JP2013150698A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine where a player can play a game with interest.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a variation display device capable of displaying a variation display game for variation-displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information, based on entry of a game ball into a start winning area, and can generate a special game state advantageous to a player when a result of the variation display game becomes a special result. The game machine includes: a start memory means of memorizing entry of a game ball into the start winning area as start memory of the variation display game within a range of a predetermined upper-limit number; an upper-limit number determining means of determining the upper-limit number memorizable in the start memory means based on predetermined conditions; an upper-limit number change means capable of changing a predetermined upper-limit number memorizable in the start memory means to the upper-limit number determined by the upper-limit number determining means; and a presentation control means capable of controlling carrying out of a predetermined presentation in the game machine. The presentation control means notifies the player of the upper-limit number determined by the upper-limit number determining means in connection with the special game state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes a variable display game based on a start memory generated by winning a game ball at a start port, and in particular, has a function of changing the upper limit number of the start memory according to the result of the variable display game. It relates to a gaming machine having.

  A conventional gaming machine is configured to include start memory means capable of storing up to a predetermined upper limit number of execution right of the variable display game as start memory based on the start winning. The start-up memory can store a predetermined upper limit number (usually 4). The start memory is displayed on the display unit of the display device on which the variable display game is executed so that the player can recognize the currently stored start memory number.

  Further, there is provided a gaming machine in which an effect unit is provided around the display device, and the player can more clearly recognize the starting memory number by this effect unit (for example, Patent Document 1). .

  In recent years, a player-participation-type game has been performed in which an operation of an operation switch by a player is received during a game and a game effect is changed. Then, the player executes the game during the big hit game, and performs the probability change promotion effect for notifying that the game will be changed after the big hit based on the participation of the game (operation of the operation switch), so that the player even during the big hit There is also a gaming machine that keeps you from getting bored (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-089428 A JP 2010-148663 A

  However, the gaming machine as described above has been less interesting because the upper limit number of start memories that can be stored in the start storage means is determined in advance.

  In addition, the player often makes a so-called stop-stop when the starting memory reaches the upper limit number or closes to the upper limit number, so as to stop the release of the game ball in order to prevent the generation of the useless ball. Was invited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to play a game with interest.

  The present invention includes a variable display device capable of displaying a variable display game that displays a plurality of pieces of identification information in a variable manner based on the winning of a game ball in the start winning area, and the result of the variable display game is a special result. In addition, in a gaming machine capable of generating a special gaming state advantageous to the player, the execution right of the variable display game is stored as a start memory within a predetermined upper limit range based on the winning of the game ball in the start winning area. A start storage means that can be stored, an upper limit number determination means that determines an upper limit number that can be stored in the start storage means based on a predetermined condition, and a predetermined upper limit number that can be stored in the start storage means. The upper limit number changing means that can be changed to the upper limit number determined by the number determining means, and an effect control means that can execute and control a predetermined effect in the gaming machine, wherein the effect control means is the special game In connection with the state, and wherein the notifying the maximum number determined by the upper limit number determination unit to the player.

  Here, the predetermined condition for determining the upper limit number of start-up memories is based on, for example, the type of special result (big hit symbol information) that generated a special gaming state that triggers the execution of the upper limit number determining means.

  According to the present invention, since the upper limit number of the start memory changes and the upper limit number is notified in connection with the special gaming state, the player can play the game with interest.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the specification regarding the starting memory | storage of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the game board with which the gaming machine of the 1st embodiment of the present invention is equipped. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the first half part of the main process performed by the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the latter half part of the main process performed by the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure game process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure pending | holding information determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure normal process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the pending | holding redetermination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure pending | holding information redetermination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fluctuation pattern setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the change group selection table at the time of the big hit of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is an example of a variation group selection table at the time of deviation. FIG. 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention is an example of a variation group selection table at the time of deviation. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the change start information setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure display process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 2 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 3 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 4 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 5 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 6 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st main process performed by the microcomputer for main control of the presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the interrupt process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 2nd main process performed by the microcomputer for video control of the presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st scene control process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big hit fanfare process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process during the big hit round of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the pending | holding number command reception process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the prefetch command reception process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the redetermination command reception process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen transition of the holding | maintenance upper limit number alert | report in the display apparatus 48 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen transition about the prefetch notification of the hold | maintenance corresponding to the variable hold number after the end of jackpot in the display apparatus 48 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process during the big hit round of the modification 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the alerting | reporting effect setting process of the modification 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the PB input process of the modification 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the example of a screen transition of the holding | maintenance upper limit number alert | report in the display apparatus 48 of the modification 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the example of a screen transition of the holding | maintenance upper limit number alert | report in the display apparatus 48 of the modification 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen transition at the time of execution of a probability variation promotion game in the display device 48 of the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a screen transition at the time of lottery game execution in the display apparatus 48 of the modification 2 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the pending | holding information update process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure display process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st scene control process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big hit fanfare process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the alerting | reporting effect setting process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot ending process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the pending | holding number command reception process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the temporary pending | holding number command reception process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen transition of the holding | maintenance upper limit number alert | report in the display apparatus 48 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the pending | holding information update process of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure pending | holding information temporary determination process of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the change group selection table at the time of the big hit of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big hit fanfare process of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the prefetch command reception process in case the prefetch notification object hold of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is set from the hold | maintenance corresponding to a variable hold number by selection conditions. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the prefetch command reception process in case the prefetch alerting | reporting object hold of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is preset to the predetermined hold corresponding to the variable hold number. It is a prefetch notice selection table of the 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a screen transition of the notification of the holding | maintenance upper limit number in the display apparatus 48 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the pending | holding display aspect in the display apparatus 48 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the pending | holding display aspect in the display apparatus 48 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the display mode in the collective display apparatus 50 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a holding | maintenance upper limit selection table of the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the pending | holding display aspect of the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen transition of the holding | maintenance upper limit number alert | report in the display apparatus 48 of the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of a screen transition of the holding | maintenance upper limit number alert | report in the display apparatus 48 of the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an opening / closing frame that is attached to a main body frame (outer frame) 2 fixed to the island facility via a hinge 4 so that one side portion can be freely opened and closed. The open / close frame includes a front frame (game frame) 3 and a glass frame (front frame) 18.

