JP2007151872A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an art capable of smoothly changing symbols in starting a next variable display despite of elaborate and complicated display symbols. <P>SOLUTION: When a game progress control means outputs a variation start command, a variation stop command and a symbol change command, a command transfer means transfers the commands to a symbol display control means, and the symbol display control means controls to variably display the symbols on a performance symbol display device. When the command transfer means delays the transfer of the symbol change command, the symbol display control means firstly displays provisional symbols on the performance symbol display device, prepares new symbols during all that time and changes the screen at a time point of completing the preparation. This constitution can change the symbols into the elaborate and complicated symbols without receiving time constraints or giving the player the sense of incongruity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that fires a game ball toward a game board surface and plays a game.

  Conventionally, a ball game machine that performs a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball when a game ball is launched onto the game board surface and the game ball enters a winning opening provided on the game board surface Widely known from. Further, in recent years, in order to enhance the interest of the player, an effect symbol display device is mounted on the game board surface, and when the game ball enters a predetermined winning opening (for example, a start opening), a change display of the effect symbol is displayed. A ball game machine of a type in which the game state is switched to a special game state that is advantageous to the player when the game is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol is started.

  Further, in addition to the special gaming state described above, a plurality of gaming states are provided, and the gaming state is switched when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the gaming (for example, when the symbol is changed or stopped a predetermined number of times). This type of gaming machine is also widely used. In such ball game machines with various gaming states, a technique for switching the display mode on the effect symbol display device according to the gaming state is also proposed in order to notify the player that the gaming state has been switched. (Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-199938 A

  However, in a ball and ball game machine that switches the display mode on the effect symbol display device in accordance with the game state, when the game state is switched while continuously changing the display of the effect symbols, the display mode cannot be switched in time. There was a problem that there was something. That is, in such a case, since the gaming state is switched during a short stop display time from when the variation display of the effect symbol is stopped until the next variation display is started, the effect symbol display is accordingly performed. The display mode on the device must also be switched during the stop display time. However, if the display design of the production symbol display device is complicated and elaborate, the time required to display the symbol becomes longer, resulting in a screen display. There has been a problem that the process for switching between cannot be completed within the stop display time.

  Of course, if the stop display time of the symbol is lengthened, it is possible to secure time for preparing the next display symbol, but if the stop display time is lengthened, the game will feel extended, and the player's interest in the game In practice, it is difficult to lengthen the stop display time. For this reason, there has been a problem in that preparation must be completed within a predetermined stop display time and a simple display pattern that can smoothly start the next variable display must be made, and the display pattern that can be adopted is limited.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and the following variable display is possible even for a complicated display design that is elaborate without reducing the player's interest in the game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology capable of smoothly switching at the start of the operation.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a ball game machine where the game is played while switching the game state,
An effect symbol display device for performing variable display of a predetermined effect symbol;
A symbol display control means for controlling the operation of the effect symbol display device;
Along with the progress of the game, a change start command for starting the change display of the effect symbols and a change command for instructing the change of the effect symbols associated with the switching of the game state are performed in accordance with the progress of the game. Game progress control means for outputting;
Command transfer means for receiving various commands output from the game progress control means and transferring them to the symbol control means;
When receiving the symbol change command, the command transfer means temporarily holds the command, and then transfers it to the symbol display control means together with the received change start command.
When the symbol display control means receives the change start command together with the symbol change command, the symbol display control means displays a provisional temporary symbol on the effect symbol display device and displays the designated symbol designated by the symbol change command. Preparation for displaying is started, and after the preparation is completed, the designated symbol is displayed on the effect symbol display device instead of the temporary symbol.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when the game progress control means outputs a change start command or a symbol change command, the command transfer means transfers these commands to the symbol display control means, and controls the symbol display control means. Accordingly, the effect symbols are variably displayed on the effect symbol display device. Here, when the command transfer means receives the symbol change command, it temporarily holds the command, and then receives the variation start command, and then receives the symbol change command and variation start command that are retained. Transfer to means. It should be noted that the order of transferring the symbol change command and the variation start command toward the symbol display control means is preferably to transfer the variation start command first and then to transfer the symbol change command, but this order is limited. On the contrary, according to the order output from the game progress control means, the symbol change command may be transferred first, followed by the change start command.

  In the symbol display control means, when the symbol change command is received together with the change start command, first, a predetermined temporary symbol is displayed on the effect symbol display device, and the display symbol (designated symbol) designated in the symbol change command is displayed. After the preparation is started and the preparation is completed, the designated symbol is displayed on the effect symbol display device instead of the temporary symbol.

  In this way, even when the variation display of the effect symbols is stopped and the next variation display is started in a different gaming state, the symbol display control means is supplied with the symbol change command together with the variation start command. The symbol display control means displays the temporary symbol on the effect symbol display device and starts preparation for displaying the designated symbol in accordance with the symbol change command. When the preparation is complete, the designated symbol is substituted for the temporary symbol. Is displayed. For this reason, for example, even when the time for displaying the designated symbol cannot be secured before the start of variation of the effect symbol, such as when the variation start command is output after the symbol change command, the variation time It is possible to switch naturally by preparing the designated symbol inside.

  Also, the symbol display control means for controlling the operation of the effect symbol display device does not judge the timing for display, but only executes processing according to various commands sent from the game progress control means via the command transfer means. Therefore, the control process is not complicated, and therefore the present invention can be easily applied.

  In such a ball game machine, when the effect symbol is stopped and displayed, it is assumed that a change stop command is output from the game progress control means to the command transfer means. In this case, the symbol change command may be transferred together with the change start command. That is, when a symbol change command is received before the stop display time has elapsed since the variation stop command is output from the game progress control means, the symbol change command is temporarily held and subsequently received together with the variation start command received It may be transferred to the symbol display control means. The stop display time is the time during which the effect design is stopped and displayed by the change stop command.

  Since the ball game machine can switch the gaming state in various modes, the fact that the change start command is output is not limited to the fact that the symbol change command is output, but the change start command is output immediately. In the meantime, it is possible to take a mode of switching the gaming state in a state where a sufficient time for switching to the designated symbol can be secured. In this way, when a sufficient time for switching to the designated symbol can be secured, it is not necessary to temporarily store the symbol change command and transfer it together with the change start command. In other words, the process of holding the symbol change command and transferring it together with the change start command can be said to be particularly effective when the time for switching symbols cannot be secured. The game progress control means outputs the symbol change command after the change stop command is output and before the stop display time elapses. The change start command is output immediately to start the change display of the effect symbols. This is applicable when sufficient time for preparing the designated symbol cannot be secured. Therefore, after the fluctuation stop command is output, if the symbol change command is output before the stop display time elapses, the symbol fluctuation command is temporarily held, and the symbol display control is performed together with the fluctuation start command sent thereafter. It is preferable to transfer to the means because the provisional symbol can be displayed and the preparation time for the designated symbol can be ensured only when the designated symbol is difficult to prepare.

  Further, if a simple symbol is used for the temporary symbol to be displayed temporarily, the temporary symbol can be displayed promptly upon receipt of the change start command. That is, after the stop display time ends, the temporary symbol can be displayed promptly, and thereafter, the designated symbol can be switched without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Game machine control details:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-1-1. Special design game processing:
C-1-2. Special electric game game processing:
C-2. Production control process and design control process:
C-2-1. First embodiment:
C-2-2. Second embodiment:
D. Variation:
D-1. First modification:
D-2. Second modification:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Furthermore, two operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side (player side) of the upper plate part 5. By pressing this switch, the player can intervene in the progress of the game, such as changing the game conditions during the game.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6.

  A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, a variable winning device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the gaming area 11, and between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, there are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passing of the game ball, and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 5). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, an opening state in which the game ball is likely to enter is in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are upright, and the game ball is in a normal state in which the possibility of entering is small.

