JP2008259585A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a reduction in the program capacity of a game control means along with a higher operation rate of a game machine in a type equipped with the first and second variable display means. <P>SOLUTION: When loss is determined as the result of the variable display of special figures, the game control means checks to see whether the value of a total reservation memory counter exceeds a prescribed value or not. When the game is under the variable probability state or the normal state, it is determined to execute a ready-to-win performance with a lower probability as the total reservation memory counts increase. In addition, it is determined by a common processing routine whether at least one of the winning of the first starter slot and the winning of the second starter slot occurs or not. In the common processing routine, the processing is executed to specify which of the starter slots is won. Moreover, a random number is extracted corresponding to the winning of the specified starter slot to be housed into a preservation area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The first variable display means for starting variable display of the first identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the fact that the variable display execution condition based on the winning of the first start opening is satisfied. And a second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the fact that the execution condition of the variable display based on the winning of the second start opening is established. The present invention also relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the specific display result is derived and displayed on either the first variable display means or the second variable display means.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit becomes a specific display result, the gaming state (game) The state of the machine, more specifically, the state in which the gaming machine is controlled) is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player.

  The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of a special symbol (identification information) that is started in the variable display unit based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. If this happens, a “big hit” will occur. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times of opening the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses.

  Further, in the variable display device, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) are continuously stopped for a predetermined time, and are stopped, swung, There is a possibility that a big hit will occur before the final result is displayed due to the state of scaling or deformation, or multiple symbols changing synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol being switched An effect performed in a continuing state (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. Then, when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display device is not a specific display result, it becomes “out of” and the variability display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In such a gaming machine, for example, in Patent Document 1, two special symbols, a first special symbol and a second special symbol, can be displayed in a variable manner, and the holding in the first holding means corresponding to the first special symbol is possible. The variation time of the shortening variation is determined with reference to the shortening pattern determination table when the sum of the number and the number of the retaining in the second retaining means corresponding to the second special symbol is not less than a predetermined value (5). It is described to do.

JP 2007-322 (paragraph 0068, FIG. 9)

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, the operation of the gaming machine is performed by performing fluctuation reduction when the total number of holdings of the holding number corresponding to the first special symbol and the holding number corresponding to the second special symbol is large. The rate has been improved to some extent.

  However, the game control microcomputer performs processing according to the determination program in order to determine whether or not the game ball has won the start winning opening. In the case where a start winning opening is provided corresponding to each of the two variable display portions, the game control microcomputer needs to determine whether or not a game ball has won the respective starting winning opening. In other words, a process for determining whether or not a game ball has won one of the start winning holes is processed according to a determination program, and a determination for determining whether or not a game ball has won the other start winning hole Processing is performed according to the program.

  Then, if a start winning opening is provided corresponding to each of the two variable display sections, two programs for determining the starting winning opening are stored in the ROM of the game control microcomputer. The area occupied by the determination program in the ROM increases. That is, the program capacity related to winning at the start opening increases. Since the program capacity for determination increases, the capacity that can be used for other programs for controlling the game is reduced accordingly.

  Therefore, the present invention enables a game machine equipped with a first variable display means and a second variable display means to improve the operating rate of the game machine and reduce the program capacity in the game control means. For the purpose.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention has the first identification information (for example, the first identification information) based on the fact that the variable display execution condition is established based on the winning of the first starting opening (for example, the first starting winning opening 13). The first variable display means (for example, the first special symbol display 8a) for starting the variable display of one special symbol and deriving and displaying the display result, and the second starting port (for example, the second starting winning port 14) Second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information (for example, the second special symbol) and deriving and displaying the display result based on the fact that the variable display execution condition based on the winning has been established. And a second special symbol display device 8b), which is advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on either the first variable display means or the second variable display means. Game state (for example, jackpot play A game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560) for controlling the progress of the game, and a variable display of the first identification information in the first variable display means as an effect part. In addition, in response to the variable display of the second identification information in the second variable display means, the variable display means for effect (for example, the effect display device) that executes variable display of the identification information (for example, effect symbol) for a plurality of types of effects. 9), and the game control means determines whether or not at least one of winning in the first starting port and winning in the second starting port has occurred (for example, a routine based on the processing in steps S311 to S313) ) And execution condition determination means (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S311 to S313 in the game control microcomputer 560) When the execution condition determining means determines that at least one of the winning at the first starting port or the winning at the second starting port has occurred, it is specified which of the starting ports has been won in the common processing routine ( For example, the process of step S211 is executed), and a numerical value for determination (for example, a random value) corresponding to the winning at the specified start port, and at least a numerical value for determining whether or not to shift to the specific gaming state (For example, a game control microcomputer) for executing a winning process (for example, the process of step S217) for storing a determination numerical value including (for example, random R) in a numerical value storing means (for example, the RAM 55). In 560, the portion for executing the processing of steps S211 to S219) and the winning time processing execution means specified that the winning at the first start opening occurred. Sometimes the first counting means for counting the number of established first execution conditions (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, when the data indicating “first” is set in the start port pointer, the process of step S214B is performed. And a second counting means (for example, a game control microcomputer) that counts the number of established second execution conditions when the winning time process execution means specifies that a winning at the second start port has occurred. 560, the portion in which the process of step S214B is executed when data indicating “second” is set in the start port pointer), and the display result derived and displayed on the first variable display means and the second variable display means Is a pre-determining means (for example, a step in the game control microcomputer 560) that determines whether or not to be the specific display result before the display result is derived and displayed. Whether or not to execute the reach effect in the variable display of the identification information for the effect in the effect variable display means when it is determined by the pre-decision means that the specific display result is not to be obtained. The reach effect determining means (for example, the portion of the game control microcomputer 560 that executes steps S90 to S93O), and the reach effect determining means includes the number of formations counted by the first count means and the second count means. When the total number with the number of establishments counted by is large, the ratio is smaller than when the number of establishments counted by the first counting means and the number of establishments counted by the second counting means is small. (For example, the game control microcomputer 560 determines Y in step S93B.) The first step on the basis of the probability variation during reach determination table S93N selected in step S93C to come, running S93O, determines to perform the reach demonstration at 4 percent probability less than 22% as shown in FIG. 25. Steps S93N and S93O are executed on the basis of the first normal time reach determination table selected in Step S93J when it is determined as Y in Step S93I, and reach is achieved with a probability of 6% which is less than 10% as shown in FIG. It is determined that the production will be executed. Steps S93N and S93O are executed based on the second normal time reach determination table selected in step S93L when it is determined as Y in step S93K, and reach is achieved with a probability of 10% which is less than 22% as shown in FIG. It is determined that the production is executed).

  The game control means indicates first variable display time determining means for determining the variable display time of the first identification information in the first variable display means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the special symbol pointer indicates “first”. And a second variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time of the second identification information in the second variable display means (when executing the processing of steps S93P to S903T and S100 to S103) when data is set. For example, in the game control microcomputer 560, when the data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the processing of steps S93P to S93T and steps S100 to S103 is executed). Each of the variable display time determining means and the second variable display time determining means is established by the first counting means. When the total number of the established counts counted by the second counting means is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 4), the variable display time is controlled to be shorter than when the total number is less than the predetermined number ( For example, it may be configured to execute the processing of steps S93R, S93S, S101, and S102.

  The gaming machine includes a variable winning device (for example, a variable winning ball device 15) that can be changed between an open state in which a winning at the second starting port is easy and a closed state in which a winning at the second starting port is difficult or not winning. The game control means includes a first game state (for example, a normal state) in which the variable winning device is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined period when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a first variable winning device when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Game state control means (for example, steps S134, S139D, and S161 in the game control microcomputer 560) that controls to a second game state (for example, probability change state, time-short state) that is controlled to be open for a longer period of time compared to the game state. , S161A), and the second variable display means does not execute the variable display of the second identification information and the first execution condition is satisfied. The variable display of the first identification information is executed, and the second variable display means is provided on the condition that the variable display of the first identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second execution condition is satisfied. Variable display executing means for executing variable display of the second identification information (for example, a part for executing S300 to S303 in the game control microcomputer 560), the variable display executing means is the second variable display means by the second variable display means. (2) The variable display of the identification information is executed in preference to the variable display of the first identification information by the first variable display means (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes step S54 when N in step S52). ) May be configured.

  The gaming machine detects the winning at the first starting port and outputs a detection signal, for example, a first detecting port switch 13a, and detects the winning at the second starting port and outputs a detection signal. Second detection means (for example, second start port switch 14a) for outputting, and the detection signal of the first detection means and the detection signal of the second detection means are input ports (for example, input port 0) in the game control means. The winning-time process execution means executes the winning-time process based on the detection signal input to the input port, and then inputs the result of the winning-time process and the winning-time process to the input port when ending the winning-time process. When the detected signal state does not match, the winning time process is executed again (for example, the processes of steps S 232 to S 238 are executed and then the processes of steps S 211 to S 219 are executed). It can have.

  The game control means terminates and confirms the variable display of the first identification information on the first variable display means and the variable display of the second identification information on the second variable display means (for example, a symbol confirmation designation command). Including a confirmation command transmission means (for example, a part for executing step S132 in the game control microcomputer 560), and the confirmation command transmission means terminates the variable display of the first identification information in the first variable display means and confirms. And a common confirmation command are transmitted when the variable display of the second identification information in the second variable display means is terminated and confirmed (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a common command in step S132). The symbol confirmation designation command 8F00 (H) may be transmitted).

  In the first aspect of the invention, when the game control means decides not to obtain the specific display result by the prior decision means, does the game control means execute the reach effect in the variable display of the effect identification information in the effect variable display means? A reach effect determining means for determining whether or not the reach effect determining means has a first count when the total number of established counts counted by the first counting means and the established count counted by the second counting means is large. Since it is determined that the reach effect is executed at a small rate compared with the case where the total number of the established number counted by the means and the established number counted by the second counting means is small, it is counted by the first counting means. When the total number of the established number and the established number counted by the second counting means is large, the frequency of executing the reach effect during the variation display of the identification information can be reduced. . In addition, the execution condition determining means determines whether or not at least one of the winning at the first starting port and the winning at the second starting port has occurred, by a common processing routine, and the execution condition determining means goes to the first starting port. When it is determined that at least one of the winning or the winning at the second starting port has occurred, the winning time process execution means identifies and identifies which starting port has been won in the common processing routine. Since the determination numerical value corresponding to the winning at the starting port and including the numerical value for determining whether to shift to at least the specific gaming state is stored in the numerical value storage means In the game control means related to winning at the two starting openings, the processing when the winning at the first starting opening occurs and the processing when the winning at the second starting opening occurs can be made common. Light program capacity It can be. Therefore, in the gaming machine provided with the first variable display means and the second variable display means, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved and the program capacity in the game control means can be reduced.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the game control means, when the total number corresponding to the sum of the established number counted by the first counting means and the established number counted by the second counting means is a predetermined number or more, Since the variable display time is shortened compared to when the number is less than the predetermined number, when either the total number is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, one of the first variable display means and the second variable display means is variable. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the shortening variation is performed in the display unit and the shortening variation is not performed in the other variable display unit. In addition, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be further improved.

  In a third aspect of the invention, the game control means controls the first game state in which the variable winning device is controlled to be open for a predetermined period when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the variable winning device is the first when the predetermined condition is satisfied. A game state control means for controlling the game state to a second game state which is controlled to be in an open state for a longer period of time compared to the game state, and the variable display execution means performs variable display of the second identification information by the second variable display means. Since it is configured to be executed with priority over the variable display of the first identification information by the 1 variable display means, it is possible to further improve the operating rate of the gaming machine when the variable winning device is kept open for a long period of time. .

  In the invention according to claim 4, when the winning process executing means executes the winning process based on the detection signal input to the input port, the input port is used when the winning process result and the winning process are terminated. When the state of the detection signal input to the is not consistent, the winning process is executed again, so it is certain whether a winning at the first starting port has occurred or a winning at the second starting port has occurred. Is determined.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the confirmation command transmission means ends and confirms the variable display of the first identification information on the first variable display means, and ends the variable display of the second identification information on the second variable display means. Since the common confirmation command is transmitted at the time of confirmation, the number of commands transmitted by the game control means can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 includes an effect symbol display area 91 for performing variable display of the effect symbols synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of effect symbols. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol display 8a executes the second special display. When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device in accordance with the variable display, so that it is possible to easily grasp the progress of the game.

  On the left side of the lower part of the game board 6, there is provided a first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8a that variably displays a first special symbol as identification information. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. On the lower right side of the game board 6, a second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as identification information is provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  The small display is formed in a square shape, for example. In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. Further, the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of, for example, 00 to 99, for example. Moreover, the 1st special symbol display 8a and the 2nd special symbol display 8b may each be comprised by the combination of monochrome LED and 7 segment LED, for example.

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b may be collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition which is the execution condition of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second start condition which is the execution condition of the variable display of the second special symbol is established. After the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14, for example, a variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the first special symbol is used) And a state in which the variable display of the second special symbol is not executed and a state where the big hit game is not executed) is established, and when the variable display time elapses, the display result (stop symbol) Is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying a display result is to stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information) (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). In this embodiment, the variable display start condition is established in the order in which the start prizes are generated regardless of the prizes in the first start prize slot 13 and the second start prize slot 14. The variable display start condition may be established by giving priority to one of winning in the winning opening 13 and winning in the second start winning opening 14. For example, when giving priority to winning in the first start winning opening 13, the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed, and the big hit game is not executed. For example, even when the second reserved memory number is not zero, the variable display of the first special symbol is continuously executed until the first reserved memory number becomes zero.

  In the vicinity of the first special symbol display 8a, during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a, the variable display of the first decorative symbol as a decorative (design) symbol is performed. A first decorative symbol display 9a is provided. In this embodiment, the first decorative symbol display 9a is composed of two LEDs. The first decorative symbol display 9a is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. In addition, in the vicinity of the second special symbol display 8b, during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b, the variable display of the second decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (for production) is performed. There is provided a second decorative symbol display 9b. The second decorative symbol display 9b is composed of two LEDs. The second decorative symbol display 9b is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board.

  The first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol may be collectively referred to as a decorative symbol, and the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b may be collectively referred to as a decorative symbol display. .

  The first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b may not be provided.

  The variation of the decorative pattern (variable display) is realized by continuing the state where the two LEDs are alternately lit. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the first decorative symbol on the first decorative symbol display 9a are synchronized. The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the second decorative symbol display 9b. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. In addition, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the first decorative symbol display 9a remains lit. When the big-hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the LED on the side that recalls the big-hit on the second decorative symbol display 9b remains lit.

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when the variable symbol display result of normal symbols is a hit, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is kept open for a predetermined time. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is the probability changing state or the short time state, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a longer time than when the gaming state is the normal state. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than the first starting winning opening 13. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

  Hereinafter, the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning opening or a starting opening.

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. The nail arrangement around the first start winning opening 13 is made difficult to guide the game balls to the first starting winning opening 13 so that the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. It is also possible to make the direction higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

  On the side of the first decorative symbol display 9a, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed. A first special symbol storage memory display 18a comprising four displays is provided. The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  On the side of the second decorative symbol display 9b is a second special symbol reserved memory display 18b comprising four indicators for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. Is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effects) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. A variable display of the effect symbol as the symbol is performed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 reminds the jackpot The combination of is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the display screen of the effect display device 9 displays an area (hereinafter referred to as a summed pending storage display unit 18c) that displays a total number (total number of pending pending memories) that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. .) Is provided. Since the summation pending storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that have not met the variable display start condition. In addition, since the total reserved memory display unit 18c is provided, the first special symbol reserved memory display 18a and the second special symbol reserved memory display 18b may not be provided.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second start winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball device 20 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and the specific display result (big hit symbol) on the second special symbol display 8b. When the open / close plate is controlled to be open by the solenoid 21 in the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when the symbol is derived and displayed, the big winning opening serving as the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  The game area 6 is also provided with winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 29, 30, 33, and 39 for paying out a predetermined number of premium game balls determined in advance based on winning of the game balls. The game balls won in the winning openings 29, 30, 33, 39 are detected by the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided at the lower right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol) (when a predetermined condition is satisfied), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In addition, it is not limited to the case where the variable symbol display result is a win, for example, it is determined that a predetermined condition is established based on the fact that the game ball has passed the gate 32, and the variable winning ball device 15 is opened. You may make it control to. In this case, for example, when the game ball passes through the gate 32, the variable winning ball device 15 may be immediately controlled to be in an open state without performing variable display of the normal symbol. In addition, for example, when a game ball passes through the gate 32, the variable symbol of the normal symbol is variably displayed, but the variable winning ball device 15 is unconditionally set without determining whether or not the variable symbol display result is a hit. You may make it control to an open state.

  In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol hold storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Then, every time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 Opening time and opening times are increased. In addition, in the short-time state (the game state in which the special symbol variable display time is shortened), the opening time and number of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. That is, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is controlled to the probability changing state or the short time state, the opening period of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is extended compared to the normal state. It should be noted that only the opening time of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 may be lengthened or only the number of times of opening may be increased in the probability changing state or the short time state.

