JP2009066225A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change a performance corresponding to the kind of a big winning, to continue the changed performance after the end of a big winning game and to maintain the high amusement of a game even during a normal game. <P>SOLUTION: Using a table for imparting game values different corresponding to the kind of the big winning, big winning determination is executed. Corresponding to the result of the big winning determination, a background image to be used for the performance is selected. The selected background image is continuously used even during the normal game after the end of the big winning game. Also, corresponding to the result of the big winning determination and whether or not it is during time shortening, whether or not it is to be shifted to a time shortening state after the end of the big winning game is determined. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display device that variably displays identification information that can identify each of them and derives and displays a display result, and when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, a plurality of advantages are provided for a player. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state in which a round can be executed.

As a gaming machine, a game ball as a game medium is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball is won in 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.

  Note that the game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is easy to win and the player is advantageous for the player. Or a condition where the winning ball payout condition 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 so-called stop before re-variation). When a 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 in which a 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 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. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  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, after the big hit game is finished, a probable big hit that shifts to a probable state (probability variation state, also referred to as a special game state) has a higher probability that the gaming state will be a big hit than the normal state occurs. Depending on the number of times played, there is one that performs an effect during a big hit game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2004-236706 (paragraph 0059)

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, if the probable big hit is continuously generated, the production is improved by changing the production, but the production changes only while the probable big hit game is continued. When a big hit other than the probability variation big hit occurs, or when a loss occurs (that is, when the probability variation big hit does not continue), a certain effect is repeated. In other words, after the probable big hit game is over, the gaming interest is reduced.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a gaming interest is maintained even during a normal game after the end of the big hit game.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a variable display device (for example, a special symbol display 8) that variably displays identification information (for example, special symbols) that can identify each of them, and that displays and displays a display result. This is a gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) in which a plurality of rounds (for example, 16 rounds) advantageous to the player can be executed when a specific display result (for example, a jackpot symbol) is derived and displayed. Thus, prior determination means for deciding whether or not the display result derived and displayed on the variable display device is the specific display result is determined before the display and display of the display result (for example, in step S62 in the game control microcomputer 560, the big hit is made) And the number of rounds in a specific gaming state (the part that executes the process for determining whether or not to make a small hit) Round number determining means to be determined (for example, in step S62 in the game control microcomputer 560, based on the table shown in FIG. 13, whether the big hit A or the small hit A corresponding to the three rounds of big hit game, A part that executes a process of determining whether to hit big hit C or small hit B corresponding to big hit game or big hit C or small hit C corresponding to 16 round big hit game), and variable display of multiple times Mode effect stage selection means (for example, an effect control microcomputer) that selects a mode effect that can be executed in advance (for example, an effect using a background image) from a plurality of types of mode effects that have a predetermined vertical relationship. A portion that executes the process of step S974A in 100), and a rendering device (including a variable display device) For example, using the variable display device 9), mode effect execution means for executing the mode effect selected by the mode effect stage selection means (for example, the processing of steps S845B, S845C, S855B, and S855D in the effect control microcomputer 100). Steps executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 in a mode effect storage means (for example, a RAM mounted in the effect control microcomputer 100) that stores the mode effect being executed by the mode effect execution means. A portion that stores a flag value based on the process of S974B), and the mode effect stage selecting means has a number of rounds determined by the round number determining means being a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds) or more Mode stored in the mode effect storage means A mode effect at a higher level than the effect is selected (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 receives 16 rounds of big hits when the received display result designation commands are “02”, “07”, “09”). In the case where it is indicated that there is, in step S974A, referring to the table shown in FIG. 62, when the value of the grade flag is 1 or 2, 1 is added to the value of the grade flag, and in step S974B the changed value If the number of rounds determined by the round number determination means is less than a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds), it is stored in the mode effect storage means. A mode effect at a lower level than the selected mode effect is selected (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 displays the received display result. When the constant command is “01”, “05”, “06”, which indicates that it is a big hit of 8 rounds, the value of the grade flag is referred to with reference to the table shown in FIG. 62 in step S974A. 1 or 2 is subtracted from the value of the grade flag when is 2 or 3, and the background image is changed in accordance with the value of the grade flag after the change in step S974B).

  When the mode performance stage selection means has a number of rounds greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the round number determination means determines one round number and another round number different from the one round number May be configured to select a mode effect at a different upper level (for example, when the grade flag value is 1, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines that the received display result designation command is “01”. ”,“ 05 ”,“ 06 ”, which indicates that it is a big hit of 8 rounds, in step S974A, 1 is added to the value of the grade flag with reference to the table shown in FIG. In step S974B, the background image is changed according to the value of the grade flag after the change, and the received display result designation commands are “02”, “07”, “09”. Therefore, in step S974A, 2 is added to the value of the grade flag with reference to the table shown in FIG. 64, and the grade flag after the change is shown in step S974B. Change the background image according to the value of).

  When the mode performance stage selecting means determines that the number of rounds is less than a predetermined number, the round number determining means determines one round number, and another round number different from the one round number. May be configured to select mode effects at different lower stages (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 has a received display result designation command of “01 when the grade flag value is 3.” ”,“ 05 ”, and“ 06 ”indicate that it is a big hit of 8 rounds, in step S974A, 1 is subtracted from the value of the grade flag with reference to the table shown in FIG. In step S974B, the background image is changed according to the value of the grade flag after the change, and the received display result designation command is “00”, “03”, “0”. ”,“ 08 ”indicates that it is a big hit of 3 rounds, in step S974A, 2 is subtracted from the value of the grade flag with reference to the table shown in FIG. 64, and in step S974B, The background image is changed according to the grade flag value after the change).

  There are a plurality of mode effect groups consisting of a plurality of types of mode effects determined in stages (for example, a background image corresponding to each grade flag illustrated in FIG. 69), and the number of rounds is a predetermined number (for example, 3 rounds) or more. There are a first round number (for example, 8) and a second round number (for example, 16), and the mode effect stage selection means selects different mode effect groups for the first round number and the second round number. The mode effect may be selected from the selected mode effect group until the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 has a stage flag value of 1 and a grade flag value). 2 is a big hit of 8 rounds when the received display result designation command is “01”, “05”, “06”. In step S974A, referring to the table shown in FIG. 68, the stage flag value is set to 2, and in step S974B, the stage flag value (2) corresponding to the grade flag value (2) is changed. The background image is changed accordingly, and when the received display result designation command is “02”, “07”, “09”, which indicates that it is a big hit of 16 rounds, in step S974A, 68. With reference to the table shown in 68, the grade flag value is set to 3, and in step S974B, the background image corresponding to the changed grade flag value (3) is changed).

  Still another aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention provides identification information (for example, identification of each) based on the fact that a variable display execution condition (for example, a game ball has won the first start winning opening 13) is established. A variable display device (for example, special symbol display device 8) for variably displaying special symbols) and displaying the display results is provided, and when a specific display result (for example, big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display device When the first display result (for example, the jackpot C symbol) is derived and displayed among the specific display results, the normal game state after the end of the specific game state is entered. Is a special gaming state (for example, a short time state) in which variable display execution conditions are easily established, and the display result derived and displayed on the variable display device is the specific display result. And whether to display the specific display result as a first display result or a second display result that is a display result other than the first display result (for example, a big hit B symbol) is displayed. Predetermining means for determining before derivation display of the result (for example, in the second embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 executes processing for determining whether or not to make a big hit in step S62 and the type of the big hit And a special gaming state control means (for example, a transition to a special gaming state after completion of the specific gaming state when the first display result and the second display result among the specific display results are derived and displayed during the special gaming state. In the second embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 performs steps S257E and S257F, and the variable display is performed a plurality of times. Mode effect stage selection means (for example, executing the process of step S974A in the effect control microcomputer 100) that selects a mode effect that can be executed from a plurality of types of mode effects that have a predetermined vertical relationship. Mode effect execution means (for example, steps S845B, S845C, and S855B in the effect control microcomputer 100) that execute the mode effect selected by the mode effect stage selection means using the effect device including the variable display device. A portion for executing the process of S855D) and mode effect storage means for storing the mode effect being executed by the mode effect execution means (for example, a portion for executing the process of step S974B in the effect control microcomputer 100). The mode production stage selection means is special When the condition for shifting to the special game state is established by the separate game state control means, an effect at a higher level than the mode effect stored in the mode effect storage means is selected (for example, in the second embodiment) In the case where the time is short, the effect control microcomputer 100 refers to the table shown in FIG. 89, and in step S974A, the grade flag value is set to 1 when the grade flag value is 1 or 2. In step S974B, the background image is changed according to the changed grade flag value).

  An open state in which a game ball can win a prize (for example, an open state of a variable prize ball device (an accessory) 75) and a closed state in which a game ball cannot win a prize (eg, an open state of a variable prize ball device (an accessory) 75) And a variable winning ball apparatus (for example, variable winning ball apparatus (object) 75) that can be controlled in any of the above states, and a special area (for example, a first area) among the winning areas provided in the variable winning ball apparatus. A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a game ball wins in the specific area 73 and the second specific area 74), wherein the predetermination means has an open display result (for example, different from the specific display result) Start operation in which the variable winning ball apparatus is in the open state when the open display result is derived and displayed on the variable display apparatus (for example, Y in step S193). Start operation to control the state Control means (e.g., portions for performing the processing of steps S304~S306 in the gaming control microcomputer 560) may comprise a.

  There are a plurality of types of open display results determined by the pre-determining means (for example, a small hit A symbol, a small hit B symbol, and a small hit C symbol), and the round number determining means is a specific area provided in the variable winning ball apparatus. The number of different rounds is determined based on the type of the open display result determined by the pre-determining means in the specific game state that is shifted when the game ball enters the game (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 performs the step (The processing of S456A to S456E may be executed).

  When the open display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, notice execution decision means for deciding whether or not to execute the game state notice effect for notifying the number of rounds (for example, steps S402A to S402A in the effect control microcomputer 100). When the notice execution determining means decides to execute the game state notice effect (Y in step S405A), the notice execution means (for example, for effect control) executes the game state notice effect. The portion for executing the processing of steps S406 to S409A, S874B, and S885B in the microcomputer 100), and the notice execution determining means determines whether or not to execute the gaming state notice effect at a different rate depending on the stage of the mode effect. Determine (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 performs step S40). 54A, a table corresponding to the value of the grade flag shown in FIG. 54A is selected, and in step S404A, it is determined whether or not to perform the advance notice based on the selected table and the random number value). May be.

  The start operation control means determines the number of times that the variable winning ball apparatus is controlled to the start operation state based on the type of the open display result derived and displayed on the variable display device (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 performs the step S411, S412, and S418 are executed), and the notice execution determination means counts the number of times that the start operation control means controls the variable winning ball apparatus to the start operation state when the open display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device. (For example, the production control microcomputer 100 executes the processes of steps S402B to S404B), and the notice execution means is started by the notice execution determination means. When it is determined that the number-of-times notice effect is to be executed, the number-of-starts notice effect is executed (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100). Based on the flag set in step S409B, the process of S843 and S845B is executed), and the notice execution determination means determines whether or not to execute the start number notice effect at a different rate depending on the stage of the mode effect. (For example, the production control microcomputer 100 selects a table corresponding to the value of the grade flag shown in FIG. 54B in step S403B, and in step S404B, based on the selected table and the random number value. It may be configured to determine whether or not to execute the notice.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device that variably displays identification information that can identify each of them and derives and displays a display result, and when the specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, In a gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state in which a plurality of advantageous rounds can be executed, it is determined in advance whether or not the display result derived and displayed on the variable display device is the specific display result before the display result is derived and displayed. A mode number capable of determining the number of rounds in a specific gaming state, and a mode effect that can be executed over a plurality of variable displays from among a plurality of types of mode effects whose vertical relationship is determined in advance in stages. Mode effect for executing the mode effect selected by the mode effect stage selecting means using the mode effect stage selecting means to select and the effect device including the variable display device And a mode effect storage means for storing the mode effect being executed by the mode effect executing means, and the mode effect stage selecting means has the number of rounds determined by the round number determining means being a predetermined number or more. If a mode effect at a higher level than the mode effect stored in the mode effect storage means is selected and the number of rounds determined by the round number determining means is less than a predetermined number, the mode effect is Since a mode effect at a lower stage than the mode effect stored in the storage means is selected, the game entertainment is improved by continuing to generate a jackpot for shifting to a specific game state with a predetermined number of rounds or more. Furthermore, the interest can be maintained even during the normal game after the end of the specific game state.

  In the invention according to claim 2, when the mode performance stage selection means has a number of rounds greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the number of rounds determination means determines one round number, and the other is different from the one round number. Since the higher-level mode effect is selected differently from when the number of rounds is determined, it is possible to improve the gaming interest by making the player pay attention to the type of jackpot.

  In the invention according to claim 3, when the mode performance stage selection means has a round number less than a predetermined number, the round number determination means determines one round number, and the other is different from the one round number. Since the mode effect at the lower stage that is different from when the number of rounds is determined is selected, it is possible to improve the gaming interest by making the player pay attention to the type of jackpot.

  In the invention of claim 4, there are a plurality of mode effect groups consisting of a plurality of types of mode effects determined in stages, and there are a first round number and a second round number as the number of rounds greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The production stage selection means selects different mode production groups for the first round number and the second round number, and selects a mode production from the selected mode production group until a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is possible to improve the game entertainment interest by paying attention to whether or not to generate a big hit in such a production group.

  The invention according to claim 5 includes a variable display device that variably displays identification information that can identify each of the identification information based on the fact that the variable display execution condition is satisfied, and displays the display result. When the display result is derived and displayed, a transition is made to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player. Among the specific display results, when the first display result is derived and displayed, the display is more variable than the normal state after the end of the specific gaming state. In a gaming machine that shifts to a special gaming state in which execution conditions are easily established, whether or not the display result derived and displayed on the variable display device is the specific display result, and the first display result when the specific display result is used Whether or not the second display result, which is a display result other than the first display result, is determined prior to the derivation display of the display result, and specified in the special gaming state When the first display result and the second display result are derived and displayed, the special game state control means for shifting to the special game state after completion of the specific game state, and executable over a plurality of variable displays The mode effect stage selecting means is selected by using a mode effect stage selecting means for selecting a mode effect from a plurality of types of mode effects having a predetermined vertical relationship, and an effect device including a variable display device. A mode effect executing means for executing the mode effect and a mode effect storage means for storing the mode effect being executed by the mode effect executing means, and the mode effect stage selecting means is brought into the special game state by the special game state control means. When the condition for transition is satisfied, since the stage effect higher than the mode effect stored in the mode effect storage means is selected, the special game state In addition, it is possible to improve the gaming interest by continuing to generate a big hit (for example, a big hit that shifts to the special gaming state after the end of the specific gaming state) that satisfies the predetermined transition condition, and further, after the end of the specific gaming state The interest can be maintained even during normal games.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the variable winning ball apparatus is provided in the variable winning ball apparatus, and is provided with a variable winning ball apparatus that can be controlled in either an open state in which game balls can be won or a closed state in which game balls cannot be won. In the gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a game ball wins in a special area among the selected winning areas, the pre-determining means determines whether or not an open display result is different from the specific display result. Since the variable winning ball apparatus is provided with a starting operation control means for controlling the variable winning ball apparatus to a starting operation state in which the variable winning ball apparatus is opened when the open display result is derived and displayed on the variable display apparatus. When a game ball wins in a specific area provided in the game, it shifts to a specific game state and can improve the player's gaming interest.

  In the invention according to claim 7, there are a plurality of types of open display results determined by the predetermining means, and the round number determining means is shifted when a game ball enters a specific area provided in the variable winning ball apparatus. Since the number of different rounds is determined based on the type of open display result determined by the pre-determining means in a specific gaming state, the player is allowed to pay attention to the display result of the variable display device and Can be improved.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the open display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, the notice execution decision means for deciding whether or not to execute the gaming state notice effect for notifying the number of rounds, and notice execution decision Means for executing the game state notice effect when the means determines to execute the game state notice effect, and the notice execution determining means performs the game state notice effect at a different rate depending on the stage of the mode effect. Since it is determined whether or not to execute, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation according to the stage of the mode effect.

  In the invention according to claim 9, the start operation control means determines the number of times that the variable winning ball apparatus is controlled to the start operation state based on the type of the open display result derived and displayed on the variable display device, and decides to execute the advance notice. When the opening display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, the means determines whether or not to execute the start number notice effect for notifying the number of times the start operation control means controls the variable winning ball device to the start operation state. If the notice execution means decides that the notice execution determination means executes the start number notice effect, the notice execution means executes the start number notice effect, and the notice execution decision means starts at a different rate depending on the stage of the mode effect. Since it is determined whether or not the number-of-times notice effect is executed, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation according to the stage of the mode effect.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
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 a pachinko gaming machine (bullet ball 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, there 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.

