattern in the same manner as in steps S246 to S248 described above (steps S252 to S254). In step S255, for example, by confirming which of the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on, the probability improving state in which the probability change control is performed on the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the time reduction control are performed. In step S255, it is determined whether the state is controlled to be a time shortening state. When the probability variation control is being performed (step S255; probability variation), the display count counter 128 and the probability variation counter 125 compare the count values to determine whether or not they are equal (step). S256). If both count values are equal (step S256; Yes), it is determined that the additional notification effect is not executed, and the process proceeds to step S249 in FIG. 32 described above, so that the normal variable display start command 80XX (h) can be sent. Set. When it is determined in step S255 that the time reduction control is being performed (step S255; time reduction), the display count counter 128 and the time reduction counter 126 compare the count values to determine whether they are equal. It is determined whether or not (step S257). When both count values are equal (step S257; Yes), the process proceeds to step S249 in FIG.

  When it is determined in step S256 that the count values of the displayed number counter 128 and the probability variation counter 125 are different (step S256; No), the count values of the displayed number counter 128 and the hourly counter 126 are determined in step S257. When it is determined that they are different (step S257; No), it is determined whether or not the count value of the displayed number counter 128 is “1” (step S258). When the count value of the number-of-displays counter 128 is other than “1” (step S258; No), a determination process is performed for setting so that an additional notification effect is executed at a predetermined rate. That is, the CPU 103 extracts the value of random R7 from the random counter 121 (step S259), and refers to the additional notification effect determination table 152 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S260).

  When it is determined in step S260 that the value of the random R7 is not the added effect execution determination value (step S260; No), the CPU 103 determines that the added notification effect is not executed when executing the special figure game this time. Proceeding to step S249 in FIG. 32 described above, the normal variable display start command 80XX (h) is set to be sendable. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the random R7 is the added effect execution determination value (step S260; Yes), it is determined that the added notification effect is executed when executing the special figure game this time, and the first variable with effect is performed. Settings are made to send the display start command 85XX (h) to the display control board 12 (step S261). Also, when it is determined in step S258 that the count value of the number-of-displays counter 128 is “1” (step S258; Yes), it is determined that it is necessary to execute an extra notification effect, and the process proceeds to step S261. The setting for sending the first variable display start command with effect is performed.

  Subsequent to step S261, the CPU 103 determines whether the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to be in a probability improvement state in which probability variation control is performed or in a time reduction state in which time reduction control is performed (step S262). When the probability is improved (step S262; probability variation), the count value of the probability variation counter 125 is set in the display count counter 128 (step S263). When the time is shortened (step S262; time reduction), the time reduction counter is set. The count value of 126 is set in the display number counter 128 (step S264). As a result, the remaining number of special figure games that can actually be executed in the probability improvement state or the time reduction state is counted by the display number counter 128. In other words, the count value of the number-of-displays counter 128 is updated so as to be a value corresponding to the remaining number of special figure games displayed on the countdown display unit 42 after executing the extra notification effect. After executing step S263 or step S264, the process proceeds to step S272 in FIG.

  When it is determined in step S241 in FIG. 32 that the big hit flag is on (step S241; Yes), the CPU 103 determines a big hit variable display pattern determination table shown in FIG. 16A as a table for selecting a variable display pattern. 160 is set (step S265 in FIG. 34). Subsequently, the value of random R3 is extracted from the random counter 121 (step S266), and based on the extracted value of random R3, the variable display pattern to be executed in this special figure game using the jackpot variable display pattern determination table 160 Is selected and determined (step S267).

  After executing step S267, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the count value of the big hit number counter 127 is equal to the continuous big hit determination value (step S268). Here, the continuous big hit determination value is a value (for example, “5”) determined in advance as the big hit number notified by the big hit number notification effect. When the count value of the big hit number counter 127 is equal to the continuous big hit determination value (step S268; Yes), a determination process for setting the big hit number notification effect to be executed at a predetermined rate is executed. That is, the CPU 103 extracts the value of the random R8 from the random counter 121 (step S269) and refers to the jackpot number notification effect determination table 153 shown in FIG. It is determined whether it is a value (step S270).

  When the count value of the big hit number counter 127 is different from the continuous big hit determination value in step S268 (step S268; No), or when it is determined in step S270 that the value of the random R8 is not the big hit number notification determination value (step S270; No), the CPU 103 determines that the big hit number notification effect is not executed when executing the special figure game of this time, and proceeds to step S249 of FIG. 32 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S270 that the value of the random R8 is the big hit number notification determination value (step S270; Yes), it is determined that the big hit number notification effect is executed when the special figure game of this time is executed. The setting for sending the variable display start command 86XX (h) with effect 2 to the display control board 12 is performed (step S271). After executing step S271, the process proceeds to step S272 in FIG. 32, and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “3”, which is a value corresponding to the special symbol variable display processing.

  The special symbol variable display processing in step S113 shown in FIG. 27 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. In this process, the CPU 103 controls the variable display device 4 to start variable display of special symbols. For example, the left, middle and right special symbol designation commands 91XX are set by, for example, setting the control data corresponding to the confirmed symbols of the special symbols determined in the determined special symbol setting process in step S111 described above in a predetermined command transmission table. (H), 92XX (h), and 93XX (h) are set to be transmittable. Then, the variable display pattern selected and determined in the variable display pattern setting process of step S112, and the effect time according to the determination result of whether or not to execute the extra notification effect or the big hit number notification effect are variable as the total variable display time. The display time timer 130 is set, and the countdown starts in response to transmission of the variable display start command. Thereafter, when the timer value in the variable display time timer 130 becomes “0” and the time-out occurs, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “4” which is a value corresponding to the special symbol variable display stop process.

  The special symbol variable display stop process in step S114 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “4”. In this process, as shown in FIG. 35, the CPU 103 first performs setting for sending the special symbol confirmation command A000 (h) to the display control board 12 (step S281). For example, the control data corresponding to the special symbol confirmation command is set in a predetermined command transmission table so that the special symbol confirmation command can be transmitted.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the jackpot flag provided in the flag memory 129 is turned on (step S282). When the flag is turned on (step S282; Yes), the value of the special symbol process flag is determined. Is updated to “5”, which is a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S283). On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off (step S282; No), the special game control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 36 is executed (step S284). Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “0” (step S285).

  In the special game control process shown in FIG. 36, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the probability variation flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on (step S321). When the probability variation flag is on (step S321; Yes), the count values of the probability variation counter 125 and the displayed number counter 128 are each decremented by 1 (step S322), and whether or not the count value of the probability variation counter 125 has become “0”. Is determined (step S323). When the count value of the probability variation counter 125 is “0” (step S323; Yes), it is determined that the probability improvement state is finished and the normal gaming state is entered, and the probability variation flag is cleared to turn off. (Step S324), and setting for sending the probability variation end command B200 (h) to the display control board 12 is performed (Step S325). When the count value of the probability variation counter 125 is other than “0” in step S323 (step S323; No), the special game control process is terminated without executing steps S324 and S325.