  In this embodiment, the variable symbol display time of the special symbol is shortened in the short time state. However, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened by increasing the probability that the variable symbol display result of the normal symbol will be a hit. You may make it raise the frequency which will be in a state. In addition, only the opening extension of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 may be performed in the short time state. Further, in the short-time state, one of either shortening the variable symbol display time of the special symbol, increasing the probability that the variable symbol display result of the normal symbol is hit, or extending the variable winning ball apparatus 15 to open or Any two may be combined, or all of them may be performed.

  Decorative lamps 25 flashing and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right of the game area 7 of the game board 6, and there is an out port 26 for taking in a hit ball that has not won a prize. In addition, two speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c provided on the front frame are provided at the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. Also, a prize ball lamp 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut out is provided in the vicinity of the right frame lamp 28c. Is provided.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a, and the variable display of the first decorative symbol is displayed on the first decorative symbol display 9a. The effect display device 9 starts variable display of effect symbols. In other words, the variable display of the first special symbol, the first decorative symbol, and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on the condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the second start opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the second special symbol can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends, 2), the second special symbol display 8b starts variable display (variation) of the second special symbol, and the second decorative symbol display 9b displays variable display of the second decorative symbol. The effect display device 9 starts variable display of effect symbols. That is, the variable display of the second special symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the second start winning opening 14. If the variable display of the second special symbol cannot be started, the second reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. 2 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 54. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 (or the CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM that is partially or entirely backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (the value of the special symbol process flag or the total pending storage number counter) and the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  A reset signal from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). In addition, a clear signal indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Also, an input driver that provides the game control microcomputer 560 with detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a. The circuit 58 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31. Further, an information output circuit (not shown) for outputting an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. Upon receiving the effect control command, display control is performed on the first decorative symbol display unit 9a and the second decorative symbol display unit 9b that variably display the decorative symbol, and the effect display device 9 that variably displays the effect symbol.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 controls the display of the first decorative symbol display device 9a and the second decorative symbol display device 9b via the output port 106 based on the effect control command, and a VDP (video display processor) 109. The display control of the effect display device 9 is performed.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100 and maps the VRAM therein. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9.

  The effect control CPU 101 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing character image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including effect symbols) in advance. The effect control CPU 101 outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the data input from the effect control CPU 101.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 allows the signal input from the relay board 77 to pass only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the lamp is input to the lamp driver 352 via the input driver 351. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c. Further, it is supplied to a decorative lamp 25 provided on the game board side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data showing the output form of the sound effect or sound in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, the changing period of the effect design).

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S15, including S44 and S45).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, an award ball flag, a ball runout flag, a payout stop, etc. An initial value is set to a flag such as a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state.

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 performs screen display for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been performed, that is, initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets an abnormality notification prohibition flag (step S44) and sets a value corresponding to the prohibition period value in the prohibition period timer (step S45). The prohibition period value is a value indicating a period during which an abnormal winning notification described later is prohibited. The abnormality notification prohibition flag is a flag indicating that notification of an abnormal winning is prohibited, and is maintained in the set state until the prohibition period timer times out. Therefore, the start of the abnormal winning notification is prohibited for a predetermined period after the initialization notification is started in the effect display device 9.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is an initial count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win a normal symbol (ordinary random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S35 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, These state determinations are performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 has a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). For the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output to each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S33 and S34. Execute control.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process for notifying an abnormal winning when it detects that a game ball has won a prize winning opening at a time other than the regular time (step S23: abnormal winning notifying process).

  Next, processing for updating the count value of each counter for generating random numbers for determination such as random numbers for determining jackpot symbols used for game control is performed (determination random number update processing: step S24). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S25 and S26).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Determine the detachment symbol (stop symbol) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (for detachment symbol determination)
(2) Random 2: Determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when generating a big hit (for determining the big hit symbol)
(3) Random 3: Determine the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5: Random 4 initial value is determined (for determining random 4 initial value)

  In step S24 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot symbol determining random number of (2) and the random number for determination of normal symbol of (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may make it use random numbers other than the random number of said (1)-(5). For example, a random 2 initial value random number for determining the initial value of the jackpot symbol determining random number may be provided. Then, in addition to the random 4 initial value random number, the random 2 initial value random number may be updated by the initial value random number updating process in steps S18 and S25. By doing so, it is possible to determine the jackpot symbol at the time of determining the jackpot more randomly, and in particular, it is possible to generate a probability variation symbol (for example, “7” or “3”) more randomly. Therefore, the probability big hit can be generated more randomly, and the interest of the game can be enhanced. In this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a random number generated by the hardware (random number circuit 503) built in the game control microcomputer 560. The big hit determination random number is used as the big hit determination random number. Software random numbers generated based on the program may be used.

  In this embodiment, the random numbers (particularly random numbers 1, 2, and 3) shown in FIG. 6 are used for both the first special symbol variation and the second special symbol variation. The random number related to the fluctuation may be different from the random number related to the fluctuation of the second special symbol.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed in accordance with a special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a, the second special symbol indicator 8b, and the big prize opening in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 and the open / close state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S30).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a. Execute (Step S31). Specifically, the payout control is performed in accordance with winning detection based on any one of the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. A payout control command (award ball number signal) indicating the number of winning balls is output to a payout control microcomputer mounted on the substrate 37. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S32: output processing).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets special symbol display control data for special symbol display control data for effect display of special symbols in accordance with values of a start flag and a special symbol process flag set in a variation pattern setting process described later. The special symbol display control process set in the output buffer is performed (step S33). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag is set in the special symbol process, the CPU 56 outputs the output every 0.2 seconds. The display control data value set in the buffer is incremented by one. Instead of using the start flag and the end flag, the CPU 56 may update the value of the display control data based on the value of the special symbol process flag. For example, when the value of the special symbol process flag becomes a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (1 in this embodiment), the CPU 56 sets the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (in this embodiment). In the embodiment, the value of the display control data may be incremented by one every 0.2 seconds until 4). Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b and Variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  For example, the CPU 56 checks a special symbol pointer to be described later, and performs variable display on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b corresponding to the special symbol indicated by the special symbol pointer among the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Execute. For example, when variable display of special symbols is performed in the order of start winning prizes, for example, a later-described reserved storage specific information storage area (holding specific area) is confirmed and set to the first area of the reserved specific area. Based on whether the data is “first” or “second”, it is specified whether it is variable display of the first special symbol or variable display of the second special symbol, and the specified special symbol The variable display on the special symbol display 8a, 8b corresponding to the above may be executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S34). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Instead of using the start flag and the end flag, the CPU 56 may switch the value of the display control data based on the value of the normal symbol process flag. For example, in the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 confirms the number of passages through the gate based on the value of the normal symbol process flag, determines whether or not to hit the normal symbol, and determines the normal symbol stop symbol. Processing, normal symbol variation processing for executing various processing during normal symbol variation, normal symbol stop processing for displaying normal symbols in a stopped state, and opening / closing of an ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15) after a normal symbol is hit The normal electric accessory actuating process for performing the control is executed. In this case, for example, when the value of the normal symbol process flag becomes a value (for example, 1) corresponding to the normal symbol variation process, the value of the normal symbol process flag becomes a value (for example, 2) corresponding to the normal symbol stop process. Until then, the value of the display control data may be incremented by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S35), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S34 (excluding step S30) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal jackpot determination table (see FIG. 7A) used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) or a short-time state, and a probability change jackpot determination table (see FIG. B)). The numerical values described in the left column of FIGS. 7A and 7B are jackpot determination values. The CPU 56 compares the random R value with the big hit determination value, and determines that the big hit or the small hit (2R big hit) is made when the random R value matches any of the big hit determination values. If it is determined that the jackpot is to be a big hit, it is determined to be a promiscuous big hit or a normal jackpot according to the stop symbol determined based on the big hit symbol determining random number. Therefore, in this embodiment, the display result of the variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is determined as one of the probability variation big hit, the normal big hit, the small hit or the off. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the jackpot determination random number value. When the jackpot determination random number value matches the jackpot determination value shown in FIG. It is determined to be a big hit or a small hit for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  The probability variation jackpot is a jackpot that shifts the gaming state after the jackpot game to a probability variation state in which there is a high probability of being determined to be a jackpot compared to the normal state. Usually, the big hit is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game to a state that is not a probable change state. In the case of the probable big hit and the normal big hit, the number of rounds is larger than that in the small hit, for example, 15 rounds.

  The small hit is a gaming state in which the number of times of opening the big prize opening is allowed up to two times. Note that when the small hit game ends, the gaming state does not shift to the probable change state.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol, a decorative symbol, and an effect symbol used in this embodiment. In FIG. 8, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command for designating a variation pattern of a decorative pattern having a 2-byte structure. “Variation time” indicates the variation time (variable display period of identification information) of special symbols, decorative symbols, and effect symbols. Note that the variation pattern indicates the variation time of the special symbol, decorative symbol, and effect symbol, etc., but the variation of the ornament symbol and the effect symbol is synchronized with the variation of the special symbol. May be expressed as a variation pattern, a decorative pattern variation pattern, and a production pattern variation pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when it is determined that the stop symbol is a big hit or when it is determined that the stop symbol is lost, it is determined that the reach effect is not executed during the variable display. In this case, variation patterns # 1 to # 8 are used. Among these, variation patterns # 1 to # 4 are used when a normal variation that is not a shortening variation is performed, and variation patterns # 5 to # 8 are used when a shortening variation is performed. Note that the variation patterns # 2 to # 4 and the variation patterns # 6 to # 8 are variation patterns that are used when the stop symbol is a big hit symbol and the reach effect is executed in the effect display device 9. Further, the variation pattern # 1 and the variation pattern # 5 are variation patterns used when the stop symbol is an outlier symbol and the reach display is not executed in the effect display device 9. Further, when it is determined that the stop symbol is to be removed, and when it is determined that the reach effect is executed during the variable display, the variation patterns # 9 to # 15 are used. Among these, when it is determined to execute the reach effect, and when further shortening variation is performed, variation patterns # 13 to # 15 are used.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the stop symbol is a big hit, or when it is determined that the stop symbol is to be lost and it is determined that the reach effect is not executed, the gaming state is shortened. Variation patterns # 5 to # 8 of shortening variation are used when the state is shifted to or when the value of the total number of pending storages is a predetermined value (for example, 4) or more. Further, when it is determined to be out of play and it is determined to execute the reach effect, when the gaming state is shifted to the short-time state, or the value of the total pending storage number is a predetermined value When the number is (for example, 4) or more, variation patterns # 13 to # 15 of reach variation for reach are used.

  The display pattern of the effect symbol when performing the shortening variation is, for example, the transition to the high-speed variation after the low-speed variation for the predetermined time after the start of the variation display of the effect symbol, and the transition to the low-speed variation again after the high-speed variation for the predetermined time. When the stop symbol is stopped and displayed, it may be displayed in a variable manner so as to reduce the time of the high-speed fluctuation part, or it may be displayed in a variable manner so as to shorten the time until the stop symbol is stopped after the high-speed fluctuation. Also good. For example, if the display is fluctuated so as to shorten the time of the high-speed fluctuation part, it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the changing pattern during the high-speed fluctuation. The fluctuation time can be shortened without giving the person a sense of incongruity. In addition, even when the variable display is performed so as to shorten the time until the stop symbol is displayed after the high-speed fluctuation, for example, by stopping and displaying the left middle right stop symbol at the same time, The fluctuation time can be shortened without giving a sense of incongruity. That is, for example, when performing normal variation, if the stop symbols are sequentially stopped and displayed with a time difference in the order of left and right, if the stop symbol of the left middle right is stopped and displayed at the same time when the shortened variation, Even if the time until the stop symbol is stopped and displayed after the high-speed change is shortened, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling so uncomfortable as compared with the normal change. In addition, for example, the time of the high-speed fluctuation portion may be shortened, and the variable display may be performed so that the time from the high-speed fluctuation until the stop symbol is stopped and displayed is also shortened. Furthermore, for example, the time of the low speed fluctuation portion at the start of the production symbol fluctuation may be shortened.

  In this embodiment, the same variation pattern (any one of variation patterns # 1 to # 15) is obtained when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed and when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. Although it is used, different variation patterns may be used when variable display of the first special symbol is performed and when variable display of the second special symbol is performed. For example, variation patterns # 1 'to # 15' are defined, any one of variation patterns # 1 to # 15 is used for the first special symbol, and variation patterns # 1 'to # 15' are used for the second special symbol. Use one of the following. In this case, for example, the fluctuation pattern table in which data indicating the fluctuation patterns # 1 to # 15 is set and the fluctuation pattern table in which data indicating the fluctuation patterns # 1 ′ to # 15 ′ are set are stored in the ROM 54 separately. Is done.

  When receiving the effect control command indicating the variation pattern, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs variable display of the decoration symbol on the ornament symbol display for a time corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the received effect control command. The effect design is variably displayed, and the effect display device 9 performs a type of display effect corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the received effect control command. At the same time, an effect using effect parts such as a lamp, LED, and speaker 27 is performed. That is, the fluctuation pattern indicates the fluctuation time and the aspect of the effect.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal line of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 using eight signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7. Further, between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80, a signal line of the effect control INT signal for transmitting the capture signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired.

  In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control microcomputer 100, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a signal (capture instruction signal) that triggers the capture of the effect control command data.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 100 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the effect control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, each of the first and second bytes of the effect control command data Accordingly, the production control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 11, commands 8001 (H) to 800 F (H) are variable patterns of decoration symbols and effect symbols that are variably displayed on the decoration symbol display and effect display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. Is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8001 (H) to 800F (H), the decoration design display and the production display device 9 start variable display of the decoration design and the production design. Control.

  The commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether a big hit, a small hit or a loss, and a type of the big hit game. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display results of the decorative symbols and the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H), so that the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H) are specified as the display results. It is called a command.

  Command 8D01 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started. Command 8D02 (H) is an effect control command (second symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the second special symbol is started. The first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command may be collectively referred to as a special symbol identification command (or symbol variation designation command).

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of decorative symbols and effect symbols is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol and derives and displays the display result. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the variation display of the decoration symbol and the production symbol corresponding to the first special symbol is stopped and the case where the variation display of the decoration symbol and the production symbol corresponding to the second special symbol are stopped. In the case of transmitting a common symbol confirmation designation command, separate symbol confirmation designation commands (in the case of stopping the variable display corresponding to the first special symbol and in the case of terminating the variable display corresponding to the second special symbol ( For example, a first symbol confirmation designation command, a second symbol confirmation designation command) may be transmitted.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  Commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (or the small hit game) (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation commands include jackpot start 1 designation to jackpot start designation 3 designation commands depending on the type of jackpot. Of these, the big hit start 2 designation command A002 (H) is an effect control command for designating the start of the big hit game. The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  Command A301 (H) displays a jackpot end screen, that is, specifies the end of the jackpot game and an effect control command (special jackpot end 1 designation command: ending) that specifies that the jackpot game is a non-probable big hit (usually a big hit) 1 designation command). Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there.

  The command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first start winning designation command) that designates that the first start winning has been won. The command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second start winning designation command) for designating that the second starting win has been won. The first start prize designation command and the second start prize designation command may be collectively referred to as a start prize designation command.

  The command C2XX (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage number designation command) for designating a total number (total pending storage number) that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C2XX (H) indicates the total pending storage number. The command C300 (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage count subtraction designation command) that designates that the total pending storage count is decremented by one. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a total pending storage number subtraction designation command when subtracting the total pending storage number, but does not use the total pending storage number subtraction designation command, and does not use the total pending storage number subtraction designation command. When the stored number is subtracted, the combined pending storage number after the subtraction may be designated by a combined pending storage number designation command.

  Command D001 (H) is an effect control command (abnormal winning designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 11, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the variation pattern command and the display result specifying command are commonly used for variable display of identification information on the first decorative symbol display 9a and variable display of identification information on the second decorative symbol display 9b. The game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer can be used when the effect control microcomputer 100 is configured to control the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b. The types of commands sent to 100 can be prevented from increasing. In addition, when controlling the effect parts such as the effect display device 9 that produces effects in accordance with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits to the effect control microcomputer 100. It is possible to avoid increasing the types of commands that are executed.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the effect control command. FIG. 12 (A) shows an example when a start prize (first start prize or second start prize) occurs. The game control microcomputer 560 transmits the first start prize designation command (or the second start prize designation command), and then continuously transmits the total pending storage number designation command. Specifically, a first start winning designation command (or second start winning designation command) is transmitted in a game control process based on a timer interrupt, and then a combined pending storage number designation command is transmitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a variation pattern command, a special symbol identification command, a display result identification command, and a total pending storage number subtraction designation command at the start of variation. When the variable display time has elapsed, a symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted.

  Before transmitting the variation pattern command, a background designation command for designating a background image in the effect display device 9 according to the gaming state (for example, normal state / short time state / probability variation state) may be transmitted. Further, an effect control command indicating the number of reserved memories may be transmitted following the display result specifying command.

