JP2012170481A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase interest in a game by allowing a player to have expectation for division into a plurality of kinds of display areas on a display screen.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a notice performance using one area 500; a notice performance using two areas 810, 820; a notice performance using four areas 910, 920, 930, 940; and a notice performance where the area increases. The notice performance where the area increases includes: a case where the area on the screen of a performance display device 9 is divided and increases according to operation of an operation means 120 by the player; and a case where the area on the screen of the performance display device 9 is not divided regardless of operation of the operation means 120 by the player and a notice performance using an area with a number at that point in time is executed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine that gives a predetermined gaming value advantageous to a player based on the establishment of a predetermined condition.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game media are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Also, when a game medium is inserted, a predetermined number of bets are set, multiple types of symbols are rotated by operating the operation lever, and a combination of stop symbols is specified when the symbols are stopped by operating the stop button There are cases where a predetermined number of game media are paid out to the player. Also, when a predetermined number of bets are set according to the number of game media taken in, a plurality of types of symbols are rotated by operating the operation lever, and the symbols are stopped when the symbols are stopped by operating the stop button. When the combination becomes a combination of specific symbols, a predetermined number of game media may be paid out to the player. 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 the pachinko machine, a predetermined specific display result is derived and displayed as a variable display display result of a special symbol (identification information) that is started in the variable display unit based on the winning of the game medium at the start winning opening. A specific gaming state occurs. The derived display is to stop the display of symbols (excluding stop before so-called re-variable display). When the specific gaming state occurs, for example, the special winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and a transition is made to the specific gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times 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 will be the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) are stopped, swung, and enlarged in a state that continues for a predetermined time and matches the specific display result. The occurrence of a specific gaming state before the final result is displayed due to a reduced or deformed state, or multiple symbols are variably displayed synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is switched An effect performed in a state where the possibility continues (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. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display portion is not the specific display result, it becomes “displaced” and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a specific gaming state.

  In such a gaming machine, the display screen of the variable display unit is divided into a plurality of areas, and in each divided area, a display effect (an effect with a different degree of expectation of jackpot) that is a candidate for adoption of the next effect is performed. There is something configured. With such a configuration, it becomes possible for a player to play a game while grasping what the next display effect will be (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-360850 A (FIG. 17 etc.)

  However, in the gaming machine described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, each divided area is simply configured to perform a display effect with a different degree of expectation of jackpot in each divided area. By selecting a high percentage of display effects with low expectation level for jackpots, the player can have a sense of expectation even when the display screen of the variable display unit is divided into a plurality of areas. There is a problem of disappearing.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that has a sense of expectation for being divided into a plurality of types of display areas on a display screen and can improve the interest of the game.

(Means 1) The gaming machine according to the present invention has a plurality of types that can be distinguished from each other based on the establishment of the start condition (for example, the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14). Effect display devices (for example, a first special symbol display device 8a, a second special symbol display device 8b, and an effect display device 9) that variably display identification information (for example, a first special symbol, a second special symbol, a production symbol). ), The game result is determined by deriving the display result to the effect display device, and a predetermined game value (for example, a game) is given when the game result becomes a specific game result (for example, a big hit) It is a gaming machine, and an operation means (for example, push button 120, stick controller 122) that can be operated by the player and a display area of a number n (n is 1 or more) are set on the display screen of the effect display device. Person The first effect executing means for executing the effect in the display area of several n according to the operation of the operating means (for example, if the effect is used in steps S1601 to S1604 or S8001 (for example, if n is 1, one region is used) Production: See Fig. 42. If n is 2, production using two regions: see Fig. 43), the production control microcomputer 100 performs the processing of steps S8107 to S8111 or steps S933 to S936. And a display area of several m (m> n) is set on the display screen of the effect display device, and several m is displayed according to the operation of the operation means by the player. The second effect executing means for executing the effect in the area (for example, the effect in step S1601 to S1604 or step S8001 (for example, if m is 2, 2 If the effect using the area: see FIG. 43. If m is 4, the effect using the four areas: see FIG. 44), the effect control microcomputer 100 will perform steps S8107 to S8111 or step. In the processing of S933 to S936, when the set effect is performed and a display area of several n is set, the first effect execution unit performs the operation of the operation unit by the player. Without performing an effect (for example, without performing an effect using one area shown in FIG. 42), the display area of several n is updated to a display area of several m (for example, an area as shown in FIG. 43). Display area update means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs steps S8107 to S8111 or step S9). 33 to S936, a portion that performs an effect after the area is divided and increased).
According to such a configuration, whether the presentation is performed in the display area of several n or the display area of several n is updated to the display area of several m according to the operation of the operation means by the player. As a result, it is possible to give a sense of expectation to the fact that the display screen is divided into a plurality of display areas, and to improve the interest of the game.

(Means 2) In the means 1, it is determined whether or not the control state inside the gaming machine is a specific control state advantageous to the player (for example, including a specific game state (big hit), a reach state, a probability change state, etc.). Control state determination means (for example, a part for executing step S61, step S103, etc. in the game control microcomputer 560), and the display area update means is more than when it is determined by the control state determination means that the specific control state is not set. When it is determined to be in the specific control state, the display area of several n is updated to a display area of several m at a high rate, and the effect is executed by the second effect executing means (for example, as shown in FIG. 36). , If it is determined to be a big hit, a higher proportion of the notice effect that will develop to a larger number of areas than if determined to be out of super reach Is. For certain control state and reach state or probability variation state can also be realized as well.) It may be configured so.
According to such a configuration, a feeling of expectation can be further increased with respect to the fact that the display area of several n is updated to the display area of several m, and the interest of the game can be improved.

(Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the second effect executing means displays the display area in the display area before and after the display area update means updates the display area of several n to the display area of several m. The display mode may be changed (for example, the facial expression of the character displayed in the area is changed).
According to such a configuration, the expectation can be further enhanced with respect to the fact that the display area of several n is updated to the display area of several m.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the control state determination means for determining whether or not the control state inside the gaming machine is a specific control state advantageous to the player is provided. When a plurality of types of combinations are provided as combinations of effects in the area and effects in the display area of several meters, and when it is determined to be in the specific control state by the control state determining means, and when it is determined not to be in the specific control state Thus, the configuration may further include an effect selecting means for selecting a predetermined combination from a plurality of types of combinations at different ratios.
According to such a configuration, attention can be paid to the combination of effects in the display area of several n and effects in the display area of several m, and the entertainment of the game can be further improved.

(Means 5) In any one of the means 1 to 4, the display area updating means increases the number of display areas m by increasing and / or moving the dividing line displayed on the display screen in the effect display device. It may be configured to change (see FIG. 49).
According to such a configuration, attention can be paid to the number of display areas, and the interest of the game can be improved.

(Means 6) In any one of the means 1 to 5, when the number m of display areas exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 16), the control is always performed in a specific control state (see FIG. 36). May be.
With such a configuration, attention can be paid to the number of display areas, and the interest of the game can be improved.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a stick controller. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 4 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern of the production | presentation symbol prepared beforehand. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example etc. of an effect control pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. 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 explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a pending | holding buffer. It is a flowchart which shows the effect process at the time of winning. 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 command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a notification effect setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a notice classification determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the notification effect pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the notification effect pattern determination table. 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 process during a round. It is a flowchart which shows a process during a round. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end effect process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the notice effect which used one area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the notice effect which used two area | regions. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the notice effect which used four area | regions. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the notice effect which increases an area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the notice effect which increases an area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a notice effect which increases an area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of notice effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the production which changes the number of area | regions by increasing and / or moving the line displayed on a display screen.

  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 opened and closed. 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.

  The member that forms the extra ball tray (lower tray) 4 is configured in a stick shape (bar shape), for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower tray main body (for example, the central portion of the lower tray). Is attached to the stick controller 122 that can be tilted in a plurality of directions (front and rear, left and right). FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the stick controller 122. The stick controller 122 includes an operation rod 122A held by the player, and a trigger button 121 is provided at a predetermined position of the operation rod 122A (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is hooked when the player holds the operation rod 122A). Is provided. The trigger button 121 is operated in a predetermined direction by, for example, performing a push / pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) while the player holds the operation rod 122A of the stick controller 122 with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised so that. A trigger sensor 125 (see FIG. 4) that detects a predetermined instruction operation by a push-pull operation on the trigger button 121 or the like may be built in the operation rod 122A. A tilt direction sensor unit 123 that detects a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod 122A may be provided inside the lower pan main body or the like below the stick controller 122. For example, the tilt direction sensor unit 123 includes two transmissive photosensors arranged in parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operation rod 122A when viewed from the player's side facing the pachinko gaming machine 1. 4) combining a parallel sensor pair) and two transmission type photosensors (vertical sensor pair) arranged perpendicularly to the board surface of the game board 6 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod 122A when viewed from the player side. What is necessary is just to be comprised including the two transmission type photosensors. In addition, the attachment position of the stick controller 122 in the lower plate is not limited to the central portion of the lower plate, and may be a position near to the left or right.

  In this embodiment, the stick controller 122 (including the trigger button 121) is used as the operation means. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the operation means is a jog dial (means for performing a predetermined operation by turning the dial). Or a cross key (means for performing a predetermined operation by pressing a cross-shaped button).

  The member that forms the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 is subjected to a predetermined instruction operation, for example, by a player pressing a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 122). A possible push button 120 is provided. The push button 120 only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 124 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the player's operation action performed on the push button 120 may be provided inside the upper plate body at the position where the push button 120 is installed. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the mounting positions of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 are in a vertical positional relationship in the central portion of the upper plate and the lower plate. On the other hand, it is good also considering the attachment position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 as the position approached to either right or left in the upper plate and the lower plate, maintaining the vertical relationship. Alternatively, the mounting position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 is not in the vertical relationship, but may be in the horizontal relationship, for example.

  The trigger button 121 provided on the stick controller 122 is configured such that an instruction operation can be performed by performing a push-pull operation with an operating finger while the player holds the operation rod 122A of the stick controller 122 with an operating hand. ing. On the other hand, the push button 120 is provided at a predetermined position of the glass door frame 2 that forms the upper plate separately from the stick controller 122, and in a state where the player does not hold the operation rod 122 A of the stick controller 122. In addition, an instruction operation can be performed by pressing the operation hand. Therefore, the trigger button 121 is difficult to perform a continuous hitting operation, which is a continuous instruction operation, as compared to the push button 120.

  Further, the stick controller 122 incorporates a vibrator motor 126 for causing the stick controller 122 to vibrate. In this embodiment, for example, the center of gravity of the shaft of the vibrator motor 126 is biased or a weight is attached, and the vibrator motor 126 is rotationally controlled by the effect control microcomputer 100 to generate vibrations. It is controlled so as to be vibrated.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 includes an effect symbol display area for performing variable display of the effect 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. The effect symbol display area includes a symbol display area for variably displaying, for example, three decorative (effect) effect symbols of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The symbol display area includes “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas, but the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed on the display screen of the effect display device 9. Three areas of the display area may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol display 8a executes the second special display. When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device 9 along with the variable display, so that the progress of the game can be easily grasped. .

  Further, in the effect display device 9, symbols other than the symbol that will be the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) have continued for a predetermined time, and the jackpot symbol (for example, the left middle right symbol is aligned with the same symbol) Stops, swings, scales, or deforms in a state that matches the symbol combination), or multiple symbols fluctuate synchronously in the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is switched Thus, an effect performed in a state where the possibility of occurrence of a big hit (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) before the final result is displayed 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. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the effect display device 9 is not a big hit symbol, it becomes “out” and the variation display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  Note that, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which the effect symbol display is performed as a liquid crystal display effect in the effect display device 9, but the effect performed in the effect display device 9 is the one shown in this embodiment. For example, an effect having a predetermined story characteristic may be executed, and an effect may be executed in which the result of the story is displayed based on the determination result of the jackpot determination or the variation pattern. For example, perform a battle effect where professional wrestling or soccer matches and enemy characters fight, perform an effect to win the game or battle if it is a big hit, and perform an effect to defeat the game or battle if it is off Also good. Further, for example, instead of displaying the result such as winning or losing, an effect may be executed in which a predetermined story such as a story is developed in order.

  In the upper right part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d for displaying a fourth symbol after the effect symbol, a special symbol described later, and a normal symbol. In this embodiment, a fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol in which the variation display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol described later, There is provided a fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol in which the variation display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the variation display of the effect symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol (however, to be precise, the variation display of the effect symbol is varied on the effect control microcomputer 100 side). This is done by measuring the variation time recognized based on the pattern command.) When performing an effect using the effect display device 9, for example, the effect content including the change display of the effect symbol disappears from the screen for a moment. There are a variety of effects such as effects being performed and effects in which movable objects shield all or part of the screen. For this reason, even if the display screen on the effect display device 9 is viewed, it may be difficult to recognize whether or not the current variation display is in progress. Therefore, in this embodiment, whether or not the state of the present variation is being displayed by confirming the state of the fourth symbol by further displaying the variation of the fourth symbol on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. It is possible to reliably recognize whether or not. Note that the 4th symbol is always variably displayed with a constant operation and does not disappear from the screen or is not shielded by a shielding object, so that it can always be visually recognized.