  Further, when the probability variation flag is off in step S321 (step S321; No), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the time reduction flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on (step S326). When the hour / short flag is on (step S326; Yes), the count values of the hour / hour counter 126 and the number-of-displays counter 128 are each subtracted by one (step S327), and it is determined whether or not the count value is “0”. (Step S328). Then, when the count value of the hour / hour counter 126 is “0” (step S328; Yes), it is determined that the time reduction state is ended and the normal gaming state is entered, and the hour / hour flag is cleared and turned off. (Step S329), a setting for sending the time-shortening end command B300 (h) to the display control board 12 is performed (Step S330). When the time reduction flag is OFF in step S326 (step S326; No), or when the value of the time reduction counter 126 is other than “0” in step S328 (step S328; No), the special game control process is terminated as it is. To do.

  27 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “5”. In this processing, the CPU 103 performs setting for starting control for opening the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 as a big winning opening. Then, the control for opening the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is started, and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “6” which is a value corresponding to the large winning opening opening process.

  The special winning opening opening process in step S116 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “6”. In this process, the CPU 103 performs a game ball winning detection to the opened special variable winning ball device 7, a command for paying out a winning ball, a measurement of the opening time, a command setting for displaying the number of rounds of the opening cycle, and the like. . For example, the number of opening of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is counted for one big hit, and if the number of opening reaches, for example, 16, the condition for ending the specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) is established. As a result, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “7” which is a value corresponding to the jackpot end process. On the other hand, if the number of opening times has not reached 16, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is once closed and then opened again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  The jackpot end process in step S117 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “7”. In this process, the CPU 103 ends the jackpot gaming state by performing a setting for sending a command indicating the end of the jackpot gaming state to the display control board 12. Further, the CPU 103 clears the big hit flag provided in the flag memory 129 and puts it in the off state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “8” which is a value corresponding to the special game start process.

  The special game start process in step S118 is a process executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “8”. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the special game start process. In this special game start process, the CPU 103 first extracts the value of the random R6 from the random counter 121 (step S291), and refers to the display special figure game number determination table 162 shown in FIG. The number of special figure games for display for notifying the player by the effect display at the end of the state is determined (step S292). Then, an initial count value corresponding to the number of special figure games for display determined in step S292 is set in the number-of-displays counter 128 (step S293).

  After executing step S293, the CPU 103 performs probability change control after the big hit gaming state ends, for example, by checking which of the probability change flag and the time reduction flag provided in the flag memory 129 is on. It is discriminated whether the state is controlled to be a probability improvement state or a time reduction state in which the time reduction control is performed (step S294). When controlled to the probability improvement state (step S294; probability variation), a probability variation start command B0XX (h) for designating the display special game number of times determined in step S292 by EXT data as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Settings for sending to the control board 12 are made (step S295). On the other hand, when the time is controlled to be shortened (step S294; short time), a short time start command B1XX (h) for designating the display special game number of times determined in step S292 by EXT data is displayed to the display control board 12. Is set for sending (step S296). After executing step S295 or step S296, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “0” (step S297).

  Next, the operation in the display control board 12 will be described. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a display control main process executed by the display control CPU 112 mounted on the display control board 12. When the display control main process is started, first, a predetermined initialization process is executed to clear the RAM 114, set various initial values, and initialize a 33 millisecond timer for determining the display control activation interval. This is performed (step S51).

  Thereafter, the CPU 112 monitors a timer interrupt flag provided in the flag memory 144 and executes a loop process until the timer interrupt flag is set (step S52; No). In this loop process, a random number update process for updating the random numbers R10 and R11 counted by the random counter 140 may be executed. In this embodiment, a timer interrupt is generated every 33 milliseconds in the CPU 112, and when this timer interrupt occurs, a predetermined timer interrupt process is executed, so that a timer interrupt flag provided in the flag memory 144 is obtained. Is set to the on state. The period at which the timer interrupt is generated in the CPU 112 is not limited to 33 milliseconds, and can be arbitrarily set according to various processes executed by the CPU 112.

  In addition, the CPU 112 generates an interrupt for receiving a display control command from the main board 11 separately from the timer interrupt that occurs every 33 milliseconds. This interrupt is an interrupt that occurs when the display control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interrupt occurs due to the display control INT signal being turned on, the CPU 112 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state. However, if a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt disabled state is used, the CPU 112 It is preferable to issue an insertion prohibition instruction (DI instruction).

  When the display control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on, an interrupt is generated in the CPU 112, and execution of the command reception interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 39 is started. In this command reception interrupt process, the CPU 112 first saves the value of each register in the stack (step S351). Subsequently, the display control command is read from a predetermined input port or the like that receives the control signal assigned to the input of the display control command data and transmitted from the main board 11 (step S352). And it is discriminate | determined whether it is the 1st byte of the display control commands of a 2 byte structure (step S353). Here, the first byte (MODE) and the second byte (EXT) of the display control command are configured to be immediately distinguishable on the receiving side. That is, whether the data as MODE or the data as EXT has been received can be immediately detected on the receiving side depending on whether or not the first bit is “1”. When the first bit of the received command is “1”, it is determined that the valid first byte (MODE data) of the display control command having a 2-byte configuration has been received.

  If it is determined in step S353 that the MODE data is the first byte (step S353; Yes), the received command is stored in the reception command buffer specified by the command reception number counter in the reception command buffer memory 147. (Step S354). After executing Step S354, the process proceeds to Step S360. On the other hand, if it is not the first byte of the display control command (step S353; No), it is determined whether or not the first byte of MODE data has already been received (step S355). Whether or not the first byte of MODE data has been received can be determined by checking the command data stored in the received command buffer.

  If the first byte has already been received (step S355; Yes), it is determined whether or not the first bit of the one byte received this time is “0”, and if the first bit is “0”. For example, assuming that a valid second byte has been received, the received command is stored in the next reception command buffer specified by the command reception number counter (step S356). If it is determined in step S355 that the first byte of the display control command has not been received (step S355; No), if the first bit of the data received as the second byte is not “0” The process proceeds to step S360.

  When the command data of the second byte is stored in step S356, the value of the command reception number counter is incremented by 2 (step S357), and it is determined whether or not the value is “12” or more (step S358). If it is “12” or more (step S358; Yes), the command reception number counter is cleared and its value is returned to “0” (step S359). On the other hand, when it is less than “12” (step S358; No), step S359 is skipped. Thereafter, the register saved in step S351 is restored (step S360), and interrupt permission is set (step S361).

  With such a reception command interrupt process, the display control command transmitted from the main board 11 is stored in the reception command buffer provided in the reception command buffer memory 147, while the timer interrupt is generated in step S52 shown in FIG. Is confirmed. When the occurrence of the timer interrupt is confirmed (step S52; Yes), the received display control command is analyzed by executing the command analysis processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 40 and 41 (step S53).

  When the command analysis process is completed, the CPU 112 executes the counter update process for updating the random R10 and R11 counted by the random counter 140 (step S54), and then performs the special figure display control process process shown in the flowchart of FIG. Execute (Step S55). When the special figure display control process is completed, the process returns to step S52.

  In the command analysis processing shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the CPU 112 first checks whether there is a display control command received from the main board 11 (step S371). For example, when it is confirmed that there is a received command because the received command is stored in the received command buffer memory 147 (step S371; Yes), the received command is read (step S372), and the command is designated as a special symbol. It is determined whether or not the command is one of commands 91XX (h), 92XX (h), and 93XX (h) (step S373).