  Before transmitting the variation pattern command, a background designation command for designating a background image in the effect display device 9 according to the gaming state (for example, normal state / short time state / probability variation state) may be transmitted. Further, an effect control command indicating the number of reserved memories may be transmitted following the display result specifying command.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bit assignment of input ports related to a switch for detecting a game ball in the game control microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 13, the bits 0 to 7 of the input port 0 include the count switch 23, the gate switch 32a, the winning port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a, the second starting port switch 14a, and the first starting port, respectively. A detection signal of the switch 13a is input. The input port 0 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of a special symbol process (step S27) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. FIG. In the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the special winning opening is executed.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol process is used for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol. That is, the special symbol process is also shared.

  In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the first start port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning port 13 or that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14. If the second start opening switch 14a is turned on, that is, if the first start winning or the second starting winning is generated, the start opening switch passing process is executed. Specifically, the data of the input port 0 (see FIG. 13) is read and loaded into, for example, a predetermined area of the register or RAM 55 (step S311). Then, the bitwise AND operation of the loaded contents (loaded data) and C0 (H) is performed, and if the operation result is not 0 (step S312), the start port switch passing process is executed (step S313). . More specifically, when the calculation result changes to a state of 0 (when it is 0 in the immediately preceding determination of 2 ms and 0 in the current determination), the start port switch passing process is executed. . Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. C0 (H) is a value corresponding to the input bit of the detection signal from the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a of the input port 0. In this embodiment, the contents of the input port 0 are directly loaded. However, when the contents of the input port 0 are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 in the switch process (step S21), the area The contents of may be loaded. Further, the process of step S312 may be replaced with an operation of performing exclusive OR with 00 (H) after masking bits 0 to 5 of the loaded contents (loaded data) (set to 0). .

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is ready to start the variable display of the special symbol, it checks the number of reserved memories (the number of start winning memories). The reserved memory number can be confirmed by the count value of the reserved memory number counter. If the number of reserved memories is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to step S301.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. The stop symbol after the variable display of the special symbol is determined. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result specifying command transmission process (step S302): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result specifying command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is stopped, and the stopped symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. If the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the decorative symbols when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating the gaming state (for example, a probability change flag, a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). Note that the pre-hit release pre-processing is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-hit release pre-processing is also a process for starting a small hit game.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the small hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  Small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. As shown in step S311, when the logical product of the content loaded from the input port 0 (loaded data) and C0 (H) is performed and the operation result is not 0, that is, the first start switch 13a and the first switch In the start port switch passing process executed when at least one of the two start port switches 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the bit 6 of the loaded data is 1 (step S211). . As shown in FIG. 13, when the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the detection signal input to bit 6 of the loaded data is 1 (high level). That is, the fact that bit 6 of the loaded data is 1 means that bit 6 of input port 0 has changed from 0 to 1. That is, it means that the second start port switch 14a is turned on.

  In addition, the fact that bit 6 of the loaded data is not 1 means that bit 7 of input port 0 has changed from 0 to 1. That is, it means that the first start port switch 13a is turned on.

  When the bit 6 of the input port 0 is 1, the CPU 56 sets data indicating “second” in the start port pointer (step S212). If bit 6 of input port 0 is not 1, data indicating “first” is set in the start port pointer (step S213).

  The start port pointer is formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM. For example, data indicating “first” is “0”, and data indicating “second” is “1”.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the start port pointer is 4 (step S214A). If the value of the reserved memory number counter is 4, the process proceeds to step S239. If the value of the reserved memory number counter is not 4, the CPU 56 increments the value of the reserved memory number counter indicated by the start port pointer by 1 (step S214B). Specifically, when the starting port pointer indicates “first”, the value of the first reserved memory number counter indicating the first reserved memory number is incremented by 1, and the starting port pointer indicates “second”. If it is, the value of the second reserved memory number counter indicating the second reserved memory number is incremented by one. Then, the CPU 56 increases the value of the total pending memory number counter indicating the total pending memory number that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number by 1 (step S215).

  Further, the CPU 56 corresponds to the value of the total reserved memory number counter in the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area) for storing the winning order to the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14. Data indicated by the start port pointer is set in the area (step S216). Specifically, when the start port pointer indicates “first”, data indicating “first” is set, and when the start port pointer indicates “second”, “second” is set. Set the data indicating. For example, the CPU 56 sets 01 (H) as data indicating “first” when the start port pointer indicates “first” in the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area), and starts When the mouth pointer indicates “second”, 02 (H) is set as data indicating “second”. In this case, when there is no corresponding reserved storage, 00 (H) is set in the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area).

  FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a reserved storage specifying information storage area (holding specified area). As shown in FIG. 18A, an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the value of the total reserved memory number counter is secured in the reserved specific area. FIG. 18A shows an example in which the value of the total pending storage number counter is 5. As shown in FIG. 23 (A), an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the total reserved memory number counter is secured in the reserved specific area. Data indicating “first” or “second” is set in the order of winning based on winning in the 2-start winning opening 14. Therefore, the order of winning to the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 is stored in the hold storage specifying information storage area (hold specifying area). Note that the reserved specific area is formed in the RAM 55.

  When the variable display of the second special symbol is always executed in preference to the variable display of the first special symbol, if there is at least one second reserved memory, regardless of the presence or absence of the first reserved memory Since the variable display of the second special symbol is always executed, and control is performed so that the variable display of the first special symbol is executed only when there is only the first reserved memory without the second reserved memory, the first start As long as the winning order of the winning opening 13 alone and the winning order of the second starting winning opening 14 can be specified, it is not always necessary to specify the winning order to the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. Therefore, when the variable display of the second special symbol is always executed with priority, the reserved storage specific information storage area (the reserved specific area) may not be provided.

  FIG. 18B is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing a random number or the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 18B, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  The CPU 56 extracts a software random number (a counter value for generating a big hit symbol determination random number, etc.) and a random R (a big hit determination random number), and uses them as an extracted random number value as a first reserved storage buffer. And the process of storing in the storage area in the holding storage buffer indicated by the start port pointer of the second holding storage buffer (step S217). Specifically, when the start port pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 stores the software random number and random R in the storage area corresponding to the value indicated by the first reserved memory number counter of the first reserved memory buffer. When the start port pointer indicates “second”, the software random number and random R are stored in the storage area corresponding to the value indicated by the second reserved memory number counter of the second reserved memory buffer.

  In step S217, the CPU 56 extracts random values 1 to 3 (see FIG. 6) as software random numbers, and reads the count value of the random number circuit 503 to extract random R. In addition, in each of the first to eighth areas in the reserved specific area illustrated in FIG. 18A, two storage areas for storing the extracted random number values (a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory and A storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage) may be formed. In the case of such a configuration, the CPU 56 specified that there was a prize in the area (any one of the first to eighth areas) in the reserved specific area corresponding to the combined reserved memory number in the process of step S217. A random value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the start winning opening (corresponding to the data of the start opening pointer).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the start winning designation command indicated by the start port pointer. Specifically, when the starting port pointer indicates “first”, a first starting winning designation command is transmitted, and when the starting port pointer indicates “second”, the second starting winning specification is specified. Send a command. In addition, a total pending storage number designation command is transmitted (step S218). Then, the start port pointer is cleared (step S219). Note that the total pending storage number designation command may be transmitted before the first start prize designation command or the second start prize designation command.

  When transmitting an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the address of a command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command as a pointer. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S29).

  Further, the value of the first reserved memory number counter is set in the EXT data of the first start winning designation command. The value of the second reserved memory number counter is set in the EXT data of the second start winning designation command. The value of the total pending storage number counter is set in the EXT data of the total pending storage number designation command.

  If the start port pointer indicates “second” (step S221), it is checked whether bit 7 of the loaded data is 1 (step S222). If bit 7 of the loaded data is 1, data indicating “first” is set in the start pointer (step S223), and the process proceeds to step S214A. When both the bits 6 and 7 of the loaded data are 1 by the processing of steps S221 to S223, that is, when both the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a are turned on. After the processing of steps S214A to S219 is executed for the second start port switch 14a corresponding to bit 7, the processing of steps S214A to S219 is executed for the first start port switch 13a corresponding to bit 6 immediately. Will be.

  In this embodiment, when both the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a are turned on, both switches are turned on by the process executed within 2 ms. A process based on this is executed. Therefore, for example, even if a situation occurs in which the period during which the switch that has detected the game ball has the detection signal turned on is extremely short, the processing based on the switch being turned on can be completed with certainty. In addition, since the processing of steps S214A to S219 is completed within 2 ms (within 1 timer interrupt processing) based on both switches being turned on, random numbers are extracted before the software random number increases by one. Is done. Therefore, an accurate software random number value corresponding to the winning timing can be extracted.

  When the start port pointer does not indicate “second”, or when the start port pointer indicates “second” but bit 7 of the loaded data is not 1, the process proceeds to step S231.

  In step S231, it is confirmed whether both bit 6 and bit 7 of the loaded data are 1. If bit 6 and bit 7 of the loaded data are both 1, the start port pointer is cleared (step S239), and the process ends. That is, when both the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a are in the on state, the processes after step S232 are not executed. That is, the fact that both the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a are in the on state means that in the specifying process (the process for specifying which start winning port 13, 14 has been won). Since a situation in which an erroneous determination has been made does not occur, it is possible to perform confirmation processing (steps S232 to S238) as to whether or not the result of the specific processing is consistent with the state of the detection signal input to the input port. Then, the start port pointer is cleared and the process is terminated.

  When both the bit 6 and the bit 7 of the loaded data are not 1 (when only one of the bits 6 and 7 is 1), the CPU 56 indicates that the start pointer indicates “second”. It is confirmed whether or not (step S232). When the start port pointer indicates “second”, it is confirmed whether or not the bit 6 of the input port 0 to which the detection signal of the second start port switch 14a is input is 1 (step S233). In the processing of steps S211, S212, when the bit 6 of the input port 0 is 1, “second” is set in the start port pointer. Therefore, when the start pointer indicates “second”, bit 6 of input port 0 should be 1. If bit 6 of input port 0 is 1, it is determined that the input port input is normal, and the process proceeds to step S239.

  If the bit 6 of the input port 0 is not 1, it is inconsistent with the determination result in step S211, so that the start port pointer is cleared again to execute the determination process in step S211 again (step S237). ) After reading the data of the input port 0 (see FIG. 13) and loading it into a predetermined area of the register or RAM 55, for example (step S238), the process proceeds to step S211. Note that the value of the second reserved memory number counter is incremented by 1 in step S214B, and the value of the total pending memory number counter is incremented by 1 in step S219, so that it is returned to the value before being incremented by 1. That is, the value of the second reserved memory number counter and the value of the total reserved memory number counter are set to -1 (step S234).

  When the start port pointer does not indicate “second”, that is, when it indicates “first”, the bit 7 of the input port 0 to which the detection signal of the first start port switch 13a is input is 1. Whether or not (step S235). In the processing of steps S211, S213, when the bit 7 of the input port 0 is 1, “first” is set to the start port pointer. Therefore, when the start pointer indicates “first”, bit 7 of input port 0 should be 1. If bit 7 of input port 0 is 1, it is determined that input port input detection is normal, and the process proceeds to step S239.

  If bit 7 of input port 0 is not 1, it is inconsistent with the determination result in step S211, so that the processing of steps S237 and S238 is performed again to execute the determination processing of step S211 again. The process proceeds to step S211. Since the value of the first reserved memory number counter is incremented by 1 in step S214B and the value of the total pending memory number counter is incremented by 1 in step S219, the value is returned to the value before +1. That is, the value of the first reserved memory number counter and the value of the total reserved memory number counter are set to -1 (step S236).

  In this embodiment, after the game control microcomputer 560 executes a specifying process (a process for specifying which start opening has been won) based on the detection signal input to the input port 0, When the result of the specific process and the state of the detection signal input to the input port do not match, the specific process is executed again, so whether the winning to the first start port 13 has occurred or not to the second start port 14 It is reliably determined whether or not a prize has occurred. For example, if a winning is made to the first starting port 13 when the first reserved memory number is the upper limit of 4, the winning is not considered as a valid starting winning, but the first starting When it is determined that the winning at the mouth 13 is erroneously the winning at the second starting port 14, the value of the second reserved memory number is increased (when the second reserved memory number is not 4 which is the upper limit value). ). In other words, although it should not be a valid start prize, it will be a valid start prize. In this embodiment, the possibility of such a situation is reduced.

  However, the specific process may not be configured to be executed again. In such a configuration, the processes of steps S231 to S238 may not be executed. In this case, the program capacity is reduced as compared with the case where the specific process is executed again. In the case where the specific process is not executed again, the program is configured to shift to step S239 instead of the process to shift to step S231 in FIG.

  In addition, in order to prevent a situation in which the specific process is repeatedly executed indefinitely, after the specific process is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times (for example, twice), the process of steps S231 to S238 is not executed, and the reserved storage specifying information The data stored in the storage area or the random number value stored in the reserved storage number buffer may be cleared, and the start port switch passing process may be terminated. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the specific process is repeatedly executed indefinitely due to the influence of noise or the like and the gaming machine does not operate.

  Further, the specific process may not be executed again after the processes of steps S231 to S238 are executed. In that case, when the process of step S238 is executed, the start port switch passing process is terminated. Note that the contents of the storage area corresponding to the value of the pending storage number counter before being subtracted in the processes of steps S234 and S236 are the random numbers newly extracted when the processes of steps S214B and S216 are subsequently executed. However, when the process of step S238 is executed and the start port switch passing process is terminated (the same applies to the case where the process of step S238 is executed and the process proceeds to step S211 as in this embodiment). As a precaution, the contents of the storage area corresponding to the value of the pending storage number counter before being subtracted in the processing of steps S234 and S236 may be cleared.

  In addition, when the process after step S211 is performed again, if the process of step S218, S219 is performed again, a start winning designation | designated designation | designated command and a total pending | holding storage number designation | designated command will be transmitted twice. In order to avoid such a situation, when it is reliably determined whether a winning at the first starting port 13 or a winning at the second starting port 14 has occurred, a start winning designation command and What is necessary is just to comprise so that a total pending storage number designation command may be transmitted.

  In this embodiment, the subroutine of step S313 is executed after the processing of steps S311 and S312. However, the subroutine of step S313 is not executed, and the processing of steps S311 and S312 is continued. The process of steps S211 to S239 may be executed when it is determined in step S312 that N (that is, there is a start prize).

  In the start port switch passing process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning port 13 or the process for the second start winning port 14 is executed. Data indicating “second” is set in the start port pointer. In the subsequent processing, processing corresponding to the data set in the start port pointer is executed. For example, taking the process in step S214B as an example, specifically, the first reserved memory number counter and the second reserved memory number counter are formed in consecutive addresses in the RAM 55, and the first process is performed at the beginning of the process in step S214B. The address of the reserved memory number counter is set in the register, and the value set in the start port pointer in the register (for example, data indicating “first” is “0” and data indicating “second” is “1”). ”) Is added, the value of the register after the addition is used as the address of the RAM 55, and 1 is added to the data at that address. According to such processing, the target of the addition processing is the first reserved memory number counter when the data indicating “first” is set in the start port pointer, and indicates “second” in the start port pointer. When data is set, it is a second reserved memory number counter. That is, in one addition process, the value of the reserved memory number counter corresponding to the start winning opening that is turned on is automatically incremented by one. In other words, the processing for both start winning awards is made common.

  In addition, although the process of step S214B was taken as an example here, the process can be shared for the processes of step S216 and step S218. For example, data corresponding to the first start winning prize (address of the first reserved storage number buffer or command transmission table address of the first start winning designation command) is set in the register, and the start pointer is set in the register. By adding the value as an offset and setting the data based on the value of the register after the addition (in the case of step S216) and specifying the address of the command transmission table (in the case of step S218), one process is performed. , Data setting processing and command transmission table address designation can be performed.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the case where the first reserved memory number buffer and the second reserved memory number buffer are separately provided is taken as an example, but the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number are common. A reserved storage number buffer may be provided. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a common reserved memory number buffer provided in common for the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. As shown in FIG. 19, the common reserved storage number buffer includes eight areas obtained by combining the reserved storage specific information storage area and the random value storage area. In the common reserved storage number buffer, consecutive addresses are assigned to the reserved storage specific information storage area and the random value storage area.

  When the common reserved memory number buffer is used, the CPU 56 increments the value of the reserved memory number counter indicated by the start port pointer by 1 in step S214B, increments the value of the total reserved memory number counter by 1 in step S215, and then proceeds to step S216. Instead of the above process, a process of setting the data indicated by the start port pointer in the reserved storage specifying information storage area at the head of the empty area of the common reserved storage number buffer is executed. Specifically, the CPU 56 determines the position of the pointer that specifies the address of the data storage destination based on the total number of reserved memories (may be obtained by adding the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number each time). By updating, data is set in the reserved storage specific information storage area at the head of the empty area of the common reserved storage number buffer.