  An effect display device 27 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols. Various symbols displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36 s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  In the variable winning device 18 provided below the central device 26, a large winning device 31 is provided substantially in the center. This special winning device 31 is composed of a special winning opening 31d that opens substantially in a substantially rectangular shape, a special winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 5) for opening and closing the special winning opening 31d, and the like. The big winning opening 31d is in an open state when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability, and is a big hit that is an advantageous gaming state for the player. A gaming state is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a normal symbol display unit 29 and a special symbol display unit 30. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes a left normal symbol display unit 29a and a right normal symbol display unit 29b, and the special symbol display unit 30 includes a left special symbol display unit 30a and a right special symbol display unit 30b. Has been. The two normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b are configured by using light emitting diodes (LEDs), the left normal symbol display portion 29a lights red light, and the right normal symbol display portion 29b lights green light. It is possible to do. The special symbol display unit 30 uses a so-called 7-segment LED. Of these, the 7 segment portion constitutes the left special symbol display portion 30a, and the comma portion constitutes the right special symbol display portion 30b. Yes. The 7-segment portion and the comma portion can be lit with red, orange, or green light. In addition, the symbol display device 28 is also provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 29c and a special symbol hold display unit 30c. Each of these consists of four LEDs. The display contents of the symbol display device 28 having such a configuration will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the screen configuration of the effect display device 27 installed in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. ing. Among these, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbol 30 shown in FIG. 3 so that a game can be produced. Detailed contents of various effects performed by the effect display device 27 will be described later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub control board 220 that controls the control of the game using symbols, lamps, and sound effects, and the details of the effect display device 27 under the control of the sub control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs general control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, a launch control board 260 that controls control related to the launch of game balls, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the runaway of the CPU, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 5, only the CPU 201 and RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown, and mounted on other control boards such as ROM, PIO, and sub-control board 220 mounted on the main control board 200. The CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., are not shown.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. Further, the main control board 200 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17, a large prize opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the big prize opening 31d, and The symbol display device 28 for displaying the fluctuation stop of the normal symbol and the special symbol is connected via the relay terminal board, and outputs signals to these various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28. Thus, the operation is also controlled.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is output to the effect control board 230 that controls the display of the effect display device 27 described above, the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, A game effect is produced by outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the lamp.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 to the ball lending device 13 via the relay terminal board. Is done. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b. The left normal symbol display unit 29a is configured to be able to light red light, and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is configured to be able to light green light. When the normal symbol variation display is started, the left and right normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b perform blinking display.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. The normal symbol in the variable display can take the four states shown in the figure. First, the state shown in FIG. 6A represents a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned off. FIG. 6B shows a state where both the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b are lit. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned on. FIG. 6D shows the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display. Each of the portions 29b represents a state where the light is extinguished. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, they are stopped and displayed in one of the four display states. At this time, when the display is stopped in a predetermined display state, a so-called normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is in an open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). In the present embodiment, the display state shown in FIG. 6C, that is, the state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is lit is set for the normal symbol. Yes.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol hold display section 29c (see FIG. 3).

  Next, when a game ball enters the start port 17 that is in an open state, a special symbol variation display is started. The special symbol is displayed by the special symbol display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. As described above, the special symbol display unit 30 of this embodiment is composed of the left special symbol display unit 30a composed of 7-segment LEDs and the right special symbol display unit 30b of the comma portion. The symbol display sections 30a and 30b can be lit in red, orange, or green.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which special symbols are variably displayed. During the special symbol variation display, the symbol “A” or “Y” is displayed on the left special symbol display unit 30a, and the comma “.” Is displayed on the right special symbol display unit 30b. Further, “A” and “Y” in the left special symbol display unit 30a and the comma “.” In the right special symbol display unit 30b can take three states of red, orange, and green. In the special symbol display unit 30 of the present embodiment, these display states can be combined to display 12 types of states shown in FIG. In the figure, the 7-segment LED or the comma portion that is finely hatched indicates that it is lit in a red state. In addition, a little rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in an orange state, and a rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in a green state. . When the special symbol variation display is started, these 12 types of display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped and displayed in any state.

  If the symbol displayed as “-” is “-”, the special symbol is removed, but if any other combination of symbols is stopped, the special symbol is a hit and the gaming state is advantageous to the player. A special gaming state is started. In other words, there are 10 types of combinations of symbols that are won by the special symbol, excluding “−” from the 12 types of symbols shown in FIG. Further, the special gaming state of the present embodiment is configured such that the gaming state (round) in which the special winning opening 31d is in an open state is repeated for a predetermined round. Since the big winning opening 31d is greatly opened, a game ball enters with high probability. As a result, the player can acquire many prize balls while a predetermined number of rounds are repeated.

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol fluctuation display, the game ball entry is stored as the number of special symbols held, and after the current special symbol fluctuation display ends, Fluctuation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbols on hold, and the number of stored special symbols is displayed on the special symbol hold display section 30c (see FIG. 3).

  In addition, among the 10 types of combinations that the special symbol shown in FIG. 7 is a winning combination, the 5 types of combinations surrounded by a solid line are so-called “probable variations”. When the game is stopped at any of the combination of probability variation symbols, the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed is higher than that in the normal state from the end of the special game to the start of the next special game. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability of being stopped and displayed with a winning symbol is high is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state).

  Furthermore, among the 10 types of combinations that the special symbol shown in FIG. 7 is a winning combination, the five types of combinations surrounded by a broken line are so-called “normal symbols”, and the special symbols that are variably displayed are these combinations. If you stop at one of the combinations of normal symbols, after the special game ends, until the special symbol is variably displayed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) or until the next special game state is started, The variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the opening time of the start port 17 is set to be slightly longer. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time shortening state (or a short time state). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, such a time-saving function is activated not only when the stop symbol is displayed with the normal symbol but also when it is stopped with the probability variable symbol. Eventually, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the ten types of winning symbols shown in FIG. 7, the time-saving function is always activated after the special gaming state ends.

  In accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs various effects using the effect symbols. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As will be described in detail later, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a game state called a short-time state and a game state called a probability change state in addition to the normal game state. The effect aspect performed with the effect display apparatus 27 at the time-short state is illustrated. The effect mode in the normal gaming state will be described later. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28 described above, also on the effect display device 27, these three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 8 (a) conceptually shows how the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the winning symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-described probability variation symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an odd number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of position and stops at the symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not align with the same symbol.

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents, and the respective display symbols are displayed. The timing for confirmation is also set the same. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more easily noticeable than the symbol display device 28, and the display screen is large and the display content is easy to understand. It is normal to play a game while looking at the screen of the device 27. Therefore, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, it is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the middle character symbol 27b may stop at the same symbol and enter a so-called jackpot gaming state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last symbol with the two character symbols stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, and it is possible to increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It has become. The effect display device 27 of the present embodiment that performs background symbol 27d, character symbol variation display, and the like constitutes one aspect of the “effect symbol display device” of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, in order to realize the above-described game, details of control executed mainly on the main control board 200 and the sub control board 220 will be described.

C. Game machine control contents:
The progress of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 is controlled by the main control board 200. Various effects performed as the game progresses are executed by the sub control board 220 and the effect control board 230 connected to the sub control board 220 under the control of the main control board 200. In the following, first, the game control process performed on the main control board 200 to advance the game will be described, and then the effect control process performed on the sub-control board 220 in order to produce an effect in accordance with the progress of the game. Will be described.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a normal electric accessory stop process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric accessory game process is repeatedly executed. . The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. During these processes, various commands are transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to a game ball winning (such as the start opening switch 17s or the big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed.

  When a prize ball number designation command output from the main control board 200 is received, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command. And according to the result, a drive signal is output to the payout motor 109m mounted in the payout device 109, and the process of actually paying out the winning ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball number designation command (S50), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game processing is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed (S100). ). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36 or whether or not the number of normal symbols held (see FIG. 3) is set. If the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 36 or if the number of normal symbols held is set, it is determined that the normal symbol game processing is performed (S100: yes). It is determined not to be performed (S100: no). In addition, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, an operation of adding until the number of normal symbols held reaches the upper limit “4” is also performed along with this determination.

  If it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the normal symbol game process (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following process is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is correct, and it is determined whether the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the winning symbol (see FIG. 6C) or with any other outlier symbol. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed at this time, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. . In the normal symbol game process, the normal symbol variation stop display is performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning symbol, the process of operating the normal electric accessory is performed. When the ordinary electric accessory operates, the pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17 rotate outward, and the start port 17 is in an open state.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is operating (S190). If it is in operation (S190: yes), a process for stopping the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary electric accessory stopping process) is performed (S200). On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (S190: no), it is not necessary to perform the ordinary electric accessory stopping process, and the process is skipped.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory stopping process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart. In the ordinary electric accessory stop process, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has passed (S202). As described above, when the ordinary electric accessory is operated, the start port 17 is in an open state, but when a predetermined time has elapsed, the pair of blade pieces are restored to the normal state in which they are upright again. Therefore, in S202, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has reached a preset operation time. If it is determined that the operating time has been reached (S202: yes), after stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated and the game control shown in FIG. Return to processing. Note that the normal electric accessory operating time (that is, the opening time of the start port 17) is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is about 1.5 when the opening time extending function described later is operated. Extended to seconds.