  If the received command read in step S372 is a special symbol designation command (step S373; Yes), the EXT data of the command is stored in the fixed symbol storage area for special symbols secured in the RAM 114 (step S374). The valid flag provided in the flag memory 144 is set to the on state (step S375). On the other hand, when the received command read in step S372 is not a special symbol designation command (step S373; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a normal variable display start command 80XX (h) (step S373). S376).

  If the received command read in step S372 is a normal variable display start command (step S376; Yes), for example, the EXT data of the command is variably displayed by storing it in the variable display pattern data storage area secured in the RAM 114. The pattern is saved (step S377), and the variable display start flag provided in the flag memory 144 is set to the on state (step S378). On the other hand, when the reception command read in step S372 is not the normal variable display start command (step S376; No), whether or not the command is the first variable display start command with effect 85XX (h). Is determined (step S379).

  If the received command read in step S372 is the first variable display start command with effect (step S379; Yes), the variable display pattern is saved in the same manner as in step S377 (step S380), and the flag memory 144 is stored. The provided variable display start flag and added effect flag are set to the on state (step S381). On the other hand, when the received command read in step S372 is not the first variable display start command with effect (step S379; No), the command is the second variable display start command with effect 86XX (h). It is determined whether or not there is (step S382).

  If the received command read in step S372 is the second variable display start command with effects (step S382; Yes), the variable display pattern is saved in the same manner as steps S377 and S380 (step S383), and the flag memory The variable display start flag and the big hit count display flag provided at 144 are set to the ON state (step S384). On the other hand, when the received command read in step S372 is not the second variable display start command with effect (step S382; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a probability change start command B0XX (h). (Step S385).

  If the received command read in step S372 is a probability change start command (step S385; Yes), for example, after storing the EXT data of the command in the display variable display count data storage area secured in the RAM 114, etc. (step S386), the probability variation start flag provided in the flag memory 144 is set to the on state (step S387). On the other hand, when the received command read in step S372 is not a probability change start command (step S385; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a time reduction start command B1XX (h) (shown in FIG. 41). Step S388).

  If the received command read in step S372 is a short time start command (step S388; Yes), data indicating the variable display frequency for display is stored in the same manner as in step S386 (step S389), and provided in the flag memory 144. The short time start flag is set to the on state (step S390). If the received command read in step S372 is another display control command (such as a special symbol confirmation command), a command reception flag corresponding to the display control command received in the flag memory 144 is set (step S391). ), The process returns to step S371. When all the received commands are read in this way (step S371; No), the command analysis process is terminated.

  In the special figure display control process shown in FIG. 42, the CPU 112 performs one of the seven processes of steps S150 to S156 shown in FIG. 42 based on the value of the display control process flag provided in the flag memory 144. select. Below, each process of step S150-S156 is demonstrated.

  The variable display start command reception waiting process in step S150 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is the initial value “0”. In this process, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the variable display start flag provided in the flag memory 144 is on. In the command analysis process described above, when the variable display start command 80XX (h), 85XX (h) or 86XX (h) is read from the reception command buffer or the like, the variable display start flag is set to the on state. If the variable display start flag is on, the variable display start flag is cleared and turned off, and the value of the display control process flag is updated to “1” corresponding to the display control setting process. On the other hand, when the variable display start flag is off, the variable display start command reception waiting process is terminated.

  The display control setting process in step S151 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “1”. 43 and 44 are flowcharts showing details of the display control setting process. When the display control setting process is started, the CPU 112 first determines whether or not the special game state flag provided in the flag memory 144 is on (step S401). When the special game state flag is OFF (step S401; No), the process proceeds to step S417.

  On the other hand, when the special game state flag is ON in step S401 (step S401; Yes), the CPU 112 determines that the countdown display unit 42 is displaying a countdown display of the number of special figure games, and for display. Display setting corresponding to the count value of the number counter 146 is performed (step S402). That is, the CPU 112 sends a predetermined drawing command to the VDP 115, and notifies the countdown display unit 42 of the variable display device 4 of the notification information 42a as a value for counting the remaining number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state. Is displayed. Subsequent to step S402, it is determined whether or not the additional effect flag provided in the flag memory 144 is on (step S403).

  When the extra effect flag is on (step S403; Yes), the CPU 112 clears the extra effect flag and sets it to the off state (step S404). Then, the count value of the special game number counter 145 and the display number counter 146 are displayed. A difference from the count value is specified (step S405). Further, the value of the random R11 is extracted from the random counter 140 (step S406), and the timing for executing the additional notification effect is determined based on the extracted value of the random R11 (step S407). For example, when the value of the extracted random R11 is an odd number, it is determined that the extra notification effect is executed before the special symbol variable display is started, and when it is an even number, the special symbol variable display is performed. After finishing (after deriving and displaying the fixed symbols of all symbols), it is determined that the additional notification effect is to be executed.

  After executing step S408, the CPU 112 extracts the value of the random R10 from the random counter 140 (step S408), and uses the additional effect pattern determination table 170 as shown in FIG. A display control pattern is determined (step S409). Further, the count value of the special game number counter 145 is set in the display number counter 146 (step S410). As a result, the remaining number of special figure games that can actually be executed in the special game state such as the probability improvement state or the time reduction state is counted by the display number counter 146. That is, the count value of the display counter 146 is updated so as to be a value corresponding to the remaining number of special figure games to be displayed on the countdown display unit 42 after executing the extra notification effect. After executing step S410, the process proceeds to step S417.

  When it is determined in step S403 that the additional effect flag is off (step S403; No), the CPU 112 determines whether or not the big hit number display flag is on (step S411 in FIG. 44). When the big hit count flag is OFF (step S411; No), the process proceeds to step S417 in FIG. On the other hand, when the big hit count flag is on (step S411; Yes), after the big hit count flag is cleared and turned off (step S412), the value of the random R11 is extracted from the random counter 140 (step S412). S413). Then, for example, similarly to step S407 described above, the timing for executing the big hit number notification effect is determined based on the extracted random R11 value (step S414).

  After executing step S414, the CPU 112 extracts the value of the random R10 from the random counter 140 (step S415), and uses the big hit number display pattern determination table 171 as shown in FIG. A display control pattern for use is determined (step S416).

  Thereafter, in step S 417, the CPU 112 selects and determines a symbol variable display control pattern corresponding to the variable display pattern saved in the variable display pattern storage area of the RAM 114, and reads it from the display control pattern memory 141. Subsequently, a drawing command according to the display control pattern is sent to the VDP 115, and settings for starting display for effects such as variable display of special symbols, extra notification effect, and jackpot notification effect are performed ( Step S418). In addition, measurement of the execution time of the effect display by the effect time timer provided in the various timers 143 is started (step S419). Then, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “2” that is a value corresponding to the special symbol variable display processing (step S420).