  When specifying the head of the free area of the common reserved memory number buffer, for example, the value obtained by multiplying the total number of reserved memories by the number of data stored in the common reserved memory number buffer per one reserved memory (that is, the A value obtained by adding (one storage specific information storage area) is obtained as an address offset value, and the pointer is updated according to the obtained offset value. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, two data storage areas, that is, a reserved storage specifying information storage area and a random value storage area, are provided in one common reserved storage number buffer. Therefore, a value obtained by adding 1 (that is, one reserved storage specific information storage area) to the value obtained by doubling the total number of reserved storage is obtained as an address offset value, and the pointer is updated according to the obtained offset value. For example, when the total number of pending storages is 3, as shown in FIG. 19, the reserved storage specific information storage area corresponding to the offset value + 7 (a value obtained by doubling the total pending storage number 3 and adding 1). Set the data to. In this case, when the start port pointer indicates “first”, data indicating “first” is set in the reserved storage specific information storage area, and when the start port pointer indicates “second”. Sets data indicating “second” in the reserved storage specific information storage area. For example, in the common reserved storage number buffer, there are a total of three reserved storage specific information storage areas per reserved storage and two random value storage areas (for example, a big hit symbol determination random number and a big hit determination random number). When a data storage area is provided, a value obtained by adding 1 (that is, one area of the reserved storage specific information storage area) to the value obtained by multiplying the total number of the reserved storage by 3 is obtained as an address offset value. The pointer may be updated according to the offset value.

  When the initial position of the pointer for designating the data storage destination address is set as the first area of the common reserved memory number buffer (the reserved storage specific information storage area for the reserved storage 1 shown in FIG. 19), the CPU 56 May be obtained as an offset value of an address by multiplying the total number of pending storages by the number of data stored in the common pending storage number buffer for one pending storage. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, a value obtained by doubling the total number of pending storages may be obtained as the offset value of the address. Then, the CPU 56 may control to update the pointer by setting the position of the pointer to a position moved by an offset value from the initial position. In addition, for example, in the common reserved memory number buffer, a total of three reserved memory specific information storage areas per reserved memory and two random value storage areas (for example, for jackpot symbol determination random numbers and jackpot determination random numbers) If a data storage area is provided, a value obtained by multiplying the total number of pending storages by three may be obtained as an address offset value.

  In addition, instead of the process of step S217, the CPU 56 extracts software random numbers (counter values for generating big hit determination random numbers, etc.) and random R (big hit determination random numbers), and extracts them. A process of storing as a random value in a random value storage area at the head of an empty area of the common reserved storage number buffer is executed. Specifically, after setting the data in the reserved storage specific information storage area, the CPU 56 updates the position of the pointer that designates the address by one, and stores the random value in the random value storage area at the address pointed to by the updated pointer. Is stored. Note that the CPU 56 may perform the same processing for the number of types of random number values to be stored.

  20 and 21 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the total reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks the value of the second reserved memory number (step S52). Specifically, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is confirmed. If the second reserved memory number is 0, the CPU 56 has a special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether special symbol process processing is being performed for the first special symbol or special symbol process processing is being performed for the second special symbol). Data indicating “first” is set in (Step S53). If the second reserved storage number is not 0, data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer (step S54). By the processing of steps S52 to S54, on the condition that the second reserved memory number is not 0, control is performed so that the variation display of the second special symbol is performed in preference to the variation display of the first special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is always executed with priority given that the second reserved memory number is not 0 will be described. However, the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number are described. It may be determined which of the stored number is larger than the stored number, and the special symbol corresponding to the one with the larger stored number is preferentially executed. For example, in step S52, it is confirmed whether or not the first reserved memory number is larger than the second reserved memory number. If the first reserved memory number is larger than the second reserved memory number, the process proceeds to step S53 and the first special symbol is displayed. If the first reserved memory number is not larger than the second reserved memory number, the process proceeds to step S54 and the second special symbol variable display is preferentially executed. Also good. In this case, when the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number are the same number, the variable display of the first special symbol may be preferentially executed, or the second special symbol may be executed. The change display may be executed with priority. With such a configuration, it is possible to preferentially execute the variable symbol display corresponding to the larger one of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. In addition, since it is possible to preferentially start the fluctuation based on winning in the starting winning opening having the larger number of reserved memories, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of invalid starting winning in the starting winning opening.

  In the RAM 55, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer, and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 determines each disturbance stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory number buffer. The numerical value is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = 1 in the second reserved memory number buffer. And stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the first reserved storage number counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1, and the contents of each storage area are shifted.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 saves the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Are stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n−1, and m (m = 2 to 8) th of the reserved memory specifying information storage area (holding specified area). Are stored in the (m−1) th area. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, it is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Each random number value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1, and is also stored in the m (m = 2 to 8) th area of the reserved memory specifying information storage area (holding specified area). Are stored in the (m−1) th area.

  Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or (Second reserved storage number) = 1, 2, 3, 4 in order.

  When using the common reserved memory number buffer as shown in FIG. 19, in step S52, the CPU 52 confirms the count value of the second reserved memory number counter to determine whether or not the second reserved memory number is zero. Or the second reserved memory number is 0 by checking whether or not data indicating “second” is set in each reserved memory specific information storage area of the common reserved memory number buffer. It may be confirmed whether or not. If the second reserved storage number is 0, the CPU 56 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (see step S53). If the second reserved storage number is not 0, data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer (see step S54).

  Next, for example, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, in step S55, the CPU 56 stores the first reserved storage specifying information in which data indicating “first” in the common reserved memory number buffer is stored. An area may be specified, and each random value stored in the random value storage area corresponding to the next address of the specified reserved storage specifying information storage area may be read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM. Further, for example, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, in step S55, the CPU 56 stores the first reserved storage specific information in which data indicating “second” in the common reserved storage number buffer is stored. An area may be specified, and each random value stored in the random value storage area corresponding to the next address of the specified reserved storage specifying information storage area may be read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM. In step S56, the contents of the reserved storage specific information storage area and the random value storage area after the random storage value storage area corresponding to the specified reserved storage specific information storage area and the next address may be shifted.

  Then, the CPU 56 decreases the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S57).

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second start winning opening 14. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S310 can be made common between the case where the first special symbol is the target and the case where the second special symbol is the target.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes a jackpot determination module (step S62). The big hit judgment module compares a big hit judgment value (see FIG. 7) determined in advance with a big hit judgment random number, and determines that the big hit (ordinary big hit or probability variation big hit) or small hit is made if they match. It is a program that executes

  Note that, when the gaming state is in the probability variation state, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7B is set, and the gaming state is in the normal state (non-probability variation state). Is, the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7A is set is used. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S63), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big win gaming state, but deciding whether or not to make the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a a big hit symbol. It is also to do.

  If it is not a big hit, and if it is decided to make a small hit, a small hit flag is set (steps S76, S77A). Further, the stop symbol of the special symbol is determined to be a small hit symbol (for example, 9) (step S77B). Then, the process proceeds to step S80. If not, the CPU 56 reads out the design determining random number from the random number buffer area (step S78), and determines the stop design based on the out-of-design determining random number (step S79). In this case, an off symbol (for example, any of even symbols) is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag. Then, the big hit symbol determining random number is read from the random number buffer area (step S72), and the big hit symbol (for example, any one of the odd symbols excluding 9) as the stop symbol is determined based on the big hit symbol determining random number (step S73). ). In this embodiment, when the determined stop symbol is a probability variation symbol (for example, “7” or “3”), it is determined to be a probability variation big hit.

  When it is determined that the probability variation jackpot is determined, the CPU 56 sets a probability variation jackpot flag (steps S74 and S75). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S80). When the probability change big hit flag is set, the game state is shifted to the probability change state when the big hit game ends.

  In this embodiment, as shown in steps S55 to S79, each random number value is read out and each counter is displayed when the first special symbol is changed and when the second special symbol is changed. Although the case where the update process (see steps S55 to S57) and the big hit or small hit determination process (see steps S61 to S79) are shared is shown, they may be configured as separate processes. In this case, for example, when the CPU 56 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer in step S53, the processing of steps S55 to S79 is executed. Further, when the CPU 56 sets data indicating “second” in the special symbol pointer in step S54, the CPU 56 executes the same processing as steps S55 to S79 as another processing. When the random number reading process, each counter updating process, and big hit or small hit determination process are configured as separate processes, only a part of the processes may be configured as a common subroutine. For example, if only the big hit or small hit determination process in steps S61 to S79 is configured as a common subroutine, and data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer in step S53, the processes in steps S55 to S79 are executed. Later, a subroutine for determining a big hit or a small hit may be called. In addition, if data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer in step S54, a subroutine similar to that in steps S55 to S79 is executed as a separate process, and then a subroutine for determining a big hit or a small hit is called. Also good.

  Also, in this embodiment, whether or not to make a big hit is determined based on a big hit determination random number, and when it is decided to make a big win, a predetermined big hit symbol (predetermined in advance) When the probability variation jackpot symbol) is determined, control is made to the probability variation state. However, based on the jackpot determination random number, whether or not to make a jackpot and the type of jackpot may be determined.

  22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S90). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S100. If not set, it is confirmed whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S91). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S100. If it is not set (that is, if it is off), the CPU 56 reads out the reach determination random number for determining whether or not to execute the reach effect during the variable display from the random number buffer area (step S92), It is confirmed whether or not a probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation state is set (step S93A).

  If the probability change flag is set (that is, if the probability change state (including the case where the probability change state and the time reduction state are included)), the CPU 56 determines whether or not the value of the total pending storage number counter is 1 or more. Is confirmed (step S93B). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is 1 or more, the CPU 56 selects the first probability change reach determination table as the reach determination table for determining whether or not to execute the reach effect (step S93C). ). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is not 1 or more, the CPU 56 selects the second probability change reach determination table (step S93D).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reach determination table for determining whether or not a reach effect is to be executed during a variable display when it is determined that a big hit and a small hit are not made (that is, when it is determined that the game is out of place). FIG. In this embodiment, the game state is controlled to one of three game states: a probability change state, a time reduction state, or a normal state. As shown in FIG. 24, when the gaming state is a probability variation state (including a case where the probability variation state and the time reduction state are included), the first probability variation reach determination table or the second probability variation reach determination table is Used. Further, when the gaming state is the short time state, the first short time reach determination table or the second short time reach determination table is used. When the gaming state is the normal state, the first normal time reach determination table, the second normal time reach determination table, or the third normal time reach determination table is used.

  In step S93B, the CPU 56 does not check the value of the total pending storage number counter, but “first” or “second” in the first area of the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area). It may be confirmed whether or not data (for example, 01 (H) or 02 (H)) is set. If it is set, the process may proceed to step S93C. If it is not set, the process may proceed to step S93D. Further, for example, in the case of not managing the total pending storage number using the total pending storage number counter, the CPU 56 determines in step S93B the value of the first pending storage number counter and the value of the second pending storage number counter. May be calculated, and it may be confirmed whether the calculated total value is 1 or more.

  If the probability variation flag is not set in step S93A, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag is set (step S93E). If the time reduction flag is set (that is, if the time reduction state is set), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the total pending storage number counter is 3 or more (step S93F). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is 3 or more, the CPU 56 selects the first short time reach determination table (step S93G). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is not 3 or more, the CPU 56 selects the second short time reach determination table (step S93H).

  In step S93F, the CPU 56 does not check the value of the total pending storage number counter, but “first” or “second” in the third area of the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area). It may be confirmed whether or not data (for example, 01 (H) or 02 (H)) is set. If it is set, the process may proceed to step S93G, and if it is not set, the process may proceed to step S93H. Further, for example, in the case of not managing the total pending memory count using the total pending memory count counter, the CPU 56 determines in step S93F the value of the first pending memory count counter and the value of the second pending memory count counter. May be calculated, and it may be confirmed whether or not the calculated total value is 3 or more.

  If the time reduction flag is not set in step S93E (that is, in the normal state), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the total pending storage number counter is 6 or more (step S93I). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is 6 or more, the CPU 56 selects the first normal time reach determination table (step S93J). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is not 6 or more, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the total pending storage number counter is 2 or more (step S93K). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is 2 or more, the second normal time reach determination table is selected (step S93L). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is not 2 or more, the third normal time reach determination table is selected (step S93M).

  In step S93I, the CPU 56 does not check the value of the total pending storage number counter, but “first” or “second” in the sixth area of the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area). It may be confirmed whether or not data (for example, 01 (H) or 02 (H)) is set. If it is set, the process may proceed to step S93J, and if it is not set, the process may proceed to step S93K. Further, for example, in the case of not managing the total pending memory count using the total pending memory count counter, the CPU 56 determines in step S93I the value of the first pending memory count counter and the value of the second pending memory count counter. May be calculated, and it may be checked whether the calculated total value is 6 or more.

  In step S93K, the CPU 56 does not check the value of the total reserved storage number counter, but sets “first” or “second” in the second area of the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area). It may be confirmed whether or not data (for example, 01 (H) or 02 (H)) is set. If it is set, the process may proceed to step S93L, and if it is not set, the process may proceed to step S93M. Further, for example, in the case of not managing the total pending storage number using the total pending storage number counter, the CPU 56, in step S93K, May be calculated, and it may be confirmed whether or not the calculated total value is 2 or more.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect during the variable display based on the reach determination random number and the selected reach determination table (step S93N).

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing reach occurrence probabilities when it is decided not to make a big hit or a small hit. In this embodiment, using the reach determination table shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not to execute the reach effect with the probability shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is the normal state, it is determined that the reach effect is executed with a probability of 6% if the total number of pending storage is 6 or more. If the number is less than 6, the reach effect is determined to be executed with a probability of 10%. If the number is less than 2, the reach effect is determined to be executed with a probability of 22%. In addition, when the gaming state is the short-time state, it is determined that the reach effect is executed with a probability of 8% if the total number of pending storage is 3 or more, and if the game state is less than 3, the reach effect is determined with a probability of 7%. Is determined to execute. Further, when the gaming state is a probabilistic state, it is determined that the reach effect is executed with a probability of 4% if the total number of reserved storage is 1 or more, and if it is less than 1 (that is, there is no hold), 22% It is determined that the reach production is executed with the probability of.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, when the gaming state is a normal state or a probable change state, the total number of reserved memories (that is, the total number of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number) is When there are many, the frequency of executing the reach effect during the variable display is reduced. Therefore, the operating rate of the variable display can be improved, and the processing load on the game control means (specifically, the game control microcomputer 560) is reduced. In addition, even when the gaming state is a short-time state, the frequency of executing the reach effect may be reduced when the total number of pending storages is large. Further, depending on the gaming state, the frequency of executing the reach effect may be increased when the total number of pending storages is large. By doing so, it is possible to prolong the effect by the variable display and to improve the interest in the game. Further, according to the gaming state, the probability of executing the reach effect may be a fixed probability regardless of the total number of pending storage.

  When the CPU 56 determines not to execute the reach effect (N in Step S93O), the CPU 56 proceeds to Step S100. If it is decided to execute the reach effect (Y in Step S93O), the random number for determining the variation pattern is read from the random number buffer area (Step S93P) and it is confirmed whether or not the time reduction flag is set (Step S93P). S93Q). If the time reduction flag is set, the process proceeds to step S93S. If the time flag is not set, it is checked whether or not the value of the total pending storage number counter is a predetermined value (for example, 3 or more) (step S93R). When the time reduction flag is set or when the value of the total pending storage number counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the variation pattern is selected from the reach shortening variation pattern table (see FIG. 8) based on the variation pattern determination random number. (Step S93S). The reach shortening variation pattern table is a table stored in the ROM 54, and data indicating the variation patterns # 13 to # 15 is set corresponding to the determination value. If the value of the total pending storage number counter is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the CPU 56 selects a variation pattern from the reach variation pattern table (see FIG. 8) based on the variation pattern determination random number (step S93T). The reach variation pattern table is a table stored in the ROM 54, and data indicating the variation patterns # 9 to # 12 is set corresponding to the determination value. Then, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S93R, the CPU 56 does not check the value of the total pending storage number counter, but “first” or “second” in the third area of the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area). It may be confirmed whether or not data (for example, 01 (H) or 02 (H)) is set. If it is set, the process may proceed to step S93S, and if it is not set, the process may proceed to step S93T. Further, for example, in the case of not managing the total pending memory count using the total pending memory count counter, the CPU 56 determines in step S93R the value of the first pending memory count counter and the value of the second pending memory count counter. May be calculated, and it may be confirmed whether or not the calculated total value is 3 or more.