  In the front frame 3, a game board 10 (see FIG. 3) having a game area 10a is accommodated in a storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface. Further, a glass frame 18 having a cover glass (transparent member) 18 a that covers the front surface of the game board 10 is attached to the front frame 3. The front frame 3 and the glass frame 18 can be opened individually. For example, only the glass frame 18 can be opened to access the game area 10a (see FIG. 3) of the game board 10. Further, by opening the front frame 3 in a state where the glass frame 18 is not opened, it is possible to access a game control device 500 (see FIG. 4) disposed on the back side of the game board 10.

  A decorative member 9 that emits decorative light is provided around the cover glass 18 a of the glass frame 18. Inside the decoration member 9, a frame decoration device 18d (see FIG. 5) configured by a lamp, an LED, or the like is provided. By causing the frame decoration device 18d to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode, the decoration member 9 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode.

  An illumination unit 11 is provided in the upper center portion of the glass frame 18. Inside the illumination unit 11, light emitting members such as LEDs and lamps are provided.

  A first movable illumination 13 is provided on the left side of the illumination unit 11 and a second movable illumination 14 is provided on the right side. The 1st movable illumination 13 and the 2nd movable illumination 14 are arrange | positioned above the upper speaker 30a. The first movable illumination 13 and the second movable illumination 14 are each provided with an illumination drive motor (frame effect device 18f) in addition to an illumination member such as an LED, and operate according to the effect contents (for example, Controlled to rotate).

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a speaker 30 that emits sound (such as sound effects, warning sounds, and notification sounds). The speaker 30 includes an upper speaker 30a and a lower speaker 30b. The upper speaker 30a is disposed above the glass frame 18, and the lower speaker 30b is disposed below the upper plate 21, which will be described later.

  On the right side of the first movable illumination 13, a gaming state LED 29 for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1 is provided. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, a notification sound for notifying the abnormality is further output from the speaker 30.

  Abnormalities occurring in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and implementation of fraud. The cheating is, for example, an act of illegally manipulating the trajectory of a game ball launched by a magnet or an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with the magnetic sensor switch (SW) 39a (see FIG. 4) or detecting vibration with the vibration sensor switch (SW) 39b (see FIG. 4). Also, the act of opening the open / close frame illegally is also included in the illegal act. At this time, it is detected by the frame opening sensor switch (front frame opening detection switch 3b, glass frame opening detection switch 18b, see FIG. 4) that the opening and closing frames of the front frame 3 and the glass frame 18 are opened during business hours. . When an illegal act as described above is detected, an abnormality is notified by the gaming state LED 29, the speaker 30, or the like.

  Below the cover glass 18a of the glass frame 18, an upper plate unit including an upper plate 21 and the like is provided. The upper plate 21 supplies a game ball (game medium) to a hitting ball launching device (not shown). The upper plate unit includes an upper plate cover unit 20 having a production button 31.

  Further, a fixed panel 22 that is positioned below the glass frame 18 and is fixed to the front frame 3 is provided with a lower plate 23, an operation unit 24 of a ball striking device, and the like. When the player rotates the operation unit 24, the hitting ball launching device launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 to the game area 10a of the game board 10 (see FIG. 3).

  The lower tray 23 is provided with a lower tray ball removing mechanism 16 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower tray 23. A key 25 for locking the glass frame 18 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 3.

  In addition, an effect button 31 having an effect button switch (SW) 31a (see FIG. 5) for receiving an operation input from the player is provided on the front side of the upper plate 21 in the upper plate unit. By operating the effect button 31, the player can perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the variable display game on the display device 48 (see FIG. 3). For example, the production content can be selected. Note that the fluctuation display game includes a special figure fluctuation display game and a common figure fluctuation display game. In the present specification, when the fluctuation display game is simply referred to, the special figure fluctuation display game is indicated.

  Further, the effect pattern may be changed not only while the variable display game is being executed but also when the player operates the effect button 31 while the game is not being executed.