  On the other hand, when a prescribed number of game balls enter the opening 17, the start port 17 returns to the normal state even when the opening time has not reached the set time. Correspondingly, if the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has not reached the predetermined time (S202: no), it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls have entered the ordinary electric accessory ( S204) When it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered (S204: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped and the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 10 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no prescribed number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric game game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory stop process, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game process (S300). Such a determination is made as to whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17, whether or not a special symbol holding number (see FIG. 3) is set, and whether or not the condition device is operating. Do by detecting. Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device, and is a device that starts the operation when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the hit symbol shown in FIG. The condition device operates the accessory continuous operation device, thereby starting the big hit gaming state in which the big winning opening 31d is continuously opened. Then, it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed if the game ball has entered the start port 17 or if the number of special symbols to be held is set and the condition device is not in operation (S300: yes). In other cases, it is determined that the special symbol game process is not performed (S300: no). In addition, when a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, an operation of adding until the number of special symbols held reaches the upper limit “4” is also performed along with this determination.

  If it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed as a result of the above determination (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S320). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S320) is skipped.

C-1-1. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be variably displayed.

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S322: no), it is determined whether it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, for a period of time after the special symbol variation display is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm the stop symbol, so it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol is also elapsed (S324: no), the number of reserved special symbols is “0”. It is determined whether or not (S326). If the number of special symbol reservations is not “0”, in other words, if special symbol reservations remain (S326: no), whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is started.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, prior to determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate, it is determined whether or not the probability of jackpot occurrence is in a high probability state (probability variation state) (S328). The probability variation state continues until the next special game is started after the special game is ended when the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 stops at the “probability variation per symbol” shown in FIG. Is done. Therefore, in S328, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state. If the probable change is in progress (S328: yes), whether or not the special symbol is determined in a state where the probability of jackpot is set high. A determination is made (S330). On the other hand, if the probability change is not in progress (S328: no), whether the special symbol is true or not is determined with the probability of jackpot set to a normal value (S332).

  The special symbol determination is performed by referring to the following determination table and winning mode determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table referred to for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful in the special symbol game process of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the success / failure determination table includes a probability change table shown in FIG. 13 (b) and a non-probability change table shown in FIG. 13 (a). A special symbol success / failure determination random number is stored in association with a success / failure determination result of “win” or “out”. As is clear from comparison between FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the probability change success / failure determination table has a higher probability of winning than the non-probability change success / failure determination table. Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number that is acquired when a game ball enters the start port 17 and stored in the RAM 202 on the main control board 200. The special symbol is determined whether or not the special symbol is determined by subtracting the special symbol determination random number from the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is determined. The hit mode is determined.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a hit mode determination table that is referred to in order to determine a hit mode when the determination result of the special symbol is a win. As shown in the figure, the hit mode determination table stores a hit mode of “normal hit” or “probability hit” in association with the hit mode determination random number. Here, the random number for determining the winning mode is a random number acquired when the determination result of the special symbol is “winning”.

  In S328 to S332 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the probability change is in progress prior to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is correct. If the probability change is in progress, the success / failure determination table shown in FIG. Whether or not the special symbol is determined with reference to the hit state determination table of FIG. 14 and if the probability change is not in progress, whether or not the special symbol is determined with reference to the hit state determination table of FIG. 13 (a) and the hit state determination table of FIG. Judgment is made. As described above, when it is determined whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, a process for setting a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed (S338).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol variation pattern setting processing) for setting a variation pattern of a special symbol in the special symbol game process. Here, the special symbol variation pattern defines a variation time of the special symbol in the symbol display device 28. When the special symbol variation pattern setting process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a positive hit (S3381). If it is a probability variation (S3381: yes), a variation pattern of the stop symbol and the special symbol for probability variation is determined (S3383). As shown in FIG. 7, since there are five patterns set as the probability variation per symbol, one of the symbols is determined by lottery, and more than one variation pattern is set. One variation pattern is determined by lottery.

  On the other hand, when the result of the determination is not a positive hit (S3381: no), it is determined whether or not the normal hit is obtained (S3387). And when it is judged that it was a normal hit (S3387: yes), by performing a lottery, any one stop symbol from the five normal hit symbols shown in FIG. 7 and a special symbol change A pattern is determined (S3389).

  Further, when the result of the determination is not normal hit (S3387: no), since it is neither “probable hit” nor “normal hit”, it can be determined that the determination result is “out”. The stop symbol and the variation pattern for detachment may be determined. However, in the case of “displacement”, there are a case where it is disengaged after the reach effect and a case where it is disengaged without reaching the reach effect. Therefore, before determining the stop symbol and the variation pattern, first, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a reach effect is to be performed (S3403). Then, depending on the presence or absence of the reach effect, the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol are determined by lottery (S3405).

  When the special symbol stop pattern and the variation pattern are determined according to the determination result by performing the above-described processing, the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 15 is terminated, and the special symbol of FIG. Return to symbol game processing.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns from the special symbol variation pattern setting process, after starting the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S340), the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol reservation number (S342). ). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment can display the twelve kinds of special symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. Also, when the special symbol variation display is started, the number of special symbols held is decremented by 1, so 1 is subtracted from the data of the number of special symbols held stored in the RAM on the main control board 200. It is.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subtracts 1 from the number of special symbol reservations, it outputs a variation pattern designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S344), and then outputs a special symbol stop information designation command (S346). Here, the variation pattern designation command starts the variation display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the effect display device 27, and the special symbol variation pattern (special pattern determined by the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. This is a command for variably displaying the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c according to the symbol variation time). In addition, the special symbol stop information designation command indicates that the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 displays the stop symbols of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c according to the special symbol stop symbol determined in the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. It is a command to decide. The variation pattern designation command of this embodiment is a command that is output to start the variation display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, and thus constitutes one aspect of the “variation start command” of the present invention. ing.

  When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command, the representation mode (the variation display time of the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, the presence / absence of reach production, etc.) Type of reach production). Then, the determined effect mode is output to the effect control board 230, and effects using various lamps and sound effects are performed. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on the various commands output from the main control board 200 as described above, specific effects are determined by the sub control board 220 and various effects are performed. Yes. The processing (effect control processing) performed on the sub control board 220 will be described later.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol of the special symbol as described above, and outputs the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command to the sub-control board 220. Then, the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is fluctuating in the process of S322 immediately after the special symbol game process is started (S322: yes), the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol and the stop are already stopped. This corresponds to the case where the symbol is determined and the change of the special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the variation time has passed (S348: yes), after outputting the symbol design command of the character design that is variably displayed on the effect display device 27 toward the sub-control board 220 (S350), The special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 stops the special symbol variation display (S352), and sets the stop display time for the special symbol 30 to be stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 (S353). When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the symbol stop command, the CPU 221 transfers the symbol stop command to the effect control board 230 to stop the variable display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the effect display device 27, and The stop display time of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is set, and the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed until the stop display time elapses. That is, a stop display time is provided as a time for the player to confirm the stop symbols for a while after the special symbol 30 and the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped from being displayed.

  As will be described in detail later, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 that has received the symbol stop command sets the stop display time in the timer, the CPU 221 immediately transfers the symbol stop command to the effect control board 230 to produce the effect display. The variable display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the device 27 is stopped. For this reason, the timing of directly stopping the variation display of the special symbol 30 on the symbol display device 28 (S352) and the symbol display command 28 (S350) are output to vary the display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the effect display device 27 The timing to stop the operation is synchronized. The symbol stop command is a command that is output to stop the variation display of the character symbol, so the symbol stop command of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “variation stop command” of the present invention. .

  Returning to FIG. 11, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the gaming state is to be switched next after setting the stop display time of the stop symbol (S354). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, four game states of a normal game state, a short time state, a probability change state, and a special game state are set, and a game can be played while switching to any one of these four game states. Progress. Further, the display mode of the effect display device 27 is also different according to these four game states. Therefore, if the time for stopping the display of the symbol is set, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is switched after the display time has elapsed, in other words, whether or not the display mode of the effect display device 27 needs to be switched. is there. When switching to another gaming state (S354: yes), a gaming state designation command is output to the sub-control board 220 (S355). The gaming state designation command output here is a command for designating the gaming state to be switched next. For example, the maximum number of times is set for the time-short state (or the probability variation state), and after the start of the time-short state (or the probability variation state), if the number of special symbol fluctuations / stops reaches the maximum number of times, the time-short state (or the probability variation state) For models that end the game (models for which so-called cut-off is set), it is determined whether the number of fluctuations in the special symbol has reached the upper limit, and if the upper limit is reached, the gaming state is switched Is determined (S354: yes), and then a command for designating the gaming state is output (S355). The gaming state designation command is a command for designating the next gaming state to be switched, and all display modes such as symbols (background symbols 27d, character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) displayed on the effect display device 27 in accordance with this command. ) Is changed, the gaming state designation command of the present embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “design change command” of the present invention.

