JP2010042163A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine whose design is easily changed. <P>SOLUTION: On the basis of whether or not to achieve a jackpot and whether or not to achieve a ready-to-win state in the case of determining that the jackpot is not to be achieved, the variation pattern type of identification information is determined to be one of two or more kinds. Then, the variation pattern of the identification information is determined from the variation patterns included in the determined variation pattern type. Then, the identification information is variably displayed by the time and a form corresponding to the determined variation pattern. Also, corresponding to the combination of the opening/closing pattern of a jackpot pocket and a performance, the reliability of being a probability variable state is made different. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a first variable display means for starting variable display of the first identification information based on the fact that the game medium has passed through the first start area and deriving and displaying the display result, and the game medium passing through the second start area. Based on the above, the second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result, and the special state which changes between the first state advantageous to the player and the second state disadvantageous to the player A variable winning device, and when a specific display result is derived and displayed on one of the first variable display means and the second variable display means, the player shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, and a predetermined condition is The present invention relates to a gaming machine that shifts to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to a player than when it is in a normal state when established.

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

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

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of a special symbol (identification information) that is started in the variable display unit based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. If this happens, a “big hit” will occur. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). When 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 the special winning opening is opened 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.

  In the variable display section, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) continue for a predetermined time, stop, swing, 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.

  Among such gaming machines, there is a gaming machine provided with two variable indicators that variably display special symbols based on winning of game balls at different start winning holes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes that the ratios selected for probability variation big hits (big hits that are controlled so that “big hits” are more likely to occur than normal conditions) are different based on the winning of game balls at the respective start winning holes. Has been.

JP-A-2005-342262 (paragraph 0128-0151, FIG. 5)

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when changing the design, the distribution of data of all the variation patterns has to be changed, which makes the design change complicated.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be easily changed in design.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention has the first identification information (for example, the first special symbol) based on the passage of the game medium (for example, the game ball) through the first start area (for example, the first start winning opening 13). The first variable display means (for example, the first special symbol display 8a) for starting the variable display and deriving and displaying the display result, and the second start area (for example, the second start winning opening 14) are used as game media (for example, game Second variable display means (for example, second special symbol display device 8b) for starting variable display of the second identification information (for example, second special symbol) based on the passage of the sphere) and deriving and displaying the display result. A first state that is advantageous to the player (for example, a state in which the big prize opening is opened (open state)) and a second state that is disadvantageous for the player (for example, a state in which the big prize opening is closed (closed state)) Special variable prize-winning device that changes to A special game advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on either the first variable display means or the second variable display means. Special game that is advantageous to the player as compared to the normal state when the predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when it is determined that 15R probability change big hit or sudden probability change big hit). A gaming machine that is shifted to a state (for example, a probability change state), and in the specific gaming state, a first variable gaming state (for example, 15R) that changes the special variable winning device to the first state for a first period (for example, 15 rounds). (Round) a big hit game state based on a normal big hit or 15R probability variable big hit) and a special variable winning device in a second period (for example, two rounds) shorter than the first period And a second specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state based on sudden probability change big hit), and variable display of the first identification information on the first variable display means or variable of the second identification information on the second variable display means. An effect display unit (for example, the effect display device 9) in which the variable display of the effect identification information corresponding to the display is executed, and the game medium has passed through the first start area, or the game medium has passed through the second start area. Based on the above, whether to shift to the specific gaming state, whether to shift to the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state when shifting to the specific gaming state, or whether to shift to the special gaming state And a pre-determining means (for example, a game system) that determines whether or not to shift to a special game state (for example, a small hit game state) different from the specific game state before the display result is derived and displayed. The portion of the microcomputer 560 that executes the processing of steps S61, S62, S72, and S73) and the determination that the specific display result is not made by the predetermining means (for example, N in step S91, step N in S93), reach determination means for determining whether or not the variable display state of the effect identification information is set to a predetermined reach state (for example, a part for executing the process of step S97 in the game control microcomputer 560), reach Based on the determination result by the determining means, the variation pattern type determining means for determining the variation pattern type of the effect identification information as one of a plurality of types (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S101 and S102 in the game control microcomputer 560) ) And the change pattern type determination means Variation pattern determining means for determining the variation pattern of the effect identification information from among the variation patterns included in the variation pattern type (for example, the part for executing the processing of steps S104 and S105 in the game control microcomputer 560), the variation Variable display control means for controlling the effect display unit based on the variation pattern determined by the pattern determining means (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S823 to 826, S841 to S848 and S853 in the effect control microcomputer 100). When the control to the second specific gaming state is completed, the control to shift to the special gaming state is performed (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes the process of step S159), and the special gaming state is entered. When the control of the Game state control means for performing control to continue the game state immediately before the control to the game state is started (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 does not execute the process of setting or resetting the probability variation flag in step S310) (For example, the portion of the game control microcomputer 560 that executes the processes of steps S159 and S310), and the special variable winning device changes to the first state during the second period during the special gaming state (for example, Based on the table shown in FIG. 9B, the game control microcomputer 560 determines the release pattern A or the release pattern B, which is the release pattern similar to the sudden probability change big hit, in the process of step S146. Based on the open pattern, the pre-determining means is the first state. When the game medium passes through the start area and when the game medium passes through the second start area, it is determined to shift to the special game state at different ratios (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 determines that the game control microcomputer 560 has changed to FIG. As shown in B), whether or not to make a small hit in the process of step S162 based on the table in which different numbers of judgment values are set for the case based on the first special symbol and the case based on the second special symbol Or not).

  The variable display control means can execute and control a special effect (for example, an effect for displaying the image shown in FIG. 59 on the effect display device 9) when it is determined to shift to the special game state (for example, an effect control micro). When the computer 100 executes the process of step S873B), the variable display control means enters the special gaming state based on whether or not the game medium has passed through the first start area, depending on whether or not the special display state is controlled. A special effect is executed and controlled at different ratios in the case of transition and in the case of transition to the special game state based on the passage of the game medium through the second start area (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 is controlled by FIG. 62). The processing of steps S872A and 873B may be executed with reference to the tables shown in (A) and (B).

  The variable display control means can execute and control a special effect (for example, the effect shown in FIG. 59) when it is determined to shift to the special game state (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes the process of step S873B). The pre-determining means can determine the opening pattern of the special variable prize-winning device (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 performs random processing based on the table shown in FIG. 9B in step S62). Depending on the value of R, it is determined whether the pattern is an opening pattern A or an opening pattern B), and the combination of the opening pattern and the special effect is different depending on whether or not the special gaming state is controlled. (For example, the production control microcomputer 100 refers to the table shown in FIGS. 55A and 55B, and performs step S8. 2A, executes the processing of 873b) may be configured so.

  After the execution control of the special effect is started, the variable display control unit can execute and control an effect related to the special effect until a predetermined timing (for example, an effect for displaying the image shown in FIG. 60 on the effect display device 9). May be configured to continue).

  Character image data (for example, characters shown in FIGS. 61 (A) and 61 (B) for displaying a predetermined character in different forms in the identification information displayed on the effect display unit respectively on the effect display device 9. Character image data) is prepared, and the variable display control means executes and controls special effects using different character image data based on whether or not the game is in the special gaming state (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100). However, when the production flag is set, one of the character images shown in FIGS. 61A and 61B is selected based on whether or not the probability variation state flag is set in the process of step S822. A process table to be displayed on the effect display device 9 is selected, and based on the selected process table, a scan table is selected. -Up S823, S824, executes a process of S841～S845) it may be configured so.

  The variable display control means displays the same effect display on the effect display unit when the advance determination means determines to shift to the second specific gaming state and when to shift to the special gaming state. Execution control is possible (for example, the suddenness display processing (step S807) executed when the production control microcomputer 100 is suddenly determined to be a probable big hit, and the small step executed when the small hit is determined. In the winning display process (step S810), the effect to be executed is determined in the latent probability change effect determination process (step S872A), and if it is suddenly determined that the probability change big hit is based on the determined content, the process of step S873A is performed. And if the small hit is determined, the process of step S873B may be executed).

  The pre-determining means determines to shift to the second specific gaming state at a different rate when the game medium passes through the first start area and when the game medium passes through the second start area (for example, game When the special microcomputer pointer indicates “first” in the process of step S72, the control microcomputer 560 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 9C. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the big special hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 9D is selected, and suddenly probable big hit in the process of step S73. It may be configured to determine whether or not

  The gaming machine according to the present invention has a first variable display means for starting variable display of the first identification information based on the fact that the game medium has passed through the first start area and deriving and displaying the display result, and a game in the second start area. Based on the passage of the medium, the second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result, and the first state advantageous to the player and the second state disadvantageous to the player A special variable winning device that changes, and when a specific display result is derived and displayed on either the first variable display means or the second variable display means, the player shifts to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, A gaming machine that shifts to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than when it is in a normal state when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the special variable winning device is changed to a first state for a first period in the specific gaming state Make There are one specific game state and a second specific game state in which the special variable winning device is changed to the first state in the second period shorter than the first period, and the variable display of the first identification information in the first variable display means or the first An effect display unit that performs variable display of the effect identification information corresponding to the variable display of the second identification information in the two variable display means, and that the game medium has passed through the first start area, or the game medium in the second start area Based on the fact that the game has passed, whether to shift to the specific gaming state, whether to shift to the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state when shifting to the specific gaming state, shift to the special gaming state Whether or not to make a transition to a special gaming state different from the specific gaming state, prior determination means for determining prior to display display of the display result, and that the specific display result is not determined by the prior determination means Reach determining means for determining whether or not the variable display state of the effect identification information is set to a predetermined reach state based on the determination made, and the variation pattern of the effect identification information based on the determination result by the reach determining means Variation pattern type determining means for determining one of a plurality of types, and variation pattern determining means for determining the variation pattern of the production identification information from the variation patterns included in the variation pattern type determined by the variation pattern type determining unit And variable display control means for controlling the effect display section based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, and control for shifting to the special gaming state when the control to the second specific gaming state is completed. And when the control to the special gaming state is finished, the game immediately before the control to the special gaming state is started. And a special variable winning device that changes to the first state during the second period during the special gaming state, and the predetermining means moves the first start area to the game medium. Is determined to shift to the special gaming state at a different rate depending on whether the game medium has passed through the second starting area or the game medium has passed through the second starting area. It is configured to change between the first state and the second state at the same timing between the controlled second period and the special gaming state, and uses the variation pattern type determination unit and the variation pattern determination unit. Therefore, when the design of the gaming machine is changed, it is possible to change only the type of change that is desired to be changed, and the design can be easily changed.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the variable display control means can execute and control the special effect when it is determined to shift to the special game state, and the variable display control means is controlled to be in the special game state or not. Depending on the situation, the transition to the special game state is based on the passage of the game medium through the first start area, and the transition to the special game state is based on the passage of the game medium through the second start area. Since the special effects are executed and controlled at different ratios, depending on the combination of the start area through which the game medium has passed and the special effects to be executed, the player is in a special game state. The degree of expectation can be varied to improve the game entertainment.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the variable display control means can execute and control a special effect when it is determined to shift to the special gaming state, and the prior determination means can determine the opening pattern of the special variable winning device. Yes, the combination of the opening pattern and the special performance is determined at different ratios depending on whether or not it is controlled to the special gaming state, so that it is executed with the operation pattern of the special variable winning device. Depending on the combination with the special performance, the player's expectation of being in a special game state can be varied, and the game interest can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 4, since the variable display control means can execute and control the effect related to the special effect until a predetermined timing after the execution control of the special effect is started, the range of the effect is widened. Can be improved.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, character image data for displaying the predetermined character in different modes is prepared in the identification information displayed on the effect display unit, and the variable display control means is in a special game state. Since it is configured to execute and control a special effect using different character image data based on whether or not, it is possible to widen the range of effects and improve the game entertainment.

  In the invention described in claim 6, the variable display control means provides the effect display according to the case where it is determined by the pre-decision means to shift to the second specific gaming state and the case where it is determined to shift to the special gaming state. Since the execution control of the same effect display is possible in the part, it is difficult for the player to recognize whether or not it is in the specific game state, and the game entertainment can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 7, the predetermining means shifts to the second specific gaming state at a different rate when the game medium passes through the first start area and when the game medium passes through the second start area. Since it is configured to be determined, the player's expectation to shift to the second specific gaming state differs depending on the starting area through which the game medium has passed, and the gaming entertainment can be improved. it can.

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

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

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. The first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b may be configured to variably display, for example, a number (or a two-digit symbol) of 00 to 99, for example.

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

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14), a variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed) When the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, a display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result is to finally stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information).

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (effect) during the variable display time of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b. The display design (decorative design) is variably displayed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the start time and end time of variable display are substantially the same (may be exactly the same) and the variable display period is substantially the same (may be exactly the same). Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 reminds the jackpot The combination of is stopped and displayed.