  The 4th symbol for the first special symbol and the 4th symbol for the 2nd special symbol may be collectively referred to as the 4th symbol, and the 4th symbol display area 9c for the 1st special symbol and the 2nd special symbol The 4th symbol display area 9d for symbols may be collectively referred to as a 4th symbol display area.

  The variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol is realized by continuing the state where the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are repeatedly turned on and off at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined display color (for example, blue). . The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 8a is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol. The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol (a display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If control is possible, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b. In this case, a display color reminiscent of a big hit in the 4th symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol (a display color different from a loss is displayed. The display color may be different depending on the type of jackpot (whether it is a promising jackpot or a regular jackpot), and a jackpot that can be expected to win a game ball at the jackpot ( For example, the display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit, and if it is possible to control multiple types of big hits with different numbers of rounds, the round that is continued in the big hit game The display colors when the 4th symbol display areas 9c and 9d are turned off may be assimilated with the background image when the lights are turned off to prevent them from becoming invisible. Scene image different display color (e.g., black) it is desirable that.

  In this embodiment, the case where the 4th symbol display area is provided on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is shown, but a light emitter such as a lamp or LED is used separately from the effect display device 9. Thus, the fourth symbol display area may be realized. In this case, for example, the variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol may be realized by continuing the state in which the two LEDs are alternately lit, and any of the two LEDs is stopped. Whether or not the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed may be indicated depending on whether or not it is displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which separate fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are provided corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, but the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided. A fourth symbol display area common to the symbols may be provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. Moreover, you may make it implement | achieve the 4th symbol display area common with respect to a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol using light-emitting bodies, such as a lamp | ramp and LED. In this case, when executing the variation display of the fourth symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when executing the variation display of the fourth symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, For example, the display of different display colors at certain time intervals may be performed by distinguishing and executing the variation display of the fourth symbol by performing display that repeatedly turns on and off. In addition, when the variation display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the variation display of the fourth symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, for example, The display of the fourth symbol may be distinguished and executed by performing a display that repeatedly turns on and off at different time intervals. In addition, for example, when the stop symbol is derived and displayed corresponding to the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the stop symbol is derived and displayed corresponding to the variation display of the second special symbol, the same big hit symbol is obtained. However, you may make it stop-display the stop symbol of a different aspect.

  On the right side of the effect display device 9, a first special symbol display (first variable display unit) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as identification information is provided. 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. Further, on the right side of the effect display device 9 (next to the right of the first special symbol display 8a), a second special symbol display (second variable display unit) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as identification information. Is also provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

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

  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 are collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator (variable display unit). There are things to do.

  Although this embodiment shows a case where two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b are provided, the gaming machine may be provided with only one 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 after passing (including winning)), the 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) The state is started and the big hit game is not executed), and when the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that the passing of a game ball means that the game ball has passed through a predetermined area such as a prize opening or a gate, and that includes a game ball entering (winning) a prize opening. It is. Deriving and displaying the display result is to finally stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information).

  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. Therefore, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, it is easier for the game ball to win the first starting winning port 13 than the second starting winning port 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.

  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.

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

  Further, above the second special symbol hold memory display 18b, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first hold memory number (the hold memory is also referred to as start memory or start prize memory). ) Is displayed, a first special symbol reservation storage display 18a is provided. The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Also, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided a first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. ing. In addition, you may make it provide the area | region (sum total pending | holding memory display part) which displays the total number (sum total pending memory count) which is the sum total of the 1st pending memory count and the 2nd pending memory count. As described above, if the summation pending storage display section 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.

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

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, the game control microcomputer 560 that controls the change display of the special symbol transmits a change pattern command that can specify the change time, and the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the change pattern command. The variation display of the effect symbol is controlled according to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command. Therefore, since the variation time is specified based on the variation pattern command, the variation display of the special symbol and the variation display of the effect symbol should be executed in synchronization in principle. However, in the unlikely event that the data of the variation pattern command is garbled, the variation time recognized on the game control microcomputer 560 side and the variation time recognized on the effect control microcomputer 100 side There may be a gap between them. For this reason, when an unexpected situation such as garbled command data occurs, there is a possibility that the special symbol variation display and the production symbol variation display are not completely synchronized.

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

  On the left side of the effect display device 9, a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying normal symbols is provided. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 10 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the normal symbol display 10 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. Moreover, the small display is formed in, for example, a square shape. Note that the normal symbol display 10 may be configured to variably display a number (or a two-digit symbol) of, for example, 00 to 99. In addition, the normal symbol display 10 is not limited to a 7-segment LED or the like, for example, a display capable of lighting a predetermined symbol display (for example, a decoration lamp capable of alternately lighting and displaying “O” and “X”). It may be comprised.

  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. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (a winning symbol, for example, a symbol “7”), the variable winning ball apparatus 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 a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. In addition, a probability variation state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state is high (a state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit as a result of fluctuation display of special symbols is increased compared to the normal state). Then, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. Even in the short state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) when the symbol variation time is shortened although it is not the probability variation state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  At the lower part of the game board 6, there is an out port 26 into which a hit ball that has not won a prize is taken. In addition, four speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the upper left and right and lower left and right outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a frame LED 28 provided on the front frame is provided.

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

  In this embodiment, when a probable big hit (excluding a sudden round of probable big hits in two rounds) is made, the gaming state is shifted to a high probability state, and the game ball is likely to start and win (that is, a special symbol display). Transition to the high base state, which is a gaming state controlled so that variable display execution conditions in the devices 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9 are easily established. In the case of a sudden probable big hit for two rounds, the high base state is continued if the gaming state at that time is a high base state, and the low base state is continued if the gaming state is a low base state. In addition, when the gaming state is shifted to the short time state, the state is shifted to the high base state. In the high base state, for example, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased or the time in which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended as compared with the case where the high base state is not in the high base state. It becomes easier to win a start.

  Instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball device 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 becomes a winning symbol is increased. Depending on the situation, the high base state may be entered. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball apparatus 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 hit increases, the frequency that the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state).

  In addition, the change 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 is shortened. The frequency of being played (in other words, the digestion of the reserved memory becomes faster), and the situation where an invalid start prize is generated can be reduced. Therefore, an effective start winning is likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility of a big hit game being increased.

  Furthermore, by making transitions to all the states shown above (open extended state, normal symbol probability change 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). In addition, it is easier to win a start 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). You may make it move to a base state.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 3 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to a 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).

  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 source created on the power supply substrate 910. 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 (a special symbol process flag or the like) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and 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 prize 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.

  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. The 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.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 13a, 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.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, and a first special symbol hold memory. Display control of the display 18a, the second special symbol storage memory display 18b, and the normal symbol storage memory display 41 is performed.

  An information output circuit (not shown) that outputs 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 of the effect display device 9 for variably displaying effect symbols is performed.

  The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side via the lamp driver board 35 and from the speaker 27 via the audio output board 70. Control the sound output.

  FIG. 4 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. 4, 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 includes an effect control CPU 101 and an effect control microcomputer 100 including a RAM for storing information related to effects such as effect symbol process flags. The RAM may be externally attached. In this embodiment, the RAM in the production control microcomputer 100 is not backed up. 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. VRAM is a buffer memory for developing image data. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9 via the frame memory.

  The effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for reading out necessary data from a CGROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols (including effect symbols), and background image data in advance. ROM. The VDP 109 reads image data from the CGROM in response to the instruction from the effect control CPU 101. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the read image data.

  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. 4 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 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that a player's operation action on the trigger button 121 has been detected from the trigger sensor 125 via the input port 106. Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that a player's operation action on the push button 120 has been detected from the push sensor 124 via the input port 106. Further, the production control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the operation rod 122A of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 via the input port 106. To do. Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a drive signal to the vibrator motor 126 via the output port 105 to cause the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

  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 current to a light emitter provided on the frame side such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED.

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

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing 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). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a display result designation command designating a display result (probability big hit, normal big hit, sudden probability big hit, small hit, or off) stored in the backup RAM to the effect control board 80 (step). S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S44, for example, when the value of a special symbol pointer (to be described later) is also stored in the backup RAM, the CPU 56 also transmits a first symbol variation designation command and a second symbol variation designation command (see FIG. 7). You may make it do.

  In this embodiment, the value of a variable time timer (to be described later) is also stored in the backup RAM area. Therefore, when the power failure is restored, after the display result designation command is transmitted in step S44, measurement of the saved variable time timer value is resumed, and the special symbol fluctuation display is resumed and saved. When the value of the changed time timer has timed out, a symbol determination designation command to be described later is further transmitted. In this embodiment, a special symbol process flag value, which will be described later, is also stored in the backup RAM area. Therefore, when the power failure is recovered, the special symbol process is resumed from the process corresponding to the value of the stored special symbol process flag.

  Note that the display result designation command is not necessarily transmitted when the power failure is restored, but the CPU 56 may first confirm whether or not the value of the variable time timer stored in the backup RAM area is zero. . If the value of the variation time timer is not 0, it is determined that a power failure occurs during the variation, and a display result designation command is transmitted. It may be determined that the state has not been reached, and the display result designation command may not be transmitted.

  Further, the CPU 56 may first confirm whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag stored in the backup RAM area is 3. If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3, it is determined that a power failure occurs during the fluctuation, and a display result designation command is transmitted. The display result designation command may not be transmitted because it is determined that it is not in the middle.

  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 in steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol per-determining random number counter, a special symbol buffer, a total prize 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). The CPU 56 performs setting according to, for example, a random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the jackpot determination random value (the random value MR1 for determining the special figure display result shown in FIG. 8). I do.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 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 4 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 the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the stop symbol of the 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 effect symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device 9. In addition, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. May be stopped). 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 performing a lottery to determine the variation pattern type and variation pattern using random numbers. To do. 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 in 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 saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, 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 has a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). About the 1st special symbol display 8a, the 2nd special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output with respect to each display according to the content of the output buffer set by step S32, S33. Execute control.

  Also, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determination per ordinary 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 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 the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33).

  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 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in 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 started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. There may be a case where a predetermined combination of effects that does not reach reach is stopped and displayed without reaching reach. 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 changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. After reaching the reach state, a reach effect is executed, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not eventually become a jackpot symbol 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. Finally, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9 (provided that the probability sudden hit is sudden) In some cases, the probability change big hit symbol (for example, “135”) is stopped and displayed without being reached).

  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 prize opening in the big hit gaming state (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 second is twice), but the opening time of the big prize 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). In other words, 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. 7 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. 7A, a command 8001 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started. Command 8002 (H) is an effect control command (second symbol variation designation command) indicating the start of variable display (variation) of the second special symbol. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command may be collectively referred to as a special symbol specifying 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.

  The command 81XX (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 the variation pattern XX). ). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each variation pattern shown in FIG. 9, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the variation start. Therefore, when receiving the command 81XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Command 8CXX (H) is an effect control command indicating whether or not to make a big hit, whether or not to make a big hit, and a big hit type. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect symbol in response to the reception of the command 8CXX (H), so the command 8CXX (H) is referred to as a display result designation command. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the command 8C00 is a display result 1 designation command (missing designation command) indicating that the display result has been determined to be lost, and the command 8C01 has a display result of This is a display result 2 designation command (ordinary big hit designation command) indicating that the non-probable big hit (usually big hit) has been decided. Command 8C03 is a display result 4 designation command (abrupt probability variation big hit designation command) indicating that the display result is suddenly determined to be a promiscuous big hit, and command 8C04 is a display result with a small hit. This is a display result 5 designation command (small hit designation command) indicating that it has been determined.

  The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol 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 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 gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 95XX (H) is an effect control command (winning time determination result designation command) indicating the contents of the winning time determination result. In this embodiment, in the winning effect processing described later (see FIG. 15), the game control microcomputer 560 determines in which determination value range the random value for determining the variation pattern type falls within the starting winning prize. judge. Then, a value for specifying the range of the determination value as the determination result is set in the EXT data of the determination result specifying command at the time of winning, and control to transmit to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 can recognize the variation pattern type when the value of the variation pattern type determination random number becomes a predetermined determination value based on the winning determination result designation command. At the same time, it can be recognized whether or not the display result is a big hit.

  The command 95XX (H) is an effect control command (game state background designation command) for designating background display according to the current game state. Although not shown in FIG. 7A, the command 9500 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) for designating background display when the gaming state is the normal state. Command 9501 (H) is an effect control command (time-short state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is a time-short state (not including the probability change state). The command 9502 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the probability change state.

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

  Command A0XX (H) is an effect control command (hit start designation command: fanfare designation command) for designating the start of a big hit game (displaying a fanfare screen) and the start of a small hit game. The hit start designation command includes a big hit start 1 designation command, a big hit start designation 2 designation command, and a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command according to the type of big hit. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 is configured to transmit a fanfare designation command for sudden start of sudden probability change big hit when it is a sudden chance big hit, but not to send a fanfare designation command for small hit. Also good.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  Command A3XX (H) is an effect control command (hit end designation command: ending designation command) for designating the end of the big hit game and the end of the small hit game. Here, the command A 301 (H) displays a jackpot end screen, that is, designates the end of the jackpot game, and normally designates that the jackpot game is a big jackpot (the jackpot end 1 designation command: ending 1 designation) Command). Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there. Command A 303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command: ending 3 designation command) that designates the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability change big hit game. The game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit an ending designation command for suddenly probable big hit end designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send an ending designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  Command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number addition designation command) that designates that the first reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C200 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has decreased by one. Command C300 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has decreased by one.