  On the other hand, when the game state continues without switching (S354: no), it is determined whether or not the display time set in the process of S353 has elapsed without outputting the game state designation command ( S356). If the display time has not elapsed (S356: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S358 in FIG. 12). Here, the symbol that activates the condition device is a symbol (ie, a winning symbol) of the normal winning symbol or the probability changing winning symbol shown in FIG. In S358 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the symbols stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 are those winning symbols.

  If the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes), the opening time of the big prize opening (large winning port opening time), and the continuous operation of the accessory continuous action device The number of times is set (S359). In this embodiment, the opening time of the big winning opening (large winning opening opening time) is set to about 26 seconds, and the continuous operation number is set to 15 times.

  Thus, after setting the opening time of the special winning opening and the number of continuous operations, the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated (S360). Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device to be described later, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in either of the above-mentioned “probable hit symbol” or “normal hit symbol”. And the device that starts the operation and places the special winning opening 31d in an open state. In addition, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the once closed special winning opening 31d. As will be described in detail later, by operating the condition device and the accessory continuous action device in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. The state will be started.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability changing function and the time shortening function do not work when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated. The time reduction function is a function for shortening the time for which the symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27. Therefore, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S360 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S362). If the probability change is in progress (S362: yes), since the probability change function and the time reduction function are operating, these functions are stopped (S364). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not in a certain change (S362: no), it is checked whether the time is short (S368), and if it is short (S368: yes), the time reduction function is stopped. (S370). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function of extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory also works. Therefore, when the time reduction function is stopped in S364 or S370, After the function opening time extending function is also stopped (S366), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operated in S360 is neither probabilistic nor time-saving (S368: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed. .

  As described above, the processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a symbol that activates the conditional device (S358: yes) has been described. If it is not the symbol to be activated (S358: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S372). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability variation state is set to continue until the next special gaming state occurs. Therefore, if it is determined that the current game state is a probability change state (S372: yes), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. Return to control processing.

  If it is determined in S372 that the current gaming state is not being changed (S372: no), it is determined whether or not the time is short (S374). If it is determined that the time is short (S374: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S376), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number (S378). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time reduction state is set to continue until the next big hit gaming state occurs or the special symbol rotates a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times). Therefore, if the current gaming state is short (S374: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of changes in the special symbol has reached a predetermined number (S378). If the predetermined number of times has been reached (S378: yes), the time-shortening function is stopped (S380), and then the function for extending the normal electric accessory opening time is also stopped (S366), and then FIG. 11 and FIG. After exiting the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 9, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S378: no), the special symbol game process is exited while maintaining the short-time state, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

C-1-2. Special electric game game processing:
As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts the special game state by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process described below if the condition device is operating (S400). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped, the process returns to the top of the game control process, and a series of the above-described prize ball related process (S50) and subsequent steps. Repeat the process.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a partial flow of the special electric accessory game process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the remaining flow of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called special game state is generated by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a special game state will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The “special electric accessory” referred to in the present specification is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, the game ball enters with high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter, but is again opened when a predetermined closing time elapses. The “container continuous operation device” referred to in this specification is a device that reopens the special winning opening 31d. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round”. When these rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the special gaming state is completed.

  The special game described above is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performing the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  When the special electric accessory game process is started, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S402). The special winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the special winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the special game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number (S404). As described above, the special electric accessory is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d, and when a special gaming state occurs, the special electric accessory operates a predetermined number of times, and a predetermined number of rounds are repeated. ing. Corresponding to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), whether or not the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number, in other words, a predetermined number of rounds is determined. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (S404).

  As a matter of course, immediately after the special game is started, the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the big prize opening is the time during which the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed (S406: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened. After having been made (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball-related process (S50), the special electric equipment game process (S400) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 16 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S406 and the process is ended as it is. When the second round process is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S402: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, in the special game, the special winning opening 31d is in an open state, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S414), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S412). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S412: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is exited and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed while the special winning opening 31d is kept open.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410: yes in FIG. 16) or a predetermined number of games in the special winning opening 31d. The ball enters (S412: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). Thus, one round of game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404). If all the rounds have not been completed (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the new prize opening 31d is opened again and a new one is opened. A round is started (S408).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous action device is stopped to end the special game state (S416).

  When the special game is completed as described above, it is determined whether the special symbol for which the condition device is to be operated is the “probable hit symbol” or the “normal hit symbol” (S418 in FIG. 17). If it is based on the “probability variation symbol” (S418: yes), after the operation of the probability variation function is started (S420), the operation of the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory is started. (S428, S430), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol that caused the condition device to operate is not the “probable hit symbol” (S418: no), the condition device is operated according to the “normal hit symbol”. The operation of the electric accessory opening time extension function is started (S428). Subsequently, the operation of the time reduction function is also started (S430), and then the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is ended.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. In the special symbol game process during the game control process, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined (S328 to S332 in FIG. 11), and if the determination result is “win”, the condition device and the accessory The continuous operating device is activated (S360 in FIG. 12), and the special gaming state is started. Also, in the special electric accessory game process (FIGS. 16 and 17) performed during the game control process, a special game is performed in a predetermined mode, and after the special game is finished, a probability change function, Processing for operating the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory is performed.

  As described above, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game by repeatedly performing the game control process shown in FIG. 9, and the special symbol variation pattern designation command during the game control process, Various commands such as a stop information designation command, a symbol stop command, and a game state designation command are output to the sub-control board 220. Since the main control board 200 outputs various commands in accordance with the progress of the game, the main control board 200 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “game progress control means” of the present invention. . Further, the sub control board 220 performs various effects based on the command output in this way, and transfers the received symbol related commands to the effect control board 230. The effect control board 230 performs various effects using the effect display device 27 in accordance with the transferred command. In the following description, various commands output from the main control board 200 are received, and the sub-control board 220 receives a process for producing a game (effect control process) and a symbol-related command transferred from the sub-control board 220. A process (design control process) in which the effect control board 230 performs symbol display on the effect display device 27 will be described.

C-2. Production control processing and design control processing:
C-2-1. First Example:
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect control process performed by the sub-control board 220 of the first embodiment in order to produce a game. This process is a process that is automatically started by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220 after power is supplied to the sub control board 220 after completion of a predetermined initial operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  In the effect control process, first, it is determined whether or not a control command has been received from the main control board 200 (S1002). If the sub-control board 220 executes control related to the game effect according to the various control commands output from the main control board 200, and determines that the control command is not received (S1002: no), the control command Wait until you receive

  If a control command has been received (S1002: yes), it is next determined whether or not the received control command is a gaming state designation command (S1004). When a gaming state designation command is received (S1004: yes), the gaming state designation command is stored in a RAM (not shown) on the sub control board 220 without being transferred to the effect control board 230 ( S1006), returning to S1002, a series of subsequent processing is performed. The game state designation command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 following the transmission of the symbol stop command from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S1004 that the received control command is not a gaming state designation command (S1004: no), it is subsequently determined whether or not the control command received from the main control board 200 is a symbol related command. (S1008). As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the sub control board 220 receives not only commands related to symbol control but also various control commands from the main control board 200 in accordance with the progress of the game. For example, a command for displaying the number of reserved special symbols on the effect display device 27 and a command for instructing the effect mode of the effect display device 27 during the special game are also received from the main control board 200. If the received command is not a symbol-related command (S1008: no), after executing the process according to the received control command (S1010), the process returns to S1002 again, and the control command is sent from the main control board 200. It is determined whether or not it has been received. If a control command has not been received, the standby state is entered as it is.

  On the other hand, if the received control command is a symbol related command (S1008: yes), it is next determined whether or not the received symbol related command is a variation pattern designation command (S1012). If the command is not a variation pattern designation command (S1012: no), the received symbol related command is transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1016), and then the process returns to S1002 again and the series of subsequent processes is repeated.

  In contrast, if it is determined in S1012 that a variation pattern designation command has been received (S1012: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not a gaming state designation command is stored. As described above, when the sub control board 220 receives a gaming state designation command from the main control board 200 (S1004: yes), the gaming state designation command is stored in the RAM (S1006). When the gaming state designation command is not stored, that is, when the gaming state designation command is not received before the variation pattern designation command is received (S1014: no), the received symbol related command (here Then, the variation pattern designation command) is transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1016). When the received symbol-related command is transferred to the effect control board 230 in this way, the process returns to S1002 to determine whether or not a control command has been received from the main control board 200 again. I do.