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

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than the first starting winning opening 13. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

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

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

  Below the first special symbol display 8a, the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed 4. There is provided a first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a composed of two indicators (for example, LEDs). The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Below the second special symbol display 8b is a second special symbol hold comprising four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. A storage indicator 18b is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators that are turned on by one every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  In addition, the display screen of the effect display device 9 displays an area (hereinafter referred to as a summed pending storage display unit 18c) that displays a total number (summed pending memory count) that is the sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count. .) Is provided. Since the total pending storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that are not satisfied with the variable display start condition. It should be noted that only the first special symbol hold memory display 18a and the second special symbol hold memory display 18b are provided, and the total hold memory display unit 18c is not provided on the display screen of the effect display device 9. Good.

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

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

  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, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having four indicators (for example, 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 indicators that are turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of indicators that are lit is reduced by one. Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 The opening time becomes longer and the number of opening times is increased. That is, the game ball is controlled to be in a high base state that is controlled so as to make it easier for the game ball to start and win (that is, the condition for executing variable display in the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9 is easily established). Transition. Further, in this embodiment, even in the short time state (the game state in which the special symbol variable display time is shortened), the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 becomes longer and the number of times of opening is increased.

  Instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state (also referred to as the open extended state), the normal symbol display unit 10 shifts to a normal symbol probability changing state in which the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display unit 10 will be a hit symbol is increased. Depending on the situation, the high base state may be entered. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In this case, by performing the transition control to the normal symbol probability changing state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the frequency at which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased. Therefore, if the normal symbol probability changing state is entered, the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and a state where it is easy to start a winning (high base state) is achieved. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 can be increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol. It changes to an advantageous state (a state where it is easy to win a start). It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Moreover, you may transfer to a high base state by shifting to the normal symbol time short state where the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is shortened. In the normal symbol short-time state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of starting the variation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, when the frequency that the normal symbol is won increases, the frequency that the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state increases, and the start winning state becomes easy (high base state).

  In addition, the transition time of special symbols and production symbols will be shortened by shifting to the short time state when the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and production symbols will be shortened. (In other words, the digestion of the reserved memory becomes faster), and as a result, it is easier to start a prize and the possibility of playing a big hit game is increased.

  Furthermore, by shifting to all the states shown above (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state), it will be easier to win a start (shift to a high base state). May be. In addition, it is easier to win a start (high base) by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). Transition to a state).

  On the left and right sides of the game area 7 of the game board 6, there are provided decorative LEDs 25 that are displayed blinking during the game, and at the lower part there is an outlet 26 for taking in a hit ball that has not won. In addition, two speakers 27R and 27L 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 LED 28a, a left frame LED 28b, and a right frame LED 28c provided on the front frame are provided on the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. Also, a prize ball LED 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame LED 28b, and a ball cut LED 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the right frame LED 28c. . The top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the decoration LED 25 are examples of effects light emitters provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition to the above-described various LEDs for production (decoration), LEDs and lamps for production are installed.

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

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

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. 2 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit 503 that generates hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by the hardware circuit).

  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.

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. A random number circuit 503 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The random number circuit 503 includes a numeric data update range selection setting function (initial value selection setting function and upper limit value selection setting function), numeric data update rule selection setting function, and numeric data update rule selection. It has various functions such as a switching function. With such a function, the randomness of the generated random numbers can be improved.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 has a function of setting an initial value of numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. For example, a predetermined calculation is performed using the ID number of the game control microcomputer 560 stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54 (an ID number assigned with a different value for each product of the game control microcomputer 560). The numerical data obtained by the execution is set as the initial value of the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. By performing such processing, the randomness of the random number generated by the random number circuit 503 can be further improved.

  The game control microcomputer 560 reads numerical data from the random number circuit 503 as a random R when a start winning to the first start port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a occurs, and performs a specific display based on the random R. It is determined whether or not to make a jackpot display result as a result, that is, whether or not to make a jackpot. When it is determined that the game is a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

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

  A reset signal (not shown) from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V, DC5V, etc.) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). A clear signal (not shown) indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

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

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. An effect control command is received, and display control with the effect display device 9 that variably displays effect symbols is performed.

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

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

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps 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 effect display device 9.

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

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 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 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the LED 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 LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a drive signal to each LED provided on the frame side such as the top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, and the right frame LED 28c. Further, a drive signal is supplied to the decoration LED 25 provided on the game board side. When a light emitter other than the LED is provided, a drive circuit (driver) for driving the light emitter is mounted on the lamp driver substrate 35.

  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 amplifier 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 speakers 27R and 27L. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data showing the output form of the sound effect or sound in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, the changing period of the effect design).

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

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

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal (clear signal) of a 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 normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15).

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 also transmits, to the effect control board 80, a total pending storage number designation command in which the value of the total pending storage number counter stored in the backup RAM is set in the process of step S43. .

  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 random number for normal symbol determination) to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value It may be initialized to. In addition, 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 random number for normal symbol determination) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol per-determination random number counter, a special symbol buffer, a total winning ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, and other flags for selectively performing processing according to the control state are initialized. Value is set.

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

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

  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 at predetermined time intervals (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 a stop symbol of a special symbol when it is not a big hit, or a random number for determining whether to reach when it is not a big hit, The 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 the initial value of the count value of the counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win for a normal symbol (normal random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number to determine. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using an effect symbol (decorative symbol) variably displayed on the effect display device 9. Further, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect by lottery using a random number. However, it is the production control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach production control.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 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 power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease 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 storing necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 are input via the input driver circuit 58, and their state is determined (switch processing: step S21). ).

  Next, the CPU 56 includes a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, and a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). For the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output to each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S32 and S33. Execute control.

  In addition, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determining a normal winning symbol used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). 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 S24 and S25).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a, the second special symbol indicator 8b, and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). 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.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 (step S30). Specifically, the payout control micro 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 and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to ON / OFF of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of special symbols in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b and Variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  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 the output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, when the start flag for normal symbol fluctuation is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the normal symbol fluctuation speed every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. In addition, the CPU 56 executes a normal symbol effect display on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) 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.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. There may be a case where a predetermined combination of effect symbols that do not reach reach is stopped and displayed without reaching the reach state. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of “non-reach” (also referred to as “normally shift”) in a case where the variable display result is a loss symbol.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. Depending on the reach state, after the reach effect is executed, or the reach effect is not executed, a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not become reach may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect design is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach out”) when the variable display result is “out of”.

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Or the reach effect is not executed, and the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R on the effect display device 9.

  When “5”, which is a small hit, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display variable display mode is “suddenly probable big hit” on the effect display device 9. In the same manner as in the case where the effect symbol is variably displayed, a predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the sudden probability variation big hit symbol, for example, "135") may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that “5”, which is the small hit symbol, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode. .

  Here, the small win is a hit that is allowed up to a small number of times that the big winning opening is opened compared to the big win (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 second is twice). When the small hit game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability variation state to the normal state or from the normal state to the certain variation state. In addition, the sudden probability change big hit is allowed up to a small number of times of opening of the big winning opening in the big hit gaming state (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 second is twice), but the opening time of the big winning opening is extremely large. It is a big jackpot that is a short jackpot and the game state after the big jackpot game is shifted to a probabilistic state (that is, by doing so, it appears to the player as if it suddenly became a probable state) Is). That is, in this embodiment, the sudden winning odds and the small wins have the same opening pattern of the big prize opening. By controlling in such a way, if the winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly a big hit or a small hit, so a high probability state for the player (Probable change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  FIG. 6 shows the variation patterns of the effect symbols prepared in advance corresponding to the cases where the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “non-reach” and “reach” when the variable display result is an off-symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, non-reach PA1-1 to non-reach PA1-5, non-reach PB1- 1, fluctuation patterns of non-reach PB1-2, non-reach PC1-1 to non-reach PC1-3 are prepared. In addition, normal PA2-1 to normal PA2-4, super PA3-1 to super PA3-6, super PB3-1 to super PB3- 3, fluctuation patterns of super PC 3-1 and super PC 3-2 are prepared. As shown in FIG. 6, the re-variation is performed twice for the non-reach PA 1-5 variation pattern that is used when the reach is not performed and has a pseudo-continuous effect.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a variation pattern of the effect symbol prepared in advance in response to the case where the variable display result is a big hit symbol or a small hit symbol. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, normal PA2-5 to normal PA2-8 and super PA4-1 are used as the variation patterns corresponding to the case where the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is a big hit symbol or a small hit symbol. -Fluctuation patterns of Super PA4-6, Super PB4-1 to Super PB4-3, Super PD1-1 and Super PD1-2, Special PG1-1 to Special PG1-3, Special PG2-1 to Special PG2-2 are available Has been. In FIG. 7, the variation patterns of special PG1-1 to special PG1-3 and special PG2-1 to special PG2-2 are variation patterns used when suddenly sudden change is a big hit or a small hit. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, re-variation is performed three times for the variation pattern that is used when sudden sudden change is not big hit or small hit and has a pseudo-continuous effect. For the variation pattern of the special PG 1-3 that is used in the case of sudden big hit or small hit suddenly and has a pseudo-ream effect, re-variation is performed twice.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(2-1) Random 2-1 (MR2-1): Determines the type of jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot A, probability variation jackpot B, sudden probability variation jackpot described later) (for jackpot type determination)
(2-2) Random 2-2 (MR2-2): Determines whether or not to reach (for reach determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): The type (type) of the variation pattern is determined (for variation pattern type determination)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(5) Random 5 (MR5): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(6) Random 6 (MR6): Determine the initial value of random 5 (for determining the initial value of random 5)

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 generates (2-1) a big hit type determination random number and (5) a normal symbol determination random number. The counter is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 2-2, random 3, random 4) or initial value random numbers (random 6). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number.

  FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal-time jackpot determination table used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table used in a probability change state. Each numerical value described in the left column of FIG. 9 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each numerical value described in the right column of FIG. 9 (A) is set in the probability variation big hit determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 9A is a jackpot determination value.

  FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram showing a small hit determination table. The small hit determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a small hit determination value to be compared with the random R is set. In the small hit determination table, the first special symbol small hit determination table used when the small special symbol display is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and the small hit symbol is stopped on the second special symbol display 8b. There is a second special symbol small hit determination table used when displayed. Each numerical value described in the left column of FIG. 9B is set in the first special symbol small hit determination table, and the second special symbol small hit determination table is set in the right column of FIG. 9B. Each numerical value listed is set. Moreover, the numerical value described in FIG. 9B is a small hit determination value. As shown in FIG. 9B, in the present embodiment, more small hit determination values are set in the first special symbol small hit determination table than in the second special symbol small hit determination table. The special symbol indicator 8a has a higher ratio of displaying the small hit symbol than the second special symbol indicator 8b. Specifically, a small hit symbol is displayed with a probability of 1/150 on the first special symbol indicator 8a, whereas a small hit symbol is displayed with a probability of 1/300 on the second special symbol indicator 8b. Is displayed

  The small hit determination value is associated with either the opening pattern A or the opening pattern B. In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the opening pattern A is associated with the values 54000 to 54217 in the first special symbol small hit determination table, and the opening pattern B is associated with the values 54218 to 54434. In addition, the release pattern A is associated with the values 54000 to 54108 in the second special symbol small hit determination table, and the release pattern B is associated with the values 54109 to 54217. Therefore, when the small hit is determined, either the opening pattern A or the opening pattern B is determined. The opening pattern A and the opening pattern B will be described later.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, the special symbol is decided to be big hit (15R normal big hit, 15R probability big hit, sudden chance big hit). Further, when the big hit determination random number value matches any one of the small hit determination values shown in FIG. Note that “probability” shown in FIG. 9A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, the “probability” shown in FIG. 9B indicates the probability (ratio) of being a small hit. Further, deciding whether or not to win a jackpot means deciding whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, but the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is determined. It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol. Further, determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit gaming state, but stopping in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It also means determining whether or not the symbol is to be a small hit symbol.

  FIGS. 9C and 9D are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b stored in the ROM 54. FIG. Among these, FIG. 9C determines the jackpot type using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. Further, FIG. 9D shows a case where the jackpot type is determined using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed). Is a jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b.

  The jackpot type determination table 131a, 131b determines that the jackpot type is “15R normal jackpot” based on the random number (random 2-1) for determining the jackpot type when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot symbol. ”,“ 15R probability variation big hit ”, and“ sudden probability variation big hit ”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the big hit type determination table 131a includes all of “15R normal big hit”, “15R probability big hit” and “sudden probability big hit”. The determination value may be assigned to the big hit type determination table 131b only for “15R normal big hit” and “15R probability big hit”. That is, FIG. 9 (D) shows a case where the jackpot type is determined using the holding memory based on the game ball having won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner). In addition, it may be configured not to determine “suddenly probable big hit”.

  Here, the “15R probability variation big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the 15-round big hit gaming state and shifts to the probability changed state after the big hit gaming state ends. In addition, the “15R normal big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the 15-round big hit gaming state and is not shifted to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state is finished (in this embodiment, only the short time state is transferred). . The “suddenly probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to a two-round big hit gaming state and is shifted to a probable change state after the big hit gaming state ends.