  Near the center of the game area 7, a variable display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided. Each of the display screens of the variable display device 9 is identified based on the establishment of a start condition that is a variable display execution condition (for example, that a hit ball has won the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14). There is a display area for variably displaying a plurality of kinds of decorative designs for effects and deriving and displaying the display results. On the display screen of the variable display device 9, the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14, that is, the number of reserved memories (the reserved memory is also referred to as start memory or start winning memory). ) Is displayed (holding storage display area 18c). In the reserved memory display area 18c, every time there is an effective start winning, the lighting color of the reserved memory display indicating the number of reserved memories is changed by one (for example, changed from red to blue). Then, each time the variable display on the variable display device 9 is started, the lighting color of the reserved storage display is reset to one (for example, from blue to red).

  Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result means that the symbol is stopped and displayed (except for the stop before the so-called re-variation).

  A special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the lower left side of the game board 6. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by two simple and small displays (for example, 7 segment LEDs) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. Therefore, the special symbol display 8 is configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of 00 to 99 as special symbols. In this embodiment, the change of the special symbol is such that the symbol displayed on each of the left and right indicators in the special symbol display 8 changes from “−” → “0” →... → “9”. Is realized.

  In the vicinity of the special symbol display 8, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, that is, the number of reserved memories (holding memory is also referred to as starting memory or starting winning memory). A special symbol reservation storage display 18 comprising four displays for display is provided. The special symbol hold memory display 18 increases the number of indicators that are turned on by one every time there is an effective start winning. Then, every time variable display on the special symbol display 8 is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  The variable display device 9 performs variable display of a decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (for production) during the variable display time of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 8. The variable display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative symbols is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. The special symbol display 8 that performs variable display of the special symbols is controlled by a game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board.

  Below the variable display device 9, there is formed a first start winning opening 13 through which a game ball can be won. A 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.

  Further, a second start winning opening 14 is formed immediately below the first starting winning opening 13. The second start winning opening 14 is provided with a variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second starting winning port 14, and when the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be won in the second starting winning port 14. . The variable winning ball device 15 is opened and closed by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, it becomes easy for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 (easy to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a.

  At the bottom of the variable display device 9, an accessory 75 that forms the second big prize opening 200B is provided. That is, the second big prize opening 200 </ b> B is formed by the accessory 75 at the lower part of the variable display device 9. The accessory 75 is provided with a blade-like movable member 76 that is driven by a driving device such as a motor. When the movable member 76 is controlled to a position where the movable member 76 is tilted to the left, the game ball enters a state where it can enter the second big prize opening 200B (open state). When the movable member 76 is controlled to a position that closes the second big prize opening 200B, the game ball becomes unable to enter the second big prize opening 200B (closed state). Hereinafter, the accessory 75 may be expressed as “second grand prize opening 200B” or “second grand prize opening 200B (community)”.

  An accessory entry switch 71a for detecting an entered game ball is provided inside the second grand prize winning port 200B (an accessory). Further, a first specific area 73 and a first specific area passing switch 73a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the first specific area 73 are provided. Further, a second specific area 74 and a second specific area passing switch 74a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the second specific area 74 are provided.

  Further, below the variable winning ball apparatus 15, the solenoid 21 is opened in a specific game state (a big hit game state) that occurs when a specific display result (a big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the special symbol display 8. A special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is provided. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate and forms a first large winning opening 200A. The game ball that has entered the first grand prize opening 200A is detected by the count switch 23. That is, the first big winning opening 200A is formed by the opening / closing plate provided in the special variable winning ball apparatus 20.

  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 left and right lamps (a symbol can be visually recognized when the lamp is lit). For example, if the left lamp is lit when the variable display ends, it is a hit. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded to the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding 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.

  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. Furthermore, a decoration LED is installed around each structure in the game area 7 (such as the second grand prize opening 200B). The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decorative LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine. In addition, 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 hitting device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the hitting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the game 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. If the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a or the second start opening switch 14a, it is in a state where variable symbol display can be started ( For example, the previous variable display or jackpot game has ended and the variable display start condition has been established), the special symbol display 8 starts variable display (variation) of the special symbol, and the variable display device 9 The variable display of symbols is started. If the special symbol variable display cannot be started, the number of reserved memories is increased by 1 on the condition that the number of reserved memories has not reached the upper limit.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the game proceeds in the gaming machine of this embodiment. When a game ball wins the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14, that is, when a start winning occurs, a lottery is executed by the game control means (game control microcomputer 560) for controlling the progress of the game. . In the lottery, one of big hit A, big hit B, big hit C, small hit A, small hit B, and small hit C is determined. Then, based on the fact that the variable display start condition is satisfied, the variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol (variable display) is started.

  When the variation time (variable display time) elapses, the variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is finished. As a result of the lottery, if the big hit A is determined, the first big win game 200A is opened three times (3 rounds, one round has a permissible opening time of 29 seconds) (first big win game A ) And is determined to be a big hit B, the first big winning game (first big hit game) in which the first big winning opening 200A is opened eight times (eight rounds, the opening allowance time of one round is 29 seconds). B) is performed, and when the big hit C is determined, the first big win game (first big hit game) in which the first big winning opening 200A is opened 16 times (16 rounds, the opening allowance time of one round is 29 seconds). Game C) is performed. The big hit A, big hit B, and big hit C may be collectively referred to as the first big hit. In other words, the jackpot A, jackpot B and jackpot C determined as a result of the lottery may be collectively referred to as the first jackpot.

  As a result of the lottery, when the small hit A is determined, the second big winning opening 200B is opened once, and when the small hit B or the small hit C is determined, the second big winning opening 200B is opened. The winning opening 200B is opened twice (opening 0.5 seconds per time). However, the timing at which the second big prize opening 200B is opened differs depending on whether the small hit A is determined, the small hit B determined, or the small hit C determined. That is, the timing from when the symbol variation ends (when the stop symbol is derived and displayed) to when the second big prize opening 200B is released is determined as the small hit A and the small hit B. And the case where the small hit C is determined. The timing at which the second big prize opening 200B is opened when the small hit A is determined is referred to as an opening timing A, and the timing at which the second big prize opening 200B is opened at the small hit B is the opening timing. The timing at which the second big winning opening 200B is opened when the small winning C is determined is referred to as an opening timing C. In addition, an operation in which the second grand prize winning opening 200B is opened (in the case of opening for 0.5 seconds per time) may be referred to as a starting operation.

  The small winning A is determined, the second grand prize opening 200B is opened, the game ball enters the second big prize opening 200B, and the specific area (the first specific area 73 and the second special prize opening 200B). When winning in the second specific area 74), the first big winning opening 200A is opened for 3 rounds (2 seconds per round, opened 3 times), and the second big hit game is executed. The small winning B is determined, the second grand prize opening 200B is opened, the game ball enters the second big prize opening 200B, and the specific area (the first specific area 73 and the second special prize opening 200B). When winning in the second specific area 74), the first big winning opening 200A is opened 8 rounds (2 seconds per round, opened 8 times), and the second big hit game is executed. The small winning C is determined, the second grand prize opening 200B is opened, the game ball enters the second big prize opening 200B, and the specific area (the first specific area 73 and the second special prize opening 200B). When winning in the second specific area 74), the first big winning opening 200A opens 16 rounds (2 seconds per round, 16 open), and the second big winning game is executed. Note that, even during the starting operation and the second big hit operation, when the game ball is won in the second big winning opening 200B and the game ball is detected by the accessory entry switch 71a, the prize ball is paid out. As a result of the lottery, the small winning A, the small winning B, or the small winning C is determined, the second big prize opening 200B is opened, and the game ball enters the second big prize opening 200B, and the second The games executed when winning a specific area in the big winning opening 200B may be collectively referred to as a second jackpot. In other words, games executed when a game ball wins a specific area in the second big winning opening 200B may be collectively referred to as a second big hit. The first jackpot and the second jackpot may be collectively referred to as a jackpot.

  3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the structure in the accessory 75 that forms the second big prize opening 200B, and the flow of game balls in the accessory 75. FIG. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the storing operation of the flow path switching member 78. FIG. In the accessory 75, when the movable member 76 falls down by the motor 24 as the driving device, the second big prize opening 200B is opened, and the game ball can enter the second big prize opening 200B. The game ball that has entered the second grand prize winning port 200B is detected by, for example, an accessory entry switch 71a using a proximity switch and reaches the flow path switching member 78.

  The flow path switching member 78 is driven by the motor 22 and falls downward as shown in FIG. 3 (a state in which the game ball is guided to the lower part in the accessory 75) and a horizontal state as shown in FIG. The state changes to a state where the ball is guided to the tip of the flow path switching member 78 and a state where the ball stands upward (a state where the game ball is stored (stopped)) shown in FIG. As the flow path switching member 78 changes (moves) in this way, the flow path (path) of the game ball that has entered the second big prize opening 200B is switched. In this embodiment, the flow path switching member 78 is initially in a horizontal state. The operation of the flow path switching member 78 is started when a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop of the symbol change and the stop symbol (small hit symbol indicating that a small hit has been reached) is derived and displayed. And the state which fell down, the horizontal state, and the state which stood up are repeated alternately for a predetermined period. In this embodiment, when the small hit A occurs (when the small hit symbol indicating that the small hit A has been derived is displayed), when the small hit B occurs (becomes the small hit B). The small hit symbol is derived both when the small hit symbol indicating that the small hit C is generated and when the small hit symbol C is generated (when the small hit symbol indicating that the small hit C is reached is displayed). The time from the display until the operation of the flow path switching member 78 is started is fixed. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the movable member 76 operates after the small hit symbol is derived and displayed when the small hit A occurs, when the small hit B occurs, and when the small hit C occurs. The time to be made is different.

  When the game ball reaches the flow path switching member 78 when the flow path switching member 78 is tilted downward, the game ball is guided to the lower part in the accessory 75 as shown in FIG. The game ball guided to the lower part in the accessory 75 is guided to the back side of the game board 6 and discharged. The game ball guided to the back side of the game board 6 is guided to one discharge path and detected by the accessory discharge switch 72a provided in the discharge path.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flow path switching member 78 returns to a position where the game ball is guided to the tip of the flow path switching member 78 by the reverse rotation of the motor 22 (the flow path switching member 78 is horizontal). become). A first specific area 73 and a second specific area 74 are provided at the tip of the flow path switching member 78.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the game ball that has passed through the first specific area 73 is detected by, for example, a first specific area passing switch 73a by a proximity switch, and then guided to the back side of the game board 6 and discharged. The game ball guided to the back side of the game board 6 is guided to one discharge path and detected by the accessory discharge switch 72a provided in the discharge path.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the game ball that has passed through the second specific area 74 is detected by the second specific area passing switch 74a by a proximity switch, for example, and then guided to the back side of the game board 6 and discharged. The The game ball guided to the back side of the game board 6 is guided to one discharge path and detected by the accessory discharge switch 72a provided in the discharge path.

  When the movable member 76 is operated when the flow path switching member 78 is standing upward (for example, opening timing A), and the game ball that has entered the accessory 75 reaches the flow path switching member 78, FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the game ball is blocked by the flow path switching member 78 and temporarily stored. Thereafter, when the flow path switching member 78 returns to a horizontal state, the stored game ball is a croon provided with the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74 (a dish used for distributing game balls). A piece with a shape and a hole, a part of the accessory 75.) In this case, since the traveling speed of the game ball is slow, the ratio of the game ball entering the first specific area 73 provided on the near side increases.

  When the movable member 76 is operated when the flow path switching member 78 is in a horizontal state (for example, opening timing C) and the game ball that has entered the accessory 75 reaches the flow path switching member 78, FIG. As shown, the game ball passes through the flow path switching member 78 without being stored. The game ball that has passed through the flow path switching member 78 travels at a higher speed toward the crune in which the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74 are provided. In this case, since the traveling speed of the game ball is fast, the ratio of the game ball entering the second specific area 74 provided on the back side is high.

  As described above, the path is switched depending on the state of the flow path switching member 78 when the game ball enters the second grand prize opening 200B. That is, an advantageous route (a route reaching a specific region) and an unfavorable route (a route not reaching the specific region) are switched depending on whether or not the flow path switching member 78 is tilted downward. Further, it is determined whether it is easy to enter the first specific area 73 or the second specific area 74 depending on whether or not the flow path switching member 78 is standing upward.

  In this embodiment, the position of the flow path switching member 78 changes according to the drive of the motor 22, but the flow path switching member 78 may be driven by a solenoid. The position of the movable member 76 changes according to the driving of the motor 24, but the movable member 76 may be driven by a solenoid.

  The structure of the accessory 75 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 is an example, and the positional relationship between the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74, the size difference, the first specific area and the second specific area. You may change the difference in the number.

  In this embodiment, both the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74 are specific areas in the second big prize opening 200B. However, the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74 are the same. Only one of these may be configured as a specific area in the second big prize opening 200B. In the case of such a configuration, the rate at which the game ball enters the specific area in the second big winning opening 200B can be changed according to the opening timing (that is, depending on the type of small hit).

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration in the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 8 also shows a payout control board 37, an 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. Further, the I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or 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.

  Further, the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, the accessory entry switch 71a, the accessory discharge switch 72a, the first specific area passing switch 73a and the second specific area passing switch An input driver circuit 58 for supplying a detection signal from 74 a to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. In addition, a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball device 15, a solenoid 21 that opens and closes the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms the first large winning port 200A, and a game ball that enters the second large winning port 200B (a role). The motor 24 for driving the movable member 76 for allowing entry, and the motor 22 for driving the flow path switching member 78 in the second big prize winning opening 200B (accessory) are driven in accordance with instructions from the game control microcomputer 560. An output circuit 59 is also mounted on the main board 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 addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a special symbol display 8 that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, a special symbol hold memory display 18, and a normal symbol hold memory display 41. Perform display control.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. The display control of the variable display device 9 that receives and variably displays the decorative design is performed.

  FIG. 9 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. 9, the microcomputer is not mounted on the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, but a microcomputer may be mounted. 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 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  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 passes the signal input from the relay board 77 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 77A is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 9 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 going from the relay board 77 to 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 frame 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 indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  The signal for driving the lamp and the sound number data are communicated between the effect control CPU 101, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70, such that a response signal is transmitted from the signal reception side to the transmission side. Communication).

  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 variable display device 9, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, a symbol or the like (including a decorative design and a background design) 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.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the variable 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 a 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 variable display device 9.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing 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 the 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 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.

  After confirming 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 restores 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 areas that may be initialized among the work areas 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. 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 S15.

  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 in 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 out flag, and a payout stop 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 initialization control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the variable display device 9 performs screen display for informing that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized, 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 stop 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 abnormal winning is prohibited, and is maintained in the set state until the stop 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 variable display device 9.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated 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 used to determine an initial value of a count value, such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). It is a random number. 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 a variable 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 in 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, for example, when 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, via the input driver circuit 58, the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, the accessory entry switch 71a, the accessory discharge switch 72a, the first specific area passing switch The detection signals of 73a and the second specific area passing switch 74a are input, and their state is determined (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a display control process for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control is performed to output a drive signal to each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S33 and S34.

  In addition, the CPU 56 detects that a game ball has won a prize winning opening (first big winning opening 200A, second big winning opening 200B) at a time other than the regular time, or at a time other than the regular time. When it is detected that a game ball has won the second start winning opening, a process for notifying an abnormal winning is performed (step S23: abnormal winning notifying process).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: 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. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(2) Random 2: Determine the variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(3) Random 3: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(4) Random 4: Determine initial value of random 3 (for determining random 3 initial value)
(5) Random 5: Determine the stop symbol of the normal symbol (for normal symbol determination)

  In step S24 in the game control process shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 560 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating a random number for determination per ordinary symbol of (3). That is, it is a determination random number, and the other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. Note that random numbers other than the random numbers (2) to (5) are also used in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process, the special symbol display 8 and the special prize opening (the first big prize opening 200A and the second big prize opening 200B) correspond to the special symbol process flag for controlling in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Execute the process. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs normal symbol process processing (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command related to the display control of the variable display device 9 (effect control command control process: step S29).