  Note that the gaming state when the variable display game is executed includes a plurality of gaming states, and the normal gaming state (normal state) is a gaming state in which no special gaming state has occurred. In addition, the special game state is, for example, a state (progressive change state) or a big hit state (special change state) with a high probability of occurrence of a special result (big hit) in a specific game state (general power support state or a short time state) described later or a variable display game. Gaming state).

  Here, the probability variation state is one that continues until the next big hit (loop type), one that continues until a predetermined number of fluctuation display games are executed (number-of-times type), and a predetermined probability falling lottery. Continuing until it is done (falling lottery type) is considered.

  Further, whether or not to generate a probability variation state is not determined by the jackpot symbol random number, it is possible to always generate a probability variation state when a jackpot occurs, or provide a winning device or the like having a specific area, A probability variation state may be generated when a game ball passes through a specific area.

  In addition, after the variable display game is started, an operation promotion effect for promoting the operation of the effect button 31 is executed. By operating the effect button 31 while the operation promotion effect is being executed, the start memory is stored. It is possible to execute a notice effect or the like for notifying the result of the corresponding variable display game in advance.

  In the upper right portion of the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 26 that is operated when a player borrows a game ball and a discharge button 27 that is operated to discharge a prepaid card from a card unit (not shown) are provided. . Further, a balance display unit 28 for displaying a balance of a prepaid card or the like is provided between the ball lending button 26 and the discharge button 27.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the specifications related to start-up storage according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game balls won in the start winning area (the first start winning opening 37 and the second start winning opening 38, see FIG. 3) provided in the game area 10a are used as start memory as the right to execute the corresponding special figure variable display game. Up to a predetermined upper limit number is stored in the reserved storage area in the game control device 500 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the predetermined upper limit number is set based on a predetermined condition (here, a big hit symbol).

  Therefore, the game control device 500 has a start storage means capable of storing the right to execute the variable display game as a start memory within a predetermined upper limit range based on the winning of the game ball in the start winning area, and a predetermined condition. The upper limit number determining means for determining the upper limit number that can be stored in the starting storage means, and the upper limit number that can be changed from the predetermined upper limit number that can be stored in the starting storage means to the upper limit number determined by the upper limit number determining means And changing means.

  FIG. 2A is a holding upper limit selection table used when the upper limit number determining means determines the upper limit number (holding upper limit number) of storable starting memories according to the jackpot symbol.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, with the jackpot as an opportunity, the upper limit number of holds corresponding to each variable display game is set according to the jackpot symbol. Specifically, depending on whether the big hit symbol random number for determining the big hit symbol is 0 to 99, the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game are put on hold (special figure 1 hold, special figure) 2) is set.

  When the jackpot symbol random number is 0 to 15, both the special figure 1 hold and the special figure 2 hold are set to 8, and the probability variation determination flag at this time is set to 1. When the jackpot symbol random number is 16 to 40, both the special figure 1 hold and the special figure 2 hold are set to four, and the probability variation determination flag at this time is set to two. Here, when the jackpot symbol random number is 0 to 40, the type of jackpot is 15R probability variation.

  When the jackpot symbol random number is 41 to 65, both the special figure 1 hold and the special figure 2 hold are set to 8 and the probability variation determination flag at this time is set to 3. When the jackpot symbol random number is 66 to 85, both the special figure 1 hold and the special figure 2 hold are set to four, and the probability variation determination flag at this time is set to four. Here, when the jackpot symbol random number is 41 to 85, the type of jackpot is 15R normal.

  When the jackpot symbol random number is 86 to 91, both the special figure 1 hold and the special figure 2 hold are set to four, and the probability variation determination flag at this time is set to five. When the jackpot symbol random number is 92 to 99, the special figure 1 hold is set to 8 and the special figure 2 hold is set to 4, and the probability variation determination flag at this time is set to 6. Here, when the jackpot symbol random number is 86 to 99, the type of jackpot is 2R probability variation.

  Note that a lottery with a random number for the big hit symbol may be performed, and the upper limit number of holdings may be determined according to the lottery result. Then, the probability of winning the lottery, that is, changing the number of reservation upper limits may be different for each jackpot symbol.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining the reserved storage area in which the start memory is stored in the start memory means.

  The special figure 1 holding storage area and the special figure 2 holding storage area are areas for storing the special figure 1 holding and the special figure 2 holding, respectively, and are provided in a RAM 511c (see FIG. 4) in the game control device 500 described later.

  As for the number of reserved storage, the storage reservation 1 to 4 is a fixed reservation number, and the storage 5 to 8 is a variable reservation number. In the special figure 1 storage area and the special figure 2 storage area, a random number saving area is provided for each reservation. The random number save area includes a big hit random number save area, a big hit symbol random number save area, a fluctuation pattern random number 1 save area, a fluctuation pattern random number 2 save area, and a fluctuation pattern random number 3 save area.

  Thus, the special figure 1 reserved storage area and the special figure 2 reserved storage area are provided with the number of random number save areas corresponding to the maximum upper limit number (here, 8) that can be stored. Even if the predetermined upper limit number that can be stored is changed, it can be dealt with.