  The big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b are numerical values to be compared with random 2-1 values, which are judgment values corresponding to “15R normal big hit”, “15R probability big hit”, and “sudden probability big hit” ( Big hit type judgment value) is set. When the random value 2-1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as a type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

  In addition, in the big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b, numerical values that are compared with the values of the random 2-1, and the determination values (big hit type determination values) corresponding to each of the “sudden probability variation big hits” are further released. Corresponding to either pattern A or open pattern B. In the example shown in FIG. 9C, the release pattern A is associated with the values 30 to 34 in the jackpot type determination table 131a, and the release pattern B is associated with the values 35 to 39. Further, the release pattern A is associated with the values 36 to 37 in the big hit type determination table 131b, and the release pattern B is associated with the values 38 to 39. Therefore, when it is suddenly determined that the probability change big hit, it is determined as either the opening pattern A or the opening pattern B. The opening pattern A and the opening pattern B will be described later.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the determination ratio of the jackpot type determined using the jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b shown in FIGS. Of these, FIG. 10 (A) shows the jackpot type determined using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed). Shows the percentage. Further, FIG. 10B shows a jackpot type determined by using a holding memory based on the game ball having won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed). The ratio is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol variation display is executed and it is determined to be a big hit, it is determined to be “15R probability variable big hit” at a rate of 50%. Then, “15R normal big hit” and “suddenly probable big hit” are determined equally at a rate of 25 percent.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, in this embodiment, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed and it is determined to be a big hit, “15R probability change big hit” at a rate of 65%. It is determined to be “15R normal jackpot” at a rate of 25%, and “suddenly promiscuous jackpot” at a rate of 10%. Therefore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, since the fluctuation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority, when the big hit is made, the 15R probability variation big hit is likely to occur continuously.

  11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing the big hit variation pattern type determination tables 132A to 132C. The jackpot variation pattern type determination tables 132A to 132C, when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot symbol, the variation pattern type is determined according to the determination result of the jackpot type, and the random number for determining the variation pattern type. It is a table that is referred to in order to determine one of a plurality of types based on (Random 3).

  Each of the big hit variation pattern type determination tables 132A to 132C includes a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with a random number (random 3) value for variation pattern type determination, and includes normal CA3-1 and super CA3-2-. A determination value corresponding to any one of the variation pattern types of super CA3-4, special CA4-1, and special CA4-2 is set.

  For example, the big hit variation pattern type determination table 132A shown in FIG. 11A used when the big hit type is “15R normal big hit”, and the big hit type shown in FIG. The allocation of determination values to the variation pattern types of normal CA3-1 and super CA3-2 is different from the big hit variation pattern type determination table 132B shown in FIG. In the big hit variation pattern type determination table 132A, a determination value is assigned to the variation pattern type of the super CA3-3, and in the big hit variation pattern type determination table 132B, the variation value type of the super CA3-3. The judgment value is not assigned. Further, in the big hit variation pattern type determination table 132A, no determination value is assigned to the variation pattern type of the super CA 3-4, and in the big hit variation pattern type determination table 132B, the variation pattern type of the super CA 3-4 is not assigned. Judgment value is assigned.

  As described above, when the big hit variation pattern type determination tables 132A to 132C selected according to the big hit type are compared, the assignment of the determination value to each fluctuation pattern type is different according to the big hit type. Also, determination values are assigned to different variation pattern types depending on the jackpot type. Therefore, different variation pattern types can be determined according to the determination result of whether the big hit type is a plurality of types, and the ratio determined for the same variation pattern type can be varied.

  Further, in the big hit variation pattern type judgment table 132C used when the big hit type is “suddenly probable big hit”, for example, when the big hit type such as special CA4-1 and special CA4-2 is other than “suddenly probable big hit” A determination value is assigned to a variation pattern type to which no determination value is assigned. Therefore, when the variable display result is “big hit” and the big hit type is “suddenly probable big hit”, when the control is set to the two round big hit state, the variation pattern type is different from the case of controlling to the 15 round big hit state. Can be determined.

FIG. 11D is an explanatory diagram showing a small hit variation pattern type determination table 132D. The small hit variation pattern type determination table 132D has a plurality of variation pattern types based on a random number (random 3) for variation pattern type determination when it is determined that the variable display result is a small hit symbol. It is a table that is referred to in order to determine any of the above. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11D, when it is determined to be a small hit, a case where the special CA4-1 is determined as the variation pattern type is shown. .

  12A to 12D are explanatory diagrams showing reach determination tables 134A, 134B, 134C, and 134D stored in the ROM 54. FIG. The reach determination tables 134A, 134B, 134C, and 134D indicate whether or not to change the variable symbol display state of the effect symbol to the reach state when it is determined that the variable display result is “off”. It is a table referred to in order to determine based on a random number (random 2-2). Each of the reach determination tables 134A to 134D is selected according to a table selection rule as shown in FIG. That is, if the gaming state is one of the normal state, the probability variation state, and the time-short state, and if the game state is the time-short state, the variation display of the first special symbol is executed or the variation display of the second special symbol Is selected depending on whether is executed.

  Among these, FIG. 12A shows a reach determination table 134A for determining whether or not to reach the reach state when the gaming state is the normal state. In the setting of the reach determination table 134A shown in FIG. 12A, a value in the range of “1” to “204” is assigned to the non-reach HA 1-1 corresponding to the case where the number of reserved storage is “0”. , “205” to “239” are assigned to the reach HA 2-1. Corresponding to the case where the number of reserved memories is “1”, a value in the range of “1” to “217” that is larger than the number of determination values assigned to the non-reach HA 1-1 is assigned to the non-reach HA 1-2. It has been. A value in the range of “1” to “220”, which is larger than the number of determination values assigned to the non-reach HA 1-1 and the non-reach HA 1-2 corresponding to the case where the number of reserved memories is “2”, is non-reach. Assigned to HA1-3. Corresponding to the case where the number of reserved memories is “3” or “4”, “1” to “1”, which are larger than the number of determination values assigned to each of the non-reach HA 1-1 to non-reach HA 1-3. 230 ”is assigned to non-reach HA1-4. Corresponding to the case where the number of reserved memories is “5” to “8”, “1” to “235”, which are larger than the number of determination values assigned to each of the non-reach HA 1-1 to non-reach HA 1-4. A range determination value is assigned to non-reach HA 1-5. With such a setting, when the number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, “3”), it is determined that the variable display state of the effect symbol is set to the reach state as compared to when the number is less than the predetermined number. The ratio is lower. In such a configuration, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved by lowering the reach occurrence probability in a state where the number of reserved memories is large. If the average special symbol variation time in the variation pattern corresponding to “non-reach” is set to be shorter than the average special symbol variation time in the variation pattern corresponding to “reach”. When the number of reserved memories is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the average special symbol variation time can be shortened compared to when the number is less than the predetermined number. In such a configuration, the number of reserved memories decreases early, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be further improved.

  FIG. 12B is a reach determination table 134B for determining whether or not to reach the reach state when the gaming state is a probability change state. The reach determination table 134C is a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the value of the random number for reach determination (random 2-2), and indicates that the reach state such as non-reach HB1-1 and non-reach HB1-2 is not set. It includes a determination value corresponding to either the determination result or the determination result indicating the reach state such as reach HB2-1. The reach determination table 134B is a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the value of the random number for reach determination (random 2-2) according to the total number of pending storage, and is non-reach HB1-1, non-reach HB1-2. The determination value corresponding to either the determination result indicating that the reach state is not set or the determination result indicating the reach state such as reach HB2-1 is included.

  FIG. 12C is a reach determination table 134C for determining whether or not to reach the reach state when the gaming state is the short-time state and the first special symbol variation display is executed. The reach determination table 134C is a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the value of the random number for reach determination (random 2-2), and the determination result indicating that the reach state such as non-reach HC1-1 is not set, or reach HC2 It includes a determination value corresponding to one of the determination results indicating the reach state such as -1. The reach determination table 134C is a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the value of the random number for reach determination (random 2-2), and the determination result indicating that the reach state such as non-reach HC1-1 is not set, or reach HC2 It includes a determination value corresponding to one of the determination results indicating the reach state such as -1.

  FIG. 12D is a reach determination table 134D for determining whether or not to reach the reach state when the gaming state is the short-time state and the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. The reach determination table 134D is a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with a random determination value (random 2-2) for reach determination, and indicates that the reach state such as non-reach HC1-2 or non-reach HC1-3 is not set. It includes a determination value corresponding to either a determination result or a determination result indicating reach state such as reach HC2-2. The reach determination table 134D is a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the value of the random number for reach determination (random 2-2) in accordance with the total number of pending storage, and is non-reach HC1-2 or non-reach HC1-3. The determination value corresponding to either the determination result indicating that the reach state is not set or the determination result indicating the reach state such as reach HC2-1 is included. In the example shown in FIG. 12 (D), when the total pending storage number is 1 or less, the determination values are set in the non-reach HC1-2 and the reach HC2-1. The judgment value is not set. When the total number of pending storages is two or more, determination values are set for the non-reach HC1-3 and the reach HC2-1, but no determination value is set for the non-reach HC1-2. Thus, a reach determination table is prepared for determining whether or not to reach the reach state when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed and when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. If the second special symbol variation display is executed, the reach occurrence probability is set high, and the second start port is relatively in the second state in which the game medium is difficult to win. In addition, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be further improved by lowering the reach occurrence probability in the variable display of the first special symbol that can establish more variable display execution conditions. In addition, when the second prize opening is changed from the second state in which the game medium is difficult to win to the first state in which the game medium is easy to win, the player can expect that the execution condition for the variable display of the identification information is easily established. However, since a reach mode is likely to occur in the variable display of the identification information corresponding to the winning at that time, it is possible to further increase the player's expectation. Further, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, and the reach probability is varied according to the number of reserved memories, the first The probability of reach will change depending on whether the variable display of the special symbol is executed or the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, and the utilization rate of the gaming machine is improved by using the reserved memory number In addition to the effect, it is possible to obtain the effect of further improving the playability.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing reach variation pattern type determination tables 135 </ b> A to 135 </ b> C stored in the ROM 54. The reach variation pattern type determination tables 135A to 135C indicate the change pattern type based on the random number (random 3) for determining the change pattern type when the variable display state of the effect symbol is determined to be the reach state. Is a table that is referred to in order to determine one of a plurality of types. Each of the reach variation pattern type determination tables 135A to 135C is selected as a use table in accordance with a determination result indicating that the reach state is set such as reach HA2-1 to reach HA2-3, reach HB2-1, reach HC2-1. The That is, the reach variation pattern type determination table 135A is selected as a use table according to the determination result indicating reach HA2-1 to reach HA2-3, and for reach according to the determination result indicating reach HB2-1. The variation pattern type determination table 135B is selected as the use table, and the reach variation pattern type determination table 135C is selected as the use table according to the determination result indicating that the reach HC2-1 is selected. Each of the reach variation pattern type determination tables 135A to 135C has a determination result indicating that the reach state is set to reach HA2-1 to reach HA2-3, reach HB2-1, or reach HC2-1. A numerical value (determination value) to be compared with a random number (random 3) value for determining the variation pattern type, which is normal CA2-1, super CA2-2, super CA2-3, super CB2-1, super CB2-2. Data (determination value) for determining any of the fluctuation pattern types.

  For example, in the reach variation pattern type determination table 135A shown in FIG. 13, the value (determination value) in the range of “1” to “128” is normal CA2−, corresponding to the determination result indicating the reach HA2-1. 1 is assigned to the variation pattern type, and other values are assigned to the variation pattern types of Super CA2-2 and Super CA2-3. Corresponding to the determination result of reach HA2-2, a value in the range of “1” to “170” is assigned to the variation pattern type of normal CA2-1. Further, in response to the determination result that the reach HA2-3 is selected, a value in the range of “1” to “182” is assigned to the variation pattern type of the normal CA2-1. The reach HA 2-1 is determined by the reach determination table 134A shown in FIG. 12 to be compared with the reach determination random number (random 2-2) corresponding to the case where the number of reserved storage is “0”. A value has been assigned. A determination value is assigned to the reach HA 2-2 corresponding to the case where the number of reserved storage is “1” or “2”. The reach HA2-3 is assigned a determination value corresponding to the case where the number of reserved storage is “3” to “8”. With these settings, the fluctuation pattern of the normal CA 2-1 in which the “normal” reach effect is executed when the number of reserved memories is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (eg, “1”) compared to when the number is less than the predetermined number. The rate determined for the type increases. And the variation time of the average special symbol in the variation pattern that executes the “normal” reach production is shorter than the variation time of the average special symbol in the variation pattern that executes the reach production other than “normal”. If the number of reserved memories is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the average special symbol variation time can be shortened compared to when the number is less than the predetermined number.