  In this embodiment, a case is shown in which an effect control command indicating that the number of reserved memories is increased or decreased is transmitted for each of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. You may make it transmit the production control command which designates itself. In this case, for example, an effect control command for designating which one of the first start prize opening 13 and the second start prize opening 14 has been won is transmitted, and the reserved memory number designation command for designating the reserved memory number is designated as the first. You may make it transmit a common production | presentation control command by 1 reserved memory number and 2nd reserved memory number.

  Further, for example, separate presentation control commands (holding memory number designation commands) may be transmitted when the first holding memory number is designated and when the second holding memory number is designated. In this case, for example, as a reserved memory number designation command, a value that can specify the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number as MODE data (for example, “C0 (H) when designating the first reserved memory number) ”And“ C1 (H) ”in the case of designating the second reserved memory number), an effect control command in which the value of the reserved memory number is set as EXT data may be transmitted.

  Also, for example, if the same first reserved memory number is specified, an effect control command specifying the addition or subtraction of the first reserved memory number is transmitted by making the MODE data common and different EXT data. You may do it. For example, when the common MODE data “C0 (H)” is used and the subtraction of the first reserved memory number is designated, the command C000 (H) is transmitted, and the addition of the first reserved memory number is designated. The command C001 (H) may be transmitted. Further, when specifying the second reserved memory number, the MODE data is made different, and when specifying the subtraction of the second reserved memory number, the command C100 (H) is transmitted, and the second reserved memory number is determined. When adding is designated, the command C101 (H) may be transmitted.

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

  For example, the game control microcomputer 560 designates the variation pattern of the effect symbol whenever 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 presentation 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 main board 31, for example, a random number circuit 503 provided in the game control microcomputer 560 shown in FIG. 3 counts numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the progress of the game in an updatable manner. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a random number value counted on the main board 31 side. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, on the side of the main board 31, a random value MR1 for determining a special figure display result (for determining a display result), a random value MR2 for determining a jackpot type, and determining a variation pattern type The numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining, the random value MR4 for determining the variation pattern, and the random value MR5 for determining the normal display result are controlled to be countable. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, random numbers other than these may be used.

  Such random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also referred to as game random numbers. The random number circuit 503 only needs to count numerical data indicating all or part of these random number values MR1 to MR5. The CPU 56 uses a random counter different from the random number circuit 503, such as a random counter provided in the game control counter setting unit, to update various numerical data by software, so that a part of the random number values MR1 to MR5 is obtained. The numerical data shown may be counted. As an example, the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is updated by the random number circuit 503 independently of the CPU 56, and the numerical data indicating the other random number values MR2 to MR5 is updated by the CPU 56 as a random counter. It may be updated by software using Also, by executing predetermined processing such as scramble processing and arithmetic processing using all or part of the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503, numerical data indicating all or part of the random number values MR1 to MR5 is obtained. It may be updated.

  The game control microcomputer 560 may have 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 setting 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 numbers generated by the random number circuit 503 can be further improved.

  The random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is a random number value used for determining whether or not to control the jackpot gaming state with the variable display result of a special symbol or the like in the special figure game as “big hit”. It takes a value in the range of “1” to “65535”. The random number MR2 for determining the big hit type determines the big hit type, which is the variable display mode of the effect design when the variable display result is “big hit”, as one of “non-probability change”, “probability change”, and “surprise change”. For example, a value in the range of “1” to “100”.

  The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern type is a random number value used to determine the variation pattern type in the variable display of the special symbol or the effect symbol as one of a plurality of types prepared in advance, for example, “1”. A value in the range of “251” is taken. The random value MR4 for determining the variation pattern is a random value used to determine the variation pattern in the variable display of the special symbol or the effect symbol as one of a plurality of types prepared in advance. For example, “1” to “ It takes a value in the range of “997”. The random value MR5 for determining the general-purpose display result is used to determine whether the variable display result in the general-purpose game by the normal symbol display 10 is “per-normal” or “unusual”. For example, it takes a value in the range of “3” to “13”. That is, the random number value MR5 for determining the normal game display result is a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass (enter) through the second start winning port formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B based on the variable display result in the normal game ( This is used to determine whether or not to change from a normal open state to a state where the game ball easily passes (enters) (expanded open state).

  FIG. 9 shows a variation pattern in this embodiment. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result is “losing”, the variable display mode of the production symbol is “non-reach” and “reach”, respectively. When the display result is “big hit”, when the big hit type is “non-probability change” or “probability change” or “surprise change”, or when the variable display result is “small hit” Correspondingly, a plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance. The variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “losing” and the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “non-reach” is called a non-reach variation pattern (also referred to as “non-reach loss variation pattern”) and is variable. A variation pattern corresponding to the case where the display result is “losing” and the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “reach” is referred to as a reach variation pattern (also referred to as “reach loss variation pattern”). Further, the non-reach variation pattern and the reach variation pattern are included in the loss variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “lost”. A variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “big hit” or “small hit” is referred to as a hit variation pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, as the non-reach fluctuation pattern in which the display result is lost, the fluctuation pattern PA1-1 to fluctuation pattern PA1-3, the fluctuation pattern PA2-1 to fluctuation pattern PA2-3, Are prepared in advance. Further, variation patterns PA3-1 to PA3-6 are prepared in advance as reach variation patterns in which the display result is lost.

  When the display result is “big hit” and the big hit type is “non-probability change” or “probability change”, the fluctuation patterns PB1-1 to PB1-6 are the hit fluctuation patterns with reach (normal reach or super reach). Are prepared in advance. In addition, variation patterns PC1-1 to PC1-2 are prepared in advance as variation patterns when the display result is “suddenly promising big hit” or “small hit”.

  FIG. 10A shows a configuration example of each effect control pattern. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 10A, the effect control pattern includes various effect operations such as an effect control process timer determination value, display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, operation detection control data, and an end code. It is composed of process data serving as control data for control, and the contents of various effects control, a hold display position change flag, effects control switching timing, and the like may be set in time series.

  The effect control process timer determination value is a value (determination value) to be compared with an effect control process timer value that is a stored value of the effect control process timer, and a determination value corresponding to the execution time (effect time) of each effect operation Is preset. In place of the effect control process timer determination value, for example, a predetermined effect control command is received from the main board 31, or a predetermined process is executed as a process for controlling the effect operation in the effect control CPU 101. The data indicating the switching timing of the presentation control, etc. may be set corresponding to the predetermined control content and processing content.

  The display control data includes data indicating the display mode of the effect image in the display area of the effect display device 9 such as data indicating the change mode of each effect symbol during variable display of the effect symbols. That is, the display control data is data that designates the display operation of the effect image in the display area of the effect display device 9. The sound control data includes data indicating a sound output mode from the speaker 27, such as data indicating an output mode of a sound effect or the like interlocked with a variable display operation of the effect symbol during the variable display of the effect symbol. That is, the sound control data is data that designates an audio output operation from the speaker 27. The lamp control data includes data indicating a lighting operation mode of the light emitter, such as a frame LED 28, for example. That is, the lamp control data is data for designating the lighting operation of the light emitter.

  In the operation detection control data, for example, an effective period for effectively detecting the tilting operation with respect to the stick controller 122 and the instruction operation with respect to the trigger button 121, the control content of the rendering operation when each operation is effectively detected, and the like are designated. Data such as data, which indicates a presentation operation mode according to the player's operation action, is included. Here, the operation detection control data is set to restrict (prohibit) the instruction operation on the push button 120 from being detected in the effective period in which the tilt operation on the stick controller 122 and the instruction operation on the trigger button 121 are detected effectively. It only has to be done.

  Note that these control data do not have to be included in all the effect control patterns, but an effect control pattern configured to include a part of the control data according to the contents of the effect operation by each effect control pattern. There may be. Further, in the plural types of process data included in the effect control pattern, the types of control data constituting each process data may be different according to the contents of the effect operation executed at each timing. That is, some process data includes all of the display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, and operation detection control data, and some process data includes some of these.

  FIG. 10B shows various effect operations executed according to the contents of the effect control pattern. The production control CPU 101 determines the control content of the production operation according to various control data included in the production control pattern. For example, when the effect control process timer value matches one of the effect control process timer determination values, the effect design process is displayed in a manner specified by the display control data associated with the effect control process timer determination value, and the character Control is performed to display effect images such as images and background images in the display area of the effect display device 9. In addition, control is performed to output sound from the speaker 27 in a mode specified by the sound control data, and control for blinking the light emitter of the frame LED 28 is performed in a mode specified by the lamp control data, and specified by the operation detection control data. In the operation valid period, control is performed to accept the operation on the stick controller 30, the trigger button 121, or the push button 120 and determine the content of the effect. Note that dummy data (data not specifying control) may be set as data corresponding to a production component that does not become a control target even though it corresponds to the production control process timer determination value.

  The effect control CPU 101 sets the effect control pattern based on the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command, for example, when starting variable display of the effect symbol. Here, when setting an effect control pattern, pattern data constituting the corresponding effect control pattern may be read from the ROM and temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the effect control board. The storage address of the pattern data constituting the pattern in the ROM may be temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the effect control board RAM, and the reading position of the storage data in the ROM may be designated. After that, every time the production control process timer value is updated, it is determined whether or not it matches any of the production control process timer determination values. Control. In this way, the effect control CPU 101 emits light from the effect devices (effect display device 9, speaker 27, frame LED 28, etc.) according to the contents of process data # 1 to process data #n (n is an arbitrary integer) included in the effect control pattern. Control the body). In each process data # 1 to process data #n, display control data # 1 to display control data #n and sound control data # 1 to sound control associated with production control process timer determination values # 1 to #n are provided. Data #n, lamp control data # 1 to lamp control data #n, and operation detection control data # 1 to operation detection control data #n indicate the control content of the rendering operation in the rendering device and specify the execution of the rendering control. Control execution data # 1 to production control execution data #n are configured.

  A command according to the production control pattern thus set is output from the production control CPU 101 to the display control unit, the audio output board 70, and the like. In the display control unit that has received a command from the effect control CPU 101, for example, a predetermined VDP or the like is developed by reading out image data indicated by the command from an image data memory such as CGROM and temporarily storing it in the VRAM. Further, in the audio output board 70 that has received a command from the effect control CPU 101, for example, the voice synthesis IC reads out the voice data indicated by the command from the voice data ROM and temporarily stores it in the voice RAM or the like. .

  The display control unit mounted on the effect control board 80 shown in FIG. 3 determines the control content of the display operation in the effect display device 9 based on the display control command from the effect control CPU 101. For example, the display control unit is configured to execute various effect displays such as a variable display of effect symbols and an effect display in reach effect by determining the timing of switching effect images to be displayed on the screen of the effect display device 9. The first hold memory number and the second hold memory number are displayed or hidden in the first hold memory number display area and the second hold memory number display area according to the hold display instruction or the hold non-display instruction from the control or CPU 101 for effect control. Control to The display control unit may be configured to include a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), an LCD drive circuit, and the like.

  The I / O mounted on the effect control board 80 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 or the like, or various operation detection signals transmitted from the trigger sensor 125, the push sensor 124, and the tilt direction sensor unit 123. An input port for capturing signals and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 80 are configured. For example, from an I / O output port, a video signal transmitted to the effect display device 9, a command transmitted to the audio output board 70 (sound effect signal), or a command transmitted to the lamp driver board 35 (Lighting signal) etc. are output.

  For example, an input / output driver, a voice synthesis IC, a voice data ROM, an amplifier circuit, a volume, and the like are mounted on the voice output board 70. As an example, in the audio output board 70, the sound number data indicated in the sound effect signal transmitted from the effect control board 80 is input to the voice synthesis IC via the input / output driver. The voice synthesis IC generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the sound number data and outputs them to the amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit outputs to the speaker 27 an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume. The voice data ROM stores control data corresponding to the sound number data, and the voice synthesis IC reads out the control data corresponding to the sound number data to generate voice and sound effects. The data stored in the audio data ROM only needs to be composed of data indicating the output mode of audio and sound effects in a predetermined period in a time series.

  For example, an input / output driver and a lamp driver are mounted on the lamp driver board 35. As an example, in the lamp driver board 35, the electrical signal transmitted from the effect control board 80 is input to the lamp driver via the input / output driver. The lamp driver amplifies the illumination signal and supplies it to the frame LED 28 and the like.

  FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flowcharts showing an example of a program of special symbol process (step S26) 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 turns on the first start winning opening 13 when the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 is turned on. If a winning has occurred, a first start port switch passage process is executed (steps S311 and S312). If the second start port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14 is turned on, that is, the start winning to the second start winning port 14 has occurred. Then, the second start port switch passing process is executed (steps S313, S314). 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. Further, 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): This process is 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 design control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control to transmit the specified command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the fourth symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When 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). In this embodiment, based on the value of the special symbol process flag being 4, the special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control processing is displayed as the special symbol display. It is set in the output buffer for setting control data, and the special symbol stop symbol is actually stopped and displayed in accordance with the setting contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

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

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

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating 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 special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). Note that the pre-opening process for small hits is executed every time the big winning opening during the small hit game is opened. It is also a process to start.