  If the big hit flag is set in step S90, if the small hit flag is set in step S91, or if it is decided not to execute the reach effect (N in step S93O), the CPU 56 stores the random number buffer. A random number for determining a variation pattern is read from the area (step S100). Then, the variation pattern is determined. At this time, if the time reduction flag is set (step S100A), a variation pattern is selected from the shortened variation pattern table (see FIG. 8) (step S102). Even if the time reduction flag is not set, if the value of the total pending storage number counter is not less than a predetermined value (for example, 3 or more) (step S101), the variation pattern is obtained from the shortened variation pattern table (see FIG. 8). Select (step S102). The shortened variation pattern table is a table stored in the ROM 54, and data indicating the variation patterns # 5 to # 8 is set corresponding to the determination value. When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects any one of the variation patterns # 6 to # 8 from the shortened variation pattern table. When the big hit flag is not set, the variation pattern # 5 is selected from the shortened variation pattern table.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the total pending storage number is 3 or more, and when it is 3 or more, by selecting a variation pattern of the shortening variation, the first special symbol and the second special symbol It is possible to prevent a situation in which one of the shortening fluctuations is performed and the other special symbol is not shortening. For example, consider a case in which a shortening variation is performed based on the number of reserved memories for each special symbol. In this case, for example, when the first reserved memory number is 3 or more, the first special symbol is shortened, and when the second reserved memory number is 3 or more, the second special symbol is shortened. Then, when the first reserved memory number is 4 and the second reserved memory number is 2, the variation display of the second special symbol, the variation display of the second special symbol, and the variation display of the first special symbol are executed in this order. When the change display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed, the change display of the normal change, the display of the change of the normal change, and the display of the change of the shortened change are executed in this order. A situation arises in which both are executed together. Further, even when the variable display is executed in the order of winning the winning prize, for example, when the variable display of the second special symbol, the variable display of the first special symbol, and the variable display of the second special symbol are executed in the order of winning, The normal variation variation display, the shortened variation variation display, and the normal variation variation display are executed in this order, and the normal variation variation display and the shortened variation variation display are alternately performed. Therefore, although the shortening variation is performed for the second special symbol, a situation in which the shortening variation is not performed for the first special symbol occurs, and the player feels uncomfortable. In this embodiment, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol can be shortened in common based on the total number of reserved memory, either one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol can be applied. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the shortening variation of the other special symbol is not performed and the shortening variation of the other special symbol is not performed. Therefore, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved without giving the player a sense of incongruity.

  The reason why it is determined in step S93R, S101, for example, whether it is 3 or more is that the value of the total pending storage number counter has already been set to -1 in the process of step S57. That is, the value of the total pending storage number counter is 4 (when the upper limit number of the first pending storage number and the second pending storage number is 4, respectively, that is, when the upper limit value of the total pending storage number counter is 8) or more. This is because it is desired to use the shortened variation pattern table for the variable display started when The reason for using the shortened variation pattern table when the value of the total pending storage number counter is 4 (when the upper limit is 8) or more is as follows. That is, when the first reserved memory number is 4 (upper limit number), the variation time of the first special symbol is shortened, and when the second reserved memory number is 4 (upper limit number), the second special symbol When the variation time is shortened, for example, when the first reserved memory number is 2 and the second reserved memory number is 3, the variation time is not shortened. However, the total pending storage number displayed on the total pending storage display portion 18c is 5. At that time, since the variation time is not shortened, there is a possibility that a player who has a suspicious feeling appears. Therefore, in this embodiment, the variation time is shortened for the variation of the special symbol that is started when the value of the total pending storage number counter is 3 or more.

  If the value of the total pending storage number counter is less than the predetermined value (step S101), a variation pattern is selected from the normal variation pattern table (see FIG. 8) (step S103). The normal variation pattern table is a table stored in the ROM 54, and data indicating the variation patterns # 1 to # 4 is set corresponding to the determination value. When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects any one of the variation patterns # 2 to # 4 from the normal variation pattern table. When the big hit flag is not set, the variation pattern # 1 is selected from the normal variation pattern table. Note that when different variation patterns are used when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed and when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, for example, in the processes of steps S102 and S103, the special symbol pointer is changed. A variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table shown.

  In the processing of steps S93S, S93T, S102, and S103, the CPU 56 selects a variation pattern from each variation pattern table based on the variation pattern determination random numbers extracted in steps S93P and S100.

  In step S101, the CPU 56 does not check the value of the total pending storage number counter, but “first” or “second” in the third area of the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area). It may be confirmed whether or not data (for example, 01 (H) or 02 (H)) is set. If it is set, the process may proceed to step S102, and if it is not set, the process may proceed to step S103. Further, for example, in the case of not managing the total pending memory number using the total pending memory number counter, the CPU 56 determines in step S101 the value of the first pending memory number counter and the value of the second pending memory number counter. May be calculated, and it may be confirmed whether or not the calculated total value is 3 or more.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command (see FIG. 11) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S102 or S103 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104). Note that the special symbol variation time (variable display time) is determined by the processing of steps S100 to S103.

  Further, control for transmitting a symbol variation designation command indicating the variation of the special symbol is performed (step S105). Specifically, when data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 transmits a first symbol variation designation command indicating the variation of the first special symbol, and the special symbol pointer is transmitted to the special symbol pointer. When the data indicating “second” is set, a second symbol variation designation command indicating the variation of the second special symbol is transmitted. Then, according to the setting of the special symbol pointer, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is started to change (step S106). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Note that in the special symbol display control process of step S33 without using the start flag or the end flag, when controlling the variation of the special symbol based only on the value of the special symbol process flag, in step S106, the CPU 56 A flag indicating whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changed may be set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S107). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302) (step S108). In addition, you may comprise so that the process of step S105 may be performed before the process of step S104. That is, a symbol variation designation command (special symbol specifying command) may be transmitted before transmitting the variation pattern command (see FIG. 12B).

  In this embodiment, the special symbol process is used for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol. That is, the special symbol process is also shared. Therefore, an area for storing the special symbol process processing program in the ROM 54 is also saved. In addition, for example, the variable time timer (formed in the RAM 55) set in step S107 is shared by the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which leads to a capacity saving of the RAM 55.

  In this embodiment, the case where the variation pattern of the shortening variation is selected even when the reach effect is determined and the reach effect is determined is shown, but when the reach effect is determined, the case is determined. The shortening variation may not be performed. For example, if it is determined that the reach effect is to be executed in steps S93N and S93O, the CPU 56 may directly proceed to step S93T and select a variation pattern from the reach variation pattern table.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case where the variation pattern of the shortening variation is selected based only on whether or not the total reserved memory number is equal to or larger than a predetermined value is shown. However, the total reserved memory number (or the first reserved memory number or The variation time of the special symbol (the variation time of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol is also the same) is selected based on the number of the second reserved memory) and the gate passing memory number (the number of winning balls passed through the gate 32). May be.

  When determining the variation time of a special symbol based on the total number of reserved memories and the number of gate passing memories, for example, when the number of reserved symbols of normal symbols (the number of gate passing memories) is 0, the total number of reserved symbols for special symbols If the number is 0-4, the special symbol's variation time type is "long", and if the special symbol's total pending storage is 5-8, the special symbol's variation time type is "medium" Good. In addition, when the number of reserved symbols of a normal symbol is 1, and the number of special symbols combined is 0-4, the special symbol variation time type is “long” and the number of special symbols combined is stored When the number is 5 or 6, the special symbol variation time type may be “medium”, and when the special symbol total pending storage number is 7 or 8, the special symbol variation time type may be “short”. . If the number of reserved symbols for normal symbols is 2, and the number of reserved symbols for special symbols is 0 to 3, the type of variation time for special symbols is set to “medium” and the number of reserved symbols for special symbols When the number is 4 to 8, the type of variation time of the special symbol may be “short”. Also, when the number of reserved symbols for ordinary symbols is 3 or 4, the variation type of the special symbol may be “short” when the total number of reserved symbols for special symbols is 0 to 8.

  Here, for example, the variation time “long” is the basic variation time of each variation pattern 1 to 15, and the variation time “medium” is a variation that is uniformly shortened by 2000 ms from the basic variation time of each variation pattern 1 to 15. The variation time “short” may be a variation time that is uniformly shortened by 4000 ms from the basic variation time of each variation pattern 1-12. Instead of shortening the variation time in each variation pattern, three types of variation patterns corresponding to “long”, “medium”, and “short” may be prepared in advance. Then, a variation pattern corresponding to any one of “long”, “medium”, and “short” may be selected based on the number of reserved symbols of ordinary symbols and the total number of reserved symbols of special symbols.

  When configured as described above, when either the total reserved memory number of the special symbol (or the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number) or the ordinary symbol reserved memory number (gate passing memory number) is large (For example, when the total number of reserved memories of special symbols is 5 to 8, when the number of reserved memories of normal symbols is 2 to 4, the total number of reserved memories of special symbols and the number of reserved memories of normal symbols) The special symbol variation time can be shortened compared to the case where both are small (for example, when the total number of reserved symbols for special symbols is 0 to 4 and the number of reserved symbols for ordinary symbols is 0 or 1). . In other words, when the total number of reserved memory for special symbols and the number of reserved memory for normal symbols are both small (for example, the number of special symbols for total reserved memory is 0 to 4, and the number of reserved symbols for normal symbols is 0. Or, when there is a large number of special symbols combined memory and normal symbols reserved memory (for example, when the special symbols total memory reserved is between 5 and 8, normal symbols are reserved) The variation time of the special symbol can be made longer than when the number of memories is 2 to 4.

  That is, with the above configuration, the larger the number of special symbols combined reserved memory and the number of normal symbols reserved memory, the shorter the special symbol variation time, and the number of special symbols combined reserved memory The variation type of the special symbol can be set so that the variation time of the special symbol becomes longer as the number of memories decreases.

  Further, the normal symbol variation time may also be selected based on the total number of reserved memories (or the number of first reserved memories or the number of second reserved memories) and the number of gate passing memories.

  When determining the fluctuation time of the normal symbol based on the total reserved memory number and the gate passing memory number, for example, when the special symbol total reserved memory number is 0 to 2, the normal symbol reserved memory number (gate When the number of passing memories is 0 or 1, the normal symbol variation time type is “Short”, and when the normal symbol hold memory number is 2, the normal symbol variation time type is “Medium”. When the number of reserved symbols stored in the normal symbol is 3, the type of variation time of the normal symbol may be “long”. In addition, when the total number of reserved symbols for the special symbol is 3 to 5, if the number of reserved symbols for the normal symbol is 0 or 1, the variation type of the normal symbol is “medium” and the normal symbol is reserved. When the number of memories is two or three, the type of variation time of the special symbol may be “long”. In addition, when the total number of reserved symbols for special symbols is 6 to 8, the variation type of the normal symbol may be “long” when the number of reserved symbols for normal symbols is 0 to 3. . In this case, for example, the variation time “long” may be 20 seconds, the variation time “medium” may be 10 seconds, and the variation time “short” may be 1 second.

  When configured as described above, when either the total number of reserved memory for special symbols or the number of reserved memory for normal symbols (number of stored gates) is large (for example, the total number of reserved memory for special symbols is 4 to 8 When the number of reserved symbols for ordinary symbols is 2 or 3, when both the number of reserved symbols for special symbols and the number of reserved symbols for ordinary symbols are small (for example, the number of reserved symbols for special symbols is 0) 3 and the normal symbol variation time can be made longer than that when the number of ordinary symbols is 0 or 1). Conversely, when both the total number of reserved memory for special symbols and the number of reserved memory for normal symbols are small (for example, the total number of reserved memory for special symbols is 0 to 3, and the number of reserved memory for normal symbols is 0. Or, when there is a large number of special symbols combined storage and normal symbol storage (for example, when the special symbol combined storage is between 4 and 8, normal symbol storage) The variation time of the normal symbol can be made shorter than when the number of memories is two or three.

  That is, with the above configuration, the longer the number of special symbols combined and the number of reserved symbols stored, the longer the normal symbol variation time, and the number of special symbols combined and the number of reserved symbols stored. The normal symbol variation time type can be set such that the smaller the number of memories, the shorter the normal symbol variation time.

  Note that the variation time of the normal symbol may be made different based on only the total number of reserved symbols stored in the special symbol. For example, when the total number of reserved symbols for a special symbol is large (for example, 4 or more), the variation time of a normal symbol is lengthened. You may make it do. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a large amount of prize balls are paid out based on an invalid start winning and the payout base becomes abnormally high.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302). In the display result specifying command transmission process, the CPU 56 determines any one of the display control 1 designation to the display result 4 designation control command (see FIG. 11) according to the determined type of big hit (or small hit). ) Is transmitted. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If it is not set, it is checked whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S114). If the small hit flag is not set, control is performed to transmit a display result 1 designation command (step S111). ). When the small hit flag is set, control for transmitting the display result 3 designation command is performed (steps S114 and S115). When the big hit flag is set, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, control for transmitting the display result 4 designation command is performed (steps S112 and S113). Further, when the probability variation big hit flag is not set, control for transmitting a display result 2 designation command is performed (step S116). Next, a total pending storage number subtraction designation command designating that 1 is subtracted from the total pending storage number is transmitted (step S117). Instead of transmitting the total pending storage number subtraction designation command, a total pending storage number designation command for designating the total pending storage number after subtraction may be transmitted.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S118).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variable time timer (step S121), and when the variable time timer times out (step S122), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S123). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 to end the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. Then, a control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed (step S131). When data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol is terminated, and when data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer. The variation of the second special symbol is terminated. Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132).

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S133A). If it is set, control for transmitting the jackpot start 2 designation command is performed (step S133B). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S308) (step S133C).

  If the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S133D). If it is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag (step S134), and performs control to transmit a jackpot start designation command (step S135). Specifically, if the probability variation jackpot flag is set, a jackpot start 3 designation command is transmitted, and if not, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted.

  Also, a value corresponding to the big hit display time (time for notifying the fact that the big hit has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the big hit display time timer (step S136). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-payment opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S139).

  When the big hit flag is not set (N in Step S133D), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag is set (Step S139A). If it is set, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction counter for counting the number of times the special symbols and decorative symbols are changed in the time reduction state (step S139B), and whether the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction is 0 or not. (Step S139C). If the value of the time reduction counter is 0, the time reduction flag is reset (step S139D).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S140).

  In the big winning opening opening pre-processing, when the big hit display time timer is set, the CPU 56 controls to open the big winning opening when the big hit display time timer times out, and sets the big winning opening opening time timer. A value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds in the case of a normal big hit and a probable big hit) is set, and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big winning opening opening process (step S306). . The case where the big hit display time timer is set is the case before the start of the first round. When an interval timer (timer for determining the interval time between rounds) is set, when the interval timer times out, control is performed to open the big prize opening, and the opening time ( For example, a value corresponding to 29 seconds in the case of a normal big hit and a probable big hit is set), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big winning opening opening process (step S306).

  In the process during opening of the big prize opening, the CPU 56 does not finish the final round when the big prize opening time timer times out or the number of winning balls to the big prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). In this case, control for closing the special winning opening is performed, a value corresponding to the interval time is set in the interval timer, and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S305). Update. When the final round is completed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S307).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S150). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S154. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S151), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S152). If the probability variation jackpot flag is set, a jackpot end 2 designation command is transmitted. If the probability variation jackpot flag is not set, a jackpot termination 1 designation command is transmitted. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S153), and the processing is ended. It should be noted that the count switch detection time shown in FIG. 29 is a sufficient time for the game ball to be detected by the count switch 23 after winning the winning ball. For example, if it takes a maximum of 1.0 seconds for a game ball to enter the grand prize opening and be detected by the count switch 23, the count switch detection time is longer than 1.0 seconds.

  In step S154, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S155). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation big hit flag is set (step S158).

  If the probability variation jackpot flag is set, the set flag (probability variation jackpot flag) is reset (step S159), the probability variation flag is set, and the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state (step S161). Next, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag (step S161A), and sets a predetermined value (for example, 100) in a time reduction number counter (step S161B). In other words, in this embodiment, after the big hit gaming state is finished, the gaming state is changed to the short time state (including the case where the probability changing state and the short time state are included) until the predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) of the variable display is finished. Be controlled. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S162).

  In the pre-opening process for small hits in step S308, the same process as the pre-opening process for the big prize opening (step S305) is performed. However, instead of updating the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the large winning opening opening process, the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit opening process. Further, in the small hit opening process in step S309, the same process as the big prize opening opening process (step S306) is performed. However, if it is not the final round, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S308), and if it is the final round (second round), the value of the special symbol process flag Is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit end process (step S310).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the small hit end process (step S310) in the special symbol process. In the small hit end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit end display timer is set (step S170). If the small hit end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S174. If the small hit end display timer is not set, the small hit flag is reset (step S171). Then, the small hit end display timer sets a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (small hit end display time) in the small hit end display timer ( Step S173), the process is terminated. It should be noted that the count switch detection time shown in FIG. 30 is a time sufficient for the game ball to be detected by the count switch 23 after winning the winning prize opening.

  In step S174, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the small hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the small hit end display time has elapsed (step S175). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S176).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the abnormal winning notification process in step S23. In the abnormal winning notification process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the abnormal notification prohibition flag is set (step S581). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in a main process executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 4). When the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S585. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S582). When the value of the prohibition period timer becomes 0, that is, when the prohibition period timer times out, the abnormality notification prohibition flag is reset (steps S583 and S584).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (step S585). The state where the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more is a state where a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball will win the big winning opening, so it is not confirmed that an abnormal winning has occurred in the big winning opening. That is, if the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more, the abnormal winning notification process is terminated.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 5 (the state where neither big hit game nor small hit game is played), the CPU 56 determines the value of bit 0 of the input port 0 (input bit of the detection signal from the counter switch 23). Whether or not has changed from 0 to 1 is checked (step S586). When the bit 7 or the bit 6 of the input port 0 changes from 0 to 1 (that is, when the counter switch 23 is turned on), the CPU 56 determines that an abnormal winning at the big winning opening has occurred, and the effect control board 80 Then, control for transmitting an abnormal winning notification designation command is performed (steps S586 and S587). In the big hit end process and the small hit end process shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the count switch detection time (the time from when the game ball is won to the big winning opening until it is detected by the count switch 23) has elapsed. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is returned to 0. Therefore, the processing of steps S586 and S587 is not executed before the game ball has won the big winning opening but is not detected by the count switch 23. That is, the abnormal winning notification designation command is not transmitted even though the count switch 23 normally detects the game ball.