  14A to 14C are explanatory views showing non-reach variation pattern type determination tables 136A to 136C stored in the ROM 54. FIG. The non-reach variation pattern type determination tables 136A to 136C indicate the variation pattern based on the random number (random 3) for determining the variation pattern type when it is determined that the variable display state of the effect symbol is not set to the reach state. It is a table referred in order to determine the type as one of a plurality of types. The non-reach variation pattern type determination tables 136A to 136C include non-reach HA1-1 to non-reach HA1-5, non-reach HB1-1, non-reach HB1-2, non-reach HC1-1 to non-reach HC1-3. The table is selected as a usage table according to the determination result that the reach state is not set. That is, the non-reach variation pattern type determination table 136A is selected as a use table in accordance with the determination results of the non-reach HA 1-1 to non-reach HA 1-5, and the determination results of the non-reach HB1-1 and non-reach HB1-2. Accordingly, the non-reach variation pattern type determination table 136B is selected as the use table, and the non-reach variation pattern type determination table 136C is selected as the use table according to the determination results of the non-reach HC1-1 to non-reach HC1-3. The In each of the non-reach variation pattern type determination tables 136A to 136C, the determination result indicating that the non-reach state is not set is non-reach HA1-1 to non-reach HA1-5, non-reach HB1-1, non-reach HB1-2, non-reach HC1. -1 to non-reach HC1-3, which is a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with a random number (random 3) for determining the variation pattern type, and non-reach CA1-1 to non-reach HC1-3 It includes data (determination value) corresponding to any of the variation pattern types of reach CA1-4, non-reach CB1-1 to non-reach CB1-3, non-reach CC1-1 to non-reach CC1-3.

  15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams showing hit variation pattern determination tables 137A to 137B stored in the ROM 54. FIG. The hit variation pattern determination tables 137A to 137B, when it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit”, according to the determination result of the big hit type or the fluctuation pattern type, etc. This is a table that is referred to in order to determine a variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on 4). Each of the variation pattern determination tables 137A to 137B is selected as a usage table according to the determination result of the variation pattern type. That is, the hit variation pattern determination table 137A is selected as a use table according to the determination result that the variation pattern type is either normal CA3-1 or super CA3-2 to super CA3-4, and the variation pattern type is specially selected. The hit variation pattern determination table 137B is selected as the use table in accordance with the determination result indicating that either CA4-1 or special CA4-2 is selected. Each hit variation pattern determination table 137A to 137B is a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the value of random number (random 4) for variation pattern determination according to the variation pattern type, and the variable display result of the effect symbol is Data (determination value) corresponding to any of a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to the case of “big hit” is included.

  FIGS. 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams showing the deviation variation pattern determination tables 138A and 138B stored in the ROM 54. FIG. The deviation variation pattern determination tables 138A and 138B determine the variation pattern according to whether or not to reach the reach state and the determination result of the variation pattern type when it is determined that the variable display result is “out of range”. This is a table that is referred to in order to determine a variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on a random number (random 4). Each deviation variation pattern determination table 138A, 138B is selected as a usage table according to the determination result of the variation pattern type. That is, the determination result that the variation pattern type is any one of non-reach CA1-1 to non-reach CA1-4, non-reach CB1-1 to non-reach CB1-3, non-reach CC1-1 to non-reach CC1-3. Accordingly, the deviation variation pattern determination table 138A is selected as the usage table, and the variation pattern type is any one of normal CA2-1, super CA2-2, super CA2-3, super CB2-1, and super CB2-2. Depending on the determination result, the deviation variation pattern determination table 138B is selected as the usage table.

  The deviation variation pattern determination table 138A is a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the value of the random number (random 4) for variation pattern determination according to the variation pattern type. And data (determination value) for determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to the case where the variable display mode is “non-reach”. The deviation variation pattern determination table 138B is a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the value of the random number (random 4) for variation pattern determination according to the variation pattern type. And data (determination value) for determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to the case where the variable display mode is “reach”.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variable display of the special symbol. (Each corresponding to a variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the usable variation patterns shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives the command 80XX (H), the production control device 100 controls the first design symbol display unit 9a or the second design design display unit 9b to start the design design variable display. In step 9, control is performed so as to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit, whether to make a big hit, and the type of the big hit game. The production control microcomputer 100 determines the display results of the decorative symbols and the production symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H), so that the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are designated as the display results. It is called a command.

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

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of effect symbols (and decoration symbols) is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol and the decorative symbol and derives and displays the display result.

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

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

  The commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation command includes a jackpot start 1 designation command, a jackpot start designation 2 designation command, and a sudden probability variable jackpot start designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot. The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of the big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that the jackpot game is normally a big jackpot (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command). is there. The command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a promising big hit (a jackpot end 2 designation command: an ending 2 designation command). is there. Command A303 (H) is an effect control command (sudden probability change jackpot end designation command: ending 3 designation command) for designating the end of the game of sudden probability change jackpot.

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

  The command C2XX (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage number designation command) that designates the total number (total pending storage number) that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C2XX (H) indicates the total pending storage number. Command C300 (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage count subtraction designation command) that specifies that 1 is added to the total pending storage count. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a total pending storage number subtraction designation command when subtracting the total pending storage number, but does not use the total pending storage number subtraction designation command, and does not use the total pending storage number subtraction designation command. When the stored number is subtracted, the combined pending storage number after the subtraction may be designated by a combined pending storage number designation command.

  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 image display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 17, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

  For example, the game control microcomputer 560 designates the variation pattern of the effect symbol every time there is a start prize and variable display of the special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. The variation pattern command and the display result designation command are transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

  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.

  In addition, as the transmission method of the effect control command, the effect control command data is output from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 on the eight parallel signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7, In addition to the effect control command data, a method of outputting a pulse-like (rectangular wave) capture signal (effect control INT signal) for instructing capture of the effect control command data is used. 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.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18, the variable pattern command and the display result designation command are used as a variable symbol display (variation) and a second special symbol indicator corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol indicator 8a. An image display device 9 that can be used in common with variable display (variation) of the decorative symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol in 8b, and that produces effects with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When controlling the effect parts, it is possible not to increase the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  Note that the command 8D01 (H) (first symbol variation designation command) and the command 8D02 (H) (second symbol variation designation command) are the first special symbol display 8a by the effect control microcomputer 100. Whether or not the first decorative symbol display 9a that performs variable display of the first decorative symbol as a decorative (directing) symbol during the variable display time of the symbol is subjected to the variation of the decorative symbol, by the second special symbol display 8b. It is used to determine whether or not the decorative symbol is changed in the second decorative symbol display unit 9b that performs variable display of the second decorative symbol during the variable display time of the second special symbol.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) 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 first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the game ball has won the first start port switch 13a or the second start port 14 for detecting that the game ball has won the first start game port 13. If the second start port switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a start winning is generated, the start port switch passing process is executed (step S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  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 in a state where variable display of the special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 checks the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total pending storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

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

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

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

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

  Preliminary winning opening process (step S305): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). 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. Note that the execution time (specifically, the opening time and the interval time) of the special winning opening opening process is different between the 15R big hit time and the 2R big hit time. In the present embodiment, an opening pattern A and an opening pattern B are prepared as opening patterns for the big winning opening at the time of 2R big hit, and the opening pattern A is after the big winning opening is opened for 1 second. (1st round) It is an opening pattern which is closed for 1 second and then opened for another 1 second (2nd round) and then closed. The opening pattern B is an opening pattern in which the grand prize opening is closed for 1 second (1st round), closed for 2 seconds, and then opened for another 1 second (2nd round). . When it is suddenly determined that the probability change big hit, it is determined as either the open pattern A or the open pattern B in the process of step S73 of the special symbol normal process.

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

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control 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. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag or a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

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

  In the small hit release pre-processing, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the big prize opening control timer by -1. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0. If the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0, the process is terminated.

  When the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0, the CPU 56 designates the big prize opening opening designation command (A1XX) for designating the display state according to the number of rounds during the opening of the big prize opening (during round). (H)) is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100. Then, the CPU 56 controls to open the special winning opening (special variable winning ball apparatus 20) by driving the solenoid 21 and decrements the value of the number-of-opening counter.

  In addition, the value corresponding to the maximum time that the big prize opening can be opened in each round is set in the big prize opening control timer. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the step small hit releasing process (step S309). In the present embodiment, the value corresponding to the maximum time that the big prize opening in each round set in the big prize opening control timer can be opened is the value corresponding to the maximum time of 1.0 seconds in the case of small hits. It is.

  In the present embodiment, an opening pattern A and an opening pattern B are prepared as opening patterns for the big winning opening at the time of a small hit, and the opening pattern A is obtained after the large winning opening is opened for 1 second. (1st round) It is an opening pattern which is closed for 1 second and then opened for another 1 second (2nd round) and then closed. The opening pattern B is an opening pattern in which the grand prize opening is closed for 1 second (1st round), closed for 2 seconds, and then opened for another 1 second (2nd round). . When it is determined that a small hit is made, it is determined to be either the open pattern A or the open pattern B in the process of step S62 of the special symbol normal process. In the case of a small hit, the big prize opening is opened in a predetermined series of flows.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  In the small hit opening process, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the big winning opening control timer by -1.

  Then, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the special winning opening control timer has become zero. When the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the count switch 23 is turned on. If the count switch 23 is not turned on, the process is terminated. When the count switch 23 is turned on, the value of the winning number counter for counting the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening is incremented by one. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number (for example, 10). If the value of the winning number counter is not a predetermined number, the process is terminated.

  When the value of the big winning opening control timer is 0, or when the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number, the CPU 56 controls to drive the solenoid 21 to close the big winning opening. Then, the value of the winning number counter is cleared (set to 0).

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the opening number counter. When the value of the number-of-opening counter is not 0, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the time (interval period) from the end of the round to the start of the next round in the special winning opening control timer. The value of the symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S308). In the present embodiment, the interval period is 1 second for the opening pattern A and 2 seconds for the opening pattern B in the case of a small hit.

  When the value of the number-of-opens counter is 0, the CPU 56 has a value corresponding to the small winning end time (for example, the time for notifying the fact that the small winning game has ended in the effect display device 9) to the big prize opening control timer. And the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit end processing (step S310).

  Small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10, and updates the internal state (special symbol process flag) to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0).

  In the small hit end processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit end display timer is set. If the small hit end display timer is not set, the CPU 56 sets the small hit end display timer in the effect display device 9. A value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is being performed (small hit end display time) is set, and the processing is ended.

  When the small hit end display timer is set, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the small hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the small hit end display time has elapsed. 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).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process executed when at least one of the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a is on, the CPU 56 is turned on by the first start port switch 13a. Whether or not (step S211). If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter for counting the first reserved memory number is 4 (step S212). If the value of the first reserved memory number counter is 4, the process proceeds to step S221.

  If the value of the first reserved memory number counter is not 4, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S213).

  In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 extracts a value from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating a software random number, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (step S215). . In the process of step S215, random R (a big hit determination random number) and random 2-1 (see FIG. 8) that is a software random number are stored in the storage area.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first start winning designation command (step S216). Further, the CPU 56 increases the value of the total pending memory number counter indicating the total pending memory number, which is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number, by 1 (step S217). Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a total pending storage number designation command indicating the total pending storage number based on the value of the total pending storage number counter (step S218). Note that the total pending storage number designation command may be transmitted before the first start winning designation command.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second start port switch 14a is turned on (step S221). If the second start port switch 14a is on, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the second reserved memory number is 4 (step S222). If the value of the second reserved memory number counter is 4, the process is terminated. If the value of the second reserved memory number counter is 4, the CPU 56 may perform the process of confirming again whether the first start port switch 13a is on (see step S211).

  If the value of the second reserved memory number counter is not 4, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S223).

  Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (step S225). Note that in the process of step S225, random R (a big hit determination random number) and random 2-1 (see FIG. 8) are stored in the storage area.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second start winning designation command (step S226). Further, the CPU 56 increases the value of the total pending storage number counter by 1 (step S227). Then, the CPU 56 transmits a total pending storage number designation command based on the value of the total pending storage number counter (step S228). Note that the total pending storage number designation command may be transmitted before the second start winning designation command.

  In addition, you may implement | achieve the process of step S213-218 and the process of step S223-228 by one common routine. In that case, the CPU 56 first sets data indicating “first” when detecting that the first start port switch 13a is turned on, and indicates that the second start port switch 14a is turned on. When data is detected, the data indicating “second” is set, and the common storage routine selects the reserved memory number buffer (first reserved memory number buffer or second reserved memory number buffer) according to the set data. Or a start prize designation command (first start prize designation command or second start prize designation command) is selected.

  21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, the process is terminated.