  The special symbol variable display process of step S152 shown in FIG. 42 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “2”. In this process, the CPU 112 controls the display operation in the variable display device 4 according to the symbol variable display control pattern read from the display control pattern memory 141 in the display control setting process in step S151. For example, every time the symbol display process timer included in the various timers 143 times out, the CPU 112 switches the reading position in the symbol variable display control pattern, and the symbol display process timer set value read from the reading position is displayed in the symbol display process. In addition to setting the timer, a drawing command according to the symbol display control data is appropriately sent to the VDP 115. Thereby, the display operation in the variable display device 4 is controlled, and the variable display of the special symbol is advanced. Further, by controlling the display operation in the variable display device 4 in accordance with the extra effect display control pattern or the big hit number display control pattern, the effect display such as the extra notice effect or the big hit number notice effect is advanced. When the production time timer provided in the various timers 143 times out, a predetermined timer initial value is set for the monitoring timer, the countdown operation of the monitoring timer is started, and the value of the display control process flag is set. The value is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the special symbol stop waiting process.

  The special symbol stop waiting process in step S153 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “3”. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing special symbol stop waiting processing. In this process, the CPU 112 first determines whether or not the special symbol confirmation command A000 (h) from the main board 11 has been received (step S431). When the special symbol confirmation command has not been received (step S431; No), it is determined whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S432). If it has not timed out (step S432; No), the special symbol stop is awaited. End the process.

  On the other hand, when the monitoring timer times out without receiving the special symbol confirmation command (step S432; Yes), the CPU 112 determines that some abnormality has occurred and displays a predetermined error screen in the display area 41 of the variable display device 4. Is displayed (step S433). Thereafter, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “0” (step S434), and the special symbol stop waiting process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S431 that the special symbol confirmation command has been received (step S431; Yes), the CPU 112 ends the variable symbol variable display being executed on the variable display device 4, and the left, middle, Control is performed to stop and display the fixed symbols in the respective symbols on the right (step S435), and it is determined whether or not the derived display result is a jackpot combination (step S436).

  When the display result of the variable display thus derived is not a big hit (step S436; No), a countdown display determination process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 46 is executed (step S437). After the countdown display determination process is executed, the process proceeds to step S434 described above, and the value of the display control process flag is updated to “0”. When it is determined in step S436 that the display result is a big hit (step S436; Yes), the value of the display control process flag is updated to “4” which is a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S438). Terminate the stop-waiting process.

  In the countdown display determination process shown in FIG. 46, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the special game state flag provided in the flag memory 144 is on (step S501). When the special game state flag is off (step S501; No), it is determined that the countdown display unit 42 has not performed the countdown display of the number of special figure games, and the countdown display determination process is terminated.

  When the special game state flag is on in step S501 (step S501; Yes), the count values of the special game number counter 145 and the display number counter 146 are each subtracted by 1 (step S502). Then, it is determined whether or not the count value of the special game number counter 145 has become “0” (step S503). Here, as will be described later (steps S453 and S460 in FIG. 47), the special game number counter 145 is set with a count value corresponding to a predetermined special figure game number such as “100” after the big hit gaming state is finished. Then, the count value is decremented by 1 in the process of step S502 that is executed each time the special game is finished without the display result being a big hit. Therefore, after the end of the big hit game state, when the special game is executed a predetermined number of times without the display result being a big win, the count value of the special game number counter 145 becomes “0”.

  When the count value of the special game number counter 145 is other than “0” (step S503), the CPU 112 determines that the special game state is continuously controlled, and ends the countdown display determination process. On the other hand, when the count value of the special game number counter 145 is “0” (step S503; Yes), one of the probability change end command B200 (h) and the short time end command B300 (h) transmitted from the main board 11 is received. It is determined whether or not it has been received (steps S504 and S505). When neither the probability change end command nor the short time end command is received (step S504; No and step S505; No), control is performed to display a predetermined error screen in the display area 41 of the variable display device 4 (step S506). . On the other hand, when either the probability change end command or the short time end command is received (step S504; Yes or step S505; Yes), the special game state flag is cleared and turned off (step S507). At this time, for example, the CPU 112 sends a predetermined drawing command to the VDP 115 so that the display of the notification information 42a in the countdown display unit 42 as shown in FIG. In addition, the display operation of the variable display device 4 is controlled.

  The jackpot display process in step S154 shown in FIG. 42 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “4”. In this processing, the CPU 112 controls the variable display device 4 to display an image corresponding to the big hit gaming state. For example, the number of rounds corresponding to a predetermined jackpot round number command transmitted from the main board 11 is displayed on the variable display device 4 so that the player can be notified. When the round game executed in the big hit gaming state becomes the final round (for example, the 16th round), the value of the display control process flag is updated to “5” which is a value corresponding to the big hit end display process.

  The big hit end display process of step S155 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “5”. In this process, in response to receiving the predetermined jackpot end command transmitted from the main board 11, the CPU 112 controls the effect display for notifying that the jackpot gaming state is ended on the variable display device 4. . When the effect display ends, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “6”, which is a value corresponding to the special gaming state start effect display process.

  The special gaming state start effect display process of step S156 is a process executed when the value of the display control process flag is “6”. 47 and 48 are flowcharts showing the special gaming state start effect display process. In this process, the CPU 112 first determines whether or not the probability variation start flag provided in the flag memory 144 is on (step S451). When the probability change start flag is on (step S451; Yes), after clearing the probability change start flag to turn it off (step S452), the initial count value “100” is set in the special game number counter 145 (step S453). ). Further, a count value corresponding to the number of special figure games for display designated by the data stored in the display variable display number data storage area of the RAM 114 is set in the display number counter 146 (step S454), and display is performed. The probability variation start display control pattern corresponding to the number of special figure games is selected and determined and read out from the display control pattern memory 141 (step S455).

  After executing step S455, the CPU 112 changes the fact that the probability variation control is started by appropriately sending, for example, a drawing command according to the probability variation start display control pattern read in step S455 to the VDP 115. The effect display notified by the display device 4 is started (step S456). Then, the special game start display flag provided in the flag memory 144 is set to the on state (step S457). The VDP 115 reads the image data from the CGROM 116 based on the drawing command from the CPU 112 and develops it in the development area on the VRAM 117, thereby variably displaying an image for informing that the probability variation control is performed. It can be displayed in the display area 41 of the device 4.

  When the probability variation start flag is off in step S451 (step S451; No), the CPU 112 determines whether or not the time reduction start flag is on (step S458). When the time reduction start flag is on (step S458; Yes), after the time reduction start flag is cleared and turned off (step S459), the count initial value “100” is set in the special game number counter 145 (step S460). ). In addition, a count value corresponding to the display special game number of times designated by the data stored in the display variable display number data storage area of the RAM 114 is set in the display number counter 146 (step S461), and display is performed. The short time start display control pattern corresponding to the number of special figure games is selected and determined and read out from the display control pattern memory 141 (step S462).

  After executing step S462, the CPU 112 variably indicates that the time reduction control is started, for example, by appropriately sending a drawing command according to the time reduction start display control pattern read out in step S462 to the VDP 115. The effect display notified by the display device 4 is started (step S463). Then, the special game start display flag provided in the flag memory 144 is set to the on state (step S464).

  When it is determined in step S458 that the time reduction start flag is off (step S458; No), the CPU 112 determines whether or not the special game start display flag is on (step S465). Here, when the special game start display flag is OFF (step S465; No), it is determined that the effect display for notifying that the probability variation control or the time-saving control is started is not properly performed, and the variable display device 4 is controlled to display an error screen in the display area 41 (step S466). After the error screen is displayed, the process proceeds to step S470.