  Here, the predetermined upper limit number by the upper limit number changing means is changed between the lower value 4 and the upper value 8. Therefore, the minimum upper limit number (4 in this case) is set as the fixed upper limit number, and the variable pending number added to the fixed upper limit number to obtain the predetermined upper limit number determined by the upper limit number determining means is set as the variable upper limit number. The predetermined upper limit number is calculated by adding the fixed upper limit number and the variable upper limit number.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 10 provided in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The game board 10 includes a flat game board body 10b (made of wood or synthetic resin) serving as a mounting base for various members, and has a game area 10a surrounded by a guide rail 35 on the front surface of the game board body 10b. ing. A front component (side case) 33 is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10b and outside the guide rail 35. Further, the front right component 33 on the lower right side of the game area 10a is covered with a black transparent certificate plate 36 at the center of the front. Then, a game ball is fired from the hitting ball launching device into the game area 10a surrounded by the guide rail 35 to play a game. In the game area 10a, a windmill 45 as a hitting direction changing member, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), and the like are arranged, and the shot game balls are changed in rolling direction by these hitting direction changing members. The game area 10a flows down.

  A center case 46 that forms a window serving as a display area for the variable display game is attached to the approximate center of the game area 10a. Arranged behind the window formed in the center case 46 is a display device 48 as an effect display device (variable display device) capable of executing an effect of a variable display game in which a plurality of identification information is variablely displayed (variably displayed). Has been. The display device 48 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that display contents can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 10 through the window portion of the center case 46. Note that the display device 48 is not limited to a device including a liquid crystal display, and may include a display such as an EL or a CRT.

  A plurality of variable display areas are provided in an area (display area) where an image of the display screen can be displayed, and identification information (special symbol) and a character that produces a variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. . In addition, an image (for example, jackpot display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) based on the progress of the game is displayed on the display screen.

  A stage portion 46 a is provided below the window portion of the center case 46. The stage portion 46a of the center case 46 opens toward the game area 10a so as to receive game balls flowing down the game area 10a, and passes through a warp passage (not shown) disposed inside the center case 46. A game ball is discharged. Since the stage portion 46a of the center case 46 is disposed above the first start winning opening 37 and the second starting winning opening 38, the game balls rolling on the stage portion 46a are moved to the first start winning opening 37 and the second start winning opening 37. 2 It is configured to easily flow down to the start winning prize port 38. Details of the first start winning opening 37 and the second starting winning opening 38 will be described later.

  A normal symbol start gate (ordinary start gate) 34 is provided on the left side of the center case 46 in the game area 10a. A gate switch (SW) 34 a (see FIG. 4) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal start gate 34 is provided inside the normal start gate 34. Then, when the game ball that has been driven into the game area 10a passes through the usual figure start gate 34, the usual figure change display game is executed.

  Further, three general winning holes 44 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 46, and one general winning hole 44 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 46. In addition, winning of a game ball in the general winning opening 44 is detected by winning opening switches (SW) 44a to 44n (see FIG. 4) provided in the general winning opening 44.

  Also, below the center case 46 is provided a first start winning opening (first start winning area) 37 for giving a start condition for the special figure variation display game, and an inverted “C” character is formed immediately below the first start winning opening 37. And a pair of movable members 38a that are converted into a state in which game balls can easily flow in, and a second start winning opening (second start winning area) 38 is disposed therein. And when a game ball wins the 1st start winning opening 37 or the 2nd starting winning opening 38, a special figure change display game is performed as an auxiliary game.

  The pair of movable members 38a of the second start winning prize port 38 always holds a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. However, since the first start winning opening 37 is provided above the second starting winning opening 38, the game ball cannot be won in the closed state.

  Then, when the result of the normal map change display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, the second start is performed by opening a reverse “C” shape by the general electric solenoid 38b (see FIG. 4) as a driving device. It is configured to be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player, an easy winning state) in which a game ball easily flows into the winning opening 38.

  The movable member 38a is controlled by a game control device to be described later. The game control device generates the above-described specific game state (general power support state, short time state) by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state or increasing the occurrence time of the easy-to-win state.

  Furthermore, below the second start winning opening 38 of the game area 10a, an attacker type that can be opened by turning the upper end side in the direction of falling to the near side by the large winning opening 1 solenoid 41b (see FIG. 4). A first special variable winning device 41 having a large winning opening 1 having an open / close door 41a is provided. The first special variable winning device 41 converts from a state in which the big prize opening is closed (blocking state disadvantageous for the player) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player, special game state) according to the result of the special figure display game. In addition, a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player by facilitating the inflow of the game ball into the special winning opening. In addition, a count 1 switch 41d (see FIG. 4) is provided as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening inside the special winning opening (winning area).

  Also, above the center case 46 in the game area 10a, there is an attacker-type opening / closing door 42a that can be opened by turning in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted to the left side by the big prize opening 2 solenoid 42b (see FIG. 4). A second special variable winning device 42 having a large winning opening 2 is provided. The open / close door 42a is opened toward the game area 10a where the game ball can flow down so that the game ball launched by the player with a left hand strike reaches the big prize opening 2. Similar to the first special variable prize winning device 41, the second special variable prize winning device 42 is in a state where the big prize opening is closed (blocking state disadvantageous to the player) from the closed state (player) according to the result of the special figure changing display game. Is converted into a state advantageous to the player, a special game state), and the flow of the game ball into the special winning opening is facilitated to give a predetermined game value (prize ball) to the player. Note that a count 2 switch 42d (see FIG. 4) is provided as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening inside the special winning opening (winning area).