  On the other hand, if “yes” is determined in S1014, that is, if the sub-control board 220 has received the game state designation command and stored it in the RAM before receiving the fluctuation pattern designation command, the received fluctuation is received. After the pattern designation command and the game state designation command stored in the RAM are transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1018), the process returns to S1002 to repeat the series of processes described above.

  As described above, in the production control of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 18, processing corresponding to various control commands received from the main control board 200 is executed (S1010), and most of the symbol related commands are received. In this case, the received command is directly transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1016). However, when the gaming state designation command is received, the gaming state designation command is temporarily stored in the RAM, and after receiving the variation pattern designation command output from the main control board 200, the variation pattern designation command is received. At the same time, a process of transferring the game state designation command to the effect control board 230 is performed. Since the sub-control board 220 receives various commands output from the main control board 200 and transfers them to the effect control board 230, the sub-control board 220 of the first embodiment uses the “command transfer” of the present invention. Constitutes one aspect of the means. In addition, when receiving the symbol related command transferred from the sub control substrate 220, the effect control board 230 performs various effects using the effect display device 27 by executing the following symbol control processing.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of a symbol control process performed by the effect control board 230 of the first embodiment in order to display various symbols on the effect display device 27 as the game progresses. Such processing is performed by the CPU 231 mounted on the effect control board 230. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When the symbol control process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a symbol-related command is received from the sub-control board 220 (S2002). The effect control board 230 performs control related to symbols displayed on the effect display device 27 in accordance with various symbol-related commands transferred from the sub-control board 220. For this reason, when the symbol control process is started, it is first determined whether or not a symbol-related command has been received. If it is determined that the symbol-related command has not yet been received (S2002: no), the process stands by until a symbol-related command is received.

  When the symbol related command is received (S2002: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not the received command is a variation pattern designation command (S2004). If the received command is not a variation pattern designation command (S2004: no), display control according to the received command is performed (S2006). In this way, display control according to the command received from the sub control board 220 is performed, and after the symbol display corresponding to the command is performed on the screen of the effect display device 27, the process returns to S2002 again, and the sub control board 220 It is determined whether or not a symbol related command has been received. If no symbol-related command is received, the standby state is maintained as it is.

  On the other hand, if the symbol-related command received from the sub control board 220 is a variation pattern designation command in S2004 (S2004: yes), it is determined whether or not a game state designation command is received at the same time as the variation pattern designation command. (S2008). As described above with reference to FIG. 18, the sub-control board 220 temporarily stores the gaming state designation command, and transfers the gaming state designation command together with the variation pattern designation command. Therefore, when a variation pattern designation command is received, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command is also sent at the same time. In this example, these commands are described as being sent in the order of the variation pattern designation command and the gaming state designation command. However, the variation pattern designation command and the gaming state designation command are sent together. Therefore, for example, the variation pattern designation command may be sent in the reverse order, that is, the gaming state designation command. In this case, in S2004 of FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command has been received. If received, it may be determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received in S2008.

  If it is determined in S2008 that the next gaming state designation command is not sent following the variation pattern designation command (S2008: no), display control is performed according to the received variation pattern designation command. (S2006), the process returns to S2002 again, and the above-described series of processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined as “yes” in the processing of S2008, that is, when a gaming state designation command is received following the variation pattern designation command (in other words, the variation pattern designation command from the sub control board 220). When a game state designation command is sent together (see S1018 in FIG. 18), a predetermined temporary symbol is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 (S2010). Here, the temporary symbol is set to a relatively simple symbol that can be displayed immediately upon receipt of the variation pattern designation command.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the symbol displayed on the effect display device 27 is switched from the symbol in the short-time state to the temporary symbol. FIG. 20A shows a state in which the character symbol is stopped and displayed in a short time state. When the symbol stop command output from the main control board 200 is transferred from the sub control board 220 to the effect control board 230, a screen as illustrated in FIG. 20A is displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27. Is done. Thereafter, when the game state designation command is transferred together with the variation pattern designation command from the sub control board 220 to the production control board 230, the provisional symbol illustrated in FIG. 20B is displayed on the production display device 27. It has become.

  Subsequently, the CPU 231 of the effect control board 230 starts preparing symbols according to the game state designation command (S2012). As described above, the gaming state designation command is a command for designating a gaming state to be switched next, and the display mode of the effect display device 27 is switched as the gaming state is switched. Therefore, when the game state designation command is received together with the variation pattern designation command, provisional symbols are displayed as described above, and then preparation for the next symbol to be displayed is started. Then, when the preparation of the symbols corresponding to the game state designation command is completed, the prepared symbols are displayed on the effect display device 27, and then the variation display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is started in a manner corresponding to the variation pattern designation command. (S2014). FIG. 21 is an explanatory view exemplifying a state where the temporary symbol is switched to the symbol designated by the gaming state designation command and the variable display is started. Thus, when symbol variation in response to the variation pattern designation command is started, the process returns to S2002 and the above-described series of processing is repeated.

  As described above, in the symbol control process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 19, when a symbol-related command is received from the sub control board 220, in most cases, symbol control corresponding to the received command is performed. (S2006), various symbols are displayed on the effect display device 27. However, when the received symbol-related command is a variation pattern designation command and subsequently a gaming state designation command is received, a temporary symbol is first displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 (see FIG. 20), and the game The display symbol preparation according to the state designation command is started. When the symbol preparation is completed, the screen display of the effect display device 27 is switched, and the changed character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed in a variable manner (see FIG. 21). Since the effect control board 230 controls the operation of the effect display device 27, the effect control board 230 of the first embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “symbol display control means” in the present invention.

  FIG. 22 shows a state in which the symbols displayed on the effect display device 27 are switched by receiving the control command output from the main control board 200 and executing the effect control process and the symbol control process described above. It is a time chart. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a time chart.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the effect control process performed on the sub control board 220 and the symbol control process performed on the effect control board 230 receive the control command output from the main control board 200. Executed. For example, as shown at the left end in FIG. 22, when a variation pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 (see S344 in FIG. 11), the gaming state designation command is first issued. Unless the command is received, the received variation pattern designation command is immediately transferred to the effect control board 230 (see S1016 in FIG. 18). When only the variation pattern designation command is received, the effect control board 230 starts the variation display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 in accordance with the received variation pattern designation command (FIG. 19). S2006). In FIG. 22, the manner in which various control commands output from the main control board 200 are transferred to the effect control board 230 via the sub control board 220 is schematically represented using arrows. A white arrow represents a variation pattern designation command. Further, in the portion displayed as “symbol variation” in FIG. 22, the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed on the effect display device 27 when the effect control board 230 receives the change pattern designation command. It represents that.

  In this way, the variation display of the character symbol is started on the effect display device 27, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the main control board 200 outputs a symbol stop command (see S350 in FIG. 11). Even when the sub-control board 220 receives the symbol stop command, the sub-control board 220 transfers it directly to the effect control board 230 (see S1016 in FIG. 18). When the effect control board 230 receives the symbol stop command, the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are variably displayed on the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed (S2006 in FIG. 19). In FIG. 22, the symbol stop command is represented by an arrow with rough hatching, and the symbol change on the effect display device 27 is stopped by transferring the symbol stop command to the effect control board 230. Has been shown.

  When the number of special symbols held remains (S326 in FIG. 11: no), the change pattern designation command is output again from the main control board 200 after the stop display time has elapsed (see S344 in FIG. 11). . When the change pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200, it is transferred to the effect control board 230 via the sub-control board 220 as described above, and the change display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the effect display device 27 is performed. Is started. Thereafter, when a symbol stop command is output from the main control board 200 (see S350 in FIG. 11), the symbol stop command is transferred to the effect control board 230 via the sub control board 220 as described above, and the effect display device 27 is displayed. The character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that have been variably displayed above are stopped and displayed.

  Here, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the special game state based on the normal winning symbol is finished, a special game state called a so-called short-time state is started. Then, as described with reference to FIG. 12, the time-short state is terminated when the special symbol (and character symbol) is displayed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment), and the normal gaming state is reached. It is designed to switch to. In response to this, in the special symbol game process performed on the main control board 200, after the symbol stop command is output (see S350 in FIG. 11), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is switched (S354 in FIG. 11). ) When the gaming state is switched, a gaming state designation command is output (S355 in FIG. 11). FIG. 22 shows a state in which a gaming state designation command is output from the main control board 200 when it is determined that the gaming state is switched. In the figure, the gaming state designation command is represented by arrows with fine hatching. Has been. As is apparent from the flowchart of FIG. 11, such a gaming state designation command is output following the symbol stop command (that is, during the stop display time).