  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. When the closing condition of the big prize opening is satisfied and the number of opening of the big prize opening still remains, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. Update. When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

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

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in steps S312 and S314. Among these, FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the second start port switch passing process in step S314.

  First, the first start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the first start port switch passing process that is executed when the first start port switch 13a is in the on state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the first hold port number). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the first reserved storage number counter for counting the storage number is 4 (step S211A). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S212A) and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S213A). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and stores them in a first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 14: corresponding to the first special figure reserved storage unit in FIG. 16). Processing for storing in the storage area is executed (step S214A). In the process of step S214A, a special figure display result determination random number MR1 (big hit determination random number) which is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number MR2 which is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number MR3, a variation pattern The determination random number MR4 and the normal display result determination random number MR5 are extracted and stored in the storage area. Note that the random number MR4 for determining the variation pattern is not extracted in the first start port switch passing process (at the time of starting winning a prize) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of the variation of the first special symbol. Also good. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number MR4 in the variation pattern setting process described later.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the hold memory. The first reserved memory buffer and the second reserved memory buffer shown in FIG. 14 correspond to the first special figure reserved memory unit and the second special figure reserved memory unit shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, in the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer, a special figure display result determining random number MR1 (a big hit determining random number) that is a hardware random number, or a big hit type determining random number that is a software random number is used. MR2, variation pattern type determination random number MR3, and variation pattern determination random number MR4 are stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a time-short flag indicating that the gaming state is a time-short state (including a probability change state) is set (step S215A). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S218A. If the time reduction flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (step S216A). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (that is, if the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state), the CPU 56 proceeds to step S218A as it is.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 5, the CPU 56 executes a winning presentation process for preliminarily determining the variation display result when the variation based on the detected starting winning is executed at the time of starting winning (step S217A). ). Then, the CPU 56 performs control for transmitting the first reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 and, at the same time, receives the prize determination result designation command based on the determination result of the prize effect process. Control to transmit to 100 is performed (step S218A).

  If the winning effect processing in step S217A is not executed because it is determined as Y in step S215A or step S216A, the CPU 56 transmits only the first reserved memory number addition designation command in step S218A. The control for transmitting the winning determination result designation command is not performed. Note that if the winning effect process in step S217A is not executed, a command indicating that the winning determination has not been performed is transmitted, or a value indicating that the winning determination result cannot be specified (for example, “FF (H) ”) may be transmitted as a winning determination result designation command set as EXT data.

  In this embodiment, when the process of step S215A is executed, and there is a start winning to the first start winning opening 13, when the gaming state is the normal state (even if the probability change state is short state) If not, the winning effect process in step S217A is executed. Further, in this embodiment, when the process of step S216A is executed, and there is a start winning at the first start winning opening 13, step S217A is performed only when the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state is not established. The award winning directing process is executed. It should be noted that the process may not be shifted to step S217A only when the game state is a big hit game state, and the game process may be executed at step S217A when the game state is a small hit game state.

  In this embodiment, when the probability variation state is set, a probability variation flag, which will be described later, is set and a time reduction flag is set. Further, in the time-short state, only the time-short flag is set (see steps S167, S170, S171 in FIG. 22). Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is confirmed whether or not the time reduction flag is set, it can be determined that the state is at least one of the probability variation state or the time reduction state. Therefore, in the process shown in step S215A, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the time-varying state or the time-shortening state is set by determining whether or not the time-shortening flag is set.

  In this embodiment, the big hit gaming state (specific gaming state) is a control in which the big prize opening is opened for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) after notification that the big hit is started. It is a state until it is informed that the opening of the big winning opening in the final round is finished and the jackpot is finished. Specifically, it is a state in which the processes from the big winning opening opening pre-process (see step S305) to the big hit end process (see step S307) in the special symbol process are executed.

  Next, the second start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the second start port switch passing process that is executed when the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second hold port number). Whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the memory number is 4 is confirmed (step S211B). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S212B) and the value of the aggregated reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S213B). 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 a storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 14) (step S214B). . In the process of step S214B, a special figure display result determination random number MR1 (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number MR2 that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number MR3, and a variation pattern The determination random number MR4 is extracted and stored in the storage area. The variation pattern determining random number MR4 is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the second start port switch passage process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of variation of the second special symbol. Also good. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number MR4 in the variation pattern setting process described later.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a winning effect process (step S217B). Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100, and outputs the prize determination result designation command based on the determination result of the prize effect process. Control to transmit to 100 is performed (step S218B).

  Also in the second start port switch passing process, the same process as in step S215A may be performed, and if the time is short, the winning effect process in step S217B may not be executed. Also, in the second start port switch passing process, the same process as in step S216A may be performed, and the winning effect process in step S217B may not be executed if a big hit game is being played. Further, in the second start port switch passing process, the winning effect process in step S217B may not be executed (that is, the winning determination process may not be executed for the second special symbol). . With such a configuration, when the continuous notice effect is executed for a certain period, it is possible to reliably prevent the continuous notice effect from being interrupted due to a short variation time.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the winning effect processing in steps S217A and S217B. In the winning effect process, the CPU 56 first compares the jackpot determination random number (the special figure display result determination random number MR1) extracted in steps S214A and S214B with the normal or short-time jackpot determination value shown in FIG. Then, it is confirmed whether or not they match (step S220). In this embodiment, at the timing of starting the variation of the special symbol and the production symbol, whether or not to make a big hit or a small hit in the special symbol normal processing described later, determining the type of big hit or changing the variation pattern in the variation pattern setting processing In addition to that, at the timing when the game ball starts and wins at the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, before the change display based on the start winning is started, By executing the winning effect processing, it is confirmed in advance which judgment value range the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type falls. By doing so, the variation pattern type is predicted in advance before the variation display of the effect symbol is executed, and, as described later, based on the determination result at the time of winning, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs a big hit or Execute a continuous notice effect to announce that it will be super reach.

  If the big hit determination random number (specific figure display result determination random number MR1) does not match the normal big hit determination value (N in Step S220), the CPU 56 sets a probability change flag indicating that the gaming state is a probability change state. It is confirmed whether it has been done (step S221). If the probability change flag is set, the CPU 56 compares the jackpot determination random number (the special figure display result determination random number MR1) extracted in steps S214A and S214B with the jackpot determination value at the time of probability change shown in FIG. Are matched (step S222). It should be noted that there is a possibility that a plurality of variation displays will be executed after confirming whether or not the state is surely changed in step S221 at the time of the start winning, until the actual display of the variation based on the start winning is actually started. There is. For this reason, the game state has changed (for example, the start of change) from when it is confirmed whether or not it is in the probable variation state at step S221 at the time of starting winning, until when the fluctuation display based on the starting winning is actually started. If there is a probable big hit before, the normal state has changed to the probable state.) For this reason, the gaming state determined in step S221 at the time of starting winning and the gaming state determined at the start of variation (see step S61 described later) are not necessarily the same.

  In the winning effect processing, only the process of comparing the value of the jackpot determination random number (the special figure display result determination random number MR1) with the jackpot determination value in the low probability state is executed to determine the jackpot determination in the high probability state. It may not be compared with the value (specifically, only the process of step S220 may be executed and the processes of steps S221 and S222 may not be performed). With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a deviation from occurring between the jackpot determination result at the time of winning determination and the jackpot determination result at the actual start of variation.

  If the big hit determination random number (special figure display result determination random number MR1) does not match the big hit determination value at the time of probability change (N in step S222), the CPU 56 determines the big hit determination random number (special figure) extracted in steps S214A and S214B. The display result determining random number MR1) is compared with the small hit determination value shown in FIG. 11, and it is confirmed whether or not they match (step S223). In this case, when there is a start winning at the first start winning opening 13 (when executing the winning effect processing (see step S217A) in the first start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 13A). Is determined whether or not it matches the small hit determination value set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. Also, when there is a start winning at the second start winning opening 14 (when the winning effect processing (see step S217B) is executed in the second start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 13B), FIG. It is determined whether or not it matches the small hit determination value set in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG.

  If the big hit determination random number (special figure display result determination random number MR1) does not match the small hit determination value (N in step S223), the CPU 56 performs a process of determining the current gaming state (step S224). In this embodiment, in step S224, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the gaming state is a certain change state or a short time state (specifically, whether or not a short time flag is set). It should be noted that a plurality of variation displays are executed after confirming whether or not the state of probability variation or time reduction is confirmed in step S224 at the time of starting winning, until the actual displaying of variation based on the starting winning is actually started. There is a possibility. For this reason, the game state has changed from the time when the start winning is confirmed in step S224 to determine whether or not the state is the probability change state or the short time state until the display of the actual variation based on the start winning is actually started (for example, If there is a probable big hit before the start of fluctuation, the normal state changes to the probable state.). Therefore, the gaming state determined in step S224 at the time of starting winning and the gaming state determined at the start of variation (see step S61 described later) do not necessarily match.

  Then, the CPU 56 sets each threshold value for detachment according to the determination result of step S224 (step S225). In this embodiment, a threshold determination program for performing threshold determination is incorporated in advance, and by determining whether or not the threshold value is larger than the threshold value, the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type falls within any determination value range. Is determined, and the value of the EXT data set in the winning determination result designation command is determined.

  When the big hit determination random number (special drawing display result determination random number MR1) matches the small hit determination value (Y in step S223), the CPU 56 sets a threshold for small hit (step S226).

  When the jackpot determination random number (special display result determination random number MR1) matches the jackpot determination value in step S220 or step S222, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot type determination random number MR2 extracted in steps S214A and S214B. The type of jackpot is determined (step S227). In this case, when there is a start winning at the first start winning opening 13 (when executing the winning effect processing (see step S217A) in the first start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 13A). The big hit type determination table (for the first special symbol) is used to determine whether the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “suddenly probable big hit”. Further, when there is a start winning at the second start winning opening 14 (when a winning effect process (see step S217B) is executed in the second start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 13B), it is a big hit Using the type determination table (for the second special symbol), it is determined whether the big hit type is “normal big hit” or “probability big hit”.

  And CPU56 sets each threshold value for jackpots according to the jackpot classification determined by step S227 (step S228).

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the threshold value set in steps S225, S226, and S228 and the variation pattern type determination random number MR3 extracted in steps S214A and S214B to determine which value of the variation pattern type determination random number is any determination value. It is determined whether the range is reached (step S229).

  Then, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the EXT data corresponding to the determination result to the winning determination result designation command (step S230). Specifically, the CPU 56 determines whether the winning determination is made when the first starting winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14 is won, and which variation pattern type is determined in step S229. The value corresponding to is set in the EXT data of the determination result designation command at the time of winning. When EXT data is set in step S230, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the winning determination result designation command in steps S218A and S218 in the first start port switch passing process or the second start port switch passing process is a pointer. The winning determination result designation command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the effect control command control process of step S28.

  In this embodiment, even when it is determined that the big win or the small win is determined in the determination at the time of winning, the range in which the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is uniformly determined is shown. When it is determined that a big hit or a small hit is made, the range of the random number for determining the variation pattern type may not be determined. Then, a winning determination result designation command indicating that a winning determination has been made may be transmitted when a big win or a small win is reached. Then, for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 may execute a continuous notice effect, which will be described later, based on the reception of a winning determination result designation command indicating that a winning determination is made when a big win is reached.

  16 and 17 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, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not yet been transmitted, control is performed to send the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the processing is performed. finish. For example, when the CPU 56 transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration designation command has been transmitted. When the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interruption is executed after sending the customer waiting demo designation command, the customer waiting demonstration request command is repeatedly set based on the fact that the customer waiting demo designation command transmission completed flag is set. Control should be performed so that the demo designation command is not transmitted. In this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completion flag may be reset when the next special symbol variation display is started.

  If the total pending storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second pending storage number is 0 (step S52). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter is zero. If the second reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 indicates a special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether special symbol process processing is being performed for the first special symbol or special symbol process processing is being performed for the second special symbol). Is set to data indicating “second” (step S53). If the second reserved memory number is 0 (that is, only the first reserved memory number is accumulated), the CPU 66 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. In other words, control is performed so that the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is established in preference to the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol.

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

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 and saves each storage area in the first reserved memory number buffer. Shift the contents of. 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.

  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, 4 in order.

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

  Moreover, CPU56 performs control which transmits a background designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for effect control according to the present game state (step S60). In this case, when the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a probability variation state background designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a time reduction state background designation command when the time variation flag indicating that the time reduction state is not set and the time reduction state is set. If neither the probability change flag nor the time reduction flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a normal state background designation command.

  Note that, in this embodiment, the background designation command is transmitted every time for each variation. Only when the state changes, a background designation command corresponding to the changed gaming state may be transmitted. With such a configuration, the number of transmissions of the background designation command can be reduced, and the processing burden on the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced.

  Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) is given. Set to 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 S28). In this embodiment, when the variation of the special symbol is started, the effect control microcomputer in the order of the background designation command, the variation pattern command, the display result designation command, and the reserved memory number subtraction designation command for each timer interrupt. 100 will be transmitted. Specifically, when the change of the special symbol is started, first, the background designation command is transmitted, the variation pattern command is transmitted after 4 ms elapses, the display result designation command is transmitted after elapse of 4 ms, and further after 4 ms elapses. A pending storage count subtraction designation command is transmitted. In addition, the symbol variation designation command (the first symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command) is also transmitted when the special symbol variation starts, but the symbol variation designation command is the same timer interrupt as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

  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 the special figure display result determination random number MR1 (big hit determination random number) from the random number buffer area, and executes the big hit determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot determination that is extracted in step S214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. A random number is read and a big hit judgment is performed. The big hit determination module is a program that compares a big hit determination value or a small hit determination value determined in advance with a big hit determination random number, and executes a process of determining a big hit or a small hit if they match. 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, the jackpot determination table for probability variation when the number of jackpot determination values is set in advance (see FIG. 11) and the jackpot determination at normal time when the number of jackpot determination values is set smaller than the probability variation jackpot determination table. A table (see FIG. 11) is provided. 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 jackpot determination random number (special figure display result determination random number MR1) matches any one of the jackpot determination values shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a jackpot. 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 a probable big hit or suddenly probable big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. When the big hit is decided, the special symbol variation display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. Reset at timing.

  If the value of the jackpot determination random number (special drawing display result determination random number MR1) does not match any of the jackpot determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 uses the small hit determination table (see FIG. 11). The small hit judgment process is performed. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (special figure display result determination random number MR1) matches any of the small hit determination values shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is to be a small hit. In this case, the CPU 56 confirms the data indicated by the special symbol pointer, and when the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “first”, the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. 11 is used. To decide whether or not to make a small hit. If the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “second”, it is determined whether or not to make a small hit using the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. If 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 proceeds to step S75.

  If the value of the special figure display result determining random number MR1 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 directly proceeds to step S75. Transition.

  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 a jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol used for determining the jackpot type. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects a big hit type determination table for the second special symbol used for determining the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select the type corresponding to the value of the jackpot type determination random number MR2 stored in the random number buffer area (“normal jackpot”, “probability variable jackpot” or "Suddenly probable big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type extracted in step S214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. The random number is read and the jackpot type is determined.

  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 big hit type is “normal big hit”, “01” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “probable big hit”, “02” is set as the data indicating the big hit 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 decided as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “normal big hit” is decided, “3” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol. If “probable 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.

  In this embodiment, the case where the jackpot type is first determined and the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to the determined jackpot type is shown, but the method for determining the jackpot type and the stop symbol of the special symbol is as follows. It is not limited to what is shown in the embodiment. For example, a table in which a special symbol stop symbol and a jackpot type are associated in advance is prepared, and a special symbol stop symbol is first determined based on a random number for determining the big hit type. You may comprise so that a classification may also be determined.

  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. 18 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 selects a big hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine one of a plurality of types of variation pattern types (step S94). Then, the process proceeds to step S101. In step S94, the big hit type ("non-probability change", "probability change", "sudden change") is confirmed, and a table corresponding to the big hit type is selected.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S92). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the small hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine the variation pattern type from among a plurality of types (step S93). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the high base state is set (step S95). Whether or not the state is the high base state can be confirmed by whether or not either the probability change flag or the time reduction flag is set. If not in the high base state, the CPU 56 selects a variation pattern type determination table for loss at the time of low base (step S96). If it is in the high base state, the loss variation pattern type determination table for the high base is selected (step S97). In step S96, the number of reserved memories (total number of reserved memories) is checked in which range of values “0, 1”, “2-4”, “5-8”, and the number of reserved memories is determined. Select a table. Similarly, in step S97, it is checked which range of values “0, 1” and “2-8” is the number of reserved memories (total number of reserved memories), and a table corresponding to the number of reserved memories is selected. . Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern type determination random number MR3 from the random number buffer area (the first reserved storage buffer or the second reserved storage buffer), and refers to the table selected in the process of step S93, S94, S96 or S97. Thus, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S101).

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the hit variation pattern determination table and the loss variation pattern determination table as tables used for determining the variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S101. One of them is selected (step S102). Further, by reading the variation pattern determination random number MR4 from the random number buffer area (the first reserved storage buffer or the second reserved storage buffer) and referring to the variation pattern determination table selected in the process of step S102, a plurality of types of variation patterns are obtained. (Step S103). In the case where the variation pattern determining random number MR4 is not extracted at the timing of starting winning, the CPU 56 directly extracts the value from the variation pattern determining random number counter for generating the variation pattern determining random number MR4. The variation pattern may be determined based on the extracted random number value.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first symbol variation designation command. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second symbol variation designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S105).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S106). 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 S107).

  In the case where it is determined to be out of place, instead of suddenly determining the variation pattern type, first, it may be determined whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a random number for reach determination. Then, based on the determination result as to whether or not to reach, the processing of steps S95 to S97 and S101 may be executed to determine the variation pattern type. In this case, the variation pattern type determination table for non-reach (including the variation pattern types of non-reach CA1-1 to non-reach CA1-5 shown in FIG. 10) and the variation pattern type determination table for reach (FIG. 10). (Including the variation pattern types of normal CA2-1 and super CA2-2 shown in FIG. 2) and selecting one of the variation pattern type determination tables based on the reach determination result, It may be determined.

  In addition, when determining whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a reach determination random number, depending on the total reserved memory number (which may be the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number), Reach determination tables having different selection ratios may be selected, and it may be determined whether or not to reach so that the reach probability decreases as the number of reserved memories increases. In this case, for example, in determining whether “super-reach out” or “non-reach out” in the winning effect process, the CPU 56 matches the determination value assigned to the common range in the reach determination table. By determining whether or not, it may be determined in advance whether or not to reach.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission processing, the CPU 56 transmits any one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) (see FIG. 7) according to 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 S116. When the big hit flag is set, when the big hit type is a probable big hit, control is performed to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Specifically, whether or not it is a probable big hit can be 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”. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command when the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit (steps S113 and S114). 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”. Then, when neither the probability variation big hit nor the sudden probability variation big hit is obtained (that is, when it is a normal big hit), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step S115).

  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 S116). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S117). When the small hit flag is not set (N in Step S116), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (Step S118).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S119).

  FIG. 20 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 first checks whether or not a pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted (step S121). Whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates, for example, that the pending storage number subtraction designation command has been transmitted when the pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted in step S122 described later. The stored number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag may be set, and in step S121, it may be confirmed whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is set. Also, in this case, the set reserved memory number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is reset by special symbol stop processing or jackpot end processing, which will be described later, when the special symbol fluctuation display is terminated or when the big jackpot is terminated. That's fine.

  Next, if the reserved memory number subtraction designation command has not been transmitted, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the reserved memory number subtraction designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S122). In this case, when a value indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first reserved memory number subtraction designation command. If a value indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number subtraction designation command.

  Next, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variable time timer (step S125). When the variable time timer times out (step S126), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S127). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S304) (step S128). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 21 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 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S133). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state if set (step S134). Control to transmit a big hit start designation command to the microcomputer 100 is performed (step S135). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is normally jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted. If the jackpot type is a probabilistic jackpot, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. When the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is the normal big hit, the probability variation big hit or the sudden probability variation 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). .

  In addition, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (a time for which the effect display device 9 notifies that the jackpot has occurred, for example) is set in the jackpot display time timer (step S137). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, 15 times in the case of a normal big hit or a probable big hit, 2 times in the case of a sudden probable big hit) is set in the big prize opening number counter (step S138). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S139).

  On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set in step S133, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set (step S140). 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 S141). 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 S142). When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S144), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S145).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S147). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S148). In addition, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the small hit has occurred) is set in the small hit display time timer (step S149). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 2 times) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S150). 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 S151).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S147), 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 S152).

  FIG. 22 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 S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted when it is a normal big hit, a big hit end 2 designation command is sent when it is a probable big hit, and a small hit / abrupt is sudden when it is a sudden probable big hit. Send a probable jackpot end designation command. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is being performed in the image display device 9 (the big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

  In step S164, 1 is subtracted from the value of the jackpot end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S165). If not, the process ends.

  If the big hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether the big hit type is a probability change big hit or a sudden probability change big hit (step S166). Note that whether or not the probability change big hit or sudden probability change big hit is, specifically, whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “02” to “03”. This can be determined by checking. If neither the probability change big hit nor the sudden probability change big hit is present (that is, if it is a normal big hit), the CPU 56 sets the time reduction flag and shifts the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S167). Further, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in a time reduction number counter for counting the number of time reductions (step S168). Then, control goes to a step S173.

  If the probability change big hit or the sudden probability change big hit, the CPU 56 sets a probability change flag and shifts the gaming state to the probability change state (step S169). Further, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not it is a sudden probability variation big hit (step S170), and if it is a sudden probability variation big hit, whether or not it is a sudden probability variation big hit in the high base state (that is, the current gaming state is high). It is confirmed whether or not it is in the base state (step S171). If it is not a sudden probability change big hit in step S170 (N in step S170), or if it is a sudden probability change big hit in the high base state in step S171 (Y in step S171), a short time flag is set and a high probability high base state ( The high base probability variation state is entered (step S172). Then, control goes to a step S173. On the other hand, if it is not the sudden probability variation big hit during the high base in step S171 (N in step S171), the process proceeds to step S173 without setting the time reduction flag. In this case, a transition is made to a high-probability low-base state (low-base probability variation state).

  In this embodiment, the time reduction flag set in steps S167 and S172 is also used to determine whether or not to increase the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 or increase the number of times of opening. In this case, specifically, in the normal symbol process (see step S27), the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the time reduction flag is set when the normal symbol variation display result is a win. If so, control is performed to open the variable winning ball device 15 by extending the opening time or increasing the number of times of opening. The time reduction flag set in steps S167 and S172 is used to determine whether or not to shorten the special symbol variation time. In this embodiment, the time reduction flag is also used to determine whether or not the gaming state is a probability change state or a time reduction state in the first start port switch passing process shown in FIG. 13 (see step S215A). ).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S173).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing main processing 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 for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 4 ms) is performed (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 S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 24 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. 7) is the presentation control command stored in the buffer area.

  25 to 29 are flowcharts showing specific examples of the command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

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

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the received 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 sets a display result designation command reception flag (step S618A). The effect control CPU 101 stores the received display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 5 designation command) in a display result designation command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618B).

  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 small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / sudden probability sudden change 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 small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / sudden probability change big hit end designation command reception flag (step S646).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved memory number addition designation command (step S651), the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the first reserved memory number stored in the first reserved memory number storage area ( Step S652). Further, the production control CPU 101 updates the display of the first reserved memory number in the first reserved memory display unit 18c in accordance with the updated first reserved memory number (step S653).

  If the received effect control command is the second reserved memory number addition designation command (step S654), the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the second reserved memory number stored in the second reserved memory number storage area ( Step S655). Further, the production control CPU 101 updates the display of the second reserved memory number in the second reserved memory display unit 18d in accordance with the updated second reserved memory number (step S656).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved memory number subtraction designation command (step S657), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the first reserved memory number stored in the first reserved memory number storage area ( Step S658). Further, the production control CPU 101 updates the display of the first reserved memory number in the first reserved memory display unit 18c in accordance with the updated first reserved memory number (step S659).

  If the received effect control command is the second reserved memory number subtraction designation command (step S660), the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the second reserved memory number stored in the second reserved memory number storage area ( Step S661). Further, the production control CPU 101 updates the display of the second reserved memory number on the second reserved memory display unit 18d according to the updated second reserved memory number (step S662).

  In steps S652, S653, S655, S656, S658, S659, S661, and S662, the reserved memory count and the reserved memory display are not immediately updated on the basis of receiving the command, but the reserved memory count addition designation is first performed. When the command is received, it may be confirmed whether or not the continuous notice prohibition flag is set. Then, if the continuous notice prohibition flag is set, the addition of the reserved memory number or the reserved memory display may not be performed. In this case, when the reserved memory subtraction designation command is received thereafter, the reserved memory number is not subtracted or the reserved memory display is not performed, and the reserved memory number may be matched. By doing so, it is possible to reduce troublesome display in which the number of stored memories is turned on and off for a moment.

  If the received effect control command is a customer waiting demonstration designation command (step S663), the effect control CPU 101 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag (step S663A). Further, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the effect control process flag is 0 (step S663B). If the value of the effect control process flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S664 as it is. If the value of the effect control process flag is not 0 (that is, if the transition is made to a process other than the variation pattern command reception waiting process during the effect control process described later), the effect control CPU 101 performs the effect control. The value of the process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S663C). In other words, in this embodiment, when a customer waiting demo designation command is received when the process is transitioned to a process other than the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (for example, a production symbol changing process), the fluctuation pattern is compulsorily changed. By controlling to shift to the command reception waiting process, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the situation where the effect using the effect display device 9 becomes unnatural. When the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received, the production does not change greatly based on the received command (for example, the variable display is not started or switched to the big hit production). . Therefore, when a customer waiting demonstration designation command is received, the process may be forcibly shifted so as not to end the presentation (specifically, steps S663A and S663C may not be performed). .