  When the special game start display flag is ON in step S465 (step S465; Yes), it is determined whether or not the effect display of the special game state start by the variable display device 4 is ended (step S467). While the special game state start effect display is being executed (step S467; No), the special game state is started by appropriately sending a drawing command to the VDP 115 according to the probability change start display control pattern or the short time start display control pattern. The effect display process ends. When the special game state start effect display ends (step S467; Yes), the CPU 112 clears the special game start display flag to turn it off (step S468), and sets the special game state flag to the on state (step S468). Step S469). Thereafter, in step S470, the value of the display control process flag is updated to “0”.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above will be described based on a specific example.

  When the player operates the handle provided at the lower right position of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the game ball is driven into the game area by the launch motor and descends within the game area. The main board 11 monitors the presence / absence of an input from each winning a prize opening switch 70.

  When the game ball wins the normal variable winning ball device 6, the starting ball detector detects the winning of the game ball. When the detection signal from the starting ball detection switch included in each winning port switch 70 is turned on (step S100 shown in FIG. 27; Yes), the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 determines the value of the random R1 from the random counter 121. And the extracted random number value is registered at the head of the empty entry in the special figure reservation memory 120 (step S101).

  When the special figure game is not executed, the CPU 103 reads the value of the random R1 stored in the special figure holding memory 120 from the top entry, and determines whether the big hit or the loss is in accordance with the read random value (FIG. 29). Jackpot judgment processing shown in Fig. 2). When it is determined as “big hit”, a special symbol for big hit is determined according to the value of the random R4-1 extracted from the random counter 121 (determined special symbol setting process shown in FIGS. 30 and 31). Left, middle, and right symbol designation commands 91XX (h), 92XX (h), and 93XX (h) corresponding to the special symbol for jackpot determined in this way are sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12. The

  Further, the CPU 103 has a plurality of variable display patterns stored in the variable display pattern table 159 shown in FIG. 15 in a normal gaming state in which the probability variation control or the time-shortening control is not performed, for example, immediately after the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on. One of them is selected according to the situation, and a normal variable display start command 80XX (h) for designating the selected variable display pattern by EXT data is sent to the display control board 12 (step S249 in FIG. 32). In the display control board 12, the CPU 112 reads the symbol variable display control pattern corresponding to the variable display pattern designated by the normal variable display start command from the main board 11 from the display control pattern memory 141, and varies according to the read display control pattern. The variable display of special symbols by the display device 4 is started.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 49A, variable display of the special symbol is started in the left, middle and right variable display portions 41a to 41c of the variable display device 4, and the total variable display time corresponding to the variable display pattern has elapsed. When this is done, a fixed symbol of a special symbol that is a display result is derived and displayed. If the determined symbol derived and displayed at this time is a combination that is lost, the opening of the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is not performed, and the execution of the special figure game for one time is completed.

  On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 49 (B), if the confirmed symbol is a big hit combination, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the big hit gaming state, and the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is set for a certain time or a certain number. Open until the game ball wins, open and close a certain number of cycles. At this time, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 is executed in the jackpot gaming state, for example, as shown in FIG. 49C by sending a predetermined jackpot round number command to the display control board 12. Information for notifying the number of executions of the round game is displayed on the display area 41 of the variable display device 4 (processing for opening a big prize opening in step S116 shown in FIG. 27). Thereafter, when the big hit gaming state is ended, the display control board 12 responds to the fact that the CPU 112 has received a predetermined big hit end command from the main board 11, for example, as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the variable display device 4 (a jackpot end display process in step S155 shown in FIG. 42).

  At this time, the CPU 103 determines the number of special figure games for display to be notified to the player as the number of special figure games that can be executed in the special gaming state (steps S291 and S292 in FIG. 37). Then, according to the determination result of whether to perform probability change control or time reduction control, display control is performed for a probability change start command B0XX (h) or a time reduction start command B1XX (h) for designating the number of special-purpose games for display by EXT data. It sends out to the substrate 12 (steps S294 to S296 in FIG. 37).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 49B, when the display result in the special figure game is a probable big hit, when the probability variation control is performed, the special figure game number for display is set to “50”. If it is decided to do so, the probability change start command B001 (h) is sent to the display control board 12 based on the setting shown in FIG. On the main board 11 side, when it is determined that the display result is a big hit, the initial count values of the probability variation counter 125 and the hourly counter 126 depend on whether the probability variation big hit or the normal big hit. It is set (steps S314 and S316 in FIG. 29).

  On the display control board 12, the count value of the special game number counter 145 is set to “100” in response to receiving the probability change start command or the time reduction start command (steps S453 and S460 in FIG. 47). Further, based on the EXT data of the probability change start command or the short time start command received by the CPU 112, a count value corresponding to the display special game number of times is set in the display number counter 146 (steps S454 and S461). Then, an effect for notifying the number of special figure games for display as the number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state is executed (steps S456 and S463). For example, when a probability change start command whose EXT data is 01 (h) is received, an effect for notifying that the probability improvement state is controlled as shown in FIG. 49 (E) is executed. As a result, the number of special figure games “50”, which is less than “100”, which is the number of special figure games that can actually be executed in the special game state, is notified to the player.

  In the special game state such as the probability improvement state or the time shortening state, every time the special figure game is executed, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the displayed number counter 128 in the game control microcomputer 100 (steps S322 and S327 in FIG. 36). ), 1 is subtracted from the count value of the display counter 146 on the display control board 12 (step S502 in FIG. 46). Then, the display of the remaining number of special figure games in the countdown display unit 42 is updated corresponding to the count value of the display number counter 146 (step S402 in FIG. 43). Accordingly, for example, as shown in FIGS. 49F to 49H, it is possible to perform countdown display in which the remaining number of special figure games in the countdown display unit 42 decreases each time the special figure game is executed.

  Further, in the probability improvement state and the time reduction state, it is determined whether or not the display result is a big hit every time the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied (determined as No in step S201 in FIG. 28). (A big hit determination process in step S204), when the display result is lost, it is determined whether or not an extra notification effect is to be executed. That is, when it is determined in step S241 in FIG. 32 that the big hit flag is off (step S241; No), either the probability variation flag or the hourly flag is on (step S242; Yes or S243; Yes). After selecting and determining the variable display pattern corresponding to (steps S251 and S254), if the probability is improved, the count value of the display counter number 128 is compared with the count value of the probability variable counter 125 (step S256), and the time If it is in the shortened state, the count value of the number-of-displays counter 128 is compared with the count value of the hourly counter 126 (step S257). When the count value of the displayed number counter 128 is different from the count value of the probability variation counter 125 or the hourly counter 126 (step S256; No or S257; No), the count value of the displayed number counter 128 is “1”. It is determined whether or not (step S258).

  Here, when the count value of the number-of-displays counter 128 is “1”, it means that the notification information 42a displayed on the countdown display unit 42 is the last special game that can be executed in the special game state. “1” is shown. However, the remaining number of special figure games that are actually controlled to the probability improvement state or the time reduction state is counted by the probability variation counter 125 or the time reduction counter 126, and in step S256 or S257, it is determined that the special game state is further controlled. Is done. Therefore, the CPU 103 sends the first variable display start command with effect 85XX (h) to the display control board 12 to instruct execution of the additional notification effect, and further notifies that the special game state is controlled. Production to perform.