  When the counter switch 23 is turned on in the state where neither big hit game nor small hit game is performed by the above processing, an abnormal winning notification designation command is transmitted. Further, the process of steps S581 to S583 prohibits the start of abnormality notification when the effect control microcomputer 100 is performing initialization notification. The production control microcomputer 100 continues to execute the initialization notification until the period corresponding to the prohibition period has elapsed since the start of the initialization notification.

  In this embodiment, the control for detecting and notifying the abnormal winning a prize winning opening is performed, but the abnormal winning to the variable winning ball apparatus 15 having the second start winning opening 14 is detected and notified. Control may also be performed (when the variable winning ball device 15 is open only when the second start winning port 14 is configured to be able to win). In this case, since the control state of the variable winning ball device 15 can be determined by the value of the normal symbol process flag, the CPU 56 does not indicate that the value of the normal symbol process flag indicates that the variable winning ball device 15 is open. An abnormal winning notification designation command is also transmitted when it is detected that the detection signal of the second start port switch 14a is turned on. It is preferable that the abnormal winning notification designation command is distinguishable from the abnormal winning notification designation command transmitted when an abnormal winning to the big winning opening is detected.

  For example, in the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 confirms the number of passages through the gate and determines whether or not to hit the normal symbol and determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol, normal symbol normal processing, various processes during the variation of the normal symbol A normal symbol change process for executing the normal symbol, a normal symbol stop process for stopping and displaying the normal symbol, and a normal electric accessory actuating process for controlling the opening / closing of the normal electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15) after the normal symbol is hit. Execute. In this case, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the normal symbol process flag is a value (for example, 3) corresponding to the normal electric actor operation process in the abnormal winning notification process, and the normal symbol process flag is the normal electric actor operation. When the value is other than the value corresponding to the processing, it may be determined that an abnormal winning has occurred based on detecting that the detection signal from the second start port switch 14a is turned on.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Next, a first decorative symbol display control process is performed (step S706). In the first decorative symbol display control process, display control of the first decorative symbol display 9a is executed. Further, a second decorative symbol display control process is performed (step S707). In the second decorative symbol display control process, display control of the second decorative symbol display 9b is executed. Further, a hold storage display control process for controlling the display state of the combined hold storage display unit 18c is executed (step S708). Furthermore, a notification control process for performing notification using an effect device such as the effect display device 9 is executed (step S709). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702. As in the special symbol process executed by the game control microcomputer 560, the first ornament symbol display control process and the second ornament symbol display control process are made common, that is, realized by one program module. Thus, the capacity of the program executed by the production control microcomputer 100 may be reduced. In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 changes either the first decorative symbol or the second decorative symbol based on the symbol variation designation command received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the common ornament symbol display control process. And control to output a display signal to the decorative symbol displays 9a and 9b corresponding to the specified decorative symbol.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 11) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  34 to 36 are flowcharts showing specific examples of command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result specifying command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 stores the display result specifying command in a display result specifying command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618). .

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is one of the jackpot start 1 to 3 designation commands (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets the jackpot start 1 to 3 designation command reception flag (step S624).

  If the received effect control command is the first symbol variation designation command (step S625), the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S626). If the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command (step S627), the second symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S628).

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S631), the effect control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the effect display device 9 indicating that the initialization process has been executed. Control is performed (step S632A). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols. Also, an initial notification flag is set (step S632B), and a value corresponding to the initial notification period value is set in the period timer (step S632C). The initial notification period is a period in which initialization notification is performed in response to reception of the initialization designation command. The effect control CPU 101 ends the initialization notification when the initial notification period elapses. The initial notification period is the same as the prohibition period set by the game control microcomputer 560 in step S45. Therefore, the abnormality notification designation command is not received when the initialization notification is performed.

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634), and a power failure recovery flag is set (step S635).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 1 designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 2 designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is an abnormal prize notification designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets an abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag (step S646).

  If the received presentation control command is a combined pending storage number designation command (step S651), the presentation control CPU 101 uses the second byte data (EXT data) of the combined pending storage number designation command as a combined pending storage number storage area. (Step S652). If the CPU 101 for effect control receives the same total pending storage number designation command twice without receiving the total pending storage count subtraction designation command, it discards the first total pending storage count designation command received. (For example, the total pending storage number storage area is once cleared, and the EXT data of the total pending storage number designation command received second time may be stored in the total pending storage number storage area.

  If the received effect control command is the first start winning designation command (step S653), the effect control CPU 101 sets the first start winning flag (step S654). If the received effect control command is the second start winning designation command (step S655), the effect control CPU 101 sets the second start winning flag (step S656). If the received effect control command is a combined pending storage number subtraction designation command (step S657), the effect control CPU 101 sets a combined pending storage number subtraction designation command reception flag (step S658).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag according to the received effect control command (step S659). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variable display mode of decorative symbols (first decorative symbol and second decorative symbol). In this embodiment, the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b are composed of two LEDs. And as shown in FIG. 37, it lights alternately every predetermined time (for example, 0.5 second). When the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the upper LED is turned on as a display result of a decorative symbol reminiscent of the jackpot (see FIG. 37A). Further, when the display result of the special symbol is changed to the off symbol, the lower LED is turned on as the display result of the decorative symbol reminiscent of the off symbol (see FIG. 37B).

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variable display of effect symbols. In this embodiment, the effect symbol display area 91 of the effect control device 9 includes a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying the effect symbols corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. As shown in FIG. 38 (A), in this embodiment, the effect symbol display area 91 of the effect display device 9 is configured in a substantially square shape, and nine variable displays of approximately squares capable of variably displaying the effect symbols. Regions (variable display portions) 91A to 91I are included. Further, the effect symbol display area 91 is arranged in such a direction that one diagonal line of the substantially square is the vertical direction, and the other diagonal line direction is the left-right direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 38 (A), in each of the variable displays 91A to 91I, the effect symbols are individually displayed in a variable manner.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the effect symbol display area 91, the left and right variable display areas in the upper, middle or lower tier from the upper right to the lower left, or the upper, middle or lower tier from the upper left to the lower right. When the production symbols are stopped in a state where the same design symbols are aligned (the state in which the variable display area is continuously fluctuating), it becomes a reach mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 38 (B), in the middle line from the upper right to the lower left, when the stop symbols are displayed in the state where the effect symbols of the left and right variable display areas 91D and 91F are aligned in the same symbol (for example, 7) Reach mode. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 38C, in the upper line from the upper left to the lower right, the stop display is performed in the state where the effect symbols of the left and right variable display areas 91I and 91C are aligned with the same symbol (for example, 7). If it does, it will be a reach mode.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the production symbol display area 91, when the production symbols in the left and right variable display areas are stopped in a state where the production symbols in the left and right variable display areas are aligned in the same pattern in the left and right diagonal lines (the middle variable display area Is continuously fluctuating), when the production pattern of the upper and lower variable display areas is aligned in the same pattern on the upper and lower diagonal lines of a substantially square (the variable display area in the middle is continuously fluctuating) State) is also a reach mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 38 (D), when the left and right variable display areas 91G and 91C are stopped in a state where the effect symbols of the left and right variable display areas 91G and 91C are aligned with each other in a substantially square line in the diagonal direction, a reach mode is obtained. . Similarly, in a substantially square line in the upper and lower diagonal directions, when the effect symbols of the upper and lower variable display areas 91I and 91A are stopped in a state where the same symbols are aligned, a reach mode is set.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the summation pending storage display unit 18c. As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, the total pending storage display portion 18c displays a number of circles (up to 8) corresponding to the total pending storage number. The effect control microcomputer 100 causes the VDP 109 to display a circle so that the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory can be distinguished. For example, a circle corresponding to the first reserved memory is displayed in red, and a circle corresponding to the second reserved memory is displayed in green. Note that the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory may be displayed in the same manner (for example, in the same shape and the same color).

  FIG. 39 (C) shows an example of the display state of the total suspension storage display unit 18c at the time of power failure recovery. As shown in FIG. 39 (C), at the time of power recovery, a number of stars corresponding to the total number of pending storage is displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c. FIG. 39D shows an example of the display state of the total pending storage display unit 18c when the total pending storage number designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 but the start winning designation command cannot be received. ing. As shown in FIG. 39 (D), when the start winning designation command cannot be received, a blue circle is displayed on the total suspension storage display unit 18c.

  As shown in FIG. 39C, at the time of power failure recovery, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the display corresponding to the original first reserved memory (first start winning memory) (in this example, a red circle is displayed). ) And the display corresponding to the second reserved memory (second start-up winning memory) (in this example, the display of the green circle) is a display of the number specified by the total reserved memory number designation command (this In the example, an asterisk) is displayed on the summed hold storage display unit 18c. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily grasp that the gaming state has been restored by using the display of the total suspension storage display unit 18c. In addition, if the display mode of the summed hold storage display unit 18c at the time of power failure recovery is different from the display mode corresponding to the original first hold memory and the display mode corresponding to the second hold memory, this embodiment. It is not restricted to changing the shape of the displayed image. For example, the color may be changed without changing the shape, or the size may be changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 39D, when the start winning designation command cannot be received, the effect control microcomputer 100 displays the display corresponding to the original first reserved memory (in this example, a red circle). The image corresponding to the increased reserved memory is displayed in a different manner from the display corresponding to the second reserved memory (in this example, the display of the green circle). Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp that an abnormality has occurred with respect to transmission / reception of the effect control command (in this example, the start winning designation command).

  In addition, since the display mode of the total pending storage display unit 18c when the start winning designation command cannot be received is different from the display mode corresponding to the original first reserved memory and the display mode corresponding to the second reserved memory. If there is, it is not limited to changing the color of the displayed image as in this embodiment. For example, the shape (for example, a star) may be changed without changing the color, or the size may be changed.

  Further, when the start winning designation command cannot be received, a predetermined one of the red or green circles may be displayed. For example, when a start winning designation command cannot be received, a red circle may always be displayed on the total suspension storage display unit 18c, or a green circle may always be displayed.

  Further, when the start winning designation command cannot be received, it may be determined randomly whether to display a red or green circle. For example, when the start winning designation command cannot be received, it is determined whether to display a red or green circle by a lottery process using a random number, and displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c. Good.

  Further, when the start winning designation command cannot be received, it may be determined whether to display a red or green circle based on the number of reserved storage. For example, if the start winning designation command cannot be received and the first reserved memory number is the upper limit value (4), the second start winning designation command should be received. You may make it display on the total pending | holding memory | storage display part 18c. On the other hand, for example, when the second reserved memory number is the upper limit value (4), the first start winning designation command should be received, so a red circle is displayed on the total reserved memory display unit 18c. You may do it. Further, even if the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number is not the upper limit value, it is determined which of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is larger, and the smaller reserved memory is dealt with. A color circle may be displayed. For example, if the first reserved memory number (for example, 2) is less than the second reserved memory number (for example, 3), a red circle may be displayed on the combined reserved memory display unit 18c. Conversely, it may be determined which of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is larger, and a circle of a color corresponding to the larger reserved memory may be displayed.

  In addition, when the start winning designation command cannot be received, it may be determined whether to display a red or green circle based on the total number of pending storage. For example, a large number of combined pending storages means that the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in an open state and is easy to win the second start winning opening 14 (totally the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 It is often easy to win a prize. In this case, it is determined whether or not the total pending storage number is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4). If the total pending storage number is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, a green circle is displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c. If so, a red circle may be displayed on the combined suspension storage display unit 18c.

  Further, when the start winning designation command cannot be received, it may be determined whether to display a red or green circle based on the gaming state. For example, the fact that the gaming state is in the high base state means that the frequency of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 being in the open state is increased and the second starting winning opening 14 is likely to be won (the first starting winning prize in total). In many cases, it is easy to win the entrance 13 and the second start winning opening 14. In this case, it is determined whether the gaming state is the high base state or the low base state. If the gaming state is the high base state, a green circle is displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c. For example, a red circle may be displayed on the combined suspension storage display unit 18c.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the variation pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the notice selection process (step S801).

  Prior notice selection process (step S801): In the effect display device 9, it is determined whether or not to perform the notice effect process for notifying the player of the occurrence of the big hit, and when it is decided to execute the notice effect process. Determines the notice type. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S802).

  Production symbol variation start processing (step S802): Control is performed so that the variation of the ornament symbol (first ornament symbol or second ornament symbol) and the effect symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S803).

  Production symbol variation processing (step S803): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S804).

  Production symbol variation stop processing (step S804): Based on the reception of the production control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to be stopped, the decorative symbol (first decorative symbol or second decorative symbol) and the production symbol Control is performed to stop the fluctuation and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S805) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S805): After the end of the variation time, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S806).

  Big hit game processing (step S806): Control during the big hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S807).

  Big hit end process (step S807): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the notice selection process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the advance notice selection process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the notice selection process, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the received variation pattern command is the variation pattern # 2, # 3, # 4, # 6, # 7, # 7, based on the data stored in the variation pattern command storage area. It is confirmed whether it is any of # 8, # 9 to # 15 (variation pattern with reach effect) (step S1821). If it is any of the variation patterns # 2, # 3, # 4, # 6, # 7, # 8, # 9 to # 15, a random number for selecting a notice is extracted (step S1822A), and the total pending storage number counter It is checked whether or not the value is a predetermined value (for example, 5 or more) (step S1822B). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the effect control CPU 101 uses a first notice determination table (FIG. 43 (FIG. 43) as a notice determination table for determining whether or not to execute the notice effect. A) Reference) is selected (step S1822C). If the value of the total pending storage number counter is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the effect control CPU 101 selects the second notice determination table (see FIG. 43B) (step S1822D).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the notice effect based on the notice determination random number and the selected notice determination table (step S1823).

  FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing the occurrence probability of a notice effect. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not to execute the notice effect with the probability shown in FIG. 44 using the notice determination table shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 44, in this embodiment, it is determined that the notice effect is executed with a probability of 5% if the total number of pending storage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 5), and 22% if it is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value. It is determined that the notice effect is executed with probability. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44, when the total number of reserved storage (that is, the total number of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number) is large, the frequency of executing the notice effect is reduced. is doing. By configuring in such a way, when the shortened variation is performed due to the large number of total pending storage, the variation effect time is short, so the notice effect is executed even though there is no room for the effect time, and the effect is complicated. Can be prevented. Further, by preventing the production from becoming complicated, it is possible to prevent a situation where the player feels tired visually and the interest is reduced.

  When it is determined to perform the notice effect, it is confirmed whether or not the first symbol variation request flag is set (steps S1824 and S1825). The first symbol variation request flag is a flag that is set when the first symbol variation designation command is received. The game control microcomputer 560 transmits the first symbol variation designation command when the variation of the first special symbol is started. Also, a second symbol variation designation command is transmitted when the variation of the second special symbol is started.

  When the first symbol variation request flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 determines to execute the notice effect A or the notice effect B (step S1826). Further, when the first symbol variation request flag is not set (that is, when the second symbol variation request flag is set), it is determined to execute the notice effect C or the notice effect D (step S1827). ). The same notice effect may be executed when the first symbol variation request flag is set and when the second symbol variation request flag is set.

  The notice aspects of the notice effect A, the notice effect B, the notice effect C, and the notice effect D are different. For example, the time to start the notice effect is different, or the character displayed on the effect display device 9 is different in the notice effect. The effect control CPU 101 changes the mode of the notice effect depending on whether the first symbol variation request flag is set or when the second symbol variation request flag is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 uses the variable display means (the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol) to perform variable display of the special symbol specified by the symbol variation designation command in the effect display device 9 as the effect component. An effect corresponding to the display device 8b) is started. Since the notice effect mode is different between when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed and when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, the player can determine the progress of the game (any special symbol indicator) It is easy to grasp whether or not an effect corresponding to the variable display is performed.

  Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S802) (step S1828).

  45 and 46 are flowcharts showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S802) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S820). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S821). When the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set, the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is reset (step S822), and the first ornament symbol variation indicating that the variation of the first ornament symbol is started. A request flag is set (step S823). Then, for example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the decorative symbol switching timer for determining the switching timing of the lighting LED (step S825). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S828.

  If the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is not set, the second symbol variation designation command reception flag should be set. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 resets the second symbol variation designation command reception flag (step S825), and sets the second symbol variation request flag indicating that the variation of the second symbol variation is started (step S826A). At the same time, a second reserved memory number subtraction flag indicating that the second reserved memory number is decremented by 1 is set (step S826B). Then, for example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the decorative symbol switching timer for determining the switching timing of the lighting LED (step S827). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S828.