  The CPU 56 checks whether or not a random R (big hit determination random number) and a random number 2-1 that is a software random number are stored in the storage area in the second reserved storage number buffer (step S52). In the storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer, random R (a big hit determination random number) and random 2-1 that is a software random number are stored in the process of step S225 in the start port switch passing process. If random R (a big hit determination random number) and random number 2-1 that is a software random number are stored in the storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer, data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer ( Step S53). If not stored (that is, in this case, in the process of step S215 in the start-port switch passing process, a random R (random number for jackpot determination) and a random 2- 1 is stored), data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  In this embodiment, the processing shown in steps S52 to S54 is executed, so that the second start winning opening is compared with the variable display of the first special symbol based on the start winning winning in the first starting winning opening 13. The change display of the second special symbol based on the start winning prize is executed with priority. Therefore, the reserved memory can be efficiently digested when it is easy to start a winning at the second starting winning opening 14. It should be noted that when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, the ratio of determining that the reach mode is generated may be made lower than when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed. . When configured in such a manner, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be further improved. That is, generally, a player tends to refrain from playing a game (for example, launching a game ball) in a state where the number of reserved memories is large, and the variable display time with variable display is generally set to be long. Since the decrease in the number of memories is delayed, by reducing the reach occurrence probability, the number of reserved memories can be quickly reduced, and the game using the game medium by the player can be promoted. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not to reduce the variation time according to the total number of reserved memories of the number of reserved memories corresponding to the first special symbol and the number of reserved memories corresponding to the second special symbol. However, the variation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shortened based on the number of reserved memories corresponding to the first special symbol and the number of reserved memories corresponding to the second special symbol, respectively. You may be comprised so that.

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

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1, and saves each storage area in the first reserved memory number buffer. Shift the contents of. In addition, data indicating the first “first” is deleted from the contents of the reserved specific area, and the contents of the subsequent reserved specific area are shifted. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1, and the contents of each storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer are shifted. Further, the data indicating the first “second” is deleted from the contents of the reserved specific area, and the contents of the subsequent reserved specific area are shifted.

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

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

  Then, the CPU 56 stores the count value of the total pending storage number counter in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S57), and then decreases the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S58). The CPU 56 stores the value of the total pending storage number counter before the count value is decremented by 1 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area and executes a jackpot determination module. The big hit determination module compares the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (see FIG. 9) determined in advance with the big hit determination random number, and executes a process of determining that the big hit or the small hit is made if they match. It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes a big hit determination or a small hit determination process.

  The jackpot determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability state), the probability of a big hit is higher than when the gaming state is a non-probability change state (normal game state and short-time state). ing. Specifically, a jackpot determination table (a table in which the numerical value on the right side of FIG. 9A in the ROM 54 is set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values is set in advance, and the number of jackpot determination values are definitely changed. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical value on the left side of FIG. 9A in the ROM 54 is set) set to be smaller than the big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When in the gaming state or the short-time state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 9A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be 15R probability change big hit or sudden probability change big hit, set in the process of ending the big hit game, determined to be 15R normal big hit, and reset in the process of ending the big hit game.

  If the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match any of the big hit determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 uses the small hit determination table (see FIG. 9B) to calculate the small hit The determination process is performed. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIG. Alternatively, it is determined as one of the open patterns B. When it is determined to be a small hit (step S62), the CPU 56 sets a small hit flag indicating a small hit (step S63), and the release indicating either the release pattern A or the release pattern B is performed. The pattern designation command is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S75.

  If the value of random R does not match either the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (N in step S62), that is, if it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S75 as it is.

  In the small hit determination process, when the variation display of the first special symbol is executed, the probability of a small hit is higher than when the variation display of the second special symbol is executed. . Specifically, a first special symbol small hit determination table (a table in which the value on the left side of FIG. 9B in the ROM 54 is set) in which a large number of small hit determination values are set in advance, and a small hit determination And a second special symbol small hit determination table (a table in which a numerical value on the right side of FIG. 9A in the ROM 54 is set) in which the number of values is set to be smaller than that of the first special symbol small hit determination table. ing. Then, the CPU 56 checks which special symbol variation display is executed. When the first special symbol variation display is executed, the CPU 56 uses the first special symbol small hit determination table to reduce the small hit. When the determination process is performed and the variation display of the second special symbol is executed, the small hit determination process is performed using the second special symbol small hit determination table. That is, when the value of the random number for random determination (random R) matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIG. 9A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is to be small hit. Note that determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit gaming state, but determining whether or not to make the stop symbol in the special symbol display a small hit symbol It is also to do.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected as a table used to determine the jackpot type as one of a plurality of types (step S72). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 9C. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects a big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 9D.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select the type corresponding to the value of the random number (random 2-1) for jackpot type determination stored in the random number buffer area (“15R normal jackpot”). , “15R probability change big hit” or “sudden probability change big hit”) is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the first special symbol is executed. Thus, the rate at which the 15R probability variation big hit is selected is high. Therefore, when the variation display of the second special symbol is executed, 15R probability variation big hit is likely to occur, and the probability variation big hit of 15 rounds is likely to be selected continuously. Further, when it is suddenly determined to be a probable big hit, it is determined as either the open pattern A or the open pattern B (see FIGS. 9C and 9D). The CPU 56 transmits an opening pattern command indicating the determined opening pattern.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S74). For example, when the jackpot type is “15R normal jackpot”, “01” is set as the data indicating the jackpot type, and when the jackpot type is “15R probability variable hit”, “02” is set as the data indicating the jackpot type. When the big hit type is “suddenly probable big hit”, “03” is set as data indicating the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, “−” which is a loss symbol is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of “1”, “3”, and “7”, which is a big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. That is, when the big hit type is determined to be “suddenly promising big hit”, “1” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “15R normal big hit” is determined, “3” is set as a special symbol stop symbol. If “15R probability variation big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the small hit flag is set, “5” as the small hit symbol is determined as the special symbol stop symbol.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S76).

  FIG. 23 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 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 uses the big hit variation pattern type determination tables 132A to 132C (FIG. 11A) as tables used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. ) To (C)) is selected (step S92). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S93). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 uses the small hit variation pattern type determination table 132D (FIG. 11D as a table used to determine one of a plurality of variation pattern types. )) Is selected (step S94). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 determines the reach determination tables 134A, 134B, 134C, 134D (in accordance with the gaming state and the special symbol pointer based on the table selection rule shown in FIG. (See FIG. 12) is selected (step S95). Further, the CPU 56 extracts the random 2-2 by extracting the count value of the counter for generating the random 2-2 (step S96). Then, the CPU 56 determines the random 2-2 value in the area corresponding to the reserved memory number (value of the reserved memory number counter) in the reach determination tables 134A, 134B, 134C, and 134D (see FIG. 12) selected in step S95. Based on the data indicating the presence / absence of the reach state corresponding to the matching value, whether or not to reach is determined, and the type of effect when not reaching or the type of reach when reaching is determined (step S97). Note that the value before being decremented by -1 in the process of step S56 may be used as the reserved storage number used in the process of step S97.

  If it is decided to reach, according to the type of reach (reach HA2-1 to reach HA2-3, reach HB2-1, reach HC2-1, reach HC2-2) determined in step S97. Then, one of the reach variation pattern type determination tables 135A, 135B, and 135C (see FIG. 13) is selected as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types (step S99). If it is decided not to reach, the types of effects determined in the process of step S97 (non-reach HA1-1 to non-reach HA1-5, non-reach HB1-1, non-reach HB1-2, non-reach HC1- 1, non-reach variation pattern type determination tables 136A, 136B, and 136C (see FIG. 14) as tables used to determine one of a plurality of variation pattern types according to non-reach HD 2-2). ) Is selected (step S100). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S <b> 101, the CPU 56 extracts the value of random 3 by extracting the count value of the counter for generating random 3. Then, based on the extracted random 3 value, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types by referring to the table selected in the process of step S92, S94, S99 or S100 (step S102). .

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the hit variation pattern determination tables 137A and 137B (see FIG. 15) as tables used to determine the variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S102. ), One of the deviation variation pattern determination tables 138A and 138B (see FIGS. 16 and 17) is selected (step S103). Further, the value of random 4 is extracted by extracting the count value of the counter for generating random 4 (step S104). Then, based on the extracted random 4 value, the variation pattern is determined as one of a plurality of types by referring to the variation pattern determination table selected in the process of step S103 (step S105).

  Next, control is performed to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S106).

  Also, the special symbol change is started (step S107). For example, a start flag corresponding to the special symbol referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S108). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S109).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) (see FIG. 18) in accordance with the determined big hit type, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S118. When the big hit flag is set, when the big hit type is 15R probability variable big hit, control is performed to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Whether or not it is a 15R probability variation big hit can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “02”. In addition, when the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command (steps S115 and S116). Whether or not it is a sudden probability variation big hit can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “03”. When neither the 15R probability variation big hit nor the sudden probability variation big hit is obtained (that is, when the 15R normal big hit is made), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step S117).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in step S110), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S118). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S119). When the small hit flag is not set (N in Step S118), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (Step S120).

  Then, a total pending storage number subtraction designation command designating that 1 is subtracted from the total pending storage number is transmitted (step S121). Instead of transmitting the total pending storage number subtraction designation command, a total pending storage number designation command for designating the total pending storage number after subtraction may be transmitted. Further, the CPU 56 stores the transmitted display result designation command in the effect symbol type storage area in the RAM 55.

  Thereafter, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S122).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S125), and when the variable time timer times out (step S126), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S127). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 to end the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display unit 8a or the second special symbol display unit 8b. Then, a control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed (step S131). If data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is terminated, and “second” is indicated in the special symbol pointer. When data is set, the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is terminated. Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). When the big hit flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S139A (step S133).

  If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56, if it is set, the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state, the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state (step S134), and the effect control microcomputer. Control is performed to transmit a big hit start designation command to 100 (step S135). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is 15R normal jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted. When the jackpot type is 15R probability variable jackpot, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. When the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit, a sudden probable big hit start designation command is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is 15R normal big hit, 15R probability variable big hit or sudden probability variable big hit is determined based on the data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer). Is done.

  In addition, a value corresponding to the big hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the big hit has occurred) is set in the big hit display time timer (step S136). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 15 times in the case of 15R normal big hit, 15R probability big hit, and twice in case of sudden chance big hit) is set in the big prize opening number counter (step S137). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S138).

  In step S139A, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation state is set. If the probability variation flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S139B). When the time reduction flag is set (that is, when the time change state is not controlled and only the time reduction state is controlled), the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times that the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is- 1 (step S140). Further, when the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0 (step S141), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S142).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S143). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the small hit display time in the small hit display time timer (for example, a time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the small hit has occurred). (Step S145). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 2 times) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S146). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit start pre-processing (step S308) (step S147).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S143), the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S148).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the pre-opening process for the special winning opening in the special symbol process (step S305). In the big prize opening pre-processing, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the big prize opening control timer by 1 (step S401). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (step S402). If the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0, the process is terminated.

  When the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0, the CPU 56 designates the big prize opening opening designation command (A1XX) for designating the display state according to the number of rounds during the opening of the big prize opening (during round). (H)) is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S403). Note that the CPU 56 recognizes the number of rounds by checking the value of the number-of-releases counter for counting the number of rounds in the big hit game. Then, the CPU 56 controls to open the special winning opening (special variable winning ball apparatus 20) by driving the solenoid 21 (step S404) and decrements the value of the number-of-opening counter (step S405).

  In addition, a value corresponding to the maximum time that the big winning opening can be opened in each round is set in the big winning opening control timer (step S406). The round time may be different by setting different values for 15R normal big hit, 15R probability variable big hit, and sudden probability change big hit. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the step large winning opening opening process (step S306) (step S415).

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing the opening pattern of the special winning opening. In the present embodiment, an opening pattern A and an opening pattern B are prepared as opening patterns for the big winning opening when it is determined that the game is a small hit or a sudden probability change big hit. As shown in FIG. 28A, in the opening pattern A, after the grand prize opening is opened for 1 second (1st round), it is closed for 1 second, and then opened for another 1 second (2nd round). The open pattern is closed. As shown in FIG. 28 (B), in the opening pattern B, after the grand prize opening is opened for 1 second (1st round), it is closed for 2 seconds and then opened for another 1 second (2nd round). The open pattern is closed. When it is suddenly determined that the probability change big hit, it is determined as either the open pattern A or the open pattern B in the process of step S73 of the special symbol normal process.

  In this embodiment, the value corresponding to the maximum time that the big winning opening can be opened in each round set in the big winning opening control timer in the process of step S406 is 15 round big hits (15R normal big hit, 15R probability big hit). In this case, the value is a value corresponding to the maximum time of 29 seconds, and in the case of a sudden probability big hit, the value is a value corresponding to the maximum time of 1.0 seconds.

  FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are flowcharts showing the special winning opening opening process (step S306) in the special symbol process. In the special prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the special prize opening control timer by 1 (step S420).

  Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special winning opening control timer has become 0 (step S421). When the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the count switch 23 is turned on (step S432). If the count switch 23 is not turned on, the process is terminated. When the count switch 23 is turned on, the value of the winning number counter for counting the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening is incremented by 1 (step S433). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number (for example, 10) (step S434). If the value of the winning number counter is not a predetermined number, the process is terminated. Note that the determination order of S421 and S432 may be reversed.

  When the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 or when the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number, the CPU 56 performs control to drive the solenoid 21 to close the big prize opening (step). S435). Then, the value of the winning number counter is cleared (set to 0) (step S436).