  The second special variable winning device 42 may be provided on the right side of the center case 46 of the game area 10a so that a right-handed winning can be made. In the present invention, if the winning efficiency is higher than the first special variable winning device 41 and the winning efficiency is higher than the first special variable winning device 41 (if the number of possible winnings per unit time is large), the arrangement is free. is there.

  A game ball wins in the general winning port 44, the first starting winning port 37, the second starting winning port 38, the large winning port 1 of the first special variable winning device 41, and the large winning port 2 of the second special variable winning device 42. Then, the payout control device 580 (see FIG. 4) performs control so that the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of the winning prize winning hole is discharged from the payout device to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 3. In addition, below the first special variable winning device 41, an out port 43 is provided for collecting game balls that have not won a winning port or the like.

  In addition, on the outside of the game area 10a (for example, the lower right portion of the game board 10), the special figure variation display game (the special figure 1 variation display game, the special figure 2 variation display game) on the display device 48, and the normal figure start gate A collective display device 50 is provided for executing a general-purpose variable display game triggered by winning a prize at No.34. Further, the collective display device 50 is provided with display units 51 to 60 for displaying information such as the current gaming state.

  Here, the collective display device 50 will be described. The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display unit) 51 and a second special figure fluctuation display unit (figure display unit) (figure display game) composed of a 7-segment type display (LED lamp) or the like. Special display 2 display) 52, a variable display unit for general display change display game (general display display) 53, and a memory for notifying the start (hold) storage number of each variable display game, which is also composed of LED lamps. It has a display (special figure 1 hold indicator 54, special figure 2 hold indicator 55, universal figure hold indicator 56).

  Further, the collective display device 50 is turned on when a big hit occurs and a first gaming state display unit (first gaming state indicator) 57 that notifies the occurrence of the big hit, and lights up when a short time state occurs to notify the occurrence of a short time state. A second gaming state display unit (second gaming state indicator) 60, an error indicator 58 for displaying an error in which the probability state of the jackpot is a high probability state when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and the number of rounds in the case of the jackpot A round display unit 59 for displaying (the number of times the first special variable winning device 41 and the second special variable winning device 42 are opened and closed) is provided.

  Here, the flow of the game in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the details of the fluctuation display game (the normal figure fluctuation display game, the special figure fluctuation display game) will be described.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a not-shown hitting ball launcher toward the game area 10a. The launched game balls flow down the game area 10a while changing the rolling direction by means of direction changing members such as obstacle nails and windmills 45 arranged in various places in the game area 10a, and the normal start gate 34, general winning opening 44, win the first start winning port 37, the second start winning port 38, the first special variable winning device 41 or the second special variable winning device 42, or to the out port 43 provided at the bottom of the game area 10a It flows in and is discharged from the game area. Then, when a game ball wins the general winning port 44, the first starting winning port 37, the second starting winning port 38, the first special variable winning device 41 or the second special variable winning device 42, the type of the winning port that is won is determined. A corresponding number of prize balls are discharged from the payout unit controlled by the payout control device 580 to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 3.

  As described above, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 4) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general diagram start gate 34 is provided in the general diagram start gate 34. The usual start gate 34 is, for example, a non-contact type switch. When the game ball that has been driven into the game area 10a passes through the usual figure start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a, and the usual figure change display game is executed.

  In addition, a state in which the normal map change display game cannot be started, for example, when the normal map change display game has already been performed and the normal map change display game has not ended, or the result of the normal map change display game is a hit. When the second start winning opening 38 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the ordinary start gate 34, if the number of ordinary start memories is less than the upper limit, the ordinary start memory number is added (+1). ) And one ordinary start memory is stored.

  In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (specific result) is derived by hitting the common map fluctuation display game.

  The usual map change display game is executed by a change display unit (common figure display) 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator 53 is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (general-purpose symbols, normal symbols) when the LED is lit, and indicating misalignment when the LED is not lit. Information variation is displayed, and after a predetermined variation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result.

  Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, and this may be configured to be displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the stop display of the usual figure change display game is a specific result, the pair of opening and closing members 38a of the second start winning opening 38 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). It becomes an open state. This makes it easier for a game ball to win the second start winning opening 38, and the number of times that the special figure 2 variable display game is executed increases.

  When the random number value extracted at the time of detection of the passage to the universal chart start gate 34 is a winning value, the normal symbol displayed on the universal chart display unit 53 stops in the hit state and enters the hit state. At this time, the second start winning opening 38 is in a state where the open / close member 38a is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in power solenoid 38b (see FIG. 4). And the winning of the game ball into the second start winning opening 38 is allowed.