  In step S828, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area. Further, the display result (stop symbol) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol is determined according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command) (step S829). The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the display result of the determined decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display result storage area, and stores data indicating the stop symbol of the determined decorative symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 47, when the received display result specifying command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which three symbols on one line are even-numbered symbols (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a big jackpot) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 4 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses three symbols on one line as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols arranged with odd symbols (stop symbols reminiscent of occurrence of probable big hits) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a small hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses three symbols on one line as a stop symbol. The combination of “135” (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a small hit) is determined. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two symbols on one line are aligned is determined. A combination of 3 symbols on one line derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is a “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

  Further, “upper line” means an oblique line from the upper left to the lower right (there are three production patterns on the line), an oblique line from the upper right to the lower left, a vertical line, or a horizontal line. Hereinafter, the three symbols on one line are referred to as the left middle right symbol or the upper middle lower symbol. For example, in the case of a big hit, the left middle right symbol or the upper middle lower symbol is aligned and displayed on at least one line. In the case of a small hit, “135” is stopped and displayed on at least one line.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

  As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol reminiscent of a probable big hit is called a probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol reminiscent of a normal big hit is called a normal big hit symbol. A stop symbol that recalls a small hit is called a small hit symbol. And a stop symbol that reminds of a loss is called a loss symbol.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the first decorative symbol display 9a remains lit at the end of the change. When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the second decorative symbol display 9b remains lit at the end of the change.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern (step S833). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S834).

  FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 in accordance with the data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation aspect constituting the variation aspect during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 48 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  The production control CPU 101 has the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound, on condition that the abnormality notification flag indicating that an abnormal winning notification is being performed is not set. Control of the effect device (the effect display device 9 as the effect part, the various lamps as the effect part, and the speaker 27 as the effect part) is executed according to the number data 1) (steps S835A and S835B). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the effect symbol is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  When the abnormality notification flag is set, the rendering device is controlled according to the contents of the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 (steps S835A and S835C). In other words, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of the production symbol is started, a sound production according to the variable display is not executed, but an abnormal prize is notified. The corresponding sound output is continued.

  In addition, when performing the process of step S835C, the effect control CPU 101 does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data 1 to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. That is, control is performed so that the display at that time (notification of abnormal winning is made) on the effect display device 9 and the display effect image of the variable display of the effect symbol are displayed on the effect display device 9 at the same time. . That is, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of the effect symbol is started, not only the display effect corresponding to the variable display is executed, but an abnormal winning notification is made. The notification according to is continued.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S836), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation process (step S803). (Step S837).

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S841) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S842). When the process timer times out (step S843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S844). Further, on the condition that the abnormality informing flag is not set, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S845A). , S845B).

  When the abnormality notification flag is set, control of the effect device is executed according to the contents of process data i (i is any one of 2 to n) (however, excluding sound number data i) (step S845A). , S845C). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, a sound effect according to the variable display of the effect symbol is not executed, but the sound output according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  In addition, when the process of step S845C is performed, the CPU 101 for effect control does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data i to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. . Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, not only the display effect according to the variable display of the effect symbol is executed, but also the notification according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S846), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S804) (step S848). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S847), the process proceeds to step S848. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, it is possible to end the variation of the effect symbol when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol ends).

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. In step S852, control is performed to derive and display the stop symbol in accordance with the data (data indicating the stop symbol) stored in the effect symbol display result storage area (step S853). Also, a decorative symbol variation end flag is set (step S854). Then, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit (step S855). Whether it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit is confirmed, for example, by a display result specifying command stored in the display result specifying command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit according to the determined stop symbol.

  If it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S805) (step S856).

  If it is determined not to win, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S857).

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variation (variable display) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol on the condition that the symbol confirmation designation command is received (see steps S851 and S853). However, when the variation time timer based on the received variation pattern command times out, the variation of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol may be controlled to end without receiving the symbol determination designation command. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 may not transmit the symbol confirmation designation command for designating the end of variable display.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S805) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot start 1-3 designation command reception flag indicating that any of the jackpot start 1-3 designation commands has been received is set (step S871). If any one of the big hit start 1 to 3 designation command reception flags is set, the game start screen corresponding to the set flag is displayed on the effect display device 9 (step S872). Further, the set flag (any one of the big hit start 1 to 3 designation command reception flags) is reset (step S873). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S806) (step S874).

  In step S872, if the big hit start 2 designation command is received, the production control CPU 101 performs a control to display a screen for informing the start of the small hit game on the production display device 9. When the jackpot start 1 designation command or jackpot start 3 designation command is received, the effect display device 9 displays a screen for notifying the start of the jackpot game (different from the screen for notifying the start of the jackpot game). Control to display on the screen.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S807) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot end effect timer is set (step S880). If the big hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, a jackpot end designation command reception flag (a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag) indicating that the jackpot termination designation command has been received is set. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S881). When the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set, the jackpot end designation command reception flag is reset (step S882), and a value corresponding to the jackpot end display time is set in the jackpot end presentation timer (step S883). Then, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a jackpot end screen (screen for notifying the end of the jackpot game) (step S884). Specifically, an instruction to display the big hit end screen is given to the VDP 109.

  In the case of a small hit, since the big hit end designation command is not received, the CPU 101 for effect control does not execute steps S881 and S882, and the value corresponding to the small hit end display time is directly displayed in the big hit end effect timer. Is set (see step S883), and the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a small hit end screen (screen for informing the end of the small hit game) (see step S884). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) based on the fact that the effect period of the small hit end display has elapsed (see step S892). .

  In this embodiment, even if the type of jackpot is different, the same jackpot end screen is displayed on the effect display device 9. For example, the big hit end screen is the same when the probability big hit and the normal big hit. In this embodiment, the big hit end display and the small hit end display are the same. Note that the jackpot end display may be divided according to the type of jackpot. For example, different big hit end screens may be displayed depending on the probability variation big hit and the normal big hit. Also, the big hit end display and the small hit end display may be different.

  In step S885, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end effect time has elapsed (step S886). If not, the process ends. If the jackpot end effect time has elapsed and the jackpot end 1 designation command has been received, the probability variation state flag is reset (steps S886, S889, S891). When the jackpot end 1 designation command has not been received (when the jackpot end 2 designation command has been received), the probability variation state flag is set (steps S889, S890). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S892).

  The probability variation state flag is used, for example, when the effect control CPU 101 notifies the probability variation state of the effect display device 9 by a background or a decorative light emitter (lamp / LED).

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the first decorative symbol display control process of step S706 in the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the first decorative symbol display control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first decorative symbol changing flag is set (step S781). If the first decorative symbol variation flag is set, the process proceeds to step S785. If the first decorative symbol variation flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the first decorative symbol variation request flag is set (step S782). If the first decorative symbol variation request flag is set, the first decorative symbol variation request flag is reset (step S783), and the first decorative symbol variation flag is set (step S784).

  In step S785, it is confirmed whether or not the decorative symbol variation end flag is set. If the decorative symbol variation end flag is set, the decorative symbol variation end flag is reset (step S786), and the display result is displayed on the first decorative symbol display unit 9a according to the data stored in the decorative symbol display result storage area. Is displayed (step S791), and the first decorative symbol variation flag is reset (step S792).

  If the decorative symbol change end flag is not set, the value of the decorative symbol switching timer is decremented by 1 (step S787). If the value of the decorative symbol switching timer is 0 (step S788), that is, if it is the lighting LED switching timing, the LED to be lit on the first decorative symbol display 9a is switched (step S789), and the decorative symbol is switched. For example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is reset in the switching timer (step S790).

  By the control as described above, the LEDs that are turned on in the first decorative symbol display 9a are switched every 0.5 seconds, for example, and variable display of the first decorative symbol is realized.

  Note that the program of the second decorative symbol display control process (step S707) is configured in the same manner as the first decorative symbol display control process. That is, in the above description of the first decorative symbol display control process, if “first” is read as “second”, the second decorative symbol display control process will be described.

  FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9. FIG. 54A shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the effect display device 9 by the effect control CPU 101 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 54 (B) shows an example of a power failure recovery screen that the effect control CPU 101 displays on the effect display device 9 in response to reception of the power failure recovery designation command. FIG. 54C shows an example of an abnormality notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the reception of the abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the change of the effect symbol is started. Also, it is shown that the display of the abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 54C).

  FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing the notification control process in step S709. In the notification control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S971). The initial notification flag is set when an initialization designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 (see step S632B in FIG. 35). If the initial notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S976. If the initial notification flag is set, the value of the period timer set in step S632C is decremented by 1 (step S972). When the value of the period timer becomes 0, that is, when the initial notification period has elapsed, the initial notification flag is reset (steps S973 and S974).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for deleting the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen in the effect display device 9 (step S975). The VDP 109 erases the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen from the effect display device 9 according to the command.

  In step S976, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not an abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that an abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process is terminated. When the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S977), and the effect display device 9 has an abnormality with respect to the screen displayed at that time. A command to superimpose and display the notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S978). In response to the command, the VDP 109 superimposes and displays an abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 54C).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the sound output board 70 (step S979). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, sound output (output of abnormal notification sound) corresponding to the notification of abnormal winning is performed thereafter. Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets an abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S980).

  FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the situation of the display effect on the effect display device 9 and the sound effect by the speaker 27. FIG. 56 (A) shows an example when the effect display device 9 is performing variable display of effect symbols. FIG. 56 (B) shows an example in which initialization notification is performed in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 56 (C) shows an example in which abnormality notification is performed in the effect display device 9 and an abnormality notification sound is output by the speaker 27. When receiving the abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs control to display an abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and outputs the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. I do. Further, even when the variable display of the effect symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. Moreover, even if the variable display of the effect symbol is finished, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued.

  The production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen and the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, so that the display of the abnormality notification screen on the production display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are performed. Continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, the production control microcomputer 100 stops displaying the abnormality notification screen and outputting the abnormality notification sound when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of the abnormality notification sound have started. You may control. In this embodiment, the abnormality notification is performed by the effect display device 9 and the speaker 27. However, the abnormality notification may be performed using a lamp / LED. In that case, when receiving the abnormal winning notification designation command, the production control microcomputer 100 controls the lamp / LED to blink in a manner different from that in the normal state (when no abnormal winning has occurred). . In addition, even when the abnormality notification is performed using the lamp / LED, the abnormality notification using the lamp / LED is continued even if the variable display of the effect symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command. .

  In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 does not detect abnormal winnings for a predetermined period (a period during which the initialization notification is executed) after the power supply to the game machine is started, and does not perform game control. The abnormal winning notification designating command is not transmitted from the microcomputer 560. However, the game control microcomputer 560 always detects an abnormal winning when the value of the special symbol process flag is less than a predetermined value (5 in this embodiment), so that the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the game control. If an abnormal winning notification designation command is received during a predetermined period after the power supply to the machine is started, the abnormal winning notification may not be performed. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits an abnormal winning notification designation command when detecting that an abnormal winning has occurred, regardless of whether or not the initialization notification is being executed, so that the effect control microcomputer Even if the computer 100 receives the abnormal prize notification designation command during the period in which the initialization notification is being executed, the initialization notification is given priority over the abnormality notification by continuing the initialization notification without performing the abnormality notification process. You may make it make it. In that case, if an abnormal winning notification designation command is received during the period in which the initialization notification is being executed, the abnormality notification may be performed when the period in which the initialization notification is being executed ends.

  57 to 59 are flowcharts showing the hold storage display control process (step S708) in the effect control main process. In the hold memory display control process, the effect control CPU 101 stores the data in the sum hold memory number storage area in which the second byte data (EXT data) of the sum hold memory number designation command is stored in the sum hold memory number counter. It is confirmed whether it is larger than the value (step S901). If the data in the total pending storage number storage area is not greater than the value of the total pending storage number counter, the process proceeds to step S941.

  The fact that the data in the total pending storage count storage area is larger than the value of the total pending storage count counter means that a new total pending storage count designation command has been received. When the power is turned on, the value of the total pending storage number counter is 0 by the initialization process in step S701.

  When the data in the total reserved memory number storage area is larger than the value of the total reserved memory number counter, whether or not the production control CPU 101 has a power failure recovery flag indicating that a power failure recovery designation command has been received is set. Confirmation is made (step S902). If the power failure recovery flag is set, the power failure recovery flag is reset (step S903), and the number of stars corresponding to the data (value) in the total pending storage number storage area is displayed in the total pending storage display unit 18c. It is displayed (step S904). That is, the number of star images stored in the total reserved storage number storage area is displayed (see FIG. 39C).

  In addition, the production control CPU 101 sets the data in the total reserved memory number storage area in the unknown start winning memory number counter (step S905). The unknown start winning memory number counter is a counter formed in the RAM, and is a counter for counting the number of reserved memories that are unknown whether the reserved memory corresponding to the first starting prize or the reserved memory corresponding to the second starting prize is unknown. It is. Hereinafter, the reserved memory in which the reserved memory corresponding to the first start prize or the reserved memory corresponding to the second start prize is unknown is referred to as unknown reserved memory.

  Further, in the total pending storage table, the number of data corresponding to the data (value) in the total pending storage number storage area is changed to data indicating “unknown” (step S906). The total hold storage table is a table formed in the RAM, and whether each hold storage is a hold storage corresponding to the first start prize, a hold memory corresponding to the second start prize, or whether it is unknown. This is a table in which data indicating is set.

  Then, the data in the total pending storage number storage area is set in the total pending storage number counter (step S907).

  When the power failure recovery flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first start winning flag indicating that the first start winning designation command has been received is set (step S909). If the first start winning flag is set, the first starting winning flag is reset (step S910), the number of circles displayed in the total pending storage display unit 18c is increased by 1, and the increased circle is displayed in red. Control is performed (step S911). Further, the value of the first start winning counter is incremented by 1 (step S912), and the data corresponding to the data (value) in the total reserved storage number storage area is set to data indicating “first” in the total pending storage table (step S912). S913). For example, if the data in the total pending storage number storage area is “5”, the fifth data in the total pending storage table is set to data indicating “first”. That is, the data corresponding to the increased reserved storage is set to data indicating “first”.

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the first start winning counter has reached the upper limit “4” (step S914). If it is not “4”, the process proceeds to step S907. If it is “4”, it is checked whether or not the value of the unknown start winning counter is 0 (step S915). If the value of the unknown start winning counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S907. If the value of the unknown start winning counter is not 0 at this stage, it means that the number of unknown reserved memories indicated by the value of the unknown start winning counter is actually a reserved memory based on the second start winning prize. Because the upper limit number of the first reserved memory number is 4 and the value of the first start winning counter is 4, other reserved memories (the number of reserved memories exceeding 4) are the first start winning prizes. This is because it is not based on the reserved memory. That is, the other reserved memory is a reserved memory based on the second start winning prize.

  Therefore, when the value of the unknown start winning counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 changes the star displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c to a green circle corresponding to the second start winning. (Step S916). Further, the data indicating “unknown” in the total pending storage table is changed to data indicating “second” (step S917). Further, the value of the unknown start winning counter is set to 0 (step S918), and the value of the second starting winning counter is updated (step S919). In step S919, the value of the unknown start winning counter before being set to 0 is added to the value of the second starting winning counter. Then, control goes to a step S907.

  By performing such control, an abnormality occurs in the transmission / reception of the production control command, an unknown hold memory is generated, and when the display corresponding to the unknown hold memory is displayed on the total hold memory display unit 18c, the display is normal. Display can be restored.

  If the first start winning flag is not set, it is confirmed whether the second starting winning flag is set (step S921). If the second start winning flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S931. If the second start winning flag is set, the second starting winning flag is reset (step S922), the number of circles displayed in the total pending storage display unit 18c is increased by 1, and the increased circle is displayed. Control is performed to display green (step S923). Further, the value of the second start winning counter is incremented by 1 (step S924), and the data corresponding to the data (value) in the total reserved storage number storage area is set to data indicating “second” in the total pending storage table (step S924). S925).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the second start winning counter has reached the upper limit “4” (step S926). If it is not “4”, the process proceeds to step S935. If it is “4”, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the unknown start winning counter is 0 (step S927). When the value of the unknown start winning counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S935. When the value of the unknown start winning counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 changes the star displayed on the summation pending storage display unit 18c to a red circle corresponding to the first start winning (step). S928). Further, the data indicating “unknown” in the total pending storage table is changed to data indicating “first” (step S929). Further, the value of the unknown start winning counter is set to 0 (step S930), and the value of the first starting winning counter is updated (step S934). In step S934, the value of the unknown start winning counter before being set to 0 is added to the value of the first starting winning counter. Then, control goes to a step S935.

  In step S935, the data in the total pending storage number storage area is set in the total pending storage number counter.

  In step S931, control is performed so that the number of displays in the total pending storage display unit 18c is increased by 1, and the increased display is displayed in blue. Further, the value of the unknown start winning counter is incremented by 1 (step S932), and the data corresponding to the data (value) in the total reserved storage number storage area is set to data indicating “unknown” in the total pending storage table (step S933). . Then, control goes to a step S935.