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the opening number counter (step S438). When the value of the number-of-opening counter is not 0, the CPU 56 designates the post-big prize opening after-opening designation command (A2XX (H)) for designating the display state according to the number of rounds after the big prize opening is opened (after the round is completed) ) Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S439). Then, a value corresponding to the time (interval period) from the end of the round to the start of the next round (interval period) is set in the big prize opening control timer (step S440), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to the big prize opening. The value is updated according to the pre-opening process (step S305) (step S441). In this embodiment, the interval period is 1 second for the opening pattern A and 2 seconds for the opening pattern B in the case of sudden probability variation big hit. In addition, in the case of 15R normal big hit or 15R probability variation big hit, it is 5 seconds, for example.

  When the value of the number-of-opens counter is 0, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the big hit end time (time for notifying the end of the big hit game, for example, in the effect display device 9) in the big prize opening control timer. (Step S442), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (Step S307) (Step S443).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S150). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S154. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S151), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S152). Here, if it is a 15R probability variation jackpot, a jackpot end 2 designation command is transmitted, if it is suddenly a probability variation jackpot, a sudden probability variation jackpot designation command is transmitted. Send command. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S153), and the processing is ended. Note that the process of step S152 may be executed before step S442 in the special winning opening opening process.

  In step S154, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S155). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, it is confirmed whether or not the type of jackpot is 15R probability variation jackpot or sudden probability variation jackpot (step S156).

  If the big hit type is 15R probability change big hit or sudden probability change big hit, the probability change flag is set and the gaming state is shifted to the probability change state (step S159). If the big hit type is not suddenly a probable big hit (if 15R probable big hit) (N in step S162), the time reduction flag is set (step S163), and the process proceeds to step S166.

  If the type of big hit is neither 15R probability variable big hit nor sudden probability change big hit (if 15R normal big hit), the hour / hour flag is set (step S157) and, for example, 100 is set in the hour / hour number counter (step S157). Step S158). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S166).

  Next, the normal symbol process (step S27) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol process. In the normal symbol process, the game control microcomputer 560 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 32 and the gate switch 32a is turned on (step S710), and performs a gate switch passage process (step S711). Execute.

  In the gate switch passage process, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the count value of the gate passage memory counter (the number of gate passage memories) 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 game control microcomputer 560 performs processing for extracting the value of the random number for normal symbol determination (random 5) and storing it in the storage area (normal symbol determination buffer) corresponding to the value of the number of passages through the gate. .

  Then, the game control microcomputer 560 executes one of the processes shown in steps S712 to S716 according to the value of the normal symbol process flag.

  Processing in steps S712 to S716 is as follows.

  Normal symbol normal processing (step S712): Executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is zero. The state in which the value of the normal symbol process flag is 0 is a state in which normal symbol variation can be started (for example, a state in which the normal symbol variation display is not performed on the normal symbol display 10 and This is a case where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is not in the open / close operation based on the fact that the symbol is derived and displayed on the normal symbol display 10). The game control microcomputer 560 checks the value of the number of passages through the gate in the normal symbol normal processing. Specifically, the count value of the gate passing memory number counter is confirmed. If the number of stored gate passages is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win using a normal symbol per-determining random number (whether or not to stop the normal symbol as a winning symbol). Also, the stop symbol of the normal symbol is determined using the random symbol for determining the normal symbol. Then, the normal symbol process timer is set to the normal symbol process timer, and the normal symbol process timer is started. Also, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “1”) corresponding to the normal symbol changing process (step S713).

  Normal symbol changing process (step S713): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 1. The game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out. If timed out, the normal symbol change in the normal symbol display 10 is stopped, the normal symbol process symbol is set in the normal symbol process timer, and the normal symbol process timer is started. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “2”) corresponding to the normal symbol stop process (step S714).

  Normal symbol stop process (step S714): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 2. The game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out, and if it has timed out, checks 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”) corresponding to the normal symbol normal process (step S712). If the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “3”) corresponding to the normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S715).

  Normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S715): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3. If it is before the first opening, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the opening number in the opening number counter and drives the solenoid 15a to open the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15). Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “4”) corresponding to the process for releasing the normal electric accessory (step S716). If it is not before the first opening, that is, after the second or later opening, the closing time is measured, and when the closing time has elapsed, the value of the normal symbol process flag is changed to the processing for opening the normal electric accessory (step S716). ) To a value corresponding to (specifically “4”).

  Normal electric accessory opening process (step S716): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 4. The game control microcomputer 560 measures the opening time, and when the opening time has elapsed, stops the driving of the solenoid 15a and closes the ordinary electric accessory. When the last release is completed, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “0”) corresponding to the normal symbol normal process (step S712). If the final release is not completed, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “3”) corresponding to the normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S715).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol normal process (step S712). In the normal symbol normal process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gate passing memory number is 0 (step S721). Specifically, the count value of the gate passing memory number counter is confirmed. If the gate passing memory number is 0, the process is terminated as it is. If the gate passing memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 reads out the normal symbol per random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the gate passing memory number = 1 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S722). ). The CPU 56 also stores the normal symbol determining random number in the random number buffer area. Then, the CPU 56 decreases the value of the gate passage storage number counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S723). That is, a random number value for determination per normal symbol stored in a storage area corresponding to the number of gate passing memories = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in a storage area corresponding to the number of gate passing memories = n−1. To store.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the normal random number for symbol determination from the random number storage buffer (step S724), and determines whether to win or not based on the read random number value (step S725). 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 to be a hit. For example, the hit determination value is 3 to 12 in the probability variation state, and the hit determination value is 3 and 7 in the normal state (including the time reduction state). Since the random number for determination per normal symbol is updated in a numerical range of 3 to 13 (see FIG. 8), the winning probability in the probability variation state is 10/11, and the winning probability in the normal state is 2/11. That is, in the probability variation state, it is a hit with higher probability than in the normal state. The CPU 56 determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol using the normal symbol determination random number. In the case of winning, the normal symbol stop symbol is, for example, an odd symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the normal symbol change time in the normal symbol process timer (step S726), and starts the normal symbol change in the normal symbol display 10 (step S727). In this embodiment, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 36 (A) and the timing diagram of FIG. 36 (B), the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in the normal state (the state where the time flag is not set) is 3 0.0 seconds, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in the time-short state is 1.0 seconds. Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically “1”) corresponding to the normal symbol changing process (step S713) (step S728).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol variation processing (step S713). In the normal symbol changing 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 timed out (step S731). If the normal symbol process timer has not timed out, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S735).

  When the normal symbol process timer times out, that is, when the variation time of the ordinary symbol has elapsed, the CPU 56 stops the variation of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display 10 (step S732). Also, the normal symbol stop symbol display time is set in the normal symbol process timer (step S733). Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “2”) corresponding to the normal symbol stop process (step S714) (step S734).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol stop process (step S714). 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 timed out (step S741). If the normal symbol process timer has not timed out, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S742).

  When the normal symbol process timer times out, that is, when the normal symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol (step S743). When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the CPU 56, when the gaming state is the short time state (the state where the short time flag is set), shows the release pattern of the normal electric accessory as shown in FIG. The release pattern set in the time reduction table in which the values shown in the lower row are set is selected (steps S744 and S745). In the normal state (the state where the hourly flag is not set), the CPU 56 is set in the normal time table in which the values shown in the upper part of FIG. An open pattern is selected (steps S744 and S746). In the example shown in FIG. 36, data indicating that the opening time is 0.3 seconds (0.3 s) and the number of times of opening is 1 is set in the normal time table as the opening pattern. In addition, the probability change time and time reduction table indicates that the opening time is 1.2 seconds (1.2 s), the closing time is 1.5 seconds (1.5 s), and the number of times of opening is 2 times. The data shown is set.

  Then, the CPU 56 sets a first pre-release flag (step S747). Also, the release pattern selected in step S745 or S746 is set in the release pattern buffer (step S748). Thereafter, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “3”) corresponding to the normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S715) (step S749).

  When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is an off symbol, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically “0”) corresponding to the normal symbol normal process (step S712) (step S712). S743, S750).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the ordinary electric accessory release pre-processing (step S715). In the normal electric accessory release pre-processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first pre-release flag is set (step S761). If the first pre-release flag is set, the first pre-release flag is reset (step S762), and the number of releases set in the release pattern buffer is set in the release number counter (step S763). . Further, a value corresponding to the release time set in the release pattern buffer is set in the normal electric timer (step S764). Further, the solenoid 15a is driven to open the variable winning ball apparatus 15 (step S765), and the value of the normal symbol process flag is a value corresponding to the normal electric accessory opening process (step S716) (specifically, “4”). ”) (Step S766).

  When the CPU 56 confirms that the flag before the first opening is not set in the process of step S761, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the normal electric timer (step S767). If the value of the ordinary power combination timer becomes 0, that is, if the ordinary power combination timer times out, the process proceeds to step S764 (step S768). In addition, the process of step S767 and S768 is a process for measuring the closing time after the opening | release after the 1st time is complete | finished.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the process for releasing the ordinary electric accessory (step S716). In the process for releasing the ordinary electric combination, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the ordinary electric combination timer (step S771). When the value of the ordinary electric combination timer becomes 0, that is, when the ordinary electric combination timer times out (Y in step S772), the driving of the solenoid 15a is stopped and the ordinary electric combination (variable winning ball apparatus 15) is stopped. ) Is closed (step S773).

  When the value of the ordinary electric combination timer is not 0, that is, even when the ordinary electric combination timer has not timed out (N in step S772), the ordinary electric combination (variable winning ball apparatus 15). ) May be configured to shift the process of step S773 to stop the driving of the solenoid 15a and close the ordinary electric accessory.

  Also, the value of the opening number counter is decremented by -1 (step S774), and if the value of the opening number counter is not 0, a value corresponding to the closing time set in the opening pattern buffer is set in the normal electric timer. (Steps S775 and S776). Thereafter, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “3”) corresponding to the normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S715) (step S777).

  When the CPU 56 confirms that the value of the number-of-opens counter is 0 in the process of step S775, the CPU 56 sets the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically “0” corresponding to the normal symbol normal process (step S712)). ”) (Step S778).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

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

  Next, a random number update process for updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number is executed (step S706). Further, a hold storage display control process for controlling the display state of the combined hold storage display unit 18c is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 18) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  41 to 43 are flowcharts showing specific examples of command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the contents 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 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 read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

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

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 has the display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 5 designation command) formed in the RAM. Store in the display result designation command storage area (step S618).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S620).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start 1 designation command or a jackpot start 2 designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag ( Step S622).

  If the received effect control command is a sudden probability variation big hit start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a sudden probability variation big hit start designation command reception flag (step S624).

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

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S631), the effect control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the effect display device 9 indicating that the initialization process has been executed. Control is performed (step S632). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols.

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

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 1 designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 2 designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag (step S644). If the received effect control command is a sudden probability variation big hit end designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets a sudden probability variation big hit end designation command reception flag (step S646).

  If the received presentation control command is a combined pending storage number designation command (step S651), the presentation control CPU 101 uses the second byte data (EXT data) of the combined pending storage number designation command as a combined pending storage number storage area. (Step S652).

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

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S665). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 44 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 S812 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) is realized. However, the effect symbol (decoration symbol) synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol is realized. Control related to variable display and control related to variable display of effect symbols (decorative symbols) synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol are executed in one effect control process.

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

  Effect symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802).

  Production symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Effect symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) Control to derive and display. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804), the abrupt display process (step S807), the small hit display process (step S810), or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800). To do.

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805).

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during the big hit game is performed. For example, when receiving a special command during opening of a special prize opening or a designation command after opening a special prize opening, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit end process (step S806).

  Big hit end processing (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Sudden probability display process (step S807): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the production display device 9 of the sudden occurrence of a probable variation big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-game game process (step S808).

  In-game processing (step S808): Control during a big hit game based on a sudden probability change big hit is performed. For example, when receiving a special command during opening of a special prize opening or a designation command after opening a special prize opening, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the sudden end process (step S809).

  Suspicious end processing (step S809): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state based on the sudden probability change big hit 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).

  Small hit display process (step S810): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the small hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit game processing (step S811).

  Small hit game processing (step S811): Control during the small hit game is performed. For example, display control of a notification screen in which a small hit is occurring in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit end process (step S812).

  Small hit end processing (step S812): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the small 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. 45 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 effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S820). Next, the display result (stop symbol) of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) is determined according to the data stored in the display result specification command storage area (that is, the received display result specification command) (step S821). The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stop symbol of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 47, when the received display result designation command indicates a 15R normal jackpot (when the received display result designation command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 displays the stop symbol. As a result, a combination of effect symbols in which 3 symbols are even-numbered symbols (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a 15R normal jackpot) is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates a 15R probability variation jackpot (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the production control CPU 101 uses 3 symbols as odd symbols (stop symbols) ( A combination of effect symbols arranged in a stop symbol that recalls the occurrence of a 15R probability variation big hit is determined. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. When the received display result designation command suddenly shows a probable big hit or small hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 5 designation command or a display result 6 designation command), the CPU 101 for effect control Determines a combination of effect symbols such as “135” as stop symbols. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol (decoration symbol).