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

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the accessory entry switch 71a, and the count switch 23 (step). S31). Specifically, it is mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the accessory entry switch 71a, and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control microcomputer. 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 provides the output port with contents relating to solenoid on / off in the RAM area of the output port. Output (step S32: output processing). The CPU 56 also performs signal output processing for driving the motors 22 and 24 in the output processing.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the CPU 56 increments the value of the display control data set in the output buffer by 1 every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 performs variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  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, if the normal symbol fluctuation speed is such that the display state (“◯” and “×”) is switched every 0.2 seconds, the CPU 56 sets the output buffer every 0.2 seconds. The display control data value to be switched (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “×”) is switched. 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 ends.

  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. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a special symbol stop symbol, a winning type, and a determination value. As shown in FIG. 13, the special symbol stop symbol is a big hit symbol (in this example, “3”, “5” or “7”), and a small hit symbol (in this example, “0”, “1”). , “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” or “9”), but the small hit symbol and the number of rounds in the second big hit gaming state correspond to each other. Further, the small hit symbol corresponds to the number of times the accessory 75 is released in the starting operation state. Therefore, a display relating to the player's advantage / disadvantage (the number of times of opening) is made at the stage before the V prize is won in the prize game, and the player's interest is drawn to whether or not the game ball will win the specific winning slot 66. Can do. The bonus game means that in response to the determination of the small winning symbol as the special symbol stop symbol, the accessory 75 is operated to open the second big prize opening 200B and the V prize is generated. A game that enjoys whether or not a big hit will occur.

  The variable display device 9 displays decorative symbols related to the special symbols. Here, the stop symbol of the decorative symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 may not be a decorative symbol completely corresponding to the stop symbol of the special symbol. That is, the variable display device 9 may display a decorative symbol stop symbol indicating a hit type different from the hit type indicated by the special symbol stop symbol.

  FIG. 13 also shows the determination value for each stop symbol of the special symbol. However, FIG. 13 shows the number of determination values, not specific determination values. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the range of numerical values that can be taken by the jackpot determination random number (random R) is 0 to 441. The total number of determination values is 442, which is the number that the jackpot determination random number can take. The 442 determination values are different numerical values. The CPU 56 extracts the count value from the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the big hit determination random value. The big hit or the small hit corresponding to the determination value that matches the big hit determination random value is obtained. Decide to do. In addition, since the second big hit game is started when the V prize is generated in the accessory game (corresponding to the starting operation state), it is substantially determined that the big hit or the small win is decided. It is also to decide whether it will be the second big hit.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, there are multiple types of big hits (big hit A, big hit B, and big hit C). The jackpot type and the special symbol stop symbol correspond to each other. Specifically, in this example, “3” is a big hit A symbol, “5” is a big hit B symbol, and “7” is a big hit C symbol. There are also several types of jackpot games. In other words, there are jackpot games with different numbers of rounds.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, there are a plurality of types of small hits (small hit A, small hit B and small hit C). Depending on the type of each small hit, the timing at which the accessory 75 is released in the starting operation state is different. The small hits include a small hit (small hit A) for releasing the accessory 75 once in the starting operation state, and a small hit (small hit B and small hit C) for releasing the accessory 75 twice in the starting operating state. ) The small hit type and the special symbol stop symbol correspond to each other. Specifically, in this example, “0”, “4”, “8” are the small hit A symbols, “1”, “6” are the small hit B symbols, “2”, “9” Is a small hit C design. In addition, there are a plurality of types of second big hit games that are started on condition that a V prize has occurred in an accessory game. That is, there is a second big hit game with a different number of rounds.

  In this embodiment, as a result of the lottery, the probability variation state in which the probability that a big hit will occur is not controlled. That is, the probability variation state does not occur. However, when a predetermined probability change state transition condition is satisfied, the gaming state may be controlled to a probability change state with an increased probability of jackpot. In that case, in the probability variation state, the number of jackpot determination values increases. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 may be increased.

  If the CPU 56 in the game control microcomputer 560 decides whether or not to make a big hit by random R, and decides not to make a big hit, it uses the random number for determining the big hit type to determine the type of the big hit. It may be configured to determine.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the game state changes when the special symbol is changed based on the start winning in this embodiment. When the start winning is generated, the CPU 56 performs a lottery process for determining whether to make a big hit or a small hit. If the lottery result is to generate a “big hit A”, after the variable symbol special display ends, the game shifts to the first big hit game, and the first big winning opening 200A is played three times (3R = 3 rounds). Opened and closed. In addition, when the lottery result is to generate “big hit B”, after the variable symbol special display is finished, the first big hit game 200A is played eight times (8R = 8). Round) opened and closed. Also, if the lottery result is to generate “big hit C”, after the special symbol variable display is finished, the first big hit game 200A is made 16 times (16R = 16). Round) opened and closed. In addition, when the lottery result is to generate “small hit A”, after the variable symbol special display is finished, the game shifts to an accessory game, and the second big prize opening 200B is opened and closed once. When a game ball wins a specific area in the second grand prize opening 200B, the game is shifted to the second big hit game, and the first big prize opening 200A is opened and closed a predetermined number of times (3R). In addition, when the lottery result is to generate “small hit B”, after the variable symbol special display is finished, the game is shifted to an accessory game and the second big prize opening 200B is opened and closed twice. When a game ball wins a specific area in the second big winning opening 200B, the game is shifted to the second big winning game, and the first big winning opening 200A is opened and closed a predetermined number of times (8R). In addition, when the lottery result is to generate “small hit C”, after the variable symbol special display is finished, the game is shifted to an accessory game and the second big prize opening 200B is opened and closed twice. When a game ball wins a specific area in the second grand prize opening 200B, the game is shifted to the second big hit game, and the first big prize opening 200A is opened and closed a predetermined number of times (16R). Note that the second big winning opening 200B may be opened and closed a predetermined number of times in the first big hit game and the second big hit game.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a variation pattern and a determination value. However, FIG. 15 shows the number of determination values, not specific determination values. The total number of determination values is 150, which is the number that can be taken by the random number for determining the variation pattern. The 150 determination values are different numerical values. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the variation pattern determination random number. Decide to use the variation pattern corresponding to the value. That is, the variation time is selected based on the variation pattern determining random number. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 determines a variation pattern according to the type of stop symbol of the determined special symbol. As shown in FIG. 15, in this example, a common variation pattern is used when the special symbol stop symbol is a big hit symbol and a small hit symbol. Specifically, for example, when the special symbol stop symbol is “7” (big hit symbol (big hit C)) and “9” (small hit symbol (small hit C)), the common variation pattern (Variation patterns # 7 and # 8) are used.

  FIGS. 16 and 17 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. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special prize opening (the first big prize opening 200A and the second big prize opening 200B) is executed.

  When the CPU 56 performs the special symbol process, the start port switch (first start port switch 13a or second start port) for detecting that a game ball has won a start winning port provided in the game board 6 is used. If the switch 14a) is on, that is, if a start winning that causes the game ball to win the start winning opening has occurred (step S321), the start opening switch passing process is executed (step S322). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed.

  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 the variation pattern setting process (step S301).

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. 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 specially set. It is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to the symbol stop process (step S303).

  Special symbol stop process (step S303): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. The variable display on the special symbol display 8 is stopped and the stop 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 (7 in this example) corresponding to the pre-opening process for the big prize opening (step S307). When the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to the pre-release of the accessory (step S304). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the variable display device 9 to stop the decorative symbols when it receives the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560.

  Pre-opening process of accessory (step S304): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The game control microcomputer 560 executes a process for performing the starting operation, and changes the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) in accordance with the process of releasing the accessory (step S305). Update to the value (5 in this example).

  Processing during opening of an accessory (step S305): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. It is confirmed whether or not the specific area switches (the first specific area passage switch 73a and the second specific area passage switch 74a) are turned on, and whether or not the accessory release time has elapsed. When the specific area switch is turned on, the V winning flag is set. When the accessory release time has elapsed, the accessory 75 is brought into a closed state. Then, if the number of times of opening of the accessory has not reached the determined number of times of opening, the accessory 75 is brought into an open state in order to perform the starting operation again. When the number of times of opening of the accessory has reached the determined number of times of opening, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is a value (6 in this example) corresponding to the processing after the accessory closing (step S306). Update to

  Post-combination processing (step S306): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. If the V winning flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (7 in this example) corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S307). If the V winning flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (in this example, 0) corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300).

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to open the big prize opening (large prize opening by the opening and closing plate 16). More 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 big prize opening is opened. In addition, the execution time of the process for opening the special prize opening is set by the timer, and the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is set to a value (this value corresponding to the process for opening the special prize opening (step S308)). In the example, update to 8). Note that 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 opening the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. When the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is set to a value (9 in this example) corresponding to the post winning prize closing process (step S309). ).

  Process after closing the big prize opening (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. For the round in which the second grand prize opening 200B is opened, processing for confirming that all game balls have been discharged from the big prize opening is performed. When all the game balls are discharged (when the second big prize opening 200B is opened), and there are still remaining rounds and the continuation condition of the big hit game (the V prize was made), The internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (7 in this example) corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S307). When all rounds are completed or when the continuation condition for the big hit game is not satisfied, the internal state is updated to a value (10 in this example) corresponding to the big hit end process (step S310).

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

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory view 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. 18, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 177 by 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. 19, 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 that triggers the capture of 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 production control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, the first byte and the second byte of the production control command data respectively. 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. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control microcomputer 100. In the example shown in FIG. 20, commands 8001 (H) to 8008 (H) are effect control commands (variation) for designating a variation pattern of decorative symbols variably displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. Pattern command) (corresponding to variation patterns # 1 to # 8, respectively). The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the variation start. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8001 (H) to 8008 (H), the variable display device 9 controls the variable display device 9 to start variable display of the decorative symbols.

  Command 8CXX (H) (XX = 0 to 9) is an effect control command (display result designation command) that can specify a display result of variable display of decorative symbols designated by the variation pattern command. In this embodiment, the data set as XX is data indicating a special symbol stop symbol. If the type of small hit (number of small hits released and number of rounds of big hit game after winning V) can be specified, the display result designation command may not be data indicating the special symbol stop symbol.

  The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the special symbol variable display (variation) 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 symbols and derives and displays the display result. The derived display is to finally stop and display the symbol.

  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 gaming 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 a command.

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

  The command A001 (H) is an effect control command (a jackpot start designation command: a fanfare designation command) that designates the start of a jackpot game. Command A002 (H) is an effect control command (small hit start designation command) that designates the start of an accessory game (starting operation state).

  Command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command for opening special winning opening) indicating an indication that the first big winning opening 200A of the number of times (round) indicated by XX is open. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big prize opening) indicating that the first big prize opening 200A of the number of times (round) indicated by XX is closed.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, for ending the jackpot game (a jackpot end designation command: an ending designation command). Command A302 (H) is an effect control command (small hit end specifying command) for specifying the end of an accessory game.

  Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state designation command) indicating that the gaming state has changed to the probability change state. Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (normal state designation command) indicating that the gaming state has returned from the probability changing state to the normal state (non-probability changing state).

  The command D001 (H) is an effect control command (first abnormal winning notification designating command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning to the first big winning opening 200A (lower attacker). The command D002 (H) is an effect control command (second abnormal winning notification designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning to the second start winning opening (ordinary electric accessory) 15. Command D003 (H) is an effect control command (third abnormal winning notification designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning to the accessory (variable winning ball apparatus) 75.

  Command E001 (H) is an effect control command (start winning designation command) indicating that a start winning has occurred. Note that the effect control command indicating that the start winning has occurred may be an effect control command indicating the reserved storage number itself.

  The command E401 (H) is an effect control command (an accessory winning designation command) indicating that a winning for the accessory 75 has occurred. Command E402 (H) is an effect control command (V winning designation command) indicating that a winning in a specific area has occurred.

  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 variable display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 20, the display state of the light emitter such as a lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the sound output board 70.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in step S322. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the reserved storage number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step S41). If the number of reserved memories is 4, the process is terminated.

  If the number of reserved memories is not 4, the value of the reserved memory number counter indicating the number of reserved memories is incremented by 1 (step S42). Further, the CPU 56 reads a count value from a counter for generating a random number and extracts a software random number, and reads a count value of the random number circuit 503 to extract a random R (a jackpot determination random number generated by the random number circuit 503). Then, a process of storing them in the storage area in the reserved storage buffer corresponding to the value of the reserved storage number counter as the extracted random number value is executed (step S43). In step 43, the CPU 56 extracts a random 2 (see FIG. 17) value (a counter value for generating a variation pattern random number) as a software random number. In the reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the number of reserved memories is secured. Further, a counter for generating a random number for variation pattern and a holding storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  Further, the display of the special symbol hold memory display 18 is changed to a display showing the value of the hold memory number counter (step S44). Further, control for transmitting a start winning designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S45). Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command is used as a pointer. set. Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect control command control process (step S29) (the same applies to other effect control commands).

  22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. The state where the special symbol normal process is executed is when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300 is a state in which the special symbol display unit 8 does not display the variation of the special symbol and the jackpot game is not executed. State.

  In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 checks the number of reserved memories (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the number of reserved memories is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the reserved memory number is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S52). Then, the value of the reserved memory number is decreased by 1 (the count value of the reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S53). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. To store. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes.

  Then, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot determination random number (random R) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes the jackpot determination module (step S62). The big hit determination module compares a predetermined determination value (the determination value set in the table illustrated in FIG. 13) with a big hit determination random number, and determines whether it is a big hit or a small hit. It is a program that executes processing. Note that deciding whether to win big or small is to decide whether to shift to the first big hit gaming state or to start operation state, but stop symbol in the special symbol display 8 (Display result) This means that the number of opening of the bonus item 75 and the number of rounds of the jackpot game when the jackpot is determined are also determined by the jackpot determination.

  When it is determined that the big hit A is to be made (Y in step S63), the CPU 56 sets the big hit A flag (step S65), and sets the big hit flag indicating that the big hit game is performed (step S66). When it is determined that the big hit B is to be set (Y in step S81), the CPU 56 sets the big hit B flag (step S82) and sets the big hit flag (step S66). When it is determined that the big hit C is to be set (Y in step S83A), the big hit C flag is set (step S83B), and the CPU 56 sets the big hit flag (step S66).

  When it is determined that the small hit A is to be made (Y in step S84), the CPU 56 sets the small hit A flag (step S85), and indicates that the small hit flag indicating that the accessory game (the game in the starting operation state) is performed. Is set (step S88). When it is determined that the small hit B is determined (Y in step S86), the CPU 56 sets the small hit B flag (step S87A) and sets the small hit flag (step S88). When it is determined that the small hit C is determined (N in step S86), the small hit C flag is set (step S87B), and the CPU 56 sets the small hit flag (step S88).

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S69).

  In this embodiment, when it is decided not to make a big hit, it is decided to make a small hit (see FIG. 13). That is, the CPU 56 does not make any decision in the lottery for determining whether or not to win the game. Therefore, when it is not decided to shift the bonus item 75 to the big hit game state without opening it, the game is always controlled in the starting operation state, and the interest of the game is improved without lowering the player's expectation. Can do. In addition, by eliminating the determination of disconnection, the burden on the game control means can be reduced.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S90). Then, a variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table based on the variation pattern determination random number (step S91). The fluctuation pattern table is an area of the ROM 54 in which determination values are set in correspondence with the fluctuation patterns as shown in FIG. Different variation pattern tables may be used according to the determination result of the big hit determination. In the case of a big hit, the fluctuation time is likely to be longer than in the case of a small hit, and the sense of expectation for the big hit is enhanced by the production.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S91 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S92). Further, control for transmitting a display result designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S93).

  Also, the special symbol change is started (step S94). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S34 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S91 is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S95). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S302) (step S96).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S302) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S181), and when the variable time timer times out (step S182), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S303). The updated value is updated (step S183). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process (step S303) 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 S34 to end the variation of the special symbol, and performs control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol on the special symbol display 8. (Step S191). Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for effect control is performed (step S192).

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (steps S193 and S194). Also, the number of times of opening (number of rounds), which is the number of times that a big winning opening can be opened in the big hit game, is set in the number of times of opening counter (step S195), and the time before the round start (a new round is started) For example, a value corresponding to a notification time in the variable display device 9 is set (step S196). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winning opening start pre-processing (step S307) (step S197). Note that the number of rounds set in the number-of-releases counter is, for example, 3 corresponding to 3 rounds (3R) which is the number of rounds of big hit A, 3 big hits B based on the flag set in step S65, S82 or S83B It is set to either 8 corresponding to 8 rounds (8R) which is the number of rounds or 16 corresponding to 16 rounds (16R) which is the number of rounds of jackpot C.