  As described above, when a gaming state designation command is output from the main control board 200 following the symbol stop command, the gaming state designation command is held (stored) in the sub-control board 220 (S1006 in FIG. 18). ). Thereafter, when a variation pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200, the variation pattern designation command and the retained (stored) gaming state designation command are transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1018 in FIG. 18). In FIG. 22, the gaming state designation command output from the main control board 200 is held (stored) in the sub-control board 220 as described above, and then held when the variation pattern designation command is received. A state in which the variation pattern designation command is transferred to the effect control board 230 together with the game state designation command is schematically shown.

  When the production control board 230 receives the variation pattern designation command together with the game state designation command in this way, it displays a temporary symbol on the production display device 27 (S2010 in FIG. 19). As a result, the display on the effect display device 27 is switched from the symbol shown in FIG. 20A (here, the symbol in the short-time state) to the temporary symbol shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 20B, since a relatively simple symbol is set in the temporary symbol, when the effect control board 230 receives the variation pattern designation command and the gaming state designation command, the temporary symbol is immediately displayed. The symbol can be displayed on the effect display device 27.

  In addition, after the display of the temporary design in this manner, the effect control board 230 starts preparation of a display design corresponding to the gaming state designated by the gaming state designation command (here, the normal gaming state) (FIG. 19). S2012). When the preparation of the display symbol is completed, the display on the effect display device 27 is switched to a screen (background symbol 27d and character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) according to the normal gaming state, and the already received variation pattern designation is made. In accordance with the command, the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed in a variable manner (S2014 in FIG. 19). As a result, the display on the effect display device 27 is switched from the temporary symbol shown in FIG. 20B to the symbol shown in FIG. 21 (the symbol in which the character symbol is variably displayed in the normal gaming state). As illustrated in FIG. 21, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the background symbol 27d in a normal gaming state is set to a relatively complicated symbol with a steam locomotive as a motif. In FIG. 22, when the production control board 230 receives the gaming state designation command following the variation pattern designation command, a temporary symbol is displayed immediately, and a new symbol is prepared in the meantime. It is schematically shown that the symbols on the display device 27 are switched to start changing the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state designation command is output, the gaming state is not switched immediately, but when the variation pattern designation command is subsequently output and the variation starts. The display of the screen is switched after displaying the temporary design. For this reason, in order to switch the background symbol within the stop display time of the symbol, such as when the variable display is started immediately after the symbol stop display, as in the case where the number of special symbols held remains. Even when it is difficult to secure time, it is possible to smoothly switch the screen display. This point will be supplementarily described.

  If the sub-control board 220 transfers the game state designation command received from the main control board 200 without storing it to the effect control board 230, that is, the effect control board 230 receives only the game state designation command first. Considering the case, the following problems may occur. For example, each command is output from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 in the order of the symbol stop command and the game state designation command, and the sub-control board 220 that receives these commands transfers both commands to the effect control board 230 as they are. Suppose that In this case, the effect control board 230 stops the variation display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, and prepares a display symbol corresponding to the gaming state changed from the next variation display during the stop display time. However, if the next variation pattern designation command is sent after the preparation of the next display symbol (designated symbol) corresponding to the game state designation received by the effect control board 230 is started and before the preparation is completed. Since the display screen is switched while the designated symbol is being prepared, the effect display device 27 may not be able to display the screen correctly. For example, when the contents of the display symbols vary greatly depending on the gaming state, such as when switching from the display screen shown in FIG. 20A to the display screen shown in FIG. For example, such a problem occurs remarkably because it is not possible to prepare a display symbol having a significantly different content within one second).

  However, in the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, the sub control board 220 transfers the gaming state designation command together with the variation pattern designation command to the presentation control board 230, so that the presentation control board 230 that has received the gaming state designation command. Always displays the temporary symbol and prepares the designated symbol during the fluctuation time. Since the variation time is generally longer than the stop display time (for example, 5 seconds or longer), a sufficient time for displaying the designated symbol can be secured. For this reason, it is possible to accurately switch the screen display in the effect display device 27 without a sense of incongruity. Furthermore, if a temporary symbol with a common image is appropriately selected so as to be connected to a symbol to be displayed next, a more natural switching is possible.

  Further, even when the gaming state designation command is supplied to the effect control board 230 together with the variation pattern designation command in this way, the effect control board 230 may perform display control in the effect display device 27 according to the received command. The advantage that the control process does not become complicated can also be obtained.

C-2-2. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, when a gaming state designation command is output from the main control board 200, the sub control board 220 temporarily stores the gaming state designation command, and always includes the variation pattern designation command and the effect control board 230. Had to forward to. However, between the time when the gaming state designation command is output and the time when the variation pattern designation command is output, the effect control board 230 completes the preparation of the display symbol (designated symbol) corresponding to the gaming state designation command. When there is a sufficient time for this (for example, when there is no special symbol hold), the sub-control board 220 does not need to temporarily store the game state designation command and delay the transfer. Therefore, only when the sufficient time for the production control board 230 to prepare the designated symbol cannot be secured, the gaming state designation command can be temporarily stored and transferred together with the variation pattern designation command. For example, after the variable stop command is output from the main control board 200, the game state designation command is output before the predetermined stop display time elapses. At this time, there are many states where special symbols are reserved, and a change pattern designation command is often output as the stop display time elapses. Therefore, the state in which the game state designation command is output after the variable stop command is output from the main control board 200 and before the predetermined stop display time elapses corresponds to the case where the preparation time for the specified symbol cannot be secured. Hereinafter, in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, the effect control process performed by the sub control board 220 and the symbol control process performed by the effect control board 230 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of effect control processing performed by the sub-control board 220 of the second embodiment in order to produce a game. Such a process is a process performed by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  In the effect control process, first, it is determined whether or not a control command is received from the main control board 200 (S1102). Since the sub-control board 220 performs control according to various control commands output from the main control board 200, if it is determined that no control command has been received (S1102: no), the sub-control board 220 stands by until receiving the control command. .

  If a control command has been received (S1102: yes), it is next determined whether or not the received control command is a symbol related command (S1104). As described above, the sub control board 220 receives various control commands related to effects from the main control board 200 in addition to the commands related to the symbol control. If the received command is not a symbol-related command (S1104: no), processing according to the received control command is executed (S1106).

  On the other hand, if the received control command is a symbol related command (S1104: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not the received command is a symbol stop command (S1108). As described above, the symbol related commands include commands such as a change pattern designation command, a symbol stop command, and a game state designation command. When a symbol stop command is received (S1108: yes) Following the reception of the command, the stop display time is set in the timer (S1110). Here, the stop display time is a time for the player to confirm the symbols stopped and displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27, and is set after the main control board 200 outputs the symbol stop command. The special symbol stop display time is set to the same time (see S353 in FIG. 11).

  Subsequently, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not the stop display time set in the timer has elapsed (S1112). If the symbol display command has been received and the stop display time has just been set in the timer (S1110), it is naturally determined that it is within the stop display time (S1112: yes), and then the received control command is a game. It is determined whether the command is a status designation command (S1114). Since the control command received first is a symbol stop command, it is naturally determined that it is not a gaming state designation command (S1114: no), and the received control command (here, symbol stop command) is effected. The data is transferred to the substrate 230 (S1116). When the control command received from the main control board 200 is transferred to the effect control board 230 in this way, the process returns to S1102 to determine whether or not the control command is received again from the main control board 200. A series of subsequent processing is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1108 that the control command received from the main control board 200 is not a symbol stop command (S1108: no), the process of setting the stop display time in the timer (S1110) is skipped, and has already been performed. It is determined whether or not the stop display time set in the timer has elapsed (S1112). That is, it is determined whether or not the stop display time has elapsed since the timer was set by the symbol stop command received before receiving the control command. If it is determined that the stop display time has elapsed (S1112: no), the received control command is transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1116), and then the process returns to S1102 again to continue the series of processes. repeat. On the other hand, when the timing when the control command is received from the main control board 200 is before the stop display time elapses after the symbol stop command is received and the timer is set (S1112: yes), It is determined whether or not the received control command is a gaming state designation command (S1114). If the command is not a gaming state designation command (S1114: no), the received command is transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1116), and then a series of processing is performed after returning to S1102.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as “yes” in S1114, that is, if the gaming state designation command is received before the stop display time has elapsed since the symbol stop command was first received, the gaming state designation command is rendered. It holds without transferring to the control board 230, and waits as it is until the stop display time elapses (S1118). When the stop display time has elapsed (S1118: yes), it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received (S1120). As a result, when the variation pattern designation command is received immediately after the stop display time has elapsed (S1120: yes), the variation pattern designation command and the game state designation command are transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1122). On the other hand, when the variation pattern designation command is not received (S1120: no), only the game state designation command is transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1124). When the command is transferred to the effect control board 230 in this way, the process returns to S1102 to repeat the series of processes described above.