  The winning ball to the first starting winning port 37 and the winning ball to the second starting winning port 38 are respectively a start port 1 switch 37d (see FIG. 4) and a start port 2 switch 38d (see FIG. 4) provided inside. ) Is detected. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 37 is detected as a start winning ball in the special figure 1 variable display game, and is stored in a predetermined upper limit number (4 to 8), and is stored in the second start winning opening 38. The winning game ball is detected as a start winning ball of the special figure 2 variable display game, and stored with a predetermined upper limit number (4 to 8) as a limit.

  In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a big hit random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special figure in the game control device 500 (see FIG. 4). Each memory area (part of RAM) is stored as a special figure start winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 8 times). The number of the special figure start winning memory is displayed on the start display number storage display unit (the special figure 1 hold display 54 and the special figure 2 hold display 55) of the collective display device 50, and Also displayed on the display device 48 of the center case 46.

  The game control device 500 receives a special figure display (display device 48, special figure 1 display 51, or special figure 2) based on the winning to the first start winning opening 37 or the second start winning opening 38, or each start memory. A special figure 1 fluctuation display game or a special figure 2 fluctuation display game is played on the display 52).

  The special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game is displayed in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) are variably displayed on the display device 48 corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game. ing.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 48, for example, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbol). The variation display is started in the order of symbols), the symbols that have been varied after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 48 performs a decoration special figure variation display game with a special decoration pattern corresponding to the number of stored special figure winning memories, and various effects such as the appearance of a character are provided to enhance the interest.

  Further, when winning at the first start winning opening 37 or the second starting winning opening 38 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the big hit random number at the time of winning detection is a big hit value), As a result of the variable display game, a specific result mode (special result mode) is derived from the display symbols, and a big hit state (special game state) is obtained. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 48 is also a special result mode (for example, any one of the numbers in the flat order such as “7, 7, 7”).

  At this time, the first special variable prize winning device 41 and the second special variable prize winning device 42 are energized to the special prize opening solenoid 41b and the special prize opening solenoid 42b (refer to FIG. 4), respectively, For example, for 30 seconds, the game ball is converted from a closed state where no game ball is received (a disadvantageous state for the player) to an open state where the game ball is easily received (a state advantageous to the player). That is, since the big winning opening provided in the first special variable winning device 41 and the second special variable winning device 42 opens widely until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls wins, the player has many game balls during this time. The privilege that can be acquired is granted.

  The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may be separate displays or the same display, but each special figure variation display game is not executed simultaneously. In addition, for the decorative special figure variation display game on the display device 48, the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game may be executed in different display devices or in different display areas. It may be executed in the display device or display area. In this case, the decorative special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is prevented from being executed simultaneously.

  The special figure 2 variable display game is executed with priority over the special figure 1 variable display game. That is, when there is a start memory of the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is executed.

  In addition, in a state where the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) can be started and the number of reserved memories is 0, a game is played in the first start winning opening 37 (second starting winning opening 38). When the ball wins, the start memory is stored with the execution right of the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game). At this time, the reserved memory number is incremented by 1, and the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) is immediately started based on the start memory, and at this time, the reserved memory number is decremented by one.

  On the other hand, a state in which the special figure 1 fluctuation display game (the special figure 2 fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the special figure 1 fluctuation display game or the special figure 2 fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game is ended. If the game ball is won in the first start winning port 37 (second start winning port 38) in a state that is not played or in a special game state, if the reserved memory number is less than the upper limit number, the reserved memory number 1 is added and one start-up memory is stored. And the state where the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) can be started in the state where the number of reserved memories becomes 1 or more (the end of the previous special figure variable display game or the end of the special game state) Then, the reserved memory number is decremented by 1, and the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) is started based on the stored start memory.

  In the following description, when the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the start port 1 switch 37d in the first start prize port 37, the start port 2 switch 38d in the second start prize port 38, the gate switch 34a, and the prize port switches 44a to 44a. 44n, the count 1 switch 41d, and the count 2 switch 42d are provided with a magnetic detection coil, and a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor that detects a game ball using a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil ( Hereinafter, the proximity switch is used. As the front frame open detection switch 3b on the front frame 3 or the glass frame open detection switch 18b provided on the glass frame 18, a micro switch having a mechanical contact can be used.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the game control device 500 according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a game control device 500. The game control device 500 is a main control device (main board) that controls the game in an integrated manner, and includes a game microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game microcomputer) 511. The CPU unit 510 includes an input port 520 having an input port, an output unit 530 having an output port, a driver, and the like, a data bus 540 for connecting the CPU unit 510, the input unit 520, and the output unit 530.

  The CPU unit 510 logically inverts a signal (start winning detection signal) from the gaming microcomputer 511 called an amusement chip (IC) and the proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 521 in the input unit 520. An oscillating circuit (quartz crystal) including an inverting circuit 512 formed of an inverter or the like to be input to the gaming microcomputer 511 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator, and generating a clock serving as a reference for a CPU operation clock, a timer interrupt, and a random number generating circuit. Oscillator) 513 and the like. The game control device 500 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 500 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 300 to be operable. Composed.