  When the small hit flag is set, control for transmitting a small hit start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (steps S193 and S198). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the accessory release pre-processing (step S304) (step S199).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the pre-release process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the accessory release pre-processing, the CPU 56 first subtracts 1 from the value of the accessory release time timer (step S410A). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the accessory release time timer has timed out (whether or not the value of the accessory release time timer has become 0) (step S410B). Here, the time of the opening timing A (the time until the second big winning opening 200B is first opened after the small hit A symbol is determined) and the time of the opening timing B (the small hit B) are determined by the accessory release time timer. The time until the second big prize opening 200B is first opened after the symbol is determined), or the time of opening timing C (until the second big prize opening 200B is first opened after the small hit C symbol is decided) Time).

  If the accessory release time timer has not timed out (N in step S410B), the process is terminated. When the accessory release time timer times out (Y in Step S410B), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit A flag is set (Step S411). If the small hit A flag is set (Y in step S411), the process proceeds to step S418. In step S418, the CPU 56 sets 1 in the accessory release number counter (step S418), and proceeds to step S413.

  When the small hit A flag is not set (N in step S411), the CPU 56 sets 2 in the accessory release number counter (step S412). Also, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the accessory release time timer (step S413). Further, the second grand prize winning opening 200B (a bonus item) is controlled to be opened (step S414). Specifically, the movable member 76 is driven by driving the driving motor 24 connected to the rotating shaft of the movable member 76 for allowing the game ball to enter the second grand prize opening 200 </ b> B (an accessory). Is set in a state in which the game ball can enter the inside of the second grand prize opening 200B (a bonus item). In addition, the in-game game ball number counter that counts the game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening 200B (composition) is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S415). The accessory release flag indicating that the item is in the open state is set (step S416). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the process during releasing an accessory (step S309) (step S417).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the process during releasing an accessory (step S305) in the special symbol process. In the process during opening of the accessory, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the accessory release time timer has timed out (step S420). If it has timed out, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the accessory release number counter is 0 (whether or not the last release in the starting operation state has already ended) (step S420A). If the value of the bonus release counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S434. If the value of the accessory release number counter is not 0, the value of the accessory release number counter is decremented by 1 (step S420B). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the accessory release number counter has become 0 (step S420C). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the accessory release number counter has become 0 (step S420C). When the value of the accessory release number counter becomes 0, that is, when the start operation end condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S434. When the value of the accessory release number counter is not 0, the CPU 56 performs control for releasing the accessory 75 again. That is, a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 0.9 seconds) is set in the accessory opening time timer (step S420D). Further, the accessory 75 is controlled to be in an open state (step S420E).

  In step S434, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the in-function game ball number counter is zero. If the value of the in-game game ball number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S424. When the value of the game ball number counter in the accessory becomes 0, a value corresponding to the production time (3 seconds in this example) is set in the production time timer for determining the production period ( In step S435), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-closing process of the accessory (step S306) (step S435).

  As described above, the CPU 56 determines that when the value of the in-game game ball number counter becomes 0 after the bonus release time (0.9 seconds) for the final release has elapsed, that is, for all games. When the ball is ejected from the accessory 75, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-function closing process (steps SS420, S420A, S420C, S434, S436). In other words, the game state (in this case, the value of the special symbol process flag) is changed on condition that all the game balls have been discharged from the accessory 75 in the process during releasing the accessory. It should be noted that the special symbol process flag value is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process on the condition that no V prize has occurred in the post-combination processing (see steps S454 and S462 in FIG. 30).

  If the accessory release time timer has not timed out, the value of the accessory release time timer is decremented by 1 (step S421). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the accessory release time timer has timed out (step S422). If timed out, the accessory 75 is controlled to be closed (step S432). Specifically, the motor 24 is rotated in the direction in which the movable member 76 is closed. The flow path switching member 78 is stopped at the initial position (a position where the game ball is not blocked) (step S433).

  The CPU 56 returns the flow path switching member 78 to the initial position by stopping the driving of the motor 22.

  If the accessory release time timer has not timed out, the movable part control is executed (step S423). When the accessory entry switch 71a is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the accessory 75 is detected (step S424), the value of the in-function game ball counter is incremented by 1 (step S425), and the effect control micro Control is performed to transmit a prize winning designation command to the computer 100 (step S426). When the accessory discharge switch 72a is turned on, that is, when a game ball discharged from the accessory 75 is detected (step S427), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by 1 (step S428).

  When a specific area switch (any one of the first specific area pass switch 73a and the second specific area pass switch 74a) indicating that the game ball has entered the specific area (the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74) is turned on. (Step S429) A V winning flag is set (Step S430), and a control for transmitting a V winning designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed (Step S431).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the movable part control. In the movable part control, the CPU confirms whether or not the movable member 76 is operating (moving part is operating) (step S440). If not in operation, driving of the movable member 76 is started (step S443). That is, driving of the motor 24 is started. When the process of step S443 is executed, the CPU 56 sets an internal flag indicating that the movable part is operating.

  If the movable part is operating (Y in step S440), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit A flag is set (step S444). If it is set, the movable member 76 is driven and controlled according to the opening timing A (step S445). If the small hit A flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit B flag is set (step S446). If set, the drive of the movable member 76 is controlled according to the release timing B (step S447). If the small hit B flag is not set, the CPU 56 drives and controls the movable member 76 in accordance with the release timing C (step S448).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the post-function closing post-process (step S306) in the special symbol process. In the post-completion processing, the CPU 56 decrements the effect time timer by 1 (step S452). If the production time timer has not timed out (N in step S453), the process ends. If the performance time timer has timed out (Y in step S453), it is determined whether or not the V winning flag is set, assuming that the production interval time after the operation of the accessory 75 has elapsed (step S454). . If the V winning flag is set, the V winning flag is reset (step S455).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit A flag is set (step S456A). If it is set, 3 corresponding to the small hit A out of the number of open times (number of rounds) that is the number of times that the big winning opening can be opened in the second big hit game is set in the open number counter (step S456B). If the small hit A flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit B flag is set (step S456C). If it is set, 8 corresponding to the small hit B out of the number of open times (number of rounds) that is the number of times that the big winning opening can be opened in the second big hit game is set in the open number counter (step S456D). If the small hit B flag is not set (that is, if the small hit C flag is set), the number of open times (number of rounds), which is the number of times that the big winning opening can be opened in the second big hit game, is set in the open number counter. 16 corresponding to the small hit C is set (step S456E).

  Further, a value corresponding to the pre-round start time (time for informing, for example, in the variable display device 9 that a new round is started) is set in the pre-round start timer (step S457). Also, a big hit flag is set (step S458).

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a jackpot start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S459), and updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the big winning opening opening pre-processing (step S307). (Step S460).

  If it is confirmed in step S454 that the V winning flag is not set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a small hitting end designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S461), and the special symbol process. The value of the flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S462).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the big winning opening opening pre-processing (step S307) executed before each round in the big hit game (the first big hit game and the second big hit game). In the pre-opening process for the special winning opening, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the display command for opening the special winning opening if it has not transmitted the display command for opening the special winning opening (steps S470 and S471). Also, the value of the timer before the round start is decremented by 1 (step S472). If the pre-round start timer times out (the value of the pre-round start timer is 0) (step S473), the winning number counter is initialized (step S474). That is, the value of the winning number counter is set to zero.

  Then, a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is set in the opening time timer (step S475). Further, the first big prize opening 200A is controlled to be in an open state. Specifically, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the opening / closing plate 16 (step S477). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening process (step S308) (step S478).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening opening process (step S308). In the special prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the opening time timer has timed out. If the open time timer has timed out, the process proceeds to step S499. If the opening time timer has not timed out, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the winning counter is 10 (step S482B). When the value of the winning number counter becomes 10, the process proceeds to step S499. If the value of the winning number counter is not 10, the value of the opening time timer is decremented by 1 (step S483B). When the count switch 23 is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the first grand prize opening 200A is detected, the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 (steps S486B and S488B).

  In step S499, the CPU 56 performs a process for ending the round. Specifically, the drive of the solenoid 21 is stopped and the open / close plate 16 is closed. Then, control is performed to transmit a display command after opening the big winning opening to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S500), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the post winning closing process (step S309). Update (step S501).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the post-close closing process (step S309). In the process after closing the big prize opening, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the number-of-opening counter by -1 (step S513). If the value of the opening number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S517 (step S514). When the value of the number-of-releases counter is 0, that is, when all rounds in the big hit game are finished, the big hit flag is reset (step S521). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit end process (step S310) (step S526).

  In step S517, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to a pre-round start time (time for notifying the start of a new round in the variable display device 9, for example) in the pre-round start timer (step S517), The value of the symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S307) (step S518).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S310). In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S250). If the jackpot end display timer is set (Y in step S250), the process proceeds to step S255. . When the jackpot end display timer is not set (N in step S250), the jackpot flag is reset (step S251), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S252). If the big hit A flag, big hit B flag, big hit C flag, small hit A flag, small hit B flag or small hit C flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the flag (step S253). Then, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the jackpot end display is performed on the variable display device 9 (the jackpot end display time) in the jackpot end display timer (step S254), and performs the process. finish.

  In step S255, 1 is subtracted from the value of the jackpot 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 S256). 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 S156).

  Next, the normal symbol process (step S28) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal symbol process. In the normal symbol process, when detecting that the game ball has passed through the gate 32 and the gate switch 32a is turned on (step S111), the CPU 56 executes a gate switch passage process (step S112). Then, the CPU 56 executes any one of the processes shown in steps S100 to S103 according to the value of the normal symbol process flag.

  Gate switch passage processing (step S112): The CPU 56 checks whether or not the count value (gate passage storage number) of the gate passage storage counter has reached the maximum value ("4" in this example). If the maximum value has not been reached, the count value of the gate passage storage counter is incremented by one. Note that the LED of the normal symbol storage memory display 41 is turned on according to the value of the gate passage storage counter. Then, the CPU 56 performs processing for extracting the value of the random number for normal symbol determination (random 4) and storing it in the storage area (normal symbol determination buffer) corresponding to the value of the number of passages through the gate.

  Normal symbol normal processing (step S100): This is executed when the normal symbol process flag is zero. The CPU 56 is in a state where normal symbol variation can be started (for example, when the value of the normal symbol process flag is a value indicating step S100, specifically, the normal symbol change display on the normal symbol display 10). Is not performed, and when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is not being opened or closed based on the normal symbol display 10 having been derived and displayed, the value of the number of gate passing memories is confirmed. Specifically, the count value of the gate passing memory number counter is confirmed. If the gate passing memory number is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win (whether or not to stop the normal symbol as a winning symbol). Then, the normal symbol variation time is set in the normal symbol process timer, and the timer is started. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “1”) indicating the normal symbol variation process (step S101).

  Normal symbol variation processing (step S101): Executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 1. The CPU 56 checks whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out, and if it has timed out, stops the variation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 10, sets the normal symbol stop symbol display time in the normal symbol process timer, Start the timer. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “2”) indicating the normal symbol stop process (step S102).

  Normal symbol stop process (step S102): Executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 2. The CPU 56 confirms whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out, and if it has timed out, confirms whether or not the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol. If it is not a winning symbol (if it is a missing symbol), the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “0”) indicating the normal symbol normal processing (step S100). On the other hand, if the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the normal electric accessory operating time is set in the normal symbol process timer, and the timer is started. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “3”) indicating the normal electric accessory operation processing (step S103).

  Normal electric accessory operation processing (step S103): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3. The CPU 56 counts the number of winning game balls (the number of winnings to the second start winning port 14) to the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) on the condition that the normal symbol process timer has not timed out. The ordinary electric winning combination winning count process is executed, and the ordinary electric accessory releasing pattern process is performed to release the ordinary electric winning combination with the set opening pattern (execution of opening / closing operation of the variable winning ball apparatus 15). . When the normal symbol process timer times out, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “0”) indicating the normal symbol normal process (step S100).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol normal process (step S100). In the normal symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the gate passing memory number is 0 by confirming the count value of the gate passing memory number counter (step S121). If the gate passing memory number is 0 (Y in step S121), the process is terminated as it is. If the gate passing memory number is not 0 (N in Step S121), the CPU 56 reads the random number value for determination per ordinary symbol stored in the storage area corresponding to the gate passing memory number = 1, and the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (Step S122). Then, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the gate passage storage number counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S123). That is, the random number value for normal symbol determination stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of gate passing memories = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of gate passing memories = n−1. Store. Therefore, the order in which the random numbers for determination per ordinary symbol stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective numbers of gate passing memories is extracted is always the order of the number of gate passing memories = 1, 2, 3, 4. It is supposed to match.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a normal random number for symbol determination from the random number storage buffer (step S124), and determines whether to win or not based on the read random number value (step S125). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number for normal symbol determination matches the hit determination value, and if there is a matching hit determination value, it is determined as a hit. For example, if the hit determination value is 3 or 7, and the random number for determination per normal symbol is updated within a numerical range of 0 to 10, the winning probability is 2/11.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the normal symbol change time in the normal symbol process timer (step S126), and starts the normal symbol change in the normal symbol display 10 (step S127). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, the variation time of the normal symbol is 30.0 seconds. Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically “1”) indicating the normal symbol variation process (step S101) (step S128).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol variation process (step S101). In the normal symbol variation process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether or not the normal symbol process timer has expired (step S131). If the normal symbol process timer has not expired (N in step S131), the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S135).

  When the normal symbol process timer expires, that is, when the variation time of the normal symbol has elapsed (Y in step S131), the CPU 56 stops the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 (step S132). Then, the CPU 56 sets the normal symbol stop symbol display time in the normal symbol process timer (step S133). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically “2”) indicating the normal symbol stop process (step S102) (step S134).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol stop process (step S102). In the normal symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether or not the normal symbol process timer has expired (step S141). If the normal symbol process timer has not expired (N in step S141), the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S142).

  When the normal symbol process timer expires, that is, when the normal symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (Y in step S141), the CPU 56 determines whether or not the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol (in step S125). (Whether or not it is determined to be a win) is confirmed (step S143). Note that whether or not the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol is determined by, for example, setting the normal symbol per symbol determination flag when it is determined to be a winning symbol in step S125, and checking whether or not the flag is set. Can do.

  When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol (Y in step S143), the CPU 56 sets the normal electric accessory operating time in the normal symbol process timer (step S144). The ordinary electric accessory operating time is the maximum time during which the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) can operate.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the release pattern set in the table shown in FIG. 39 as the release pattern of the ordinary electric accessory in the release pattern buffer (step S148). When the opening pattern is set in the opening pattern buffer, the opening pattern time (in this case, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is set to the normal electric accessory opening pattern timer (the timer for measuring the opening time and closing time of the ordinary electric accessory). The process of setting the closing time until the first opening is also performed. Thereafter, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “3”) indicating the normal electric accessory operation processing (step S103) (step S149).

  When it is determined in step S143 that the stop symbol of the normal symbol is not a winning symbol but a missing symbol (N in step S143), the CPU 56 sets the value of the normal symbol process flag to the normal symbol normal process (step S100). Is updated (specifically, “0”) (step S150).

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the ordinary electric accessory operating process (step S103). In the normal electric accessory actuating process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether or not the normal symbol process timer has expired (step S161). If the normal symbol process timer has not expired (N in step S161), the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S162).

  Then, the CPU 56 loads the switch-on buffer into the register (step S163). The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which 1 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when the switch is detected to be ON, and 0 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when the switch is detected to be OFF.

  The CPU 56 checks whether 1 is set in the second start port switch input bit (corresponding bit of the second start port switch 14a) (step S164). That is, it is confirmed whether or not the second start port switch 14a is turned on (whether or not a game ball has won the second start winning port 14). If 1 is not set in the second start port switch input bit (N in step S164), the process proceeds to step S168. If 1 is set in the second start port switch input bit (Y in step S164), the second start port switch 14a has been turned on, so the CPU 56 performs the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15). 1 is added to the number of counters for the number of game balls won in the ordinary electric accessory winning prize counter (step S165). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the ordinary electric accessory winning number counter is less than 8 (step S166). When the value of the ordinary electric winning prize counter is not less than 8 (N in Step S166), that is, when it is 8 or more, the CPU 56 clears (to 0) the value of the ordinary symbol process timer (Step S167). With this process, the ordinary electric accessory actuating process is completed (see Y in step S161, S172). Thus, in this embodiment, when eight or more game balls win the variable winning ball device 15 within the normal electric accessory operating time, the normal electric accessory operating process is terminated.

  Next, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer by -1 (step S168). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer is 0, that is, whether or not the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer has expired (step S169). If not timed out (N in step S169), the process is terminated as it is. If time-out has occurred (Y in step S169), the CPU 56 sets the release pattern time in the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer (step S170). Then, the CPU 56 drives the solenoid 16 to open or close the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15) (step S171).