  On the other hand, when the count value of the number-of-displays counter 128 is other than “1” (step S258; No), the value of the random R7 extracted from the random counter 121 is the added effect execution determination value. One variable display start command with effect 85XX (h) is sent to the display control board 12. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 50 to FIG. 56, an operation example for controlling the variable display of the special symbol and the additional notification effect by the variable display device 4 will be described.

  FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control process (image display state) in the variable display device 4, FIG. 50 (A) shows a special symbol display control process, and FIG. The display control process is shown. The CPU 112 of the display control board 12 selects and determines the symbol variable display control pattern in response to receiving the variable display start command 80XX (h), 85XX (h), 86XX (h) from the main board 11 (FIG. 43 step S417). For example, assume that the CPU 103 of the main board 11 selects and determines the reach A lose variable display pattern # 10 based on the setting data stored in the variable display pattern table 159 shown in FIG. At this time, the EXT data of the variable display start command is 10 (h).

  FIG. 51A shows an example of display control when a normal variable display start command 8010 (h) is sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12. When the CPU 112 of the display control board 12 receives the normal variable display start command 8010 (h) in a state where the final symbol is stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. It is determined that no extra notification effect or jackpot number notification effect is performed (step S403; No and step S411; No). Thus, for example, the special symbol is variably displayed in the display mode corresponding to the reach A losing variable display pattern as shown in FIGS. 52B to 52G, and the confirmed symbol is stopped and displayed once. The figure game ends.

  On the other hand, when the first display variable display start command 8510 (h) is sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12, an additional notification is made based on the value of the random R11 extracted from the random counter 140 by the CPU 112. It is determined that the effect is executed at a timing either before or after the variable symbol variable display is executed (steps S406 and S407 in FIG. 43). Further, the CPU 112 selects and determines an added effect display control pattern using the added effect pattern determination table 170 shown in FIG. 23A based on the value of the random R10 extracted from the random counter 140 (steps S408 and S409). . 51 (B) to 51 (D) show a case in which an additional notification effect is executed at a timing prior to the execution of variable symbol special display.

FIG. 51B shows an example of display control when the CPU 112 of the display control board 12 selects and determines the display control pattern for the additional effect A. In the case of the display control timing shown in FIG. 51 (B), when the CPU 112 of the display control board 12 receives the first variable display start command 8510 (h) with the effect transmitted from the main board 11, a special symbol is produced by the process α. before starting the variable display of the process X _a to execute a plus notification effect as shown in FIG. 53 (B) ~ (D) . Then, in response to executing the extra notification effect, the display of the notification information 42a on the countdown display unit 42 is also updated as shown in FIG. 53 (E) (step S410 in FIG. 43).

  In this way, after the extra notification effect according to the display control pattern of the extra effect A is executed, the special symbol variable display by the process α is started, and the special symbol is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the variable display pattern of reach A loss. The variable display is performed. Then, when a definite symbol is derived and displayed by the process β and an effect time that is added to the variable display time T10 corresponding to the variable display pattern of reach A loss and added to the execution time T30 of the notification effect elapses, the effects included in the various timers 143 The time timer times out. At this time, when a special symbol confirmation command is received from the main board 11, one special symbol game is completed.

  FIG. 51C shows a display control example when the CPU 112 of the display control board 12 selects and determines the display control pattern of the extra effect B. In the example shown in FIG. 51 (C), an additional notification effect is executed prior to the start of variable display of special symbols, as in the case shown in FIG. 51 (B). On the other hand, the display control pattern of the extra effect B is notified that the number of special game games controlled in the special game state is increased in a display mode different from the display control pattern of the extra effect A. That is, as shown in FIGS. 54B to 54E, an image different from that shown in FIGS. 53B to 53D is displayed in the display area 41 of the variable display device 4, thereby providing an extra notification effect. Is executed. The VDP 115 of the display control board 12 reads out image data designated by, for example, a drawing command from the CPU 112 from the CGROM 116 and develops the image data in a development area on the VRAM 117, thereby adding an extra notification effect in a display mode corresponding to the extra effect display control pattern. Can be executed. For example, it is possible to determine the character image, background, display color, and the like to be displayed in the superimposing notification effect so as to be different from each other corresponding to a plurality of types of superimposing effect display control patterns.

  FIG. 51D shows an example of display control when the CPU 112 of the display control board 12 selects and determines the display control pattern of the extra effect C. In the display control pattern of the additional effect C, for example, as shown in FIGS. 55B to 55E, the additional notification effect is executed in a display mode different from the display control pattern of the additional effect A and the additional effect B.

  56 (A) to 56 (C) show a case in which an additional notification effect is executed at a later timing than when the special symbol variable display is executed. For example, in the case of the display control pattern of the additional effect D as shown in FIG. 56A, after the variable symbol special display is terminated and the fixed symbol is stopped and displayed, the display control pattern of the additional effect A is displayed as in FIG. An additional notification effect is executed in the image display mode as shown in (B) to (D). In the case of using the display control pattern of the extra effect E as shown in FIG. 56 (B), as in the display control pattern of the extra effect B, the extra notification effect is displayed in the image display mode as shown in FIGS. Is executed. In the case of using the display control pattern of the extra effect F as shown in FIG. 56 (C), as in the display control pattern of the extra effect C, the extra notification effect in the image display mode as shown in FIGS. 55 (B) to 55 (E). Is executed. As described above, the timing for executing the extra notification effect and the display mode thereof can be determined independently of the main board 11 on the main side in the display control board 12 on the sub side.

  When it is determined that the display result is a big hit based on the fact that the start condition of the special figure game is established in the probability improvement state or the time reduction state, the big hit number counter 127 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 is determined. Is incremented by 1 (step S309 in FIG. 29). At this time, the process for determining whether or not to execute the additional notification effect is not executed (step S241 in FIG. 32; Yes). On the other hand, it is determined whether or not to execute the big hit number notification effect. That is, after the variable display pattern is selected and determined according to the display result being a big hit (step S267 in FIG. 34), the count value of the big hit number counter 127 is a continuous big hit determination value (for example, “5”). It is determined whether or not (step S268). And when it is a continuous big hit determination value, when the value of the random R8 extracted from the random counter 121 is the big hit number notification determination value, the second variable display start command 86XX (h) with effect is displayed on the display control board 12. Will be sent.

  FIG. 50C shows a display control process for the big hit number notification effect. Assume that the CPU 103 of the main board 11 selects and determines the variable display pattern # 11 for reach A jackpot based on the setting data stored in the variable display pattern table 159 shown in FIG. At this time, a second variable display start command 8611 (h) with a presentation is sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12.

  The CPU 112 of the display control board 12 responds to the reception of the second variable display start command 8611 (h) with a presentation based on the value of the random R11 extracted from the random counter 140 and displays the big hit number notification presentation with a special symbol. It is determined to execute the variable display at a timing either before or after executing the variable display (steps S413 and S414 in FIG. 44). Further, the CPU 112 selects and determines the big hit number display control pattern using the big hit number display pattern determination table 171 shown in FIG. 23B based on the value of the random R10 extracted from the random counter 140 (steps S415 and S416). ).