  As described above, in the effect control process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 23, after receiving the gaming state designation command, when the variation pattern designation command is received continuously (that is, immediately after the stop display time elapses). Similarly to the effect control process of the first embodiment described above, the variation pattern designation command and the game state designation command are simultaneously transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1122), but the variation pattern designation command follows the game state designation command. If it is not received immediately, only the game state designation command is transferred (S1124). The sub-control board 220 receives various commands output from the main control board 200 and transfers them to the effect control board 230. Therefore, the sub-control board 220 of the second embodiment uses the “command transfer” of the present invention. Constitutes one aspect of the means.

  As described above, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 repeatedly performs the effect control process shown in FIG. 23, thereby processing according to various control commands received from the main control board 200 as the game progresses. And the received symbol-related command is transferred to the effect control board 230. When the effect control board 230 receives the symbol-related command transferred from the sub-control board 220, it performs various effects using the effect display device 27 by executing the following symbol control.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a flow of symbol control processing performed by the CPU 231 of the effect control board 230 of the second embodiment in order to display various symbols on the effect display device 27 as the game progresses. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When the symbol control process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a symbol-related command is received from the sub-control board 220 (S2102). As described above, the effect control board 230 controls the symbols displayed on the effect display device 27 in accordance with the various symbol related commands transferred from the sub-control board 220. (S2102: no), it stands by until a symbol related command is received.

  When the symbol related command is received (S2102: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not the received command is a variation pattern designation command (S2104). If the received command is not a variation pattern designation command (S2104: no), display control according to the received command is performed (S2106). Thus, the symbol control corresponding to the command received from the sub control board 220 is performed, and the symbol display corresponding to the command is performed on the screen of the effect display device 27. Then, the process returns to S2102 and the sub control board 220 returns. It is determined whether or not a symbol related command has been received. If no symbol-related command is received, the standby state is maintained as it is.

  On the other hand, if the symbol-related command received from the sub-control board 220 is a variation pattern designation command in the process of S2104 (S2104: yes), a process of setting a predetermined time in the timer is performed following the reception of the command. (S2108). Here, the predetermined time is a time for determining whether or not the gaming state designation command is transferred after the variation pattern designation command in S1120 of the effect control process described above with reference to FIG. Set to time. Then, it is determined whether or not the next symbol-related command has been received within the set predetermined time, in other words, whether or not the next command has been sent following the variation pattern designation command (S2110). As a result, if the next command is not sent following the variation pattern designation command (S2110: no), display control is performed according to the received variation pattern designation command (S2106), and the process returns to S2102 again. Then, the series of processes described above are repeated.

  On the other hand, when the next symbol related command is received within a predetermined time (S2110: yes), it is determined whether or not the received next symbol related command is a gaming state designation command (S2112). If it is not a gaming state designation command (S2112: no), after performing the symbol control according to the received variation pattern designation command and the next symbol-related command received within a predetermined time (S2106), S2102 The series of processes that are continued after returning to the above are performed again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined as “yes” in the processing of S2112, that is, when the gaming state designation command is received following the variation pattern designation command (see FIG. 23, S1122), the first embodiment described above. Similarly, after a relatively simple symbol that can be displayed immediately is displayed as a temporary symbol on the screen of the effect display device 27 (S2114), preparation of a symbol corresponding to the game state designation command is started (S2116). When the preparation of the symbol corresponding to the game state designation command is completed, the screen display of the effect display device 27 is switched to the prepared display symbol, and the character symbol switched according to the already received variation pattern designation command. The fluctuation display is started (S2118). Thereafter, the process returns to S2102 and the above-described series of processing is repeated. Since the effect control board 230 controls the operation of the effect display device 27, 230 of the second embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “symbol display control means” in the present invention.

  As described above, also in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the game state is switched while continuously displaying the symbols in a change state, the game state designation command output from the main control board 200 is transferred. Since the sub-control board 220 delays, the production control board 230 does not prepare for displaying the symbol during the stop display time, and produces the temporary symbol after receiving the game state designation command together with the variation pattern designation command. In addition to displaying on the display device 27, preparation for the next symbol is started. When the preparation is completed, the screen display is switched and variable display is started. For this reason, it is possible to smoothly switch to an elaborate and complex symbol without being restricted by the fact that the symbol switching must be completed within a predetermined stop display time.

  In addition, after the stop display time has elapsed, a simple temporary symbol can be quickly displayed, and a new symbol that is ready can be displayed following the temporary symbol. It is possible to switch symbols without giving a sense of incongruity. Furthermore, if a temporary symbol with a common image is appropriately selected so as to be connected to a symbol to be displayed next, a more natural switching is possible.

  Next, in the second embodiment described above, the output timing of the symbol related commands output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 and the effect control board 230 and the timing at which the symbols displayed on the effect display device 27 are switched. Will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  As shown at the left end of FIG. 22, when a variation pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220, the sub control board 220 immediately receives the received variation pattern designation command. (S1116 in FIG. 23). The effect control board 230 receives the variation pattern designation command and sets a predetermined time in the timer (S2108), but here, since the gaming state designation command is not sent within the predetermined time, the received variation pattern designation command is received. Accordingly, the variable display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 is started (see S2106 in FIG. 24). Next, when the main control board 200 outputs a symbol stop command, the sub control board 220 that has received this command sets the stop display time in the timer (S1110 in FIG. 23), and then transfers it to the effect control board 230 (FIG. 23, S1116). When receiving the symbol stop command, the effect control board 230 stops and displays the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are variably displayed on the effect display device 27 (see S2106 in FIG. 21).

  Also, in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the special gaming state ends, a special gaming state called a so-called short-time state is started, and the special symbol (and character symbol) is displayed a predetermined number of times (this embodiment). When it is performed 100 times in the example, it switches from the short-time state to the normal gaming state. When the gaming state is switched in this way, the main control board 200 outputs a gaming state designation command within the symbol stop display time after outputting the symbol stopping command. 22 shows a state in which a game state designation command is output from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220.

  Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 23, when receiving the symbol stop command, the sub control board 220 sets the stop display time in the timer (S1110 in FIG. 23), and the stop display time. It is determined whether or not a game state designation command has been received (S1112, S1114 in FIG. 23). Then, as shown in FIG. 22, when the sub control board 220 receives the game state designation command within the stop display time after receiving the symbol stop command, the sub control board 220 sends the game state designation command to the effect control board 230. If the variation pattern designation command is sent from the main control board 200 immediately after the stop display time has elapsed (S1120: yes), the variation pattern designation command and the retained game state designation are retained. The command is transferred to the effect control board 230 (S1122). At this time, if the variation pattern designation command is not sent immediately after the stop display time has elapsed (S1120: no), only the held game state designation command is transferred to the effect control board 230.

  When the production control board 230 receives the variation pattern designation command, it immediately determines whether or not the gaming state designation command has been received (S2110, S2112). As shown in FIG. 22, when a gaming state designation command is transferred from the sub control board 220 following the variation pattern designation command, it is replaced with a predetermined symbol instead of the symbol stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27. After displaying the temporary symbol (S2114), preparation of the designated symbol is started (S2116). When the preparation is completed, the variation display of the symbol is started based on the variation pattern designation command (S2118). On the other hand, after receiving the variation pattern designation command, when the symbol related command is not received immediately (S2110 in FIG. 24) or immediately after receiving the symbol related command, the command is not the gaming state designation command. If it is detected (S2112), display control corresponding to the command received from the sub-control board 220 is performed without displaying a temporary symbol (S2106).

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment, the game state designation command is issued during the symbol stop display time by the symbol stop command as in the case where the gaming state is switched while the special symbol is held. If the change pattern designation command is output immediately after the stop display time elapses, the symbol corresponding to the new gaming state can be displayed after the temporary symbol is displayed. For this reason, the time for preparing a new symbol can be sufficiently secured as in the first embodiment described above. Further, since the screen is switched after the preparation is completed, it is possible to switch the screen display of the effect display device 27 without giving a sense of incongruity to the player even if the design is complicated.