  Specifically, when the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer expires when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is closed, the release time is set as the release pattern time in the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer, and the output port buffer ( The variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened by inverting the solenoid output bit of the ordinary electric accessory of the solenoid buffer. If the normal electric accessory release pattern timer expires when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, the closing time is set as the open pattern time in the normal electric accessory release pattern timer, and the normal output port buffer (solenoid buffer) The variable winning ball apparatus 15 is closed by reversing the electric accessory solenoid output bit.

  In step S161, when the normal symbol process timer expires (Y in step S161), the CPU 56 sets the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value indicating the normal symbol normal process (step S100) (specifically “0”). (Step S172).

  FIG. 41 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. 41, the bits 0 to 7 of the input port 0 include the count switch 23, the gate switch 32a, the second specific area passing switch 74a, the first specific area passing switch 73a, the accessory discharge switch 72a, Detection signals from the accessory entry switch 71a, the second start port switch 14a, and the first start port switch 13a are input. The input port 0 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG.

  Next, payout control commands (payout control signals) transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 will be described. FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a payout control signal output from the game control microcomputer 560 to the payout control microcomputer.

  The prize ball REQ signal is a signal that is in an output state (= ON state) when a prize ball number command is transmitted (that is, a trigger signal for a prize ball payout request). The 4-bit award ball number signal is a signal (award ball number command) output for designating the number of game balls (0 to 15) for which a payout request is made.

  43 and 44 are flowcharts 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 S551). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in the main process executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 10). If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S555. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S552). 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 S553 and S554).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 to 9 (5 or more and 9 or less) (step S555). A state in which the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 to 9 is a state in which a big hit game is being played. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball may 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 to 9, the process proceeds to step S560 without executing the processes of steps S556 to S559.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 5 or 10 or more (a state where no big hit game is played), the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S556). Then, the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the count switch input bit determination value (02 (H)) is calculated (step S557). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 02 (H), that is, when the count switch 23 is on, the logical product operation result is 02 (H). When the count switch 23 is not turned on, the operation result of the logical product is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning at the special winning opening has occurred, and control is performed to transmit a first abnormal winning notification designating command to the effect control board 80 (steps S558 and S559). . If the operation result of the logical product is 0, the process proceeds to step S560.

  In step S560, CPU 56 checks whether the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 (step S560). The state where the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 is a state where the normal electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) is opened and closed. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball may win the second start winning opening 14, so that it is not confirmed that an abnormal win has occurred in the second start winning opening 14. That is, if the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3, the process proceeds to step S565 without executing the processes of steps S561 to S564.

  If the value of the normal symbol process flag is a value other than 3 (a state in which the normal electric accessory is not opened or closed), the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S561). Then, the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the second start port switch input bit determination value (08 (H)) is calculated (step S562). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 08 (H), that is, when the second start port switch 14a is on, the logical product operation result is 08 (H). When the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, the logical product operation result is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred in the second start winning opening 14, and control is performed to transmit a second abnormal winning notification designating command to the effect control board 80 (step S563). , S564). If the operation result of the logical product is 0, the process proceeds to step S565.

  In step S565, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the bonus release flag is set (step S565). If the bonus release flag is set, the process is terminated.

  As long as no illegal action is received or noise is added to the detection signal from the switch, a detection signal indicating that the winning combination 75 has been won is output from the accessory entry switch 71a when the opening flag is not set. Never happen. Therefore, if the CPU 56 determines that the detection signal is output from the accessory entry switch 71a when the accessory release flag is not set, the CPU 56 regards that the abnormal winning has occurred for the second big prize opening 200B (object).

  Specifically, the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S566). Then, the logical product of the contents of the loaded switch-on buffer and the accessory entry switch input bit determination value (04 (H)) is calculated (step S567). It is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, and control is performed to transmit a third abnormal winning notification designating command to the effect control board 80 (steps S568 and S569).

  When the count switch 23 is turned on in the state where the big hit game is not performed by the above processing, the first abnormal winning notification designating command is transmitted. In addition, when the second start port switch 14a is turned on in a state where the opening / closing operation of the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) is not performed, a second abnormal winning notification designating command is transmitted. Further, when the accessory entry switch 71a is turned on in a state where the second big hit game and the accessory game are not performed, a third abnormal winning notification designating command is transmitted. Further, the process of steps S551 to S553 prohibits the start of abnormality notification when the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control CPU 101) 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 abnormality notification.

  Further, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 detects an abnormal winning based on the bonus release flag. In addition, as described above, the bonus release flag indicates that all the game balls in the bonus game are discharged from the bonus game 75 after the bonus game 75 is closed in the final round of the bonus game (including the start-up operation). It is reset when Since the abnormal winning is detected in the state where the bonus release flag is reset, when the second big prize opening 200B (the bonus) changes to the second state (for example, the open state), the second largest The abnormal winning detection is executed on the condition that it is determined that the game ball that has entered the winning opening 200B (combination) is discharged from the second large winning opening 200B (combination). It should be noted that the abnormal winning detection is executed even when the accessory game (including the starting operation) is not executed at all.

  In step S565, it is determined whether or not the game is being played depending on whether or not the bonus release flag is set. For example, the value of the special symbol process flag is set. It may be determined whether it is 4 to 6 (whether or not the processing from the pre-opening process (step S304) to the post-completion process (step S306) is being executed).

  In the process of step S555, the game control microcomputer 560 (CPU 56) determines whether or not an abnormal winning to the first big winning opening 200A has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag. Since it can be determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data, the determination process can be simplified. Further, as described above, since the big hit ending process is executed for a predetermined time after the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is closed, the game ball that has won the big winning opening immediately before the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is closed is special. After the value of the symbol process flag has returned to 0, it is prevented from being detected by the count switch 23, and an error is not notified even though it is a regular winning.

  In the process of step S560, the game control microcomputer 560 (CPU 56) determines whether or not an abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred based on the value of the normal symbol process flag. Similarly to the processing in step S367, since it can be determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data, the determination processing can be simplified. In addition, as described above, as a method of delaying the timing for determining an abnormal prize from the timing for closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is set a predetermined time before the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0. Is closed, and when the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0, the abnormal winning determination is made. Therefore, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is won at the second start winning opening 14 immediately before closing. The game ball is prevented from being detected by the second start switch 14a after the value of the normal symbol process flag returns to 0, and an error is reported even though it is a regular winning. There is nothing.

  Further, in the process of step S565, the game control microcomputer 560 (CPU 56) determines whether or not an abnormal winning to the bonus item 75 has occurred based on the bonus release flag. Since it can be determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the above, the determination process can be simplified. Further, as described above, since the second jackpot ending process is executed for a predetermined time after the bonus item 75 is closed, the game ball that won the bonus item 75 immediately before the bonus item 75 is closed is a flag indicating that the bonus item is being released. Is prevented from being detected by the count switch 23 after being reset, and no error is reported even though it is a regular winning.

  As described above, the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0 at the same time as the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is closed, and an abnormal winning is made after a predetermined time has elapsed since the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0. You may make it perform determination. Also, in the determination of abnormal winning to the big winning opening, the timing for determining abnormal winning by the same method may be delayed from the timing for closing the big winning opening.

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described.
FIG. 45 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). .

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the 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 effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and executes a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes 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 variable display device 9 is executed. Further, a random number update process for updating a counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol of a decorative symbol) is executed (step S706). Further, a notification control process for performing notification using an effect device such as the variable display device 9 is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 46 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 in the form of a ring buffer capable of storing six 2-byte 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. 20) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  47 and 48 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (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 received command is stored in the command receiving buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the received command from the command receiving buffer (step S612). When reading is performed, 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 designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 stores the display result designation command in a display result designation command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618). . Then, a display result designation command reception flag is set (step S619).

  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 a jackpot start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S624). If the received effect control command is a small hit start designation command (step S625), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit start designation command reception flag (step S626).

  If the received effect control command is a start winning designation command (step S627), the display state of the variable display device 9 is set so that the number of reserved memories displayed in the reserved memory number display area on the display screen of the variable display device 9 is increased by one. Control to change is performed (step S628).

  If the received presentation control command is a power-on designation command (initialization designation command) (step S631), the presentation control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the variable 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).

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

  If the received effect control command is the first abnormal winning notification designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets a first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag (step S646). If the received effect control command is the second abnormal prize notification designation command (step S647), the effect control CPU 101 sets a second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag (step S648). If the received effect control command is a third abnormal prize notification designation command (step S649), the effect control CPU 101 sets a third abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag (step S650). If the received effect control command is an accessory winning designation command (step S651), an accessory winning designation command reception flag is set (step S652).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S653). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 49 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 S808 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 is 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 decorative symbol variation start process (step S801).

  Notification effect mode determination processing (step S801): Whether or not to execute the notification effect and the content of the notification effect are determined. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S802).

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

  Decoration 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 decorative symbol variation stop process (step S804).

  Decoration symbol variation stop processing (step S804): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the ornament symbol is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Take control. If it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S805). If it is not determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the process during the accessory game (step S806).

  Jackpot display process (step S805): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the variable display device 9 of the occurrence of a jackpot. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S807).

  Process during game playing (step S806): Control during game playing is performed. For example, the variable display device 9 performs a display effect corresponding to an accessory game. When the small hit end designation command is received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800). Otherwise, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S807).

  Big hit game processing (step S807): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a command for opening a special prize opening or a designation command after opening a special prize opening is received, display control of the number of rounds in the variable display device 9 is performed. When the big hit end designation command is received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit end processing (step S808).

  Big hit end processing (step S808): In the variable 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. 50 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 variable 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. The display control execution data includes data indicating each variation mode (a mode for each predetermined time) constituting a variation mode during a variable display time (variation time) of variable display of decorative symbols. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the variable display device 9 is described. Moreover, the data etc. which show each production aspect (production aspect for every predetermined time) which comprise the production | presentation after a fluctuation | variation etc. may be described. The process timer set value is set to a time during which an effect in the variation mode or the effect mode is performed. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, and executes control for displaying the decorative pattern in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, or for performing the display effect. .

  Further, although the process table is stored in the ROM, a process table is prepared for each variation pattern corresponding to the variation time and for each type of effect after variation.

  FIG. 51 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 effect mode determination process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing a notice effect mode determination process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the notice effect mode determination process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the small hitting start command reception flag is set (step S401). If the small hit start designation command reception flag is set, a round notice execution determination random number is extracted (step S402A).

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing random numbers used in the effect control process. Each random number is used as follows.
(6) Random 6: Decide whether or not to execute the round notice effect (for round notice execution determination)
(7) Random 7: Decide whether or not to execute the opening notice effect (for opening notice execution determination)
(8) Random 8: Determine the content of the notice effect (for determining the notice content)

  The effect control CPU 101 selects the round notice execution determination table according to the value of the grade flag set in step S974A described later (step S403A). The grade flag is a flag indicating a value corresponding to the stage of the effect executed by the variable display device 9.

  FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram of a notice execution determination table. FIG. 54A is an explanatory diagram showing a round notice execution determination table. In step S403A, the effect control CPU 101 selects the grade flag 1 hour round notice execution determination table when the grade flag value is 1, and when the grade flag value is 2, the grade flag 2 time round notice. The execution determination table is selected, and when the grade flag value is 3, the grade flag 3 o'clock round notice execution determination table is selected.

  The effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the notice effect based on the decision value shown in the selected round notice execution determination table and the extracted round notice execution random number value (step) S404A).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 54A, when the value of the grade flag is 1, it is determined that the round notice effect is to be executed with a probability of 2/10, and when the value of the grade flag is 2. It is determined that the round notice effect is executed with a probability of 5/10, and when the value of the grade flag is 1, it is determined that the round notice effect is executed with a probability of 7/10. That is, when the value of the grade flag is large, it is determined that the round notice effect is executed with a high probability.

  When it is determined that the round notice effect is to be executed (Y in step S405A), the effect control CPU 101 extracts a notice content determination random number (step S406).

  The effect control CPU 101 selects the notice content determination table in accordance with the value of the grade flag set in step S974A described later and the received display result designation command (step S407). The effect control CPU 101 determines the content of the notice effect based on the determination value shown in the selected notice content determination table and the extracted random number value for determining the notice content (step S408).

  FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram of a notice content determination table. In the example shown in FIG. 55, when the received display result designation command is “00”, “04”, or “08” (that is, a small hit A), the grade flag value is 1. / 10 with a probability of small hit A, with a probability of 3/10 with a small hit with B, with a probability of 2/10 with a small hit with C, with a grade flag When the value is 2, a small hit A notice effect is executed with a probability of 10/10, a small hit B notice effect is executed with a probability of 2/10, and a small hit C notice is provided with a probability of 2/10. When the effect is executed and the grade flag value is 3, the small hit A notice effect is executed with a probability of 7/10, the small hit B notice effect is executed with a probability of 2/10, and 1/10 The notice content set to execute the notice effect of small hit C with the probability of Buru is selected. That is, according to the table illustrated in FIG. 55, when the small hit A occurs, the player executes a more accurate notice effect (that is, the notice effect of the small hit A) as the grade flag value increases. Therefore, paying attention to the type of jackpot for which the value of the grade flag is determined, it is possible to improve the game entertainment.

  Further, when the received display result designation command is “01” or “06” (that is, when the small hit B is), when the grade flag value is 1, the probability of the small hit A is 3/10. A notice effect is executed, a small hit B notice effect is executed with a probability of 5/10, a small hit C notice effect is executed with a probability of 2/10, and when the grade flag value is 2, A 10% chance of performing a small hit A notice effect, a 6/10 chance of executing a small hit B notice effect, a 2/10 chance of executing a small hit C notice effect, and the grade flag value. Is 3, the small hit A notice effect is executed with a probability of 2/10, the small hit B notice effect is executed with a probability of 7/10, and the small hit C notice effect with a probability of 1/10 The notice content determination table set to execute is selected. That is, according to the table illustrated in FIG. 55, when the small hit B is generated, the player executes a more accurate notice effect (that is, the notice effect of the small hit B) as the grade flag value increases. Therefore, paying attention to the type of jackpot for which the value of the grade flag is determined, it is possible to improve the game entertainment.

  Further, when the received display result designation command is “02” or “09” (that is, when the small hit C is), when the grade flag value is 1, the probability of the small hit A is 2/10. A notice effect is executed, a small hit B notice effect is executed with a probability of 3/10, a small hit C notice effect is executed with a probability of 5/10, and when the grade flag value is 2, A small-british A notice effect is executed with a probability of 10, a small hit B notice effect is executed with a probability of 2/10, a small hit C notice effect is executed with a probability of 10/10, and the value of the grade flag Is 3, a small hit A is performed with a probability of 1/10, a small hit B is performed with a probability of 2/10, and a small hit C is generated with a probability of 7/10. The notice content determination table set to execute is selected. That is, according to the table illustrated in FIG. 55, when the small hit C is generated, the player executes a more accurate notice effect (that is, the notice effect of the small hit C) as the grade flag value increases. Therefore, paying attention to the type of jackpot for which the value of the grade flag is determined, it is possible to improve the game entertainment.

  That is, according to the table illustrated in FIG. 55, the player can obtain a profit that the notice effect with the correct contents is executed with a high probability when the value of the grade flag is large. Paying attention to the types of jackpots to be determined, it is possible to improve the game entertainment.

  In step S409A, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the notice effect content determined in step S408 in the notice content flag (step S409A). More specifically, for example, when a notice effect for a small hit A (that is, a big hit for three rounds) is executed, the notice content flag is set to 1, and a notice effect for a small hit B (that is, a big hit for eight rounds) is executed. In this case, 2 is set in the notice content flag, and 3 is set in the notice content flag when the notice effect of the small hit C (that is, 16 round big hit) is executed.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 extracts a random number for determination of opening notice execution (step S402B).

  The effect control CPU 101 selects the release notice execution determination table according to the value of the grade flag set in step S974A described later (step S403B).

  FIG. 54B is an explanatory diagram showing a release notice execution determination table. In step S403A, the production control CPU 101 selects the grade flag 1 hour release notice execution determination table when the grade flag value is 1, and the grade flag 2 release notice when the grade flag value is 2. The execution determination table is selected, and when the grade flag value is 3, the grade flag 3 o'clock release notice execution determination table is selected.

  The effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the opening notice effect based on the selected determination value shown in the opening notice execution determination table and the extracted opening notice execution determination random value ( Step S404B). And when it determines with performing an advance notice effect (Y of Step S405B), an advance notice flag is set (Step S409B).

  Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S410). Note that the round notice and the opening notice are not executed at the same time due to the short game game time and the limited display area of the variable display device 9.

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation start process (step S802) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S840). Further, the display result of the decorative symbol (stop 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 S841). In step S841, if the received display result designation command indicates a jackpot symbol (in this example, the second byte of the display result designation command is “3”, “5”, or “7”), left middle right A combination of decorative symbols (hit jackpot symbol) with the same is determined as a stop symbol.

  When determining the jackpot symbol, the effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol, and a stop symbol determination table in which data indicating a combination of decorative symbols is associated with a numerical value. Is used to determine the stop symbol of the decorative symbol. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a numerical value that matches the extracted random number. Then, the display result designation command reception flag is reset (step S842).

  Further, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern (step S843). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S844). Note that when the release notice flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table for executing the effect of giving notice of the number of times of releasing the object in step S843 in accordance with the received display result designation command. To do. Specifically, the CPU for effect control 101 gives an effect of notifying that the number of times the feature is released is 1 when the second byte of the display result designation command is “0”, “4” or “8”. Select the process table to be executed, and if the second byte of the display result designation command is “1”, “2”, “6” or “9”, it will be announced that the number of items to be released is 2 The process table for performing the production to be performed is selected.

  In this embodiment, it is configured so that an effect of notifying the actual number of times of opening of the actual object is executed, but depending on the value of the grade flag, the actual number of times of opening of the actual object or the actual number of opening of the actual object is displayed. An effect of notifying the number of times different from the number of times may be executed.

  The effect control CPU 101 does not have an abnormality notification flag (first abnormality notification flag, second abnormality notification flag, or third abnormality notification flag) indicating that an abnormal winning notification is being performed. On the condition, the production device (variable display device 9 as production component, various lamps as production component (in accordance with the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1) Control of the luminous body) and the speaker 27) as a production component is executed (steps S845A and S845B). For example, in order to display an image corresponding to the variation pattern on the variable display device 9, a command is output to the VDP 109. 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 decorative pattern is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis, but the effect control CPU 101 controls the change pattern command. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  When the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the third abnormality notification flag) is set, according to the contents of the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1, Control is executed (steps S845A and S845C). In other words, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of a decorative symbol is started, a sound effect corresponding to the variable display is not executed, but an abnormal winning notification is made. The corresponding sound output is continued.

  In addition, when performing the process of step S845C, the presentation 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, the variable display device 9 is controlled so that the display at that time (notification of abnormal winning is made) and the image of the display effect of the variable display of the decorative symbols are simultaneously displayed on the variable display device 9. . That is, when the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the third abnormality notification flag) is set, a new variable display of a decorative symbol is started. Not only the display effect corresponding to the variable display is executed, but also the notification according to the abnormal winning notification is continued.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S846), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation process (step S802). (Step S847).

  FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S803) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S851) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S852). When the process timer times out (step S853), 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 S854). Further, on the condition that the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the third abnormality notification flag) is not set, the display control execution data that is set next is set. The control state for the effect device is changed based on the lamp control execution data and the sound number data (steps S855A and S855B).

  When the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the third abnormality notification flag) is set, the contents of the process data i (i is any one of 2 to n) The control of the effect device is executed according to (except the sound number data i) (steps S855A and S855C). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, the sound production according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued, not the sound effect according to the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed.

  Further, when the process of step S855C is performed, the presentation control CPU 101 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 decorative 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 S856), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S804) (step S858). 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 S857), the process proceeds to step S858. 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, the variation of the decorative symbol can be terminated when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol has ended).

  FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing a decoration symbol variation stop process (step S804) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S861). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. (Step S862), and control for deriving and displaying the determined stop symbol is performed (Step S863). Then, the effect control CPU 101 causes the variable display device 9 to perform a big hit display (display for notifying that the big hit game is started) or a small hit display (display for notifying that the accessory game is started) (step). S864) Then, a big hit display time timer for determining the display time of the big hit display or the small hit display is set (step S865), and the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S805). (Step S866).

  In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 ends the variation (variable display) of the decorative symbols on the condition that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received (see steps S861 and S863). However, if the variation time timer based on the received variation pattern command times out, the variation of the decorative 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. 59 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S805) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 decrements the jackpot display time timer by 1 (step S871). If the jackpot display time timer has not timed out, the process ends (step S872). When the jackpot display time timer times out (when the value becomes 0), it is confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a jackpot (step S873). When the jackpot start designation command reception flag indicating that the jackpot start designation command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560 is set, the effect control CPU 101 determines that the jackpot has been determined to be a jackpot. . In this stage, when it is determined to be a big hit, it is a case where the big hit game (first big hit game) is started directly without going through the starting operation state.

  If it is determined to be a big hit, a process table corresponding to the big hit game effect is selected (step S874A), a process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S875A), In accordance with the contents of data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), production device (variable display device 9 as production component, various lamps (light emitter) as production component, and production use Execution of control of the speaker 27) as a component is started (step S876A). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S807) (step S877A). If it is not determined to be a big hit, that is, if it is determined to be a small hit, a process table corresponding to the effect during game playing is selected (step S874B). Here, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the value of the notice content flag set in step S409A. Specifically, when the notice content flag is set to 1, the process table for executing the announcement effect for the third round big hit is selected, and when the notice content flag is set to 2, the round of eight big hits is selected. The process table for executing the notice effect is selected, and when the notice content flag is set to 3, the process table for executing the notice effect of 16 rounds big hit is selected. Then, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table (step S875B), and the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Then, execution of control of the effect device (variable display device 9 as effect component, various lamps (light emitter) as effect component and speaker 27 as effect component) is started (step S876B). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-game game process (step S806) (step S877B).

  FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing the accessory game process (step S806) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the bonus game process, the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit end specifying command reception flag indicating that a small hit end specifying command has been received from the gaming control microcomputer 560 (step S881). The process proceeds to step S886. If the small hit end designation command reception flag is not set, the process timer value is decremented by 1 (step S882). If the process timer has not timed out, the process proceeds to step S891. When the process timer times out (step S883), 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 S884). Further, on the condition that the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the third abnormality notification flag) is not set, the display control execution data that is set next is set. The control state for the effect device is changed based on the lamp control execution data and the sound number data (steps S885A, S885B). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S891.

  When the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the third abnormality notification flag) is set, the contents of the process data i (i is any one of 2 to n) The effect device is controlled according to (except for the sound number data i) (steps S885A and S885C). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, the sound production according to the bonus game is not executed, but the sound output according to the abnormal winning notification is continued. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S891.

  In addition, when an accessory winning designation command or a V winning designation command is received, a process table corresponding to an effect performed when there is an accessory winning prize or a V winning prize is selected (steps S891, S892). More specifically, when an accessory winning designation command is received, a process table corresponding to an effect performed when there is an accessory winning is selected. When the V winning designation command is received, the process table corresponding to the effect performed when the V winning is selected is selected. Then, a process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S893), and the rendering device (for rendering) is performed according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Execution of control of the variable display device 9 as a part, various lamps (light emitters) as a part for presentation, and the speaker 27 as a part for presentation is started (step S894). It should be noted that “Y” in the process of step S891 is assumed that only the first prize winning designation command is received and the first V winning designation command is received.

  In step S886, when the big hit start designation command reception flag indicating that the big hit start designation command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560 is set, the production control CPU 101 displays a process table corresponding to the big hit game during production. Select (step S887), start the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table (step S888), and according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1) Execution of control of the production device (variable display device 9 as production component, various lamps (light emitter) as production component, and speaker 27 as production component) is started (step S889). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S806) (step S890). When the big hit start designation command reception flag is not set, 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 S895).

  FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S808) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the big hit end process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S971), and executes a process of controlling the effect device (variable display device 9, speaker 27, etc.) according to the contents of the process data n (step S971). Step S972). For example, the end of jackpot is displayed.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S973), and if the process timer has timed out, the value of a predetermined flag (grade flag) is stored in the grade flag change table. Based on this, the change is made (step S974A). When the flag (grade flag) value is changed in step S974A, the effect control CPU 101 stores the changed flag value, and the background image (mode effect) of the variable display device 9 according to the changed value. Is changed (step S974B).

  FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram of a grade flag change table. As shown in FIG. 62, in this embodiment, the received display result designation command is “00”, “03”, “04”, or “08” (that is, a small hit A or a big hit A). ) When the grade flag value is 1, the grade flag value is not changed. When the grade flag value is 2, the value obtained by subtracting 1 (that is, 1) is set as the grade flag value. When the flag value is 3, a value obtained by subtracting 2 (that is, 1) is set as the grade flag value. In addition, when the received display result designation command is “01”, “05” or “06” (that is, when a small hit B or a big hit B), the grade flag value is 1 when the grade flag value is 1. The value is not changed, the value obtained by subtracting 1 when the grade flag value is 2 (that is, 1) is set to the value of the grade flag, and the value obtained by subtracting 2 when the grade flag value is 3 ( That is, 1) is set to the value of the grade flag. Further, when the received display result designation command is “02”, “07” or “09” (that is, when it is a small hit C or a big hit C), 1 is added when the grade flag value is 1. The value (ie 2) is set to the grade flag value, and when the grade flag value is 2, the value plus 1 (ie 3) is set to the grade flag value, and the grade flag value is 3. At some point, the value of the grade flag is not changed. The display result designation 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.

  FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a background image that is changed according to the transition of the value of the grade flag based on the table shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a studio live (lower stage) background image is prepared corresponding to the grade flag value: 1, and a concert (middle stage) background image corresponding to the grade flag value: 2. And a background image of an outdoor concert (upper stage) corresponding to the grade flag value: 3 is prepared. As shown in FIG. 63, when a mode effect using a studio live background image is being executed, if a big round of 16 rounds occurs, the background image of the concert is changed in step S974B. When a mode effect using the background image of the concert is being executed, if a big hit of 16 rounds occurs, it is changed to a background image of an outdoor live in the process of step S974B, and a big win of 3 rounds or 8 rounds. Is generated, the background image of the studio live is changed in the process of step S974B. When a mode effect using the background image of the outdoor live is being executed, if a big hit of 3 rounds or 8 rounds occurs, the background image of the studio live is changed in the process of step S974B. In addition, when the mode effect using the studio live background image is being executed, when the big hit of 3 rounds or 8 rounds occurs, the mode effect using the outdoor live background image is being executed. Sometimes, if a 16 round big hit occurs, the background image is not changed. In the example shown in FIG. 63 based on the table illustrated in FIG. 62, when a 16-round jackpot occurs, the background image at the lower stage (studio live) is changed to the background image at the middle stage (concert). When a round jackpot occurs, the background image (concert) in the middle level is changed to the background image (outdoor live) in the higher level. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 63 based on the table illustrated in FIG. 62, when a big hit of 3 rounds or 8 rounds occurs, the background image from the upper level (outdoor live) or the background image from the middle level (concert) It is changed to a background image (studio live) at a lower level. Therefore, it is possible to improve the game entertainment by continuing to generate a big hit of a predetermined number of rounds or more.

  FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram of a grade flag change table according to the first modification. In the example shown in FIG. 64, unlike the example shown in FIG. 62, when the small hit C or the big hit C occurs, when the grade flag value is 1, 2 is added to the grade flag value. As shown in FIG. 64, in this example, when the received display result designation command is “00”, “03”, “04”, or “08” (that is, a small hit A or a big hit A), When the value of the grade flag is 1, the value of the grade flag is not changed. When the value of the grade flag is 2, the value obtained by subtracting 1 (that is, 1) is set as the value of the grade flag. When the value is 3, a value obtained by subtracting 2 (that is, 1) is set as the value of the grade flag. In addition, when the received display result designation command is “01”, “05” or “06” (that is, a small hit B or a big hit B), 1 is added when the grade flag value is 1. Value (ie, 2) is set as the grade flag value, and when the grade flag value is 2, the value obtained by subtracting 1 (ie, 1) is set as the grade flag value, and the grade flag value is 3. At a certain time, a value obtained by subtracting 1 (that is, 2) is set as the value of the grade flag. In addition, when the received display result designation command is “02”, “07” or “09” (that is, when it is small hit C or big hit C), 2 is added when the value of the grade flag is 1. The value (ie, 3) is set to the grade flag value, and when the grade flag value is 2, the value added with 1 (ie, 3) is set to the grade flag value, and the grade flag value is 3. At some point, the value of the grade flag is not changed.

  FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a background image that is changed according to the transition of the value of the grade flag based on the table shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 65, when a mode effect using the studio live background image is executed, if a big hit of 8 rounds occurs, the process is changed to the concert background image in the process of step S974B, resulting in 16 rounds. When a big hit occurs, the background image of the outdoor live is changed in the process of step S974B. If a 16-round jackpot occurs while the mode effect using the concert background image is being executed, the process is changed to an outdoor live background image in step S974B, and a 3-round or 8-round jackpot is performed. Is generated, the background image of the studio live is changed in step S974B. Also, when the mode effect using the background image of the outdoor live is being executed, if a big hit of 3 rounds occurs, it is changed to the background image of the studio live in the process of step S974B, and a big hit of 8 rounds occurs. Then, in step S974B, the background image of the concert is changed. In addition, when the mode effect using the background image of the studio live is being executed, when a big hit of three rounds occurs, and when the mode effect using the background image of the outdoor live is being executed, When 16 rounds of big hits occur, the background image is not changed. In the example shown in FIG. 65 based on the table illustrated in FIG. 64, unlike the example illustrated in FIG. 63 based on the table illustrated in FIG. 62, when a big hit of 16 rounds occurs, the background image is changed from the studio live to the concert. Since the background image is changed to outdoor live without being displayed, it is possible to improve amusement interest by various effects.

  FIG. 66 is an explanatory diagram showing a grade flag change table of the second modified example. The example shown in FIG. 66 differs from the example shown in FIG. 62 in that the grade flag value change contents differ depending on whether a big hit has occurred or a small hit has occurred. As shown in FIG. 66, in this example, the received display result designation command is “00”, “01”, “02”, “04”, “06”, “08”, or “09” (that is, , Small hit A, small hit B or big hit (second big hit) after occurrence of small hit C), the value of grade flag is 1 (ie 2) when grade flag value is 1 When the grade flag value is 2, a value obtained by subtracting 1 (ie, 1) is set as the grade flag value, and when the grade flag value is 3, a value obtained by subtracting 2 (ie, 1). ) Is set to the value of the grade flag. If the received display result designation command is “02”, “07” or “09” (that is, big hit A, big hit B or big hit C big hit (first big hit)), the value of the grade flag When 1 is 1, a value obtained by adding 2 (ie, 3) is set to the grade flag value, and when a grade flag value is 2, a value obtained by adding 1 (ie, 3) is set as the grade flag value. When the grade flag value is 3, the grade flag value is not changed.

  FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a background image that is changed according to the transition of the value of the grade flag based on the table shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 67, when the second big hit occurs when the mode effect using the studio live background image is executed, the process is changed to the concert background image in step S974B, and the first big hit is obtained. Is generated, it is changed to a background image of outdoor live in the process of step S974B. Further, when the first big hit occurs when the mode effect using the concert background image is executed, the process is changed to the outdoor live background image in step S974B, and when the second big hit occurs, the step In step S974B, the background image is changed to a studio live image. If a second big hit occurs while the mode effect using the outdoor live background image is being executed, the process is changed to the studio live background image in step S974B. In addition, when the mode effect using the background image of the studio live is being executed, when the second big hit occurs, and when the mode effect using the background image of the outdoor live is being executed, If a big hit occurs, the background image is not changed. The example shown in FIG. 67 based on the table illustrated in FIG. 66 is different from the example illustrated in FIG. 63 based on the table illustrated in FIG. 62 in different background images when a big hit occurs and when a small hit occurs. Since it is changed, it is possible to improve amusement interest by various effects.

  In addition, as a mode effect corresponding to each grade flag, a mode effect using a plurality of types of background images corresponding to different flags (stage flags) may be prepared. Hereinafter, a plurality of mode effects according to each grade flag is referred to as a mode effect group. Then, the effect control CPU 101 may change the values of the grade flag and the stage flag based on the grade flag / stage flag change table in the process of step S974A. The stage flag is a flag indicating a value corresponding to the effect executed by the variable display device 9 among the effects (effect groups) at the stage indicated by the grade flag.