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display a predetermined customer waiting demonstration screen on the effect display device 9 (step S664). In addition, the customer waiting demonstration screen is not displayed immediately based on the reception of the customer waiting demonstration designation command, but after the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received, the customer waits for a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds). The display of the waiting demonstration screen may be started. Further, the production control CPU 101 clears the first reserved memory number stored in the first reserved memory number storage area and the second reserved memory number stored in the second reserved memory number storage area (step S665). That is, when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received and the customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed, both the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number are 0, and the variable display is not executed. Reset the number of pending storage to be stored. Even if the processing of step S665 is executed and the production control microcomputer 100 is in a state in which the addition or subtraction omission of the reserved memory number occurs and the erroneous reserved memory number is recognized, the reserved memory is stored. Can be reset to return to the normal state.

  If the received effect control command is a normal state background designation command (step S666), the effect control CPU 101 sets the background screen to be displayed on the effect display device 9 as a background screen (for example, a blue display color). Background screen) (step S667). Further, if set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the time-short state flag indicating that the gaming state is the time-short state (step S668).

  If the received effect control command is a time-short state background designation command (step S669A), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a latent flag indicating that it is controlled to the latent probability changing state is set. (Step S669B). If the latent flag is set, the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 is changed to a background screen corresponding to the normal state (for example, a blue display color background screen) (step S669C). If the latent flag is not set, the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 is changed to a background screen (for example, a background screen with a green display color) according to the time reduction state (step S670). Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a time reduction state flag (step S671).

  If the received effect control command is a probability change state background designation command (step S672A), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a latent flag is set (step S672B). If the latent flag is set, the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 is changed to a background screen corresponding to the normal state (for example, a blue display color background screen) (step S672C). If the latent flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the probability variation background prohibition flag indicating that the display of the background screen according to the probability variation state is prohibited is set (step S673). . If the probability change background prohibition flag is not set, the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 is changed to a background screen corresponding to the probability change state (for example, a red display color background screen) (step S674). If the probability change background prohibition flag is set, the process proceeds to step S675 without changing the currently displayed background screen. Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a probability variation state flag (step S675).

  Next, if the received effect control command is any prize determination result designation command (step S676), the effect control CPU 101 determines the prize determination result according to the received prize determination result designation command. The result is stored in the result storage buffer (step S677). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a winning determination result designation command reception flag indicating that the winning determination result designation command has been received (step S678). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 executes a continuous notice effect setting process (step S679). In this embodiment, in the continuous notice effect setting process, whether or not the notice effect to be executed over a plurality of variable displays is performed based on the contents of the received winning determination result specifying command and the current total number of pending storages. And the effect mode of the notice effect when it is determined that the notice effect is to be performed. Although not shown, a table and random numbers for determining the continuous notice effect are provided.

  In this embodiment, an area for storing the winning determination result (winning determination result storage buffer) is formed in the RAM. As a winning determination result storage buffer, a first winning determination result storage buffer for storing a winning determination result at the time of starting winning to the first starting winning port 13, and a winning at the start winning to the second start winning port 14 A second winning determination result storage buffer for storing the determination result is provided. A storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first winning determination result storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the second reserved storage number is secured in the second winning determination result storage buffer. In this embodiment, the EXT data of the received winning determination result designation command is stored in the first winning determination result storage buffer and the second winning determination result storage buffer. The first winning determination result storage buffer and the second winning determination result storage buffer are formed in a RAM included in the effect control microcomputer 100.

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S680). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, control related to variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process. It should be noted that the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol may be executed by separate effect control process processing. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is being executed depending on which representation control process processing is performing the variation display of the representation symbol.

  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).

  Production symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the production 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): Control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): When the big hit is reached, after the variation time is over, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. In the case of a small hit, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the small hit after the end of the variation time. For example, when a fanfare command designating the start of a big hit is received, a fanfare effect is executed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805).

  In-round processing (step S805): Display control during round is performed. For example, if a display command indicating that the special winning opening is open is received, the display control of the number of rounds is performed.

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. For example, when a display command after opening the big prize opening indicating that the big prize opening is after being opened (closed), an interval display is performed.

  Big hit end effect processing (step S807): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. For example, when an ending command specifying the end of the big hit is received, an ending effect is executed. 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. 31 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). As described above, in this embodiment, the display result designation command is transmitted even when the power failure is restored (see step S44). However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the variation pattern command has been received, the transition to the production symbol variation start processing is started and the variation display of the production symbol is started. Therefore, if the display result designation command is received without receiving the variation pattern command, the variation of the representation symbol The display will not start.

  FIG. 32 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 first executes a promotion effect setting process for determining whether or not to execute a promotion effect (step S8001). Specifically, the production control CPU 101 reads the contents of the display result designation command from the display result designation command storage area, and uses the display result designation command (8C02 (H)) in which the contents of the display result designation command designates the probable big hit. Check if it exists. In the case of a display result designation command for designating a probable big hit, it is decided to execute the promotion effect with a predetermined probability (for example, a probability of 2/3) based on the random number for determining the promotion effect. When it is determined not to execute the promotion effect, the player shifts to the latent probability changing state without notifying that the transition to the probability changing state is made after the jackpot is ended (the probability changing state is hidden from the player). In this embodiment, as the promotion effect, an effect (see FIGS. 45, 46, etc.) having the same content as the changing notice effect is executed. It should be noted that the promotion effect may be an effect different from the changing notice effect.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the promotion effect in the promotion effect setting process, but the CPU 56 is configured to determine whether or not to execute the promotion effect. May be. In this case, the CPU 56 determines any one of “non-probable big hit (normal big hit)”, “probable big hit (no promotion)”, “probable big hit (promotion)”, and “sudden probable big hit” as the big hit type. One or both of a display result designation command and a variation pattern command are transmitted as an effect control command for designating. Then, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the promotion effect based on the contents of the display result designation command or the variation pattern command.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes display result determination processing for determining a stop symbol (display result) of the effect symbol (step S8002). Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern from the variation pattern command storage area, and determines the stop symbol (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) of the effect symbol according to the content of the read variation pattern. Select the table (stop symbol determination table). And the stop symbol according to the random number (random number for display result determination) for determining a stop symbol is determined using the selected table. For example, if the content of the variation pattern is non-reach loss variation, determine the loss symbol as a stop symbol (a combination of performance symbols in which the middle left and right production symbols are not aligned), and if the content of the variation pattern is reach loss variation, If the reach symbol is determined as a stop symbol (a combination of effect symbols in which the left and right effect symbols are aligned but the effect symbol in the middle is not aligned with the left and right effect symbols), and the content of the variation pattern is a big hit variation, the stop symbol The big hit symbol (combination of effect symbols in which the left, middle, and right effect symbols are aligned) is determined. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbol is a combination of a probability variation symbol (probability variation jackpot symbol) that is a combination of production symbols in which odd symbols are aligned in the same symbol, and a symbol pattern in which odd symbols are aligned in the same symbol. A non-probable variable (non-probable large hit symbol) is provided. However, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the big hit type is a probable big hit or a non-probable big hit (usually big hit), the big hit symbol (stop symbol) that displays a stop (derivation display) at the end of the big hit fluctuation is not Determine the probability variation. Then, the production control CPU 101 reads the display result designation command from the display result designation command storage area, and checks whether or not the big hit type is a probable big hit based on the content of the read display result designation command. Then, if the big hit type is a probable big hit and it is determined in the promotion effect setting process (step S8001) that the effect control CPU 101 executes the effect using the operation means as the promotion effect, In order to notify the transition to the probability variation state and derive and display the probability variation symbol, the probability variation symbol as the final stop symbol is determined.

  If it is decided not to execute the promotion effect in the promotion effect setting process (step S8001), or if it is decided to execute an effect not to be promoted to the probable big hit (promotion that does not notify the probable big hit) as the promotion effect, the promotion Even if the push button 120 or the like is not operated within the effective time even if it is decided to execute the production, even if the big hit type is a probable big hit, the probable big hit for the player Since it cannot be grasped, it is shifted to the latent probability changing state.

  Further, in the promotion effect setting process (step S8001), an effect that the probability variation jackpot is not notified (normally jackpot is notified) is also executed as the promotion effect. In this case, the promotion effect is executed, and even if the push button 120 or the like is operated, the probability variation big hit is not notified. Therefore, when the big hit type is the probable big hit, it is shifted to the latent probability changing state. Normally, when the big hit, it will shift to the normal state.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process (see FIG. 33) described later (step S8006). Next, when executing the variation pattern and the notice effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect (step S8007). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8008).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 starts control of the effect device (effect display device 9, speaker 27, lamp, etc.) according to the contents of the selected process data 1 (step S8009). Further, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S8010).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S8011).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the notice effect setting process. In the notice effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 selects the notice effect type determination table shown in FIG. 34 corresponding to the contents of the received variation pattern command (step S1601), and uses the selected notice type determination table to make a notice. The notice type is determined based on the type determination random number (step S1602).

  As shown in FIG. 34, the notice effect type determination table is provided with a table when the variation pattern is out of reach and out of normal reach, and a table when the variation pattern is out of super reach and a big hit. In these tables, notice type determination random numbers (values of 0 to 19) are set for “no notice”, “notice type A”, “notice type B”, “notice type C”, and “notice type D”. Is assigned a decision value.

  In this embodiment, as the notice type, the kind of notice effect (notice type A: see FIG. 42) performed using one area (display area, effect area) in the screen of the effect display device 9, and the effect display The type of the notice effect that is performed using two areas (display area and effect area) in the screen of the device 9 (notice type B: see FIG. 43), and four areas (display areas in the screen of the effect display device 9) Type of the notice effect performed using the effect area) (notice type C: see FIG. 44) and the type of the notice effect in which the area (display area, effect area) increases in the screen of the effect display device 9 (notice type) D: see FIGS. 42 to 44).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 34, in the notice effect type determination table when super reach is lost and jackpot, the judgment values are assigned to the notice types C and D, but when non-reach is lost and normal reach is lost. In the notice effect type determination table, no determination value is assigned to the notice types C and D. Therefore, when the variation pattern is out of reach or out of normal reach, the notice effects of the notice types C and D are displayed. When not executed, that is, when a notice effect of notice types C and D is executed, the super reach is determined. Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the super reach is confirmed when the notice types C and D are executed, and for example, the super reach is decided when the notice effect such as the notice type B is executed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a big hit is confirmed (or reach (normal reach or more)) is confirmed when a notice effect of notice types C and D (or notice type B) is executed.

  Then, the CPU 101 for effect control selects the notice effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 according to the determined notice effect type (step S1603), and determines the notice pattern using the selected notice effect pattern determination table. The notice pattern is determined based on the random number for use (step S1604).

  As shown in FIGS. 35A to 35B, the notice effect pattern determination table for the notice types A to B is different from the table when the fluctuation pattern is out of non-reach and normal reach, and the fluctuation pattern is out of super reach. A table for big hits is provided. In these tables, notice pattern determination random numbers (ranges of values from 0 to 29) for “notice effect patterns A-1 to A-4” and “notice types B-1 to B-4”, respectively. ) Is assigned.

  In this embodiment, as a notice effect pattern of the notice type A, an effect as shown in FIG. 42 (an effect in which a girl character displayed in the area (window) 500 turns around when the push button 120 is pressed. For example, the effect pattern is a notice effect pattern A-1. The notice effect patterns A-2 to A-4 other than the notice effect pattern A-1 include a pattern in which the girl character does not turn when the push button 120 is pressed, or the girl character turns when the push button 120 is pressed. A pattern of waving afterwards, a pattern in which a frame (window display frame) of a region displaying a girl character is displayed in a specific color (for example, gold), and the like are conceivable.

  Further, in this embodiment, as announcement attraction pattern notice type B, comment on one region 510 of the effect, as shown in FIG. 43 (the push button 120 is pushed two regions (windows) ( "Hello When the push button 120 is further pressed, a comment (letters “Good morning!”) Is displayed in the other area 520. This notice effect pattern is, for example, a notice effect pattern B-1. Exemplify). The notice effect patterns B-2 to B-4 other than the notice effect pattern B-1 include a pattern in which no comment is displayed in the areas 510 and 520 even when the push button 120 is pressed, and a area where the push button 120 is pressed. pattern that the 510 is displayed comment but can not see the comments in the area 520, the comment of when the push button 120 is pressed "Hello!" different comments as "have a nice day!" (for example, by chance!)) is Possible patterns are displayed.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 35C, the notice effect pattern determination table for notice type C (a table that is selected only when the fluctuation pattern is out of super reach or big hit) has a fluctuation pattern that is out of super reach and big hit. Only when the table is provided. In the table, a determination value corresponding to a random number for determining a notice pattern (range of values from 0 to 29) is assigned to “notice effect patterns C-1 to C-4”.

  In this embodiment, as a notice effect pattern of the notice type C, the push button 120 is pressed after an effect as shown in FIG. 44 (selection target (any of the four areas 530 to 450) is selected by the stick controller 122). And an effect in which reach corresponding to the selected character to be selected is executed.This notice effect pattern is exemplified as a notice effect pattern C-1.) The notice effect patterns C-2 to C-4 other than the notice effect pattern C-1 include patterns with different characters displayed in the areas 530 to 560 as selection targets, and frames (displays) in the areas 530 to 560 as selection targets. A pattern in which the color of the frame is displayed in a specific color (for example, gold) can be considered.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 36D, the notice effect pattern determination table for the notice type D (a table that is selected only when the fluctuation pattern is out of super reach or a big hit) is used when the change pattern is out of super reach. A table and a table when the variation pattern is a big hit variation pattern are provided. In these tables, determination values corresponding to the random numbers for determining the notice pattern (range of values from 0 to 29) are assigned to “notice effect patterns D-1 to D-4”, respectively.