  In step S941, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the total pending storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is set. If the total pending storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is set, the total pending storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is reset (step S942), and it is determined whether or not the second pending storage number subtraction flag is set. Confirmation (step S942A). If it is set, the second reserved memory number subtraction flag is reset (step S942B), and the green circle displayed most recently on the total reserved memory display unit 18c (display corresponding to the second reserved memory number) Is deleted, and each circle or star is controlled to be displayed as a shift on the side of the deleted circle or star (step S942C). Also, the value of the second start winning counter is decremented by -1 (step S942D). Further, the data corresponding to the oldest second reserved memory number in the total pending storage table is erased, and the data in the total pending storage table is shifted (step S942E). Then, control goes to a step S952.

  If the second reserved memory number subtraction flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 erases the most recently displayed circle or star in the combined hold storage display unit 18c, and each circle or star is Control is performed so as to shift to the side of the deleted circle or star (step S943). Then, it is checked whether or not the oldest data in the summation pending storage table is data indicating “first” (step S944). If the data indicates “first”, the value of the first start winning counter is set to − 1 (step S945), the process proceeds to step S951. If the oldest data in the summation pending storage table is not data indicating “first” (that is, data indicating “unknown”), the value of the unknown start winning counter is decremented by 1 (step S948), and step S951 is performed. Migrate to

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 shifts the data in the summation pending storage table to delete the oldest data in the summation pending storage table (step S951). Also, the value of the total pending storage number counter is decremented by -1 (step S952), and the value of the total pending storage number counter is set in the total pending storage number storage area (step S953).

  By the control as described above, the red circle is incremented by 1 when the first start winning designation command and the total pending storage designation command are received in the total pending storage display unit 18c, and the second start winning designation command and the total are displayed. Control is executed to increase the green circle by 1 when a pending storage number designation command is received. Further, when the total pending storage number designation command is received but neither the first start prize designation command nor the second start prize designation command is received, control for increasing the blue circle by one is realized. When the total pending storage number subtraction designation command is received, the circle or star displayed in the total pending storage display unit 18c is decremented by one.

  60 to 63 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of data set in the summation pending storage table and display examples of the summation pending storage display unit 18c.

  FIG. 60A shows an example when the process of step S913 is executed. That is, an example is shown in the case where the reserved memory based on the first start winning memory is increased. FIG. 60B shows an example when the process of step S933 is executed. That is, an example is shown in which it is unclear whether the first start winning memory or the second starting winning memory is based, but the reserved memory increases. FIG. 60C shows an example in which the processes in steps S913 and S916 are executed. That is, an example is shown in which the hold memory based on the first start winning memory is increased and the value of the first start winning counter is “4”.

  FIG. 61 (D) shows an example when the process of step S951 is executed. That is, when the total pending storage number subtraction designation command is received and the first symbol variation designation command is received (that is, the second pending storage number subtraction flag is not set), An example in which the data in the combined pending storage table is shifted to erase old data (in the example shown in FIG. 61D, data corresponding to the first pending storage number) is shown. FIG. 61 (E) shows an example when the process of step S942E is executed. That is, the oldest second reserved memory in the total pending storage table is received based on the fact that the total pending storage number subtraction designation command is received and the second symbol variation designation command is received and the second pending memory number subtraction flag is set. An example in which the data in the total pending storage table is shifted in order to erase the data corresponding to the number is shown.

  FIG. 62 (F) shows an example when the processes of steps S904 and S906 are executed. That is, based on the receipt of the total pending storage number designation command together with the power failure recovery designation command, a number of stars corresponding to the data (value) in the total pending storage number storage area is displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c, An example in which the number of pieces of data corresponding to the data (value) in the total reserved storage number storage area is set as data indicating “unknown” in the total pending storage table.

  FIG. 62 (G) shows an example of the case where the total pending storage number designation command is received after receiving the total pending storage count designation command together with the power failure recovery designation command. In the example shown in FIG. 62 (G), after receiving the combined pending storage number designation command together with the power failure recovery designation command, the combined pending storage number designation command is received together with the second start winning prize designation command, and the processes of steps S923 and S925 are performed. It is an example when it is executed.

  When the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the power failure recovery designation command, the data as shown on the left side of FIG. 62 (G) is set in the total pending storage table, and the total pending storage display unit 18c displays the data shown in FIG. 62 (G) is displayed as shown on the left side, but when the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the second start winning designation command, the regular second startup is performed in the total pending storage display portion 18c. Display about winning (display of NO5) is made.

  FIG. 63 (H) shows an example of a case where a combined pending storage number designation command is received after receiving a combined pending storage count designation command together with a power failure recovery designation command. In the example shown in FIG. 63 (H), after the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the power failure recovery designation command, the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the first start winning designation command, and the processes of steps S911 and S913 are performed. It is an example when it is executed.

  When the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the power failure recovery designation command, data as shown on the left side of FIG. 63 (H) is set in the total pending storage table, and the total pending storage display unit 18c displays the figure. 63 (H) is displayed as shown on the left side, but when the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the first start winning designation command, the regular first startup is performed in the total pending storage display unit 18c. Display about winning (display of NO5) is made.

  FIG. 63 (I) received the total pending storage number designation command together with the second start prize designation command in the state shown on the left side of FIG. 63 (I) (same as the state shown on the right side of FIG. 63 (I)). An example of the case is shown. In that case, as shown on the right side of FIG. 63 (I), a display about the regular second start winning (NO6 display) is made.

  As described above, after the total pending storage number designation command is transmitted together with the power failure recovery designation command, display capable of specifying the first pending memory number and the second pending memory number can be normally performed. It should be noted that when it is determined whether the start winning prize corresponds to the display (star) that is unclear as to whether it corresponds to the first starting prize or the second starting prize, It may be changed to (green circle). For example, you may make it change according to reception of a symbol fluctuation designation | designated command (special symbol specific command).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect in the variation display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 when it is determined to be out of play. decide. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 determines that the reach effect is to be executed at a smaller rate than when it is small when the total number of pending storage is large. Therefore, when the total number of pending storages is large, it is possible to reduce the frequency of executing the reach effect during the variable display. Therefore, in a gaming machine that performs variable display of two special symbols, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

  For example, the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-322 is configured to perform a shortening variation when the total number of reserved memories is a predetermined value or more. In general, when the number of reserved memories reaches the maximum value, even if the winning prize is further awarded, it becomes an invalid prize, so the player stops the game ball launch operation and the operating rate of the gaming machine Will fall. In the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-322, a reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine is reduced to some extent by performing a shortening variation when the total number of reserved memories is large.

  However, in general, when the reach state is generated, it is normal to select a variation pattern with a long variation time and perform a variation display in order to secure a performance time. Therefore, even if it is configured as a gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-322 and control is performed so as to perform shortened variation, a variation pattern with a long variation time is inevitably caused when a reach effect is executed. It will be selected and the variable display will be long. Then, when the reach effect is executed, the player may stop the game ball firing operation regardless of the number of stored memories, and the operating rate of the gaming machine may decrease. There is.

  According to this embodiment, while performing the shortening variation based on the total number of reserved storage being greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the reach probability is reduced when the total number of stored storage is large. Can be effectively increased, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be dramatically improved.

  In this embodiment, since the execution frequency of the notice effect is reduced when the total number of stored pending memories is large, a state in which the player is distracted by the notice effect and stops the game ball firing operation. This prevents a situation where the operating rate of the gaming machine decreases.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not at least one of the winning at the first start winning opening 13 or the winning at the second starting winning opening 14 has occurred. (Common special symbol process process). Further, when it is determined that at least one of the winning at the first starting winning opening 13 or the winning at the second starting winning opening 14 has occurred, it is determined which of the starting winning openings has occurred in the common processing routine. Identify. And the process at the time of winning which stores each random value corresponding to the winning to the specified start winning opening is executed. Therefore, the process for determining whether or not a winning at the first start winning opening 13 has occurred and the process for determining whether or not a winning at the second starting winning opening 14 has occurred can be made common. It is possible to reduce the program capacity of the game control microcomputer 560 related to the winning of 13, 14 to the start winning opening.

  Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even if the production control microcomputer 100 fails to receive the start winning designation command, if it receives only the total pending storage number designation command, the total pending storage display unit 18c adds the total pending memory designation command. Display the number of pending storage in an identifiable manner. Therefore, even if it is not possible to specify whether the display corresponds to the first reserved memory number or the display corresponding to the second reserved memory number, the player can specify at least the total reserved memory number. Therefore, a minimum display can be made regarding the number of reserved memories, and a smooth game can be continued.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is always executed in preference to the variable display of the first special symbol on condition that the second reserved memory number is not 0 is shown. Priority is given to the variable display of the second special symbol only when the game state is shifted to the short-time state (including the time-prone state and the short-time state) and the open period of the variable winning ball device 15 is extended. May be executed. FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing another process example of the special symbol normal process (step S300).

  In the example shown in FIG. 64, if the total number of pending storage is not 0 (N in step S51), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag is set (step S52A). If not set, it is confirmed whether or not the first data among the data set in the hold specific area (see FIG. 18A) is data indicating “first” (step S52B). If it is data indicating “first”, data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer (step S53). If it is not data indicating “first”, that is, if it is data indicating “second”, data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  If the time reduction flag is set, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the second reserved storage number (step S52C). Specifically, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is confirmed. If the second reserved storage number is 0, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S53 and sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (step S53). If the second reserved storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S54 and sets data indicating “second” in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  The processes after step S55 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

  By executing the processing of steps S52A to S54, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed only on the condition that the second reserved memory number is not 0 only when the gaming state is the time saving state. The

  Note that the variable display of the second special symbol may be preferentially executed only on the condition that the second reserved memory number is not 0 only when the gaming state is the probability changing state. In this case, for example, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation flag is set in step S52A. If the probability variation flag is set, the second reserved memory number is not 0 (step S52C). N), data indicating “second” may be set in the special symbol pointer (see step S54).

  In addition, when the gaming state is either the probability changing state or the short-time state, the variable display of the second special symbol may be preferentially executed on condition that the second reserved memory number is not zero. In this case, for example, in step S52A, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the probability change flag or the time reduction flag is set. If the probability change flag or the time reduction flag is set, the CPU 56 indicates that the second reserved storage number is not zero. In the condition (see N in step S52C), data indicating “second” may be set in the special symbol pointer (see step S54).

  Further, in the embodiment described above, when an effect control command other than the symbol confirmation designation command is received while executing the variation display of the effect symbol and the decoration symbol, You may comprise so that the change display of a decoration design may be complete | finished immediately. For example, when the effect symbol and the decorative symbol change display are executed corresponding to the second special symbol, the command for starting the change of the first special symbol (for example, the change) is received without receiving the symbol confirmation designation command. When the pattern command is received, the variation display of the effect symbol and the decoration symbol is immediately terminated, the display result is displayed, and the variation display of the effect symbol and the decoration symbol corresponding to the first special symbol is started. Also good. In this case, for example, in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the received effect control command is the first symbol variation designation command (see step S625) (decoration symbol variation flag (first ornament symbol variation flag)). If the second decorative symbol variation flag) is set, the decorative symbol stop request flag is set. If the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command (see step S627), the effect control CPU 101 sets the ornament symbol stop request flag if the ornament symbol variation flag is set. The decorative symbol stop request flag is a flag for requesting stoppage of the effect symbol and the decorative symbol.

  In the effect symbol changing process (see FIG. 49), the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the decorative symbol stop request flag is set. If the decorative symbol stop request flag is not set, the processing after step S841 is executed. If the decoration symbol stop request flag is set, the process proceeds to step S848, and the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S804). In the effect symbol variation stop process (see FIG. 50), the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a decorative symbol stop request flag is set. If the decorative symbol stop request flag is not set, the processing after step S851 is executed. If the decorative symbol stop request flag is set, the decorative symbol stop request flag is reset, and the process proceeds to step S853.

  According to the above configuration, when an effect control command other than the symbol confirmation designation command is received while the effect symbol and the decoration symbol are being displayed in a variable manner, the effect symbol and the ornament symbol being executed are displayed. Since the variation display is immediately terminated, the variation display of the effect symbol and the decorative symbol can be reliably terminated even when the symbol determination designation command is not correctly received.

  In the above-described embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and is particularly suitable for a gaming machine having a plurality of variable display means, in which variable display is not executed simultaneously on these variable display means. Applied.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing diagram showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal constituting a control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transmission timing of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit allocation example of the input port in the microcomputer for game control. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a holding | maintenance specific area | region and a preservation | save area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the common pending | holding memory number buffer with which a 1st pending memory number and a 2nd pending memory number are provided in common. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the table for reach determination. It is explanatory drawing which shows reach generation probability. It is a flowchart which shows a display result specific command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the aspect of the variable display of a decoration design. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the aspect of the variable display of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display state of a total pending storage display part. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a notice selection process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the notice determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the generation | occurrence | production probability of a notice effect. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st decoration symbol display control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the condition of the display effect in a variable display apparatus, and the sound effect by a speaker. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding memory | storage display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding memory | storage display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding memory | storage display control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the data set to a total pending | holding storage table, and the example of a display of a total pending | holding storage display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the data set to a total pending | holding storage table, and the example of a display of a total pending | holding storage display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the data set to a total pending | holding storage table, and the example of a display of a total pending | holding storage display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the data set to a total pending | holding storage table, and the example of a display of a total pending | holding storage display part. It is a flowchart which shows the other process example of a special symbol normal process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display 8b 1st special symbol display 9 Production display device 13 1st start winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 9a 1st decorative symbol display 9b 2nd decorative symbol display 20 Variable Winning ball equipment 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (5)

First variable display means for starting variable display of the first identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the fact that the variable display execution condition based on the winning of the first start opening has been established; Second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the fact that the variable display execution condition based on the winning of the start opening has been established; A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on either one of the variable display means and the second variable display means,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
As the effect parts, the variable display of the identification information for a plurality of types corresponding to the variable display of the first identification information in the first variable display means and the variable display of the second identification information in the second variable display means. Variable display means for effecting
The game control means includes
Execution condition determination means for determining whether or not at least one of winning a prize at the first starting port or winning a prize at the second starting port has occurred, by a common processing routine;
When the execution condition determination means determines that at least one of winning in the first starting port or winning in the second starting port has occurred, winning in any starting port has occurred in the common processing routine And a numerical value for determination corresponding to a winning at the specified starting port and including at least a numerical value for determining whether or not to shift to the specific gaming state is stored in the numerical value storage means. Winning process execution means for executing a winning process;
First counting means for counting the number of established first execution conditions when the winning process execution means specifies that a winning at the first start port has occurred;
Second counting means for counting the number of established second execution conditions when the winning-time process execution means specifies that a winning at the second start port has occurred;
Pre-decision means for deciding whether or not to display the display result derived and displayed on the first variable display means and the second variable display means as the specific display result before derivation display of the display result;
Reach effect determination means for determining whether or not to execute reach effect in variable display of the identification information for effect in the effect variable display means when it is determined not to be the specific display result by the prior determination means. Including
When the total number of establishments counted by the first counting unit and the establishment number counted by the second counting unit is large, the reach effect determining unit determines the number of establishments counted by the first counting unit. It is determined that the reach effect is executed at a smaller rate than when the total number with the number of formations counted by the second counting means is small. The game control means
First variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time of the first identification information in the first variable display means;
Second variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time of the second identification information in the second variable display means,
Each of the first variable display time determination means and the second variable display time determination means has a total number of establishment numbers counted by the first counting means and establishment numbers counted by the second counting means equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to shorten the variable display time when the total number is less than the predetermined number. A variable winning device that can be changed between an open state in which a winning to the second start opening is easy and a closed state in which a winning to the second starting opening is difficult or no winning is made,
The game control means
A first gaming state in which the variable winning device is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined period when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and an open state in which the variable winning device is in an open state for a longer period than the first gaming state when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Gaming state control means for controlling to the second gaming state to be controlled,
The variable display of the first identification information is executed by the first variable display means on the condition that the variable display of the second identification information is not executed by the second variable display means and the first execution condition is satisfied, The variable display of the second identification information is executed by the second variable display means on the condition that the variable display of the first identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second execution condition is satisfied. Variable display execution means for
The variable display executing means executes the variable display of the second identification information by the second variable display means in preference to the variable display of the first identification information by the first variable display means. The gaming machine described. First detection means for detecting a winning at the first start opening and outputting a detection signal; and second detection means for detecting a winning at the second start opening and outputting a detection signal;
The detection signal of the first detection means and the detection signal of the second detection means are input to an input port in the game control means,
The winning process execution means executes the winning process based on the detection signal input to the input port, and then inputs the result of the winning process and the input port when the winning process is terminated. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the state of a detected signal is not consistent, the winning time process is executed again. The game control means includes a confirmation command transmission means for transmitting a confirmation command indicating that the variable display of the first identification information on the first variable display means and the variable display of the second identification information on the second variable display means are to be ended and confirmed. Including
The confirmation command transmission means terminates and confirms the variable display of the first identification information in the first variable display means, and terminates and confirms the variable display of the second identification information in the second variable display means. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a common confirmation command is transmitted.

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