  FIG. 68 is an explanatory diagram showing a grade flag / stage flag change table as a third modification. In the example shown in FIG. 68, unlike the example shown in FIG. 62, the grade flag value and the stage flag value are changed according to the types of big hits and small hits, and the grade flag value and the stage flag value. . In the example shown in FIG. 68, when the received display result designation command is “00”, “03”, “04”, or “08” (that is, a small hit A or a big hit A), the value of the grade flag , And the value of the stage flag is set to 1. Further, when the received display result designation command is “01”, “05” or “06” (that is, a small hit B or a big hit B), when the value of the stage flag is 1, the stage flag The value of is set to 1 and the value of the grade flag is not changed. When the value of the stage flag is 2, the value of the stage flag is set to 3, and the value of the grade flag is not changed. When the value of the stage flag is 3, 1 is set as the value of the stage flag, and 1 is set as the value of the grade flag.

  Further, when the received display result designation command is “02”, “07” or “09” (that is, a small hit C or a big hit C), the value of the stage flag is 1, and the grade flag When the value is 1, the value of the stage flag is not changed, and 1 is added to the value of the grade flag (that is, 2 is set to the value of the grade flag). When the stage flag value is 1 and the grade flag value is 2, the stage flag value is not changed, and 1 is added to the grade flag value (that is, the grade flag value is set to 3). To do). When the value of the stage flag is 1 and the value of the grade flag is 3, 1 is added to the stage flag (that is, 2 is set to the value of the stage flag), and the grade flag is not changed.

  When the value of the stage flag is 2, the value of the stage flag is set to 3, and the value of the grade flag is not changed. When the value of the stage flag is 3, the grade flag value and the grade flag value are not changed.

  FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where an effect is changed using a grade flag and a stage flag. As shown in FIG. 69, in this example, studio live, radio appearance, television appearance, concert, martial arts hall, national tour, outdoor live, overseas tour, and world conquest are prepared as productions. Specifically, studio live (lower stage), radio appearance (middle stage), and TV appearance (upper stage) are prepared and set as mode production groups when the value of the set grade flag is 1. When the grade flag value is 2, concert (lower stage), Budokan (middle stage) and national tour (upper stage) are prepared as the mode production group, and the set grade flag value is 3. As a mode production group in some cases, outdoor live (low-level stage), overseas tour (middle level) and world conquest (high-level stage) are prepared.

  Then, when an 8R jackpot occurs while the studio live performance is being executed, the stage flag value executes the radio appearance effect based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. Is changed to the value of Further, when a big hit of 8R or 16R occurs while a radio appearance effect is being executed, the stage flag value executes a TV appearance effect based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to If a 3R jackpot occurs when a radio appearance effect is being executed, the stage flag value executes the studio live effect based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. Is changed to the value of Also, if a 3R or 8R jackpot occurs while a TV appearance effect is being executed, the stage flag value executes a studio live effect based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to If a 16R jackpot occurs while the TV appearance effect is being executed, the stage flag value is not changed based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. Will continue. Further, when a big hit of 16R occurs while the studio live performance is being executed, the grade flag value is used to execute the concert performance based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. Changed to a value.

  If a big hit of 8R occurs when the concert performance is being executed, the stage flag value is a value for executing the Budokan performance based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. Changed to Further, if a big hit of 8R or 16R occurs while the Budokan performance is being executed, the stage flag value executes the national tour performance based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. For the value to change. If a 3R jackpot occurs when a concert performance or a Budokan performance is being executed, the grade flag value and stage flag value are determined based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to execute the studio live performance. Also, if a 3R or 8R jackpot occurs when a national tour performance is being executed, the grade flag value and stage flag value are set based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to execute live performance. If a 16R jackpot occurs when the national tour performance is being executed, the grade flag value and stage flag value are not changed based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The production of the national tour will continue. Also, when a 16R jackpot occurs when a concert performance is being executed, the grade flag value is used to execute an outdoor live performance based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. Changed to a value.

  If a big hit of 8R or 16R occurs while an outdoor live performance is being executed, the stage flag value executes the overseas tour production based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to Also, if an 8R or 16R jackpot occurs when an overseas tour effect is being executed, the stage flag value executes an effect of world conquest based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to If a 3R jackpot occurs while an outdoor live performance or overseas tour performance is being executed, the grade flag value and stage flag value are determined based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to a value for performing studio live performance. Also, if an 8R or 16R jackpot occurs when an overseas tour effect is being executed, the stage flag value executes an effect of world conquest based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to If a 16R jackpot occurs when the world conquest effect is being executed, the grade flag value and stage flag value are not changed based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The production of the world conquest continues. Further, when a 3R or 8R jackpot occurs when the effect of conquering the world is being executed, the grade flag value and the stage flag value are set in the studio based on the grade flag / stage flag change table shown in FIG. The value is changed to execute live performance.

  As described above, the example shown in FIG. 69 based on the table illustrated in FIG. 68 is changed to various types of background images than the example illustrated in FIG. 63 based on the table illustrated in FIG. It can improve the game entertainment by.

  The effect control CPU 101 resets predetermined flags (probability big hit determination flag, normal big hit determination flag, symbol information command reception flag, etc.) (step S974C).

  Then, the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S975).

  In this example, in the jackpot end process (that is, at the end of the jackpot game), it is configured to change the value of the grade flag and change the background image, but the value of the grade flag and the background image are It may be changed before the start of the jackpot game, or may be changed during the jackpot game.

  FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen and a power failure recovery screen displayed on the variable display device 9. FIG. 70 (A) shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the variable display device 9 by the presentation control CPU 101 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 70B shows an example of a power failure recovery screen displayed on the variable display device 9 by the production control CPU 101 in response to reception of a power failure recovery designation command.

  FIG. 71 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an abnormality notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9. FIG. 71 (A) shows an example of the first abnormality notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to the reception of the first abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative pattern is shown. Even if is started, it is shown that the display of the first abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 71A). FIG. 71 (B) shows an example of the second abnormality notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to the reception of the second abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative pattern is shown. Even if is started, it is shown that the display of the second abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 71B). FIG. 71 (C) shows an example of a third abnormality notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to the reception of the third abnormal prize notification designation command by the production control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative pattern is shown. Even if is started, it is shown that the display of the third abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 71C).

  72 and 73 are flowcharts showing the notification control process in step S707. In the notification control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S901). The initial notification flag is set when a power-on designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 (see step S632B in FIG. 48). If the initial notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S906. If the initial notification flag is set, the value of the period timer set in step S632C is decremented by 1 (step S902). Then, 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 S903 and S904).

  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 variable display device 9 (step S905). The VDP 109 erases the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen from the variable display device 9 in response to the command.

  In step S906, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that the first abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S911. If the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S907), and the variable display device 9 displays the screen displayed at that time. On the other hand, a command to superimpose and display the first abnormality notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S908). The VDP 109 superimposes and displays the first abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 in response to the command (see FIG. 71A).

  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 S909). 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 production control CPU 101 sets a first abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S910).

  In step S911, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the second abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that the second abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S916. If the second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is set, the second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S912), and the variable display device 9 displays the screen displayed at that time. On the other hand, a command to superimpose and display the second abnormality notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S913). The VDP 109 superimposes and displays the second abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 according to the command (see FIG. 71 (B)).

  Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating the sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the sound output board 70 (step S914). 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 production control CPU 101 sets a second abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S915).

  In step S916, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a third abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag indicating that the third abnormal prize notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process is terminated. If the third abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is set, the third abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S917), and the variable display device 9 displays the screen displayed at that time. On the other hand, a command to superimpose and display the third abnormality notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S918). In response to the command, the VDP 109 superimposes and displays the third abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 (see FIG. 71C).

  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 S919). 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 production control CPU 101 sets a third abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S920).

  The production control CPU 101 generates an abnormal notification (abnormal notification by the processing of steps S908 and S909) when an abnormal winning occurs at the first big winning opening 200A and an abnormal winning at the second start winning opening 14. It is possible to distinguish between the abnormality notification when the event is made (abnormality notification due to the processing of steps S913 and S914) and the abnormality notification when the abnormal winning regarding the second big prize opening 200B occurs (abnormality notification due to the processing of steps S918 and S919). Abnormality notification is performed (see FIG. 71).

  FIG. 74 is an explanatory view showing an example of the situation of the display effect in the variable display device 9 and the sound effect by the speaker 27. FIG. 74 (A) shows an example when the decorative display is variably displayed on the variable display device 9. FIG. 74B shows an example in which initialization notification is performed in the variable display device 9.

  FIG. 74C shows an example in which the abnormal display is notified in the variable display device 9 and the abnormality notification sound is output by the speaker 27. When the production control microcomputer 100 receives the first abnormal prize notification designation command, the second abnormal prize notification designation command, or the third abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the abnormality display screen is displayed on the variable display device 9. While performing control which displays (a 1st abnormality information screen, a 2nd abnormality information screen, or a 3rd abnormality information screen), control which outputs an abnormality information sound from speaker 27 is performed. Further, even when the decorative display variable display is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. In addition, even when the variable display of the decorative symbols ends, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable 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. The output continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, the production control microcomputer 100 stops the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of 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 are started. You may control.

  In this embodiment, the abnormality notification is made by the variable 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). .

  FIG. 74 (C) exemplifies a case where an abnormal winning notification is performed, but an abnormal notification screen (discharge abnormal notification screen) is displayed on the variable display device 9 even when an abnormal discharge notification is performed. Control to output an abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. Further, even when the decorative display variable display is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. In addition, even when the variable display of the decorative symbols ends, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. Further, since the production control microcomputer 100 does not execute control for deleting the abnormality notification screen and control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, even in the case of discharge abnormality, the display of the abnormality notification screen and the speaker in the variable display device 9 are performed. The output of the abnormality notification sound from 27 continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, the production control microcomputer 100 stops the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of 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 are started. You may control.

  In this embodiment, the gaming control microcomputer 560 does not detect abnormal winning and discharging abnormalities for a predetermined period (a period during which initialization notification is executed) after the power supply to the gaming machine is started. The game control microcomputer 560 does not transmit the abnormal prize notification designation command and the discharge abnormality notification designation command. However, when the value of the special symbol process flag is within a predetermined numerical range (5 to 9 in this embodiment), the game control microcomputer 560 always detects an abnormal winning with respect to the big winning mouth, When the value is a predetermined value (3 in this embodiment), an abnormal winning is always detected with respect to the second start winning opening 14, and when the bonus release flag is not set, the second big winning opening 200B (the accessory is always set). ) Is detected, and the production control microcomputer 100 receives an abnormal prize notification designation command within a predetermined period after the power supply to the gaming machine is started, Notification may not be performed. Further, regarding the discharge abnormality, when the bonus release flag is not set, the discharge control microcomputer 100 always detects the discharge abnormality related to the second big prize opening 200B, and the production control microcomputer 100 starts supplying power to the gaming machine. If a discharge abnormality notification designation command is received during a predetermined period after the release, notification of discharge abnormality may not be performed.

  75 and 76 are explanatory diagrams showing effects and starting operations performed in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 75, when it is determined that the small hit A is, the variable display device 9 performs an opening notice effect informing that the accessory 75 is opened once, and the special symbol display 8 Then, a stop symbol (“0” in this example) indicating that it is a small hit A is derived and displayed, and a starting operation for releasing the accessory 75 once is performed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 76, when it is determined that the small hit B is, the variable display device 9 performs an opening notice effect for notifying that the accessory 75 is opened twice, and a special symbol display In FIG. 8, a stop symbol (“1” in this example) indicating that it is a small hit B is derived and displayed, and a starting operation in which the accessory 75 is opened twice is performed.

  77 to 79 are explanatory diagrams showing effects and jackpot games performed in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 77, when a small hit A occurs, a starting operation is performed in which the accessory 75 is opened once. Then, the variable display device 9 executes a notice effect of the number of rounds (for example, 3 rounds) in the big hit game (in this example, an effect of displaying “banana” suggesting that the number of rounds is 3 rounds). When a game ball wins in a special area (the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74) in 75, a 3-round big hit game is executed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 78, when the small hit B is generated, a starting operation is performed in which the accessory 75 is opened twice. The variable display device 9 executes a notice effect of the number of rounds (for example, 8 rounds) in the big hit game (in this example, an effect of displaying “lemon” indicating that the number of rounds is 8 rounds), When a game ball wins a special area (the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74) in 75, an 8-round big hit game is executed. Further, as shown in FIG. 79, when the small hit C is generated, a starting operation is performed in which the accessory 75 is opened twice. Then, the variable display device 9 executes a notice effect of the number of rounds (for example, 16 rounds) in the big hit game (in this example, an effect of displaying “cherry” indicating that the number of rounds is 16 rounds) When a game ball wins in a special area (first specific area 73 and second specific area 74) in 75, 16 rounds of big hit game is executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the background image is changed by continuously generating a big hit of a predetermined number of rounds or more, so that the game entertainment can be improved, and further, the big hit Even during the normal game after the game is over, the changed background image is used, so that the interest can be sustained.

  Further, when the grade flag value to be changed is different depending on the number of rounds of the big hit, it is possible to improve the gaming interest by making the player pay attention to the type of the big hit.

  In addition, if the stage flag value or the grade flag value is changed according to the number of rounds of the big hit, the player is asked what kind of effect group (depending on the value of one grade flag). It is possible to improve the game entertainment by paying attention to whether the big hit is generated in the background image group).

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In this embodiment, after the predetermined big hit game is over, the gaming state is reduced to a short time state (a gaming state in which the variable symbol display time of the special symbol is shorter than that in the normal gaming state) by a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 50 times). Be controlled. By shortening the variable display time in this way, the variable display of symbols is frequently executed, and the probability of jackpot per unit time is improved, resulting in an advantageous state for the player.

  FIG. 80 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 80, the command E1XX (H) is an effect control command (time reduction number designation command) indicating the number of times that the special symbol can be changed (remaining number of times) in the time reduction state. It should be noted that the effect control command related to the special symbol variation in the short time state may be an effect control command indicating the number of times the special symbol variation has been executed in the short time state (including the variation executed when the effect control command is transmitted). . In this embodiment, the short time state is a gaming state in which the normal symbol variation time is shortened. Even when the gaming state is the probability variation state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened.

  FIG. 81 is a flowchart showing special symbol normal processing (step S300) in special symbol process processing according to the second embodiment. In addition, since the process of step S51-S88 is the same as that of the special symbol normal process of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 22, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  After the small hit flag is set in the process of step S88, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the hourly flag is set (step S89A). The time reduction flag is set in step S257D shown in FIG.

  When the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S89A), the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the time reduction counter (step S89B), and sends a time reduction designation command indicating the value of the time reduction counter to the effect control microcomputer. Control to transmit to 100 is performed (step S89C). Further, when the value of the time reduction counter is 0 (Y in step S89D), the CPU 56 sets a time reduction end flag (step S89E). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S69).

  FIG. 82 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process (step S303) in the special symbol process process of the second embodiment. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S34 to end the variation of the special symbol, and performs control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol on the special symbol display 8. (Step S191). Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for effect control is performed (step S192).

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (steps S193 and S194). Also, the number of times of opening (number of rounds), which is the number of times that a big winning opening can be opened in the big hit game, is set in the number of times of opening counter (step S195), and the time before the round start (a new round is started) For example, a value corresponding to a notification time in the variable display device 9 is set (step S196). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winning opening start pre-processing (step S307) (step S197). The number of rounds set in the number-of-opening counter is, for example, 3 corresponding to 3 rounds (3R) which is the number of rounds of jackpot A, 8 corresponding to 8 rounds (8R) which is the number of rounds of jackpot B, or It is 16 corresponding to 16 rounds (16R) which is the number of rounds of big hit C.

  If the small hit flag is set, control is performed to transmit a small hit start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (steps S193, S198A). If the time reduction end flag is set, the time reduction end flag is reset and the time reduction flag is reset (steps S198B, S198C, S198D). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the accessory release pre-processing (step S304) (step S199).

  FIG. 83 and FIG. 84 are flowcharts showing the jackpot end process (step S310) in the special symbol process process of the second embodiment. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S250). If the jackpot end display timer is set (Y in step S250), the process proceeds to step S255. . When the big hit end display timer is not set (N in step S250), the big hit flag is reset (step S251), the control for transmitting the big hit end designation command is performed (step S252), and the time reduction flag is set. It is confirmed whether or not (step S257A). Then, when the hour / hour flag is not set (N in Step S257A) and the big hit C flag or the small hit C flag is set (Y in Step S257B), the CPU 56 sets 50 in the hour / hour count counter. At the same time, the time reduction flag is set (steps S257C and S257D), and the process proceeds to step S253. When the big hit C flag and the small hit C flag are not set (N in step S257B), the CPU 56 proceeds to the process of step S253.