  In this embodiment, as the notice effect pattern of the notice type D, effects as shown in FIGS. 42 to 44 (effects in which the area is divided and increased each time the push button 120 is pressed) are illustrated. . The notice effect pattern D-1 assumes a pattern in which the area 500 is not divided even if the push button 120 is pressed (the area does not increase) (the same effect as the effect shown in FIG. 42). Further, as the notice effect pattern D-2, the area 500 is divided into two areas 510 and 520 when the push button 120 is pressed once in the state shown in FIG. A pattern in which the areas 510 and 520 are not divided even when the push button 120 is subsequently pressed (the area does not increase) is illustrated (a pattern in which the effect shown in FIG. 42 shifts to the effect shown in FIG. 43). Further, as the notice effect pattern D-3, when the push button 120 is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 42, the region 500 is divided into two regions 510 and 520, and the state shown in FIG. When the button is pressed again, the regions 510 and 520 are divided into regions 530 to 560 so as to be in the state shown in FIG. ) Assume a pattern. Furthermore, as the notice effect pattern D-4, when the push button 120 is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 42, the region 500 is divided into two regions 510 and 520, and the state shown in FIG. When pressed again, the areas 510 and 520 are divided into areas 530 to 560, and the state shown in FIG. 44 is obtained. When the push button 120 is pressed again, the areas 530 to 560 are divided into 16 areas. A pattern is assumed (the state divided into 16 areas in the notice effect pattern D-4 is not shown). As will be described later, effects as shown in FIGS. 45 to 47 are also shown as modified examples of the notice effect pattern of the notice type D.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 36 (D), in the notice effect pattern determination table for the big hit variation pattern, a determination value is assigned to the notice effect pattern D-4, but the super reach is off. In the notice effect pattern determination table, no determination value is assigned to the notice type D-4. Therefore, when the variation pattern is out of super reach, the notice effect pattern D-4 is not executed as the notice effect D. That is, when the notice effect pattern D-4 (effect pattern divided into 16 areas) is executed as the notice effect D, the big hit is determined. In addition, it is not restricted to the structure that a big hit is decided when the notice effect pattern D-4 is executed as the notice effect D, and when the notice effect patterns D-2 and D-3 as the notice effect D are executed. The configuration may be such that the big hit is fixed. Moreover, the structure which a super reach (or reach) is decided when the notice effect pattern D-4 etc. as the notice effect D is performed may be sufficient.

  In this embodiment, as an effect mode of the notice effect using the operation means, an effect mode in which the player operates the push button 120 or the stick controller 122 as the operation means is shown. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. Instead, an effect mode using the trigger button 121 may be used.

  Further, in this embodiment, the announcement effect in which a predetermined effect is performed according to the operation of the operation means (for example, the push button 120 and the stick controller 122) by the player is shown as the notice effect. The notice effect which performs the effect which is not necessary may be sufficient. Moreover, although the display-type notice effect executed in the effect display device 9 has been shown as the notice effect, other than the display-type notice effect such as the notice effect by the sound by the speaker 27 or the notice effect by the lighting pattern of the lamp or the like. A notice effect may be provided. Even in that case, it can be realized by determining the notice effect that does not use the operation means and the notice effect other than the display system as the notice type, and determining the notice effect pattern using the notice effect pattern determination table corresponding to the decided notice type. It is.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation in-process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S8101) and subtracts 1 from the value of the change time timer (step S8102). In addition, if the effect control CPU 101 is set, the effective time timer is decremented by 1 (step S8103).

  When the process timer times out (step S8104), the effect control CPU 101 starts the next process timer (step S8105). Further, the control state for the effect device (effect part) is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8106).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the valid time has timed out (step S8107), and if the valid time timer has not timed out, whether or not the trigger button 121 has been operated (the trigger button 121 has been pressed). Whether or not a detection signal is output from the trigger sensor 125 in response to this, and whether or not the push button 120 is operated (detection signal from the push sensor 124 in response to the push button 120 being pressed). Is detected (monitored) (step S8108). When it is detected that the trigger button 121 or the push button 120 is operated, an effect corresponding to the operation of the trigger button 121 or the push button 120 is executed (step S8109). Specifically, in the case of the notice effect pattern A-1, a girl character in the area 500 turns around, and in the case of the notice effect pattern B-1, a comment is displayed in the areas 510 and 520. In the case of C-1, a region to be selected (any one of regions 530 to 560) is selected, and a reach effect corresponding to the selected region (a character displayed in the region) is executed. In the case of the pattern D-4, an effect that the area is divided is executed (see FIGS. 42 to 47).

  As long as the valid time timer has not timed out, the effect control CPU 101 sends a detection signal indicating that the operation rod 122A of the stick controller 122 has been tilted in a predetermined direction to the tilt direction provided in the stick controller 122. It is detected (monitored) whether or not it has been input from the sensor unit 12 (step S8110). When the operation in the predetermined direction by the stick controller 122 is detected, the effect control CPU 101 executes the effect in accordance with the operation in the predetermined direction by the stick controller 122 (step S8111). Specifically, the player can freely operate the stick controller 122. For example, if the player operates the stick controller 122 in the left direction, the operation image on the screen of the effect display device 9 moves to the left and operates in the down direction. Then, the operation image on the screen of the effect display device 9 moves downward. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8115.

  If the valid time timer has timed out (Y in step S8107), the valid time timer is cleared (step S8113). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) on the condition that the confirmation command is received (step S8115) or the variation time timer times out (step S8116). ) Is updated to a value according to (step S8117).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, first, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S871). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to step S882. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when a jackpot symbol is displayed as a stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S881. When the fanfare effect is executed, the stop symbol display flag is reset in step S883. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set in step S871 is a stage where the fanfare effect has not yet been executed although the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, so the stop symbol of the effect symbols in steps S872 to S873 is displayed. The process proceeds to step S882 without repeatedly executing the process.

  If the stop symbol display flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the stored stop symbol (disconnected symbol or jackpot symbol) (step S872). The production control CPU 101 may perform control to stop and display the production symbol in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation designation command from the game control microcomputer 560.

  Then, when the big hit symbol is not displayed in step S872 (that is, when the off symbol is displayed: N in step S873), the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the latent number counter (step S874). Next, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the latent number counter is a predetermined value (step S875), and if it is the predetermined value, resets the latent flag (step S876). In addition, the value of the latent number counter is set to 100 at the end of the big hit game in the case of 15 rounds of normal big hit, and is set to 1000 at the end of the big hit game in the case of 15 rounds probable big hit, and the low base state If 2 rounds probable big hit (suddenly probable big hit) occurs, a value of 50 is set at the end of the big hit game, and if 2 rounds probable big hit occurs in the high base state, a value of 1000 is set at the end of the big hit game Is done.

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S877). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets a command reception flag such as a display result designation command reception flag. Then, 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 S878).

  When the big hit symbol is displayed in step S873 (Y in step S873), the effect control CPU 101 sets a stop symbol display flag (step S881) and checks whether the fanfare flag is set (step S882). . When the fanfare flag is set (Y in step S882), the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S883).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects process data corresponding to the fanfare effect (step S884). Then, the process timer is started (step S885).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is a big hit (including a sudden probability variation big hit) (step S886). Whether or not it is a big hit can be specifically determined by confirming the display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. If it is a big hit, the CPU 101 for effect control resets the probability variation background prohibition flag (step S887). Then, the value of the latent number counter is cleared (step S888).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S889).

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing mid-round processing (step S805) in the effect control process. In the in-round processing, first, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the flag for opening the big prize opening indicating that the command for opening the big prize opening has been received is set (step S921). The flag after the special winning opening is set in the command analysis process. When the flag after the big prize opening is not set (N in step S921), the effect control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S922). In addition, if the effect control CPU 101 is set, the effective time timer is decremented by 1 (step S923).

  When the process timer times out (step S924), the effect control CPU 101 starts the next process timer (step S925). Further, the control state for the effect device (effect part) is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S926).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the promotion effect execution flag is set (step S927). If the promotion effect execution flag is not set, whether or not this time is the 11th round. Is determined (step S928). In this embodiment, the promotion effect is executed in the eleventh round. However, the promotion effect is not limited to the round, and may be executed in another round. Moreover, you may make it perform during the production | presentation (ending production | presentation) at the time of jackpot end. Furthermore, the round for executing the promotion effect may be determined based on a random number.

  If this round is the 11th round, it is determined whether or not the promotion effect is determined to be executed in the promotion effect setting process (step S8001) (step S929). It is confirmed whether or not the promotion effect execution completion flag is set (step S930). If the promotion effect execution completed flag is not set, the effective time timer is set and the promotion effect execution flag is set (step S931), and control for executing the promotion effect (steps S932 to S939) is executed. .

  In step S932, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the valid time has timed out (step S932), and if the valid time timer has not timed out, whether or not the trigger button 121 has been operated (trigger button 121). Whether or not a detection signal is output from the trigger sensor 125 in response to the button being pressed, or whether or not the push button 120 is operated (in response to the push button 120 being pressed, from the push sensor 124). A process of detecting (monitoring) whether or not a detection signal has been output is executed (step S933). When it is detected that the trigger button 121 or the push button 120 is operated, an effect corresponding to the operation of the trigger button 121 or the push button 120 is executed (step S934). As long as the effective time timer has not timed out, the effect control CPU 101 uses the tilt direction provided in the stick controller 122 to detect a detection signal indicating that the operation rod 122A of the stick controller 122 has been tilted in a predetermined direction. It is detected (monitored) whether or not it has been input from the sensor unit 12 (step S935). When the operation in the predetermined direction by the stick controller 122 is detected, the effect control CPU 101 executes the effect according to the operation in the predetermined direction by the stick controller 122 (step S936). Thereafter, the process during the round is terminated.

  If the valid time timer has timed out (Y in step S932), the valid time timer is cleared (step S938). Then, the effect control CPU 101 resets the promotion effect execution flag (step S940) and sets the promotion effect execution flag (step S941). Note that if the operating means is not operated within the effective time, the process of displaying the notification content is not performed.

  When the flag after opening the big prize opening is set in step S921 (Y in step S921), the production control microcomputer 100 performs interval production (according to the number of rounds) based on the contents of the command after opening the big prize opening. An effect for performing interval display is selected (step S950). Then, the effect control microcomputer 100 resets the flag after the special winning opening is opened (step S951), and selects process data corresponding to the selected interval effect (step S952). Then, the process timer is started (step S953), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the round post-processing (step S806) (step S954).

  The promotion effect executed during the big hit (during the round) may be an effect different from the notice effect executed during the change.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end effect process (step S807) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end effect process, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot end effect timer for measuring the execution time of the jackpot end effect is in operation (step S971). It is determined whether an end designation command reception flag is set (step S972). If the jackpot end designation command reception flag is not set, the processing is ended as it is. If the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the jackpot end designation command reception flag (step S973) and sets a jackpot end presentation timer (step S974). Then, the effect control CPU 101 executes control for causing the effect display device 9 to display the big hit end screen (step S975).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S971 that the jackpot end effect timer is operating, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the jackpot end effect timer (step S976), and the jackpot end effect timer times out. It is determined whether or not, that is, whether or not the jackpot end effect time has elapsed (step S977). If the jackpot end presentation time has not elapsed, the processing is ended as it is. If the jackpot end effect time has elapsed, the CPU 101 for effect control determines whether or not to control the normal state or the latent probability changing state after the end of the jackpot game (step S978). As described above, when the CPU 56 determines that the probability variation state is a probability variation jackpot, if the promotion effect is not executed during the jackpot game (that is, the promotion effect is set in the promotion effect setting process in step S8001). Control (transition) if the promotion effect was executed during the jackpot game but was not completed within the valid time (if the failure effect was executed or no operation was performed) )

  When it is determined that the control is performed in the normal state or the latent probability changing state, the effect control CPU 101 sets a predetermined value in the latent number counter (step S979). As described above, the predetermined value set in the number-of-latencies counter is set to 100 at the end of the big hit game in the case of 15 rounds of normal big hit, and 1000 at the end of the big hit game in the case of 15 rounds of probable big hit. The value of 50 is set at the end of the big hit game when a 2-round probability change big hit (sudden probability change big hit) occurs in the low base state, and the big hit when the 2-round probability change big hit occurs at the high base state A value of 1000 is set at the end of the game. These values are the maximum number of fluctuations that the latent probability variation state can continue. Next, the production control CPU 101 sets a latent flag (step S980) and also sets a probability variation background prohibition flag (step S981). Thereby, even in the latent probability changing state, the same background screen as that in the normal state is displayed, and further, the latent notification effect is controlled to be executable.

  Then, 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 S982).

  Next, the display state of the notice effect (in this embodiment, the promotion effect has the same content as the notice effect) will be described with reference to FIGS.