  In addition, if a temporary symbol with a common image is appropriately selected so that the temporary symbol is a relatively simple symbol and is connected to the next symbol to be displayed, after the symbol stop display time has elapsed, It is possible to promptly display the temporary symbols and switch the symbols more naturally.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when sufficient time for preparing a new symbol can be secured, for example, when the gaming state is switched but the special symbol is not retained, the symbol is not retained. After the stop command is output, if the gaming state designation command is not output within the stop display time, or the gaming state designation command is output within the stop display time, but then the variation pattern designation command is not output immediately. In such a case, the symbols can be switched without displaying the temporary symbols as in the case of the display in the conventional gaming machine.

D. Modified example:
D-1. First modification:
In the first and second embodiments described above, when a gaming state designation command is output following the symbol stop command from the main control board 200, the sub control board 220 that has received the command keeps the gaming state designation command as it is. It has been described that the game state designation command is transferred to the effect control board 230 together with the variation pattern designation command after the variation pattern designation command is received (see S1122 in FIG. 23). However, the sub-control board 220 may transfer the held game state designation command to the effect control board 230 before receiving the next variation pattern designation command.

  FIG. 25 is a time chart showing how the sub control board 220 transfers the gaming state designation command to the effect control board 230 before receiving the next variation pattern designation command. Similar to FIG. 22, the arrows shown in FIG. 25 schematically represent how the control command output from the main control board 200 is transferred to the effect control board 230 via the sub control board 220. .

  Similar to the first and second embodiments described above, when a game state designation command is output from the main control board 200 following the symbol stop command, the sub control board 220 sends the game state designation command to the effect control board. Without being transferred to 230, it is held (stored) until the next variation pattern designation command is received. However, in the sub-control board 220 of the first modified example, when the symbol display command is received and the stop display time elapses, the gaming state designation command is issued even before the next variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200. 230 is transferred. Then, the effect control board 230 that has received the game state designation command displays a temporary symbol on the effect display device 27 and starts preparing a new symbol as in the above-described embodiment. Switch the display. On the other hand, when the next variation pattern designation command is transmitted during the preparation of a new symbol, the variation display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c after the change is performed when the preparation of the new symbol is completed. It may be started. In FIG. 25, after the gaming state designation command is transferred from the sub-control board 220 to the effect control board 230, and after receiving this, the sub-control board 230 starts displaying a temporary symbol and preparing a new symbol, A state in which a change pattern designation command is transferred from the control board 220 is shown.

  As described above, in the first modification, before the variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200, the sub control board 220 makes a judgment by itself and transfers the gaming state designation command to the effect control board 230. The effect control board 230 can receive the game state designation command earlier than in the case where it is transferred together with the command. As a result, it is possible to avoid the gaming state designation command and the variation pattern designation command being simultaneously supplied to the effect control board 230 and the processing on the effect control board 230 being complicated. Since the production control board 230 simply executes processing according to the transferred command, the control is not complicated and adaptation is easy.

  Further, in the first modification, for example, even when the above-described number of special symbols held does not remain (that is, even when the next variation pattern designation command is not output), when the stop display time has elapsed, the effect display device A temporary symbol can be displayed on 27 to start preparation of a new symbol. For this reason, even when the next variation pattern designation command is not easily output from the main control board 200, the symbols can be switched without a sense of incongruity as the gaming state is switched.

D-2. Second modification:
In the embodiment and the first modification described above, when the sub-control board 220 holds the gaming state designation command and receives the variation pattern designation command or when the stop display time has elapsed, the gaming state designation command Has been described as being transferred to the effect control board 230. However, the sub control board 220 may transfer it to the effect control board 230 as it is without holding the gaming state designation command.

  FIG. 26 is a time chart showing how the sub-control board 220 immediately transfers to the effect control board 230 without holding the game state designation command. As shown in the drawing, in the second modification, even when the sub control board 220 receives a game state designation command following the symbol stop command, those commands are transferred to the effect control board 230 as they are. On the other hand, when the production control board 230 receives the gaming state designation command, the process of switching the screen does not start until the next variation pattern designation command is received, and when the variation pattern designation command is received, Similarly, the display of the temporary symbol and the preparation of a new symbol are started, and after the preparation is completed, the screen display is switched and the variable display is started.

  Thus, in the sub control board 220 of the second modified example, the received game state designation command is transferred as it is to the effect control board 230, so that the control content in the sub control board 220 can be simplified. In general, since the sub-control board 220 controls various effects in addition to the control related to the design, it tends to be subjected to a lot of control load. In this regard, in the second modification, it is possible to reduce the load on the sub control board 220. Of course, in the effect control board 230, when a game state designation command is received following the symbol stop command, it is necessary to perform control to postpone the process for switching the screen until the variation pattern designation command is received. However, since the control performed on the effect control board 230 is a relatively simple process that only executes the process according to the received command, the control content as a whole even if this level of control content is added. Will not be complicated.

  Moreover, in the 2nd modification mentioned above, it is good also as judging the timing which the production | presentation control board 230 displays a temporary symbol. That is, when the effect control board 230 receives the symbol stop command, the stop display time is set in the timer, and then the temporary symbol display is started after the stop display time has elapsed in accordance with the received game state designation command. It is good. In this way, it is possible to adjust the timing at which the presentation control board 230 determines and displays the temporary symbol on the presentation display device 27 before the fluctuation pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200, and at the same time. It is also possible to start preparing new symbols.

  In the second modification described above, the game state designation command is output from the main control board 200 following the symbol stop command, and is transferred to the effect control board 230 as it is via the sub control board 220. However, after the stop display time elapses, the main control board 200 may output the gaming state designation command together with the variation pattern designation command to be transferred to the effect control board 230 via the sub control board 220 immediately. .

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the gaming state is switched from the short-time state to the normal gaming state by so-called number-of-times switching has been described. For example, the present invention is preferably applied even in the case where the probability variation state is set to the number cut and the symbol variation number reaches a predetermined number of times and the probability variation state is switched to the short-time state or the normal gaming state. Is possible.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which a main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a normal electric accessory stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in order to perform the determination of the special symbol's success / failure. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the hit mode determination table referred in order to determine a hit mode when the determination result of the special symbol is a win. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the presentation control process which the sub control board of 1st Example performs in order to produce a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol control process which the production | presentation control board of 1st Example performs in order to perform a various symbol display with an effect display apparatus according to progress of a game. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the symbol displayed on the production | presentation display apparatus switches from a stop symbol to a temporary symbol with completion | finish of a time-short state. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the change display of the character design was started by switching from a temporary design to the screen display of a normal gaming state. It is the time chart which showed a mode that the symbol displayed on an effect display apparatus switches by performing the effect control process and the symbol control process in response to the control command output from the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the presentation control process which the sub control board of 2nd Example performs in order to produce a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol control process which the production | presentation control board of 2nd Example performs in order to perform a various symbol display with an effect display apparatus according to progress of a game. It is the time chart which showed a mode that the game state designation | designated command was transferred to a production | presentation control board | substrate before a sub control board | substrate receives the next variation start command. It is the time chart which showed a mode that a sub control board | substrate transfers to an effect control board immediately, without hold | maintaining a game state designation | designated command.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... pachinko machine, 27 ... production display device (production symbol display device),
28 ... Symbol display device, 200 ... Main control board (game progress control means),
220 ... Sub-control board (command transfer means),
230 ... Production control board (design display control means)

Claims (2)

In a ball game machine where the game is played while switching the game state,
An effect symbol display device for performing variable display of a predetermined effect symbol;
A symbol display control means for controlling the operation of the effect symbol display device;
Along with the progress of the game, a change start command for starting the change display of the effect symbols and a change command for instructing the change of the effect symbols associated with the switching of the game state are performed in accordance with the progress of the game. Game progress control means for outputting;
Command transfer means for receiving various commands output from the game progress control means and transferring them to the symbol control means;
When receiving the symbol change command, the command transfer means temporarily holds the command, and then transfers it to the symbol display control means together with the received change start command.
When the symbol display control means receives the change start command together with the symbol change command, the symbol display control means displays a provisional temporary symbol on the effect symbol display device and displays the designated symbol designated by the symbol change command. A bullet ball game machine characterized by starting preparation for display and displaying the designated symbol instead of the temporary symbol on the effect symbol display device after the preparation is completed. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The game progress control means outputs a change stop command for stopping the change display of the effect symbols and stopping the effect symbols for a predetermined stop display time,
When the command transfer means receives the symbol change command after receiving the variable stop command from the game progress control means and before the stop display time elapses, the command transfer means continues the symbol change command. The bullet ball game machine is transferred to the symbol display control means together with the change start command received.

Images