  When the hour / hour flag is set (Y in step S257A) and the big hit A flag and the small hit A flag are not set (N in step S257E), the CPU 56 sets 100 in the hour / hour counter (step S257F). The process proceeds to step S253. When the hour / hour flag is set (Y in step S257A) and the big hit A flag or the small hit A flag is set (Y in step S257E), the CPU 56 resets the hour / hour flag (step S257G). Transition to processing.

  When the big hit A flag, big hit B flag, big hit C flag, small hit A flag, small hit B flag or small hit C flag is set in the processing of step S253, the CPU 56 resets the flag ( Step S253). Then, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the jackpot end display is performed on the variable display device 9 (the jackpot end display time) in the jackpot end display timer (step S254), and performs the process. finish.

  In step S255, 1 is subtracted from the value of the jackpot 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 S256). 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 S156).

  FIG. 85 is an explanatory diagram showing the number of time reductions set in the time reduction number counter in the big hit end processing in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 85, if the big hit A flag or the small hit A flag is set (that is, Y of step S257E) at the time reduction (that is, Y of step S257A), it shifts to the time reduction state after the big hit game ends. No (that is, the time reduction flag is reset (step S257G)). Also, if the big hit A flag or the small hit A flag is not set (ie, the big hit B flag, the big hit C flag, the small hit B flag or the small hit C flag is set at the time reduction (ie, Y of step S257A). If it has been set (N in Step S257E), 100 is set in the time reduction counter. If the big hit C flag or the small hit C flag is set (that is, Y in step S257B) at the non-short time (that is, N in step S257A), 50 is set in the time reduction counter (step S257C). The time reduction flag is set (step S257D). If the big hit C flag or the small hit C flag is not set at the time of non-time saving (that is, N in step S257A) (that is, the big hit A flag, big hit B flag, small hit A flag or small hit B flag is not set). If it is set (N in Step S257B), it does not shift to the time-saving state after the big hit game ends (that is, the time-saving flag is not set).

  FIG. 86 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of command analysis processing (step S704) according to the second embodiment. 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 received command is stored in the command receiving buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the received command from the command receiving buffer (step S612). When reading is performed, 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 designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 stores the display result designation command in a display result designation command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618). . Then, a display result designation command reception flag is set (step S619).

  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 a jackpot start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S624). If the received effect control command is a small hit start designation command (step S625), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit start designation command reception flag (step S626).

  If the received effect control command is a start winning designation command (step S627), the display state of the variable display device 9 is set so that the number of reserved memories displayed in the reserved memory number display area on the display screen of the variable display device 9 is increased by one. Control to change is performed (step S628). If the effect control command received is a time reduction number designation command (step S629), control is performed to change the time reduction number displayed in the time reduction number display area on the display screen of the variable display device 9 (step S630).

  Since the process after step S631 is the same as the process in 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 87 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of the variable display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 87, the display screen includes a decorative symbol display area 9a, an effect area 9b, a reserved memory number display area 9c, and a time-saving count display area 9d. The decorative symbol display area 9a may be a fixed region, but for example, the position and size of the decorative symbol display area 9a may be changed as the decorative symbol changes. The effect area 9b is an area in which, for example, a character image is displayed while the decorative symbol is changing, but may be overlapped with another region (for example, the decorative symbol display area 9a). In addition, in the reserved memory number display area 9c, for example, a number corresponding to the number of reserved memories is displayed, and in the time reduction number display area 9d, for example, the number of times that the special symbol and the decorative design can be changed in the time reduction state (the remaining number of times) ) Is displayed as a numerical value.

  FIG. 88 is a flowchart showing a big hit end process (step S808) in the effect control process according to the second embodiment. In the big hit end process of the second embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S971), and the effect device (variable display device 9, speaker 27, etc.) is selected according to the contents of the process data n. A process to be controlled is executed (step S972). For example, the end of jackpot is displayed.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S973), and if the process timer has timed out, the short time designation command transmitted in step S89C shown in FIG. The value of a predetermined flag (grade flag) is changed based on the grade flag change table according to whether the value is 1 or more (that is, whether the time is short) (step S974D). When the flag (grade flag) value is changed in step S974D, the effect control CPU 101 stores the changed flag value, and the background image (mode effect) of the variable display device 9 according to the changed value. Is changed (step S974B).

  FIG. 89 is an explanatory diagram of a grade flag change table according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 89, in this example, when the time is short (that is, the value indicated by the time reduction number designation command is 1 or more), 1 is added when the value of the grade flag is 1. The value (ie 2) is set to the grade flag value, and when the grade flag value is 2, the value plus 1 (ie 3) is set to the grade flag value and the grade flag value is 3. Sometimes the grade flag value does not change. In addition, when the time flag is not (ie, when the value specified by the time reduction command is not 1 or more), the grade flag value is not changed when the grade flag value is 1, and the grade flag value is not changed. A value obtained by subtracting 1 (ie, 1) is set as the grade flag value when the value is 2, and a value obtained by subtracting 2 (ie, 1) is set as the grade flag value when the grade flag value is 3. Is done.

  FIG. 90 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a background image that is changed in accordance with the transition of the value of the grade flag based on the table shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 89, when a mode effect using a studio live background image is being executed, if a big hit occurs during a short time, it is changed to a concert background image in the process of step S974B. Also, when a mode effect using the concert background image is being executed, if a big hit occurs during the time reduction, the processing in step S974B is changed to a background image of an outdoor live, and a big hit occurs during the non-time reduction. Then, the background image of the studio live is changed in the process of step S974B. Also, when a mode effect using a background image of an outdoor live is being executed, if a big hit occurs during a non-time saving time, it is changed to a studio live background image in the process of step S974B. In addition, when a mode effect using a studio live background image is being executed, when a big hit occurs during a non-time, and when a mode effect using an outdoor live background image is being executed When the big hit occurs during the time reduction, the background image is not changed.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 resets predetermined flags (probability big hit determination flag, normal big hit determination flag, symbol information command reception flag, etc.) (step S974C).

  Then, the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S975).

  The effect control CPU 101 may change the values of the grade flag and the stage flag based on the grade flag / stage flag change table in the process of step S974D, as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 91 is an explanatory diagram showing a grade flag / stage flag change table as a modification of the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 91, when the received display result designation command is “00”, “03”, “04” or “08” (that is, a small hit A or a big hit A), the value of the grade flag , And the value of the stage flag is set to 1. Further, when the received display result designation command is “01”, “05” or “06” (that is, a small hit B or a big hit B), when the value of the stage flag is 1, the stage flag The value of is set to 2 and the value of the grade flag is not changed. When the value of the stage flag is 2, the value of the stage flag is set to 3, and the value of the grade flag is not changed. When the value of the stage flag is 3, the grade flag value and the stage flag value are not changed.

  Further, when the received display result designation command is “02”, “07” or “09” (that is, a small hit C or a big hit C), the value of the stage flag is 1, and the grade flag When the value is 1, the value of the stage flag is not changed, and 1 is added to the value of the grade flag (that is, 2 is set to the value of the grade flag). When the stage flag value is 1 and the grade flag value is 2, the stage flag value is not changed, and 1 is added to the grade flag value (that is, the grade flag value is set to 3). To do). When the value of the stage flag is 1 and the value of the grade flag is 3, 1 is added to the stage flag (that is, 2 is set to the value of the stage flag), and the grade flag is not changed.

  When the value of the stage flag is 2, the value of the stage flag is set to 3, and the value of the grade flag is not changed. When the value of the stage flag is 3, the grade flag value and the grade flag value are not changed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by continuing to generate 8 or 16 round big hits in the short-time state, the short-time state is continued and the game entertainment can be improved. Further, since the background image after being changed by generating the 8 rounds or 16 rounds of the big hit is continuously used even in the normal game after the end of the big hit game, the interest can be maintained.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be provided with a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism and a vibration sensor that detects vibration. Then, the sensor may be configured to input a signal indicating that a magnetic force or vibration has been detected to the main board 31. In the case of such a configuration, the awarding of prize balls or the like can be stopped when an illegal act of applying magnetism to the pachinko gaming machine 1 or causing it to vibrate is performed. Further, the sensor may be configured to directly input a signal indicating that magnetic force or vibration has been detected to the effect control board 80. In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an illegal act on the signal line connecting the sensor and the substrate.

  The present invention is applicable to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and in particular, includes a variable display device that variably displays identification information that can identify each of them, and displays and displays a display result. The present invention is suitably applied to a gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state in which a plurality of rounds advantageous to the player can be executed when the result is derived and displayed.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko gaming machine (bullet ball gaming machine) 1 from the front. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of how to advance the game of the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure example in the accessory which forms a 2nd big winning opening, and the mode of the flow of the game ball in an accessory. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure example in the accessory which forms a 2nd big winning opening, and the mode of the flow of the game ball in an accessory. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure example in the accessory which forms a 2nd big winning opening, and the mode of the flow of the game ball in an accessory. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the storage operation | movement of a flow-path switching member. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the storage operation | movement of a flow-path switching member. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure in a main board | substrate (game control board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a relay board | substrate, an effect control board, a lamp driver board | substrate, and an audio | voice output board | substrate. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process which the microcomputer for game control in a main board | substrate performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the stop symbol of a special symbol, a hit type, and a judgment value. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the method of the change of a gaming state when the change of a special symbol is performed based on the start winning in this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between a fluctuation pattern and a determination value. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of the special symbol process process which the microcomputer for game control mounted in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of the special symbol process process which the microcomputer for game control mounted in a main board | substrate performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the signal line of the effect control command transmitted to the effect control board from the main board. It is explanatory drawing which shows production control command data. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the effect control command sent to the microcomputer for effect control. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol normal process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol normal process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern setting process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process in a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the accessory release pre-process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during the accessory release in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a movable part control. It is a flowchart which shows the post-process closing process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the big winning opening release pre-processing executed before each round in the big hit game (the first big hit game and the second big hit game). It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening open process. It is a flowchart which shows the process after closing of the big prize opening. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol stop process. It is a table which shows an open | release pattern. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory operating process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the bit allocation of the input port in connection with the switch which detects the game ball in the microcomputer for game control. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the payout control signal output with respect to the payout control microcomputer from the game control microcomputer. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for presentation control mounted in the presentation control board performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows one structural example of the command reception buffer for storing the production control command received from the game control microcomputer of the main board. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control process process in the main process shown by FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows the variation pattern command reception waiting process in an effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows the notice effect aspect determination process (step S800) in effect control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number used by effect control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the notice execution determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a notice content determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the decoration design change start process in an effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows the decoration pattern change process in effect control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows the decoration symbol fluctuation | variation stop process in an effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot display process in an effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during an accessory game in an effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit end process in an effect control process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a grade flag change table. FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background image that is changed in accordance with a transition of a grade flag value based on the table shown in FIG. 62. It is explanatory drawing which shows the grade flag change table of another example. FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background image that is changed according to a transition of a grade flag value based on the table illustrated in FIG. 64. It is explanatory drawing which shows the grade flag change table of another example. FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background image that is changed in accordance with a transition of a grade flag value based on the table shown in FIG. 66. It is explanatory drawing which shows a grade flag / stage flag change table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the case where an effect is changed using a grade flag and a stage flag. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the initial screen displayed on a variable display apparatus, and a power failure recovery screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the abnormality alerting | reporting screen displayed on the variable display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. 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 explanatory drawing which shows the production | presentation and starting operation | movement performed in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the production | presentation and starting operation | movement performed in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the production | presentation and jackpot game performed in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the production | presentation and jackpot game performed in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the production | presentation and jackpot game performed in 1st Embodiment. In 2nd Embodiment, it is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the effect control command sent to the microcomputer for effect control. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol normal process in the special symbol process process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop process in the special symbol process process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot end process in the special symbol process process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot end process in the special symbol process process of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the number of time reductions set to the time reduction number counter by the big hit end process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of the command analysis process of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of a variable display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit end process in the production control process process of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the grade flag change table of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 90 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background image that is changed according to a transition of a value of a grade flag based on the table shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the grade flag and stage flag change table of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display 9 Variable display device 13 1st start winning opening 14 2nd starting winning opening 15 Variable winning ball apparatus 9 Ornamental symbol display 20 Special variable winning ball apparatus (big winning opening)
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 (9)

Equipped with a variable display device that variably displays identification information that can identify each of them and derives and displays the display results, and when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, multiple rounds that are advantageous to the player can be executed A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state,
Predetermining means for determining whether or not the display result derived and displayed on the variable display device is the specific display result before the display and display of the display result;
Round number determining means for determining the number of rounds in the specific gaming state;
Mode effect stage selection means for selecting a mode effect that can be executed over a plurality of variable displays from among a plurality of types of mode effects that have a predetermined vertical relationship;
Mode effect execution means for executing the mode effect selected by the mode effect stage selection means using the effect device including the variable display device;
Mode effect storage means for storing the mode effect being executed by the mode effect execution means,
The mode production stage selection means includes:
When the number of rounds determined by the round number determination means is a predetermined number or more, select a mode effect at a higher level than the mode effect stored in the mode effect storage means,
When the number of rounds determined by the round number determination means is less than a predetermined number, a mode effect at a lower stage than the mode effect stored in the mode effect storage means is selected. Gaming machine. When the number of rounds is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the mode performance stage selecting means determines when the round number determining means determines one round number and when determining another round number different from the one round number. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein mode effects at different upper stages are selected. When the number of rounds is less than a predetermined number, the mode performance stage selecting means determines when the round number determining means determines one round number and when determining another round number different from the one round number. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a mode effect at a different lower stage is selected. There are multiple mode production groups consisting of multiple types of mode productions determined in stages,
There are a first round number and a second round number as the number of rounds greater than or equal to the predetermined number,
2. The mode effect stage selection means selects different mode effect groups for the first round number and the second round number, and selects a mode effect from the selected mode effect group until a predetermined condition is satisfied. The gaming machine according to claim 3. When a variable display device is provided for variably displaying identification information that can be identified based on the fact that the variable display execution condition is satisfied, and the display result is derived and displayed, and the specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device When the first display result is derived and displayed among the specific display results, the execution condition for the variable display is more easily established than in the normal state after the specific game state is ended. A gaming machine for transition to a special gaming state,
Whether the display result derived and displayed on the variable display device is the specific display result, whether the display result is the first display result or the display result other than the first display result. Pre-determining means for deciding whether or not to make the second display result that is
Special gaming state control means for transitioning to the special gaming state after completion of the specific gaming state when the first display result and the second display result of the specific display result are derived and displayed during the special gaming state. ,
Mode effect stage selection means for selecting a mode effect that can be executed over a plurality of variable displays from a plurality of types of mode effects that have a predetermined vertical relationship,
Mode effect execution means for executing the mode effect selected by the mode effect stage selection means using the effect device including the variable display device;
Mode effect storage means for storing the mode effect being executed by the mode effect execution means,
The mode effect stage selection means selects an effect at a higher level than the mode effect stored in the mode effect storage means when the condition for shifting to the special game state is satisfied by the special game state control means. A gaming machine characterized by that. A variable winning ball device that can be controlled to either an open state in which game balls can be won or a closed state in which game balls cannot be won, and is special among the winning areas provided in the variable winning ball device. A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a game ball wins in an area,
The pre-determining means is for determining whether or not to set an open display result different from the specific display result.
The start operation control means for controlling to the start operation state where the variable winning ball apparatus is in an open state when the open display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device. The gaming machine described in 1. There are multiple types of open display results determined by the pre-determining means,
The round number determining means is a specific gaming state that is shifted when a game ball enters a specific area provided in the variable winning ball apparatus, and is based on the type of the open display result determined by the prior determining means. The game machine according to claim 6, wherein a different number of rounds is determined. A notice execution determination means for determining whether or not to execute a game state notice effect for notifying the number of rounds when an open display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device;
When the notice execution determining means determines to execute the gaming state notice effect, the notice execution means for executing the gaming state notice effect,
The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the notice execution determination means determines whether or not to execute the gaming state notice effect at a different rate depending on the stage of the mode effect. The starting operation control means determines the number of times to control the variable winning ball apparatus to the starting operation state based on the type of the open display result derived and displayed on the variable display device,
The notice execution determination means executes a start count notice effect for notifying the number of times that the start action control means controls the variable winning ball apparatus to the start operation state when an open display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device. Decide whether or not to
The notice execution means executes the start number notice effect when the notice execution determination means decides to execute the start number notice effect.
The gaming machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the notice execution determination means determines whether or not to execute the start number notice effect at a different rate depending on a stage of the mode effect.

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