In FIG. 57A, as an example of the case where the big hit number notification effect is executed at a timing before the variable symbol special display is executed, the display control pattern of the big hit number A is selected by the CPU 112 of the display control board 12. The example of display control when it is determined is shown. In the case of the display control timing shown in FIG. 57A, when the CPU 112 of the display control board 12 receives the second variable display start command 8611 (h) with the effect transmitted from the main board 11, the special symbol variable display. before starting the process Y _a by executing the jackpot number notification effect as shown in FIG. 58 (B) and (C). When this jackpot number notification effect is ended, variable display of special symbols by the process α is started, and a jackpot display result as shown in FIG. 58 (E) is derived and displayed.

  When the display control pattern of the big hit number B or the big hit number C is selected and determined using the big hit number display pattern determination table 171, the display control of the big hit number A is performed before the variable symbol special display is started. It is possible to execute a big hit number notification effect in a display mode different from the pattern.

FIG. 57B shows a case where the display control pattern of the big hit number D is selected by the CPU 112 of the display control board 12 as an example of the case where the big hit number notification effect is executed at a timing after executing the variable display of the special symbol. The example of display control when it is determined is shown. If by the display control timing shown in FIG. 57 (B), after the variable display of the special symbols as shown in FIG. 59 (C) is stopped and displayed the determined symbols ended example, FIG. 59 (D) and the process Y _D The big hit number notification effect as shown in (E) is executed. When the display control pattern of the big hit number E or the big hit number F is selected and determined using the big hit number display pattern determination table 171, the special symbol variable display is terminated and the fixed symbol is stopped and displayed. It is possible to execute a big hit number notification effect in a display mode different from the display control pattern of D. As described above, the timing of executing the big hit number notification effect and the display mode thereof are also determined independently of the main substrate 11 on the main side in the display control board 12 on the sub side, as in the case of the additional notification effect. be able to.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, after the display result of the special figure game is a big hit and the game is controlled to the big hit game state, when the big hit game state is finished, the probability variation control and the time reduction control are performed. An effect for informing the number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state is executed. At this time, the game can be executed in the special game state based on the display special game number of times determined using the display special game number determination table 162 as shown in FIG. 17 in step S292 shown in FIG. It is possible to notify the number of times less than the number of special figure games. Thereafter, every time the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied in the special gaming state, a big hit determination process is executed in step S204 shown in FIG. 28 as to whether or not the display result is a big hit. Here, when it is determined that the display result is to be lost, for example, based on the fact that a predetermined condition such as “No” is determined in step S256 or S257 shown in FIG. In steps S258 to S260, it is determined whether or not an extra notification effect different from the variable symbol special display is executed. When it is determined that the extra notification effect is to be executed, a first instruction is made to instruct to execute the extra notification effect by changing the MODE data in the normal variable display start command 80XX (h). The variable display command with effect 85XX (h) is sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12. On the display control board 12 side, in response to the CPU 112 receiving the variable display command with the first effect, the timing for executing the additional notification effect is determined in step S407 shown in FIG. Can be added and a notification effect can be executed.

  Thereby, when the variable display of the special symbol is stopped, it is possible to produce an interesting effect in the special gaming state, and it is possible to improve the game entertainment. Further, since the number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state is notified when the big hit game state is ended, the notification content can be impressed strongly to the player. Further, since it is determined whether or not the extra notification effect is executed only when it is determined that the display result of the special figure game is not a big hit, the control required for determining whether or not to execute the predetermined effect is determined. Can be reduced. In addition, every time the start condition of the special figure game is established in the special gaming state, it is determined whether or not the additional notification effect is executed, so it is possible to execute the additional notification effect at various timings, A player's expectation can be improved by an unexpected performance. In addition, since the timing of executing the superimposing notification effect and the display mode thereof can be determined on the display control board 12 side, the control burden on the main board 11 side can be reduced while enabling various effects. be able to.

  In the jackpot determination process shown in FIG. 29, the number of times that the display result of the special figure game executed within a predetermined period such as the period during which the game state is controlled in steps S307 to S310 is a jackpot is counted. . In step S268 shown in FIG. 34, it is determined whether or not the number of jackpots counted in this way has reached a predetermined continuous jackpot determination value. When it is determined that the continuous jackpot determination value has been reached, step S269 and In S270, it is determined whether or not to execute the big hit number notification effect different from the special symbol variable display. When it is determined that the big hit number notification effect is to be executed, it is configured to instruct to execute the big hit number notification effect by changing the MODE data in the normal variable display start command 80XX (h). The second variable display start command with effect 86XX (h) is sent from the main board 11 to the display control board 12. On the display control board 12 side, in response to the CPU 112 receiving the variable display start command with the second effect, the timing for executing the big hit number notification effect is determined in step S414 shown in FIG. While performing variable display, it is possible to execute a big hit number notification effect. Thereby, when the variable display of the special symbol is stopped, it is possible to produce an interesting effect, and the game entertainment can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, when the display result in the special figure game is a normal big hit, the time is controlled until 100 special figure games are executed after the big hit gaming state is finished, and when the probable big hit, It has been described that the game is controlled to the probability improvement state until 100 special figure games are executed after the big hit gaming state is finished. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a special game advantageous to a player who is different from the big hit game state until the predetermined number of times the special figure game is executed after the big hit game state is finished. The present invention is applicable to any game machine that can be continuously controlled to a state. For example, in the case of a normal big hit, the normal gaming state is entered after the big hit gaming state is ended, whereas in the case of a probable big hit, the special game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 150 times) after the big hit gaming state is finished. Further, it may be continuously controlled to the probability improvement state. Further, when the probability improvement state ends without causing the display result to be a big hit, it may be continuously controlled to the time reduction state.

  In the above-described embodiment, various effects such as effects for notifying the number of special figure games that can be executed in the special game state, extra notification effects, and jackpot notification effects are displayed by the display of the variable display device 4. As explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can have an arbitrary configuration capable of executing a predetermined effect. For example, each effect may be executed by outputting audio signals from the speakers 8L and 8R under the control of the audio control board 13. Further, each effect may be executed by lighting or blinking a plurality of types of notification lamps included in the game effect lamp 9 under the control of the lamp control board 14. Further, each effect may be executed by combining any of image display on the variable display device 4, sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and lighting or blinking of the notification lamp.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as the predetermined effect different from the variable symbol special display, it has been described that both the extra notification effect and the jackpot number notification effect can be executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Only one of the effects may be executed. The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine that executes an arbitrary effect different from the variable display of a special symbol that is executed when a predetermined condition is established.