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

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

  Next, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern (step S822). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S823).

  FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process 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 constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol (decoration symbol). Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

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

  In addition, in the process table used when effect control is executed for a variation pattern with reach effect, the left symbol is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variation, and the right symbol is stopped when a predetermined time further elapses. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set.

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), effects device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component as an effect component) Control of various lamps and speakers 27R, 27L as effect parts is executed (step S824). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform lighting / extinguishing control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the audio output board 70 in order to output audio from the speakers 27R and 27L.

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

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S825), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802). (Step S826).

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S841) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S842). When the process timer times out (step S843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S844). Further, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S845).

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S846), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S848). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S847), the process proceeds to step S848. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, it is possible to end the variation of the effect symbol when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol ends).

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. In step S852, control is performed to derive and display the stop symbol in accordance with the data (data indicating the stop symbol) stored in the effect symbol display result storage area (step S853). Also, a decorative symbol variation end flag is set (step S854). Then, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is suddenly determined to be a big hit (step S855A). Whether or not it has been decided to suddenly win is confirmed by, for example, a display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit based on the determined stop symbol.

  If it is determined to suddenly be a promising big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the suddenness display process (step S807) (step S856).

  If it is determined that the sudden change is not suddenly the big hit, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is decided to make the small hit (step S855B). Whether or not it is determined to be a small hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a small hit based on the determined stop symbol.

  If it is determined to be a small hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit display process (step S810) (step S856B).

  If it is determined not to be a small hit, is the production control CPU 101 determined to be a big hit (a big hit other than the sudden probability variable big hit, specifically, a 15R normal big hit and a 15R positive big hit)? It is confirmed whether or not (step S855C). Whether or not it is determined to be a big hit is confirmed, for example, by a display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit based on the determined stop symbol.

  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 S804) (step S856C).

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

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

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display processing, whether or not the effect control CPU 101 has set a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag indicating that the jackpot start 1 designation command or jackpot start 2 designation command has been received. Confirmation is made (step S871). When the jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag or the jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag is set, control is performed to display a game start screen corresponding to the set flag on the effect display device 9 (step S872). . Further, the set flag (probability change state flag, big hit start 1 designation command reception flag or big hit start 2 designation command reception flag) is reset (step S873). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805) (step S874).

  In step S872, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display on the effect display device 9 a screen for informing the start of the big hit game.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S806) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot end effect timer is set (step S880). If the big hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, a jackpot end designation command reception flag (a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag) indicating that the jackpot termination designation command has been received is set. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S881). When the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set, the jackpot end designation command reception flag (the jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag or the jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag) is reset (step S882), and the jackpot end presentation effect is obtained. A value corresponding to the jackpot end display time is set in the timer (step S883), and control for displaying a jackpot end screen (screen for informing the end of the jackpot game) on the effect display device 9 is performed (step S884). Specifically, an instruction to display the big hit end screen is given to the VDP 109.

  In step S885, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end effect time has elapsed (step S886). If not, the process ends. When the jackpot end effect time has elapsed and the jackpot end 1 designation command has been received, the probability variation state flag is reset (steps S886 and S889), the hourly flag is set (S891A), If the effect flag mentioned later is set, it will reset and the background image at the time of normal will be displayed on the effect display apparatus 9 (step S891B). The normal background image is, for example, a background image that reminds the player that the player is in the normal state. When the jackpot end 1 designation command has not been received (when the jackpot end 2 designation command or the sudden probability change jackpot termination designation command has been received), the probability variation status flag is set (steps S889, S890A), If an effect flag, which will be described later, is set, it is reset, and the background image at the time of probability change is displayed on the effect display device 9 (step S890B). The background image at the time of probability change is, for example, a background image that reminds the player that the player is in a state of probability change. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S892).

  The probability change state flag and the time-short state flag are used, for example, when the effect control CPU 101 notifies the probability change state and the time-short state by a background or a decorative light emitter (lamp / LED) in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the probability display process (step S809) in the effect control process. In the surprise display process, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the sudden probability variation big hit start designation command reception flag indicating that the sudden probability variation big hit start designation command has been received is set (step S871A). If the sudden probability big hit start designation command reception flag is set (Y in step S871A), the process proceeds to a latent probability changing effect determination process for determining the contents of the latent probability changing effect (step S872A).

  FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the latent probability changing effect determination process (step S872A). In the latent probability change effect determination process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether the probability change state flag is set or whether it is a sudden probability change big hit (step S893). When the probability change state flag is set, the probability change state is continued even after the small hit game based on the small hit described later. Even if the probability change state flag is not set, if the probability change big hit is suddenly changed, the game is shifted to the probability change state after the big hit game of the sudden probability change big hit. Therefore, the determination of Y in the process of step S893 means that the gaming state after the end of the small hit game or after the end of the big hit game is in a probable change state. Whether or not the sudden probability change big hit is confirmed can be confirmed by whether or not the sudden probability change big hit start designation command reception flag is set.

  When the game control CPU 101 determines that the game state after the end of the small hit game or after the end of the big hit game is a probability change state (Y in step S894), the CPU 101 for the effect selection selects the table for probability change (step S894). When it is determined that the gaming state after the game is over or after the big hit game is not in a probable change state (N in Step S894), the normal time table is selected (Step S894).

  FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram of a latent probability changing effect determination table. FIG. 55A shows a probability change table, and FIG. 55B shows a normal table. As shown in FIGS. 55 (A) and 55 (B), in the latent probability changing effect determination table, the effect A depends on whether the opening pattern of the big prize opening is the opening pattern A or the opening pattern B. One of the determination values 0 to 9 is associated with production B. Whether the winning pattern opening pattern is the opening pattern A or the opening pattern B can be determined based on the opening pattern designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560.

  As shown in FIG. 55A, in the probability variation state, production B is selected at a higher rate than production A when open pattern A, and production A is selected at a higher rate than production B when open pattern B. Is done. Also, in the normal state, contrary to the probability variation state, the production A is selected at a higher rate than the production B in the open pattern A, and the production B is selected at a higher rate than the production A in the open pattern B. The That is, when the effect A is executed in combination with the open pattern B, the reliability of the probability variation state is high. In addition, when the effect B is executed in combination with the opening pattern A, the reliability of the probability variation state is high.

  The effect control CPU 101 determines the effect to be executed as either effect A or effect B based on a predetermined random number value (range: 0 to 9), an open pattern, and whether or not it is in a probable state. (Step S896) If it is set, the effect flag is reset, and the effect flag corresponding to the determined content of the process in Step S896 is set (Step S897). Then, the process proceeds to step S873A.

  The effect control CPU 101 performs control to display on the effect display device 9 a game start screen corresponding to the effect content (effect A or effect B) determined in step S896 (step S873A). Note that the game start screen is a screen indicating that it is impossible to determine whether the game is a big hit game based on a sudden probability change big hit or a small hit game described later. Further, the set flags (probability change state flag and sudden probability change big hit start command reception flag) are reset (step S873). The effect control CPU 101 does not reset the effect flag set in step S897. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-game game process (step S808) (step S874).

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing the sudden end process (step S809) in the effect control process. In the sudden end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a hit end effect timer is set (step S880A). If the hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885A. If the winning end effect timer is not set, it is checked whether or not the sudden probability variation big hit end designation command reception flag indicating that the sudden probability variation big hit end designation command has been received is set (step S881A). If the sudden probability change big hit big hit end designation command reception flag is set, the sudden probability change big hit big hit end designation command reception flag is reset (step S882A), and a value corresponding to the hit end display time is set in the hit end effect timer. Then (step S883A), the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a hit end screen (step S884A). Specifically, an instruction for displaying a hit end screen is given to the VDP 109. The hit end screen is a screen indicating that it has been determined that it is impossible to determine whether the game is a big hit game based on a sudden probability change big hit or a small hit game described later.

  In step S885, 1 is subtracted from the value of the hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the hit end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the hit end effect time has elapsed (step S886A). If not, the process ends. If the winning end effect time has elapsed, the probability variation state flag is set (step S890A). Then, the effect control CPU 101 causes the effect display device 9 to display a background image corresponding to the effect flag that has been set (step S891A), and sets the value of the effect control process flag to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800). The corresponding value is updated (step S892A). The effect control CPU 101 changes the background image to be displayed on the effect display device 9 when a specific variation pattern is received, or when a lottery is drawn a specific number of times and the lottery is won by the lottery (for example, The background image may be changed according to whether or not the state is a certain change state).

  FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing the small hit display process (step S810) in the effect control process. In the small hit display process, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a latent probability changing effect determination process (step S872A) for determining the contents of the latent probability changing effect.

  The effect control CPU 101 performs control to display on the effect display device 9 a game start screen corresponding to the effect content (effect A or effect B) determined in the process of step S896 in the latent probability changing effect determination process (step S872A). (Step S873B). Note that the game start screen is a screen indicating that it is impossible to determine whether the game is a big hit game based on a sudden probability change big hit or a small hit game. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit game processing (step S811) (step S874B).

  FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the small hit end process (step S812) in the effect control process. In the small hit end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the hit end effect timer is set (step S880B). If the hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885B. If the hit end effect timer is not set, a value corresponding to the hit end display time is set in the hit end effect timer (step S883B), and control for displaying the hit end screen on the effect display device 9 is performed. (Step S884B). Specifically, an instruction for displaying a hit end screen is given to the VDP 109. Note that the winning end screen is a screen indicating that it is impossible to determine whether the game is a big hit game or a small hit game based on the sudden probability change big hit.

  In step S885B, 1 is subtracted from the value of the hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the hit end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the hit end effect time has elapsed (step S886B). If not, the process ends. When the winning end effect time has elapsed, the effect control CPU 101 causes the effect display device 9 to display a background image corresponding to the set effect flag (step S891B), and sets the value of the effect control process flag. The value is updated according to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S892B).

  FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the game start screen displayed on the effect display device 9. FIG. 59 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing that the production A is started together with the start of the game. FIG. 59 (B) is an explanatory diagram showing that the production B is started together with the start of the game. Based on FIG. 59 (A) or FIG. 59 (B) displayed on the effect display device 9, the player can determine whether the effect A has started or the effect B has started. Further, as described above, the reliability of the probability variation state can be determined by the combination of the effects A and B and the opening pattern A and the opening pattern B.

  FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background image displayed on the effect display device 9. FIG. 60A is an explanatory diagram showing that the effect A is being executed during the game. FIG. 60B is an explanatory diagram showing that the effect B is being executed during the game. Based on FIG. 60 (A) or FIG. 60 (B) displayed on the effect display device 9, the player can determine whether the effect A is being executed or the effect B is being executed. it can. Further, as described above, the reliability of the probability variation state can be determined by the combination of the effects A and B and the opening pattern A and the opening pattern B.

  FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a character displayed on the effect display device 9 together with the effect symbol. FIG. 61 (A) is an explanatory view showing a character displayed together with the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 when the effect flag is set in the probability variation state. FIG. 61 (B) is an explanatory diagram showing a character displayed together with the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 when the effect flag is set in the uncertain change state. In the example shown in FIG. 61A, a character with a laughing expression is displayed, whereas in the example shown in FIG. 61B, a character with a non-laughing expression is displayed. When the probability variation state flag and the effect flag are set, the effect control CPU 101 displays the character image shown in FIG. 61 (A) on the effect display device 9 together with the effect symbol in the process of step S822. A process table (a process table including character image data of a character shown in FIG. 61A) is selected. Further, when the probability variation state flag is not set and the effect flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 displays the character shown in FIG. 61 (B) together with the effect design and the effect display device 9 in the process of step S822. A process table (process table including character image data of the character shown in FIG. 61B) to be displayed on the screen is selected. The player is in a probabilistic state based on whether the character displayed with the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 is laughing (see FIG. 61 (A)) or not laughing (see FIG. 61 (B)). It can be judged whether or not.

  In the present embodiment described above, the execution is executed depending on whether the opening pattern of the special winning opening is the opening pattern A or the opening pattern B based on the latent probability changing effect determination table shown in FIG. An effect (effect A or effect B) is determined (see FIGS. 54 and 55). The effect control CPU 101 is configured to determine an effect (effect A or effect B) to be executed depending on whether the game is a winning game based on the first start prize or a winning game based on the second start prize. It may be. FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the latent probability changing effect determination table. The latent probability changing effect determination table shown in FIG. 62 is referred to in step S894 or step S895 of the latent probability changing effect determination process in the suddenness display process (step S809) and the small hit display process (S810) in the effect control process described above. . That is, it is a table that is referred to based on the occurrence of sudden probability big hit or small hit.