(A) Production of notice type A and notice type D (notice effect pattern A-1, notice effect pattern D-1);
FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a notice effect using one region. In the example shown in FIG. 42, as shown in FIG. 42 (1), the image of the area 500 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed. Encourage the player to operate. At this time, if the notice effect pattern is the notice effect pattern A-1 or the notice effect pattern D-1, the player operates (pushes) the push button 120 as shown in FIG. 42 (2). The girl character in the area 500 turns around. Thereafter, if the variation pattern is a non-reach variation pattern, no reach is generated and the effect symbol is disengaged and stops at the symbol. If the variation pattern involves reach, the reach effect specified by the variation pattern is executed. On the other hand, if the notice effect patterns are the notice effect patterns D-2 to D-4, the player shifts to the effect shown in FIG. 43 in response to the player operating (pushing) the push button 120.

(B) Production of notice type B and notice type D (notice effect pattern B-1, notice effect pattern D-2);
FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a notice effect using two areas. If the notice effect pattern is the notice effect pattern B-1, the notice effect is started from the state shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the notice effect pattern is the notice effect pattern D-2, the area 500 shown in FIG. 42 is divided into areas 510 and 520, and the state shifts to the state shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 43, as shown in FIG. 43 (11), the images of the two areas 510 and 520 are displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed. The player is prompted to operate the push button 120. Then, as shown in FIG. 43 (12), commented on one region 510 of the push button 120 is pushed two regions (windows) (letters "Hello!") Is displayed, FIG. 43 (13 As shown in (), when the push button 120 is further pressed, a comment (letters “Good morning!”) Is displayed in the other area 520. As described above, in the notice effect using the two areas, an effect is executed such that two girl characters (NANA and MUMU) talk each time the push button 120 is pressed. Thereafter, if the variation pattern is a non-reach variation pattern, no reach is generated and the effect symbol is disengaged and stops at the symbol. If the variation pattern involves reach, the reach effect specified by the variation pattern is executed. If the notice effect pattern is the notice effect pattern D-3, D-4, the player shifts to the effect shown in FIG. 44 in response to the player operating (pushing) the push button 120.

(C) notice type C and notice type D (notice effect pattern C-1, notice effect pattern D-3);
FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a notice effect using four areas. If the notice effect pattern is the notice effect pattern C-1, the notice effect is started from the state shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the notice effect pattern D-3 is the notice effect pattern D-3, the areas 510 and 520 shown in FIG. 43 are divided into areas 530 to 560, and the state shifts to the state shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 44, as shown in FIG. 44 (21), the image of the four areas 530 to 560 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed. The player is prompted to operate the push button 120. Here, different characters are displayed in the respective areas 530 to 560, and reach effects (dream dream reach, Nana reach, jam reach, drum kun reach) corresponding to these characters are set. When the player presses the push button 120 after selecting any of the four areas 530 to 560 to be selected with the stick controller 122, the selected character to be selected is displayed as shown in FIG. 44 (22). The corresponding reach is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 44 (22), “Nana” displayed in the area 540 is selected as a girl character, and Nana reach is executed. In addition, the production time is adjusted so that the dream dream reach, the nana reach, the jam reach, and the drum kun reach are performed within the fluctuation time of the super reach α and the super reach β shown in FIG. If the notice effect pattern D-4 is the notice effect pattern D-4, the four areas 530 to 560 are divided into sixteen areas in response to the player operating (pushing) the push button 120. Transition to production (not shown) using two areas. As shown in the notice effect pattern determination table (FIG. 36), when the notice effect pattern D-4 is executed (that is, when the area is divided into 16 areas), the big hit is determined.

(D) Production of notice type D (modified example);
45 and 46 are explanatory diagrams illustrating display examples of a notice effect in which the area increases. In the example shown in FIG. 45 and FIG. 46, as shown in FIG. 45 (31), the image of the area 500 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed. The player is prompted to operate the button 120. At this time, the display state is the same as the notice effect of the notice type A shown in FIG. 42, and the player does not know whether the notice effect of the notice type A or the notice effect of the notice type D is executed. When the player presses the push button 120 as shown in FIG. 45 (32), a cut line (line, dividing line) 700 enters the image of the region 500, and as shown in FIG. 45 (33), the image of the region 500 Are divided into images of two regions 810 and 820. Then, as shown in FIG. 45 (34), the girl character is displayed in the two areas 810 and 820, and the image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 45 (35), when the player further pushes the push button 120, a cut 710 enters the image of the areas 810 and 820, and as shown in FIG. 45 (36), the two areas 810 and 820 The image is divided into four regions 910-940. Then, as shown in FIG. 45 (37), characters such as animals are displayed in the four areas 910 to 940, and an image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 45 (38), when the player further pushes the push button 120, a plurality of cuts 720 enter the images of the areas 910 to 940, and as shown in FIG. 46 (39), there are four areas. The images 910 to 940 are divided into images of 16 regions. Then, as shown in FIG. 46 (40), characters such as animals are displayed in 16 areas. In FIG. 46 (41), the text “big hit!” Is displayed to notify that a big hit has occurred.

(D) Production of notice type D (modified example);
FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing another display example of the notice effect in which the area increases. In the example shown in FIG. 47, as shown in FIG. 47 (51), the image of the area 500 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed. Encourage the player to operate. At this time, the display state is the same as the notice effect of the notice type A shown in FIG. 42, and the player does not know whether the notice effect of the notice type A or the notice effect of the notice type D is executed. When the player presses the push button 120 as shown in FIG. 47 (52), a cut 700 is made in the image of the area 500, and as shown in FIG. 47 (53), the image of the area 500 is divided into two areas 810, It is divided into 820 images. 47 (54), a girl character is displayed in the two areas 810 and 820, and an image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed. At this time, the girl character displayed in the area 810 is different from the girl character displayed in the area 810 shown in FIG. Thereafter, even if the player presses the push button 120, the area is not divided (the area does not increase). Production does not develop. Then, the state transitions from the state shown in FIG. 47 (53) (the state where the girl character is displayed in the two regions 810 and 820) to the notice effect that is performed using the two regions. Note that the announcement effect performed using the two areas may be the same content (or substantially the same content) as the announcement effect using the two areas shown in FIG. Thereafter, the reach effect designated by the variation pattern is executed.

  42 to 47, when the image 600 of the push button 120 is displayed and the operation of the push button 120 is prompted, the player does not operate (does not press) the push button 120. An effect corresponding to the operation of the push button 120 is not executed. For example, in the notice effects of the notice types A to C, there is an effect that the character looks back (FIG. 42 (2)) or the character talks (FIGS. 43 (12) and (13)) according to the operation of the push button 120. Not executed. Further, in the effect of the notice type D, the effect that the area is divided and increased in accordance with the operation of the push button 120 is not executed. In the notice effect of the notice type C, when the push button 120 is not operated, since the player has not selected reach, for example, the reach effect of a predetermined mode is executed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the notice effect using one area, the notice effect using two areas, the notice effect using four areas, and the notice effect that the area increases. In the notice effect where the area increases, the area on the screen of the effect display device 9 is divided and increased according to the operation of the operation means by the player, and the operation means by the player Regardless of the operation, the area on the screen of the effect display device 9 may not be divided, and a notice effect using the number of areas at that time may be executed. According to such a configuration, attention is paid to whether an effect is executed in a predetermined number (predetermined types) of regions or a predetermined number of regions are divided and increased in accordance with the operation of the operation means by the player. As a result, a sense of expectation can be given to the division into a plurality of display areas on the display screen, and the interest of the game can be improved. In particular, as shown in FIG. 36, as the number of areas increases, the probability of jackpot increases, so the player has an expectation for the area being divided, The interest of the game can be further improved.

  Further, in the above embodiment, since the effect of increasing the area (see FIGS. 42 to 47) is also performed in the promotion effect, the player can be sure that the area is divided. It is expected that the game has occurred (whether or not to shift to the probable state), and the interest of the game can be further improved.

  Further, in the above embodiment, since the jackpot is determined when the number of areas exceeds a predetermined number, the number of areas (whether the number of areas exceeds the predetermined number) is further increased. )) And can improve the fun of the game.

  FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of effects in which the number of areas is changed by increasing and / or moving lines displayed on the display screen. In the above embodiment, when the area of the display screen increases, it increases to a predetermined number of areas (one area is two, two areas are four, and four areas are 16 49. However, as shown in FIG. 49, the display screen area 500 (corresponding to the area 500 in FIG. 45 (31)) has a plurality of lines (dividing lines dividing the area). ) And the plurality of lines may be configured to increase in number or move. In such a case, as the number of divided areas increases, it becomes easier to shift to a state advantageous to the player (such as a big hit gaming state or a probability variation state), and the number of divided areas is a predetermined number (shown in FIG. 49). In the example, if it is configured so that an advantageous state is confirmed when the number is 7 or more, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game by making the player pay attention to the increase or movement of the line.

  In the above embodiment, the display mode (such as a character image) displayed in the area is not changed before and after the area is increased, but before and after the area is increased. Thus, it is preferable that the display mode displayed in the area is changed. Specifically, before and after the area increases, the facial expression of the character is changed, the hair color of the character is changed, and the color of the display frame is changed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to further increase expectation with respect to an increase in the area.

  In the above embodiment, the notice effect pattern of the notice type D is configured to change depending on the number of areas to be increased (the effect using one area is the pattern D-1, two areas. Pattern D-2 when developing to an effect using 4 patterns, pattern D-3 when developing to an effect using 4 regions, Pattern D-4 when developing to an effect using 16 regions, 1 In the process of increasing the area, a plurality of different effects are prepared for each of the notice effect using two areas, the notice effect using four areas, the notice effect using four areas, and the notice effect using 16 areas. It is preferable that the proportion of the player controlled in an advantageous state varies depending on the combination of effects executed in a plurality of types of areas. Specifically, the notice control setting is made depending on whether or not the effect control CPU 101 is determined to be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, big hit or super reach) by the jackpot determination or variation pattern determination by the CPU 56. In the process and the promotion effect setting process, a combination of effects executed in a plurality of types of areas is selected in the process of increasing the area. According to such a configuration, it is possible to focus on what kind of effects are executed in a plurality of types of areas, and it is possible to further improve the interest of the game.

  In addition, in the effects as shown in FIGS. 42 to 47, the effect of repeatedly hitting the push button 120 is performed. However, the effect as shown in FIG. May be. In the example shown in FIG. 48, when the degree of expectation such as super reach or big hit is not high, only the image 600 of one push button 120 is displayed, and when the degree of expectation such as super reach or big hit is high, two push buttons 120 are displayed. The images 600A and 600B are displayed. When the player hits the push button 120 repeatedly, the memory is displayed when the images 600A and 600B of the two push buttons 120 are displayed rather than when only the image 600 of the one push button 120 is displayed. Control is performed so that the increase rate of the memory of the image 1000 to be displayed is increased (for example, the speed is doubled). According to such a structure, a player's expectation can be raised further and the interest of a game can be improved. In addition, you may make it display the image of the push button 120 instead of two, three, four, or more. In that case, it is preferable that the memory increase speed corresponding to repeated hits increases as the number of images of the push button 120 increases.

  In the present invention, “specific control state advantageous to the player” is a concept including a specific game state (big hit), a reach state, a probability change state, etc., but is advantageous to the player determined inside the gaming machine. If it is a state, it will not be restricted to such a state. Moreover, although the notice effect and the promotion effect are shown as examples of the “effect” in the present invention, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a specific effect (chance) executed during a specific effect mode (chance mode or the like). Production). Further, the “effect” mode is not limited to the effect using the effect display device 9, but may be an effect using the speaker 27, the lamp, or a movable object as long as a certain area can be specified. Further, in the above embodiment, the notice effect is an effect executed in the variable display of the notice object. However, depending on the result of the determination process such as the big hit at the start winning prize (steps S220 to S229) You may comprise so that it may perform in the prefetch notice effect performed in the variable display of 1 time or several times before the variable display is started.

  In addition, as an example of “a display area of a number n (n is 1 or more)” in the present invention, one area, two areas, etc. have been shown, but “number n” is an arbitrary value of 1 or more. It means a natural number and is not limited to 1, 2, 4. In addition, as an example of “display area of several m (m> n)”, two areas, four areas, etc. are shown, but “number m” means a natural number of an arbitrary value of 2 or more, The number is not limited to 2, 4,. In the specification, “n” such as “process data #n (n is an arbitrary integer)” and “number n” in the present invention are values indicating different concepts.

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 4). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  The present invention is suitably applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a slot machine, a parrot machine or the like that controls a predetermined gaming state based on variable display of identification information.

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
120 Push Button 121 Trigger Button 122 Stick Controller 123 Tilt Direction Sensor Unit 124 Push Sensor 125 Trigger Sensor 126 Vibrator Motor

Claims (1)

Based on the establishment of the start condition, it is provided with an effect display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, and the game result is determined by deriving the display result to the effect display device. A gaming machine that gives a predetermined gaming value when the result is a specific gaming result,
Operation means that can be operated by the player;
First effect executing means for setting a number n (n is 1 or more) display areas on the display screen of the effect display device and executing effects in the number n of display areas in response to an operation of the operation means by the player. When,
A second effect executing means for setting a display area of several m (m> n) on the display screen in the effect display device and executing the effect in the display area of the number m in response to an operation of the operation means by a player; ,
When the display area of the number n is set, the display area of the number n is set to the number m without causing the first effect execution means to execute an effect according to the operation of the operation means by the player. Display area updating means for updating to the display area and causing the second effect executing means to execute the effect.