  The power supply apparatus 300 includes a normal power supply unit including an AC-DC converter that generates a DC32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V and DC5V from a DC32V voltage, and the like. 310, a backup power supply unit 320 that supplies a power supply voltage to the RAM 511c inside the gaming microcomputer 511 at the time of a power failure, a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch, and notifies the game control device 500 of the occurrence and recovery of the power failure. A control signal generation unit 330 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal is provided.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device 300 is configured separately from the game control device 500, but the backup power supply unit 320 and the control signal generation unit 330 are integrated on a separate board or the game control device 500, that is, You may comprise so that it may provide on a main board | substrate. Since the game board 10 and the game control device 500 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 320 and the control signal generation unit 330 are provided on a board different from the power supply apparatus 300 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing, it can remove from the object of replacement | exchange and can aim at cost reduction.

  The backup power supply unit 320 can be composed of one large-capacitance capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 511 (particularly the built-in RAM) of the game control device 500, and the data stored in the RAM 511c is retained even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. The control signal generation unit 330 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 310, for example, and detects the occurrence of a power failure when the voltage drops to, for example, 17V or less, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored. After the power failure is restored, the game control device 500 restores the gaming state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 511c. Note that the backup power supply unit 320 can hold game data for two to three days or more.

  The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 511c in the gaming microcomputer 511 and the RAM in the payout control device 580. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 511. The reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

  The gaming microcomputer 511 stores a CPU (central processing unit, microprocessor) 511a, a non-rewritable ROM (read-only memory) 511b and a rewritable data (read-only memory, non-volatile storage means) ( A RAM (random access memory, volatile storage means) 511c and an individual ID register 511d, which can be read and written as needed, are provided.

  The ROM 511b stores invariant information (program, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) for game control in a non-volatile manner (non-rewritable), and the RAM 511c stores the work area and various signals of the CPU 511a during game control. Used as a storage area for random values. As the ROM 511b or the RAM 511c, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

  In addition, the ROM 511b stores, for example, variation pattern distribution information for determining a variation pattern that defines the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the contents of the effects, the presence or absence of the reach state, and the like.

  The variation pattern distribution information is distribution information for the CPU 511a to determine the variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory. The variation pattern distribution information includes out-of-range variation pattern distribution information selected when the result is out of range, large hit variation pattern distribution information selected when the result is a 16R big hit or 9R big hit. For example, the special pattern fluctuation display game is a fluctuation pattern distribution information related to a fluctuation pattern without reach, a fluctuation pattern distribution information related to a fluctuation pattern in which normal (N) reach is executed in the special figure fluctuation display game, and a special figure fluctuation display game. Fluctuation pattern distribution information related to a fluctuation pattern for executing a special (SP) 1 reach, Fluctuation pattern distribution information relating to a fluctuation pattern for executing a special (SP) 2 reach in a special figure fluctuation display game, Special figure fluctuation for a big hit There is variation pattern distribution information related to a variation pattern for executing premium reach in a display game.

  Further, the pattern distribution information includes the latter half variation pattern distribution information and the first half variation pattern distribution information.

  Here, the ROM 511b constitutes a change distribution information storage unit that stores a plurality of change distribution information related to the execution time setting in the special figure change display game.

  Reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can change, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 1 in which the game state becomes a game state advantageous to the player (special game state) when the special result mode is entered, the game is already derived at the stage where some of the plurality of display results are not yet derived and displayed. Display state that satisfies the condition that the displayed display result is a special result mode (for example, a plurality of pieces of identification information except for the identification information to be stopped at the end are stopped with identification information that can generate a special result in which a special gaming state is generated) And the state in which the identification information to be stopped last is variably displayed). In other words, the reach state is deviated from the display condition that is the special result mode even when the display device's variable display control progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed. There is no display mode. For example, a state where so-called full-rotation reach is performed in a variable display region while maintaining a state in which special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. The reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device has progressed to reach a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. The display state in the case where at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfies the condition for the special result mode.

  Thus, for example, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game displayed on the display device corresponding to the special figure fluctuation display game has a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle and right fluctuation display areas on the display device 48. After the variable display, if the variable display is stopped and displayed in the order of left, right and middle, and the result mode is displayed, the left and right variable display areas satisfy the conditions for the special result mode (for example, , The state where the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) becomes the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition that the special result mode is satisfied in any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas (for example, the same The state that is the identification information (except for the special result mode) may be the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state.

  In addition, the reach state includes a plurality of reach effects, and the possibility of deriving a special result form is different (reliability is different). As the reach effects, normal reach, special (SP) 1 reach, special (SP) 2 reach Special (SP) 3 reach, premium reach, etc. are set. The reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach <premium reach (the probability that a special result mode is derived differs depending on reach production). In addition, the reach state is included in a variable display mode at least when a special result mode is derived in a special figure variable display game (when a big hit is achieved). In other words, there may be included a variable display mode in a case where it is determined that a special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when it is out of place).

  Here, the level of reliability can be calculated by the ratio of the effect selection when the special result mode is derived and the effect selection when the special result mode is not derived.

  For example, in a variable display game in which a special result mode is derived, the SP1 reach is selected at a rate of 10%, and the SP3 reach is selected at a rate of 40%. On the other hand, in a variable display game in which no special result mode is derived, the SP1 reach is selected at a rate of 5%, and the SP3 reach is selected at a rate of 1%. By setting such a selection ratio, it can be said that the expected degree of SP1 reach is lower than the expected degree of SP3 reach.