  FIG. 62A is a probability change table referred to in step S894 of the latent probability changing effect determination process, and FIG. 62B is a normal time table referred to in step S895 of the latent probability change effect determining process. As shown in FIGS. 62 (A) and 62 (B), whether the latent probability changing effect determination table of this example is a winning game based on the first starting prize or a winning game based on the second starting prize? Accordingly, any of the determination values 0 to 9 is associated with production A and production B, respectively. Whether it is a winning game based on the first starting prize or a winning game based on the second starting prize, whether it is a winning game based on the second starting prize or the first start winning designation command and the second starting prize designation sent from the game control microcomputer 560. Judgment can be made based on the command.

  As shown in FIG. 62 (A), in the probability variation state, the effect B is selected at a higher rate (90%) than the effect A at the time of winning game based on the first starting prize, and the winning game based on the second starting prize is achieved. At this time, production A is selected at a higher rate (90 percent) than production B. Also, in the normal state, contrary to the probability variation state, the effect A is selected at a higher rate (90%) than the effect B at the time of winning game based on the first start winning prize, and the winning game based on the second starting prize is selected. Sometimes production B is selected at a higher rate (90 percent) than production A. That is, when the performance A is executed in combination with the winning game based on the second start winning prize, the reliability of the probability variation state is high (90%). Further, when the performance B is executed in combination with the winning game based on the first start winning prize, the reliability of the probability variation state is high (90%). Note that the reliability may be set to be 100%.

  62. When the latent probability changing effect determination table shown in FIG. 62 is used, the player is caused to pay attention to whether the first start prize has occurred or the second start prize has occurred. Can be improved.

  In the embodiment described above, the opening pattern of the special winning opening is determined based on the value of random R and the value of random 2-1 (FIGS. 9B, 9C, and 9D). reference). However, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to determine the release pattern using the release pattern determination random number.

  FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number including a random number for determining an open pattern. In the example shown in FIG. 63, it is indicated that the random number for determining the open pattern is a value in the range of 1 to 10.

  FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process in the case of determining the opening pattern of the special winning opening using the random number for determining the opening pattern. As shown in FIG. 64, in this example, after the symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted in the special symbol stop process shown in FIG. 26 (step S132), the processes of steps S133A, 133B, and 133C are added. Specifically, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not there is a sudden probability change big hit or small hit (step S133A), and if it is determined that the sudden probability change big hit or small hit (step S133A). Y), the process proceeds to the open pattern determination process (step S133B). The open pattern determination process (step S133B) may be configured to be executed after it has been determined that it is a small hit or a sudden probability variation big hit. Further, when it is determined that a small hit or a sudden probability change big hit, the open pattern of the big winning opening may not be determined.

  FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing an open pattern determination process. As shown in FIG. 65, the CPU 56 extracts random 7 (step S171), and when the value of random 7 is an odd number (Y in step S172), determines that the open pattern is the open pattern A ( Step S173). In addition, when the value of random 7 is not an odd number (that is, when the value is an even number) (N in Step S172), the CPU 56 determines that the release pattern is the release pattern B (Step S174). The CPU 56 transmits an opening pattern designation command indicating that the opening pattern is the opening pattern A or the opening pattern B in accordance with the determination contents of the processing in step S173 or step S174 (step S175). The pattern determination process ends. And it transfers to the process of step S133C, and when the big hit flag is set, it transfers to the process of step S134, and when that is not right, it transfers to the process of step S139A.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, for the sudden probability variation big hit, the big hit type determination table 131a (the table for the first special symbol) is included in the big hit type determination table 131b (for the second special symbol). The number of jackpot type determination values is set more than the table of FIG. In addition, for the small hits, the first special symbol small hit determination table is set with more small hit determination values than the second special symbol small hit determination table. Therefore, in the normal state where the first special symbol display 8a is mainly fluctuating (a state where the probability variation state is not established), the sudden probability variation big hit ratio is increased by increasing the ratio of the sudden probability variation big hit at the time of big hit and facilitating the occurrence of the small hit. It is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize that the event has occurred, and to improve the gaming interest.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the 2R probability variation big hit and the big hit are big hits, and the game entertainment can be improved. In addition, by determining that the game ball is won at the first starting port and when the game ball is won at the second starting port, it is determined that the game ball will be shifted to the probability change state at a different rate, thereby giving the player the 2R probability change big hit, It can be made difficult to recognize whether or not the state is a probable change state by 2R normal big hit.

  Also, in the probability variation state where the fluctuation of the second special symbol display 8b is the main, the player is informed that sudden probability variation big hit has occurred by reducing the probability of sudden probability change big hit at the time of big hit and making small hits less likely to occur. It is possible to make it difficult to recognize and to improve the game entertainment. Moreover, by reducing the probability of occurrence of a small hit in the probability variation state, the execution probability of the latent probability variation effect is decreased, and the game can be speeded up.

  As a type of jackpot, 2R normal jackpot (a jackpot in which the jackpot gaming state continues for two rounds and does not shift to the probability change state after the jackpot gaming state) may be prepared. In such a configuration, it is possible to make the player more difficult to recognize whether or not the player is in a probable variation state, and to improve the gaming interest.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the variable display period of the variable display of the first identification information is longer than the variable display period of the variable display of the second identification information in the special control period (period in which the time is short). It is possible to prevent a change in the game and a decrease in the game interest. Further, the CPU 56 prioritizes the determination based on the establishment of the second start condition over the determination based on the establishment of the first start condition, suppresses the number of times the first identification information fluctuates, and improves the game entertainment interest. Can be made.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the variable display period of the variable display of the first identification information is longer than the variable display period of the variable display of the normal identification information in the special control period (period in which the time is short), It is possible to prevent a change in the game and a decrease in the game interest. Furthermore, the prior determination means prioritizes the determination based on the establishment of the second start condition over the determination based on the establishment of the first start condition, and suppresses the number of fluctuations of the first identification information. Interest can be improved.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a command indicating an effect state or a game state (whether it is a probability change state, whether it is a latent probability change state, whether it is a short time state), and for the effect control that has received the command. The microcomputer 100 may be configured to set a flag according to the received command and perform an effect according to the flag. The game control microcomputer 560 can identify the effect state and the game state by the effect control microcomputer 100 using a jackpot end specifying command, a background specifying command (a command for specifying a background image), and an effect symbol variation specifying command. It may be configured as follows.

  Further, the production control microcomputer 100 may vary the symbols and characters displayed on the production display device 9 in the probability variation state, the latent probability variation state, and the normal state, and the sound output from the speakers 27R and 27L may be different. It may be allowed.

  Further, the production control microcomputer 100 does not notify the probability variation state even in the case of 15R probability variation big hit (in step S890B, the background image at the time of probability variation is not displayed), and the probability variation latent suggestion effect (the probability variation state is confirmed). It may be configured to execute a suggestion effect). Specifically, small hits, 2R normal big hits, 15R normal big hits (transition to short-time state), and 15R positive change big hits (no notification of the probability change state) are available. The effects and mode transitions performed after, may be configured to be different from those after 15R normal big hit (transition to the short-time state) and 15R probability change big hit (not notify that the state is surely changed). When configured in this way, the common effects and common modes are performed in the short-time state, the probability variation state, and the normal state, respectively. Can be made. In addition, when a small hit, 2R normal big hit, 15R normal big hit (transition to the short time state), and 15R probability variation big hit (not notified that the state is surely changed), a common effect is executed, or a common mode is entered. It may be configured to.

  Moreover, the fluctuation pattern command according to the variable display of the 1st special symbol display 8a and the fluctuation pattern command according to the variable display of the 1st special symbol display 8a may be prepared separately.

  In step S105, the CPU 56 determines a variation pattern of the non-reach PC1-3 having a variation time of 3.80 seconds for the first special symbol in the time-saving state, and a variation time of 1 for the second special symbol. The fluctuation pattern of the non-reach PC 1-1 that is 50 seconds or the fluctuation pattern of the non-reach PC 1-2 that has a fluctuation time of 0.80 seconds is determined (FIGS. 12C, 12D, and 12E). (Refer FIG. 16, FIG. 6). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the short time state, the variation time of the first special symbol is longer than the variation time of the second special symbol. That is, in the present embodiment, the variation time of the first special symbol is easily set longer than the variation time of the second special symbol. In the short-time state, even if the total number of reserved storage is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (2 in this embodiment), the first special symbol is not shortened and the total number of reserved storage is the predetermined number (this embodiment). Then, the setting may be the same as that in the case of less than 2), or the same time as the normal time may be set. As shown in FIG. 12D, in the present embodiment, in the short time state, if the total number of reserved storage is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (2 in this embodiment), the variation pattern of the second special symbol is changed. The Specifically, instead of the fluctuation pattern of non-reach PC 1-1 having a fluctuation time of 1.50 seconds, the fluctuation pattern of non-reach PC 1-2 having a fluctuation time of 0.8 seconds is selected, and the fluctuation time is shortened. The

  The present invention is applicable to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern of the production | presentation symbol prepared beforehand corresponding to the case where a variable display result turns into an off symbol. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the variation pattern of the production | presentation symbol prepared beforehand corresponding to the case where a variable display result turns into a big hit symbol or a small hit symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table, a small hit determination table, and a big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the determination ratio of jackpot type. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern classification determination table for big hits. It is explanatory drawing which shows a reach determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern classification determination table for reach. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern classification determination table for non-reach. It is explanatory drawing which shows a hit fluctuation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a deviation variation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a deviation variation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big prize opening pre-release process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening pattern of a big prize opening. It is a flowchart which shows a process during big prize opening release. It is a flowchart which shows a process during big prize opening release. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during normal symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the open pattern of the change time of a normal symbol, and a variable winning ball apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory release pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during normal electric-power-object opening. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process which the microcomputer for production control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a surprise display process. It is a flowchart which shows a latent probability change effect determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the table for latent probability change effect determination. It is a flowchart which shows a sudden end process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit end process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the game start screen displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the background image displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the character displayed with an effect design on an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the table for latent probability change effect determination. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number containing the random number for open pattern determination. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop process in the case of determining the opening pattern of a special winning opening using the random number for opening pattern determination. It is a flowchart which shows an open pattern determination process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 Special variable winning ball device 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 (7)

First variable display means for starting the variable display of the first identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the passage of the game medium through the first start area, and based on the passage of the game medium through the second start area. Second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result, and a special variable winning device that changes between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state disadvantageous to the player, And when a specific display result is derived and displayed on either the first variable display means or the second variable display means, the game is shifted to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and a predetermined condition is established. A gaming machine that shifts to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than when it is in a normal state,
In the specific gaming state, the special variable winning device is changed to a first state for a first period, and the special variable winning device is changed to a first state for a second period shorter than the first period. There is a second specific gaming state,
An effect display unit that executes variable display of the effect identification information corresponding to the variable display of the first identification information in the first variable display means or the variable display of the second identification information in the second variable display means;
Whether or not to shift to the specific gaming state based on the fact that the gaming medium has passed through the first starting area or the gaming medium has passed through the second starting area, and when shifting to the specific gaming state Display of whether to shift to the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state, whether to shift to the special gaming state, and whether to shift to a special gaming state different from the specific gaming state A pre-determining means for deciding before derivation display of the results;
Reach determining means for determining whether or not to change the variable display state of the effect identification information to a predetermined reach state based on the determination that the specific display result is not made by the prior determination means;
Based on a determination result by the reach determination unit, a variation pattern type determination unit that determines the variation pattern type of the effect identification information as one of a plurality of types,
Variation pattern determining means for determining a variation pattern of the effect identification information from among variation patterns included in the variation pattern type determined by the variation pattern type determining means;
Variable display control means for controlling the effect display section based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determination means;
When the control to the second specific gaming state is finished, the control to shift to the special gaming state is performed, and when the control to the special gaming state is finished, the control to the special gaming state is started. Game state control means for performing control to continue the previous game state,
The special variable winning device is:
During the special gaming state, the second state changes to the first state,
The pre-decision means includes
A game machine, wherein it is determined that the special game state is shifted at a different rate when the game medium passes through the first start area and when the game medium passes through the second start area. The variable display control means can execute and control a special effect when it is determined to shift to the special gaming state.
The variable display control means is configured to shift to the special game state based on the passage of the game medium through the first start area, depending on whether or not the special game state is controlled. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein execution control of the special effect is performed at a different rate depending on a case where the game medium transits to a special game state based on passage of the game medium. The variable display control means can execute and control a special effect when it is determined to shift to the special gaming state.
The predetermining means can determine the opening pattern of the special variable winning device,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a combination of the opening pattern and the special effect is determined at a different ratio depending on whether or not the special gaming state is controlled. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the variable display control means can execute and control an effect related to the special effect until a predetermined timing after the execution control of the special effect is started. Character image data for displaying each predetermined character in a different manner in the identification information displayed on the effect display unit is prepared,
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the variable display control means executes and controls a special effect using different character image data based on whether or not the game is in a special game state. The variable display control means displays the same effect display on the effect display unit when the advance determination means determines to shift to the second specific gaming state and when to shift to the special gaming state. Execution control is possible. The game machine in any one of Claims 1-5. The pre-determining means determines to shift to the second specific gaming state at a different rate when the game medium passes through the first start area and when the game medium passes through the second start area. The gaming machine according to claim 6.

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