  1 and FIG. 4, the block configuration shown in FIGS. 5, 8, 18 and 19, the table configuration shown in FIGS. 10 to 17 and FIG. 23, and the flowchart configuration shown in FIGS. These can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to detection of winning balls, and encloses game balls and gives points in response to detection of winning balls. It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a game machine that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device or the like in advance. You may take the form distributed by keeping it. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a detachable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of an image display in a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the special symbol used by this embodiment. It is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure etc. in a main board | substrate. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of a display control command. It is a figure which shows an example of EXT data of a probability change / short time start command. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for game control. It is a figure which shows the example of each random number counted by the random counter of the microcomputer for game control. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a big hit determination table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an addition notification effect execution determination table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a big hit number notification effect determination table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table for jackpot symbol determination. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table for left, middle, and right design determination. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a variable display pattern table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a variable display pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the special figure game frequency | count determination table for a display. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions in a display control board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a display control board. It is a figure which shows the example of each random number counted by the random counter of a display control board. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a display control pattern memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a symbol variable display control pattern. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the addition effect pattern determination table and the jackpot number display pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a reception command buffer memory. It is a flowchart which shows a game control main process. It is a flowchart which shows a game control interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol normal process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the big hit determination process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the fixed special symbol setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the fixed special symbol setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the variable display pattern setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the variable display pattern setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the variable display pattern setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process at the time of the special symbol variable display stop in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special game control process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special game start time process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a display control main process. It is a flowchart which shows a command reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a special figure display control process process. 43 is a flowchart showing details of display control setting processing in FIG. 42. 43 is a flowchart showing details of display control setting processing in FIG. 42. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the special symbol stop waiting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the countdown display determination process in FIG. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing details of special game state start effect display processing in FIG. 42. FIG. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing details of special game state start effect display processing in FIG. 42. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display control process in a variable display apparatus. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of a display control in the case of performing an additional alerting effect. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of a display control in the case of performing an additional alerting effect. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of a display control in the case of performing the big hit frequency notification effect. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display operation in a variable display apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4 ... Variable display device 5 ... Passing gate 6 ... Ordinary variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 10 ... Power supply board 11 ... Main board 12 ... Display control board 13 ... Audio control board 14 ... Lamp control board 15 ... Dispensing control board 16 ... Information terminal boards 21, 22 ... Solenoid 40 ... Normal symbol display 41 ... Display areas 41a to 41c ... Left, middle, right variable display section 42 ... Countdown display section 70 ... Each prize opening switch 100 ... Microcomputer 101, 113 for game control ROM
102, 114 ... RAM
103, 112 ... CPU
104 ... I / O port 107 ... Switch circuit 108 ... Solenoid circuit 110 ... Oscillator circuit 111 ... Reset circuit 115 ... VDP
116 ... CGROM
117 ... VRAM
120 ... Special figure holding memory 121, 140 ... Random counter 122 ... Judgment table memory 123 ... Symbol memory for table determination 124 ... Table memory for display setting 125 ... Probability variable counter 126 ... Short-time counter 127 ... Big hit number counter 128 ... Displayed number counter 129, 144 ... Flag memory 130 ... Variable display time timer 141 ... Display control pattern memory 142 ... Display control setting table memory 143 ... Various timers 145 ... Special game number counter 146 ... Display number counter 147 ... Receive command buffer memory 150 ... Normal and short time big hit determination table 151 ... Probability change big hit determination table 152 ... Additional notification effect determination table 153 ... Big hit count notification effect determination table 154 ... Normal big hit symbol determination table 155 ... Probability large hit symbol determination table 156 ... Left symbol determination table 157 ... Middle symbol determination table 158 ... Right symbol determination table 159 ... Variable display pattern table 160 ... Big hit variable display pattern determination table 161 ... Reach loss variable display pattern Determination table 162 ... Display special figure game number determination table 170 ... Additional effect pattern determination table 171 ... Big hit number display pattern determination table

Claims (8)

Based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied after the variable display execution condition is satisfied, a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified is provided, and the display result of the identification information is predetermined. A gaming machine that controls a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a specific display result is obtained,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Based on a control signal from the game control means, an effect control means for controlling the effect means for executing the effect by variable display by the variable display device,
The game control means includes
Signal transmission means for transmitting a control signal to the effect control means;
An effect determining means for determining whether or not to execute a predetermined effect different from the variable display of the identification information in the variable display device based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
The production control means includes
Signal receiving means for receiving a control signal transmitted from the game control means;
Effect timing determining means for determining timing for executing the predetermined effect,
The signal transmission means includes
Information for specifying a variable display pattern to be executed as variable display of identification information and identification information when it is determined by the effect determination means that the predetermined effect is not performed and the variable display start condition is satisfied A function of transmitting a normal pattern control signal indicating information for specifying a time at which the variable display is performed;
Information for specifying a variable display pattern to be executed as a variable display of identification information when the predetermined determination is made by the effect determination means and the variable display start condition is satisfied; and identification information A special pattern control signal indicating information for specifying the time for executing the variable display, information for instructing to execute the predetermined effect, and information for specifying the time for executing the predetermined effect is transmitted. And a function to
The effect timing determining means determines the execution timing of the predetermined effect in response to receiving the special pattern control signal by the signal receiving means,
The effect control means performs variable display of identification information using a variable display pattern corresponding to the special pattern control signal received by the signal receiving means, and the effect timing determining means based on the special pattern control signal. The predetermined effect is executed at the determined execution timing of the effect,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The game control means includes a special game state advantageous for a player different from the specific game state until the execution of the variable display of the identification information reaches a predetermined variable display number after the specific game state ends. Including special game control means to control,
The effect control means includes a minority notification means for notifying a variable display count less than the predetermined variable display count controlled to the special gaming state by the special game control means,
As the predetermined condition, the special determination state is determined by the minority notification means as the predetermined presentation before the variable display count of the identification information reaches the variable display count notified by the minority notification means. It is determined whether or not to notify that the variable display after the notified variable display number is continued up to a predetermined number of times,
The effect control means notifies that the special game state is continued up to a predetermined number in variable display after the variable display number notified by the minority notification means as the predetermined effect by the effect determination means. When the determination is made, as the predetermined effect, an effect for notifying that it is controlled to the special gaming state is executed.
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The minority notification means, when the specific gaming state is ended, notifies a variable display count less than the predetermined variable display count;
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein: Each time the variable display of the identification information is executed, the predetermined condition is satisfied.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, or 3. The game control means determines whether or not to display the specific display result as a display result of the variable display executed based on the execution condition of the variable display being established before the display result is derived and displayed. Including pre-determination means,
The effect determination means determines whether or not to execute the predetermined effect when the predetermination means determines that the specific display result is not displayed as the predetermined condition.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The production control means includes
Effect pattern data storage means for storing a plurality of types of data indicating the effect pattern executed as the predetermined effect;
Effect pattern data selecting means for selecting and determining one of the data indicating the effect pattern stored in the effect pattern data storage means based on the reception of the special pattern control signal by the signal receiving means;
Effect pattern execution means for executing an effect pattern based on a selection result by the effect pattern data selection means,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The game control means includes counting means for counting the number of times the specific display result is displayed as a display result of variable display within a predetermined period,
When the number of times counted by the counting means becomes a predetermined number as the predetermined condition, the number of times the specific display result is displayed as the predetermined effect becomes the predetermined number of times as the predetermined condition. Determine whether or not to notify
The production control means, as the predetermined production, is determined when it is determined that the number of times the specific display result has been displayed as the predetermined production is notified by the production determination unit. , Performing an effect to notify that the number of times that the specific display result has been displayed is the predetermined number of times,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The signal transmission means has a function of transmitting a control signal composed of a plurality of types of data including data designating a signal classification and data designating a variable display pattern executed by variable display of identification information. And
The special pattern control signal designates a variable display pattern that is the same as the normal pattern control signal by selecting data that designates the classification of the signal according to a determination result by the effect determining means, and also provides the predetermined effect. Configured to instruct to execute,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that:

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