  Also in the present invention, since the selection ratio is different for such reach production (or specific production), it is possible to compare the production with high reliability and the production with low reliability as described above. ing.

  The CPU 511a executes a game control program in the ROM 511b to generate a control signal (command) for the payout control device 580 and the effect control device 550, or generate and output a drive signal for a solenoid or a display device. To control the entire gaming machine 1.

  Further, although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 511 generates a jackpot determination random number for the special figure variation display game, a big hit symbol random number for determining the jackpot symbol, a hit determination random number for the common figure variation display game, and the like. A random number generation circuit. Furthermore, a clock generator is provided that generates a clock that gives a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the CPU 511a and a renewal timing of the random number generation circuit based on an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 513. Yes.

  In addition, the CPU 511a selects any one of a plurality of variation pattern distribution information stored in the ROM 511b in a start port switch monitoring process (S801) or a special figure routine process (S810) in a special figure game process described later. Fluctuation pattern distribution information is acquired. Specifically, the CPU 511a determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure fluctuation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current game state, and the current game. Based on the operation state (normal operation state or short-time operation state) of the second start winning port 38 as a state, the number of reserved memories, etc., one of the variation pattern distribution information is selected from a plurality of variation pattern distribution information And get.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 580 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like, and drives a payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 500. , Control for paying out a prize ball. Also, the payout control device 580 performs control for driving the payout motor of the payout unit on the basis of the loan request signal from the card unit and paying out the rental money. In addition, when the payout control device 580 issues a game ball launch permission signal, the launch control device 581 becomes ready to launch.

  The input unit 520 of the game control device 500 includes a start port 1 switch 37d in the first start winning port 37, a start port 2 switch 38d in the second start winning port 38, a gate switch 34a in the usual start gate 34, Connected to the prize opening switches 44a to 44n, the count 1 switch 41d, and the count 2 switch 42d, and a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches is inputted, and 0V-5V An interface chip (proximity I / F) 521 for converting to a positive logic signal is provided. Proximity I / F 521 seems to be floating because the input range is 7V-11V, the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly shorted, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. An abnormal state can be detected, and when an abnormality is detected, an abnormality detection signal is output. At this time, the abnormality detection signal is input to the input port 523.

  All outputs of signals input to the proximity I / F 521 are supplied to the input port 522, read into the game microcomputer 511 via the data bus 540, and from the game control device (main board) 500 via the relay board 591. It is supplied to a test firing test apparatus (not shown). In addition, the detection signal of the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d among the outputs of the proximity I / F 521 is configured to be input to the gaming microcomputer 511 through the inverting circuit 512 in addition to the input port 522. ing. The inversion circuit 512 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 511 assumes that a signal from a micro switch or the like is input, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when a micro switch is used as the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d, it is possible to directly input the detection signal to the gaming microcomputer 511 without providing the inverting circuit 512. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d to the gaming microcomputer 511, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 521 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 521 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 300 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

  Further, the input unit 520 includes a first start winning opening converted by a signal from the fraud detection magnetic sensor switch 39a and the vibration sensor switch 39b provided on the front frame 3 of the gaming machine 1 and the proximity I / F 521. 37, the start port 1 switch 37d in the 37, the start port 2 switch 38d in the second start winning port 38, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switches 44a to 44n, the count 1 switch 41d, the count 2 switch 42d, and the data An input port 522 for supplying to the gaming microcomputer 511 via the bus 540 is provided. The data held by the input port 522 can be read by asserting the enable signal CE1 (changing to an effective level) by decoding the address assigned to the input port 522 by the gaming microcomputer 511. The same applies to other ports described later.

  Further, the input unit 520 includes signals from the front frame opening detection switch 3b provided on the front frame 3 of the gaming machine 1 and the glass frame opening detection switch 18b provided on the glass frame 18, and from the payout control device 580. An input port 523 is provided which takes in a status signal indicating a payout abnormality, a shot ball break switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating an overflow and supplies them to the game microcomputer 511 via the data bus 540. ing. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (full).

  Further, the input unit 520 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 524 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 300 to the gaming microcomputer 511 and the like. The circuit 524 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Of the signals from the power supply device 300, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are once input to the input port 523 and taken into the game microcomputer 511 via the data bus 540. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 511 is limited.

  On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 524 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 511 and is also supplied to each output port of the output unit 530. In addition, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 591 without going through the output unit 530, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 591 for output to the test board 591. It is configured as follows. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 591. The reset signal RST is not supplied to each input port (522, 523) of the input unit 520. The data set to each output port of the output unit 530 by the gaming microcomputer 511 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but immediately before the reset signal RST is input, This is because the data read by the game microcomputer 511 from each input port (522, 523) is discarded by resetting the game microcomputer 511.

  The output unit 530 of the game control device 500 is connected to the data bus 540 and outputs a 4-bit data signal output to the payout control device 580, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating the validity / invalidity of the data, and an effect control device 550. A first output port 531a that generates a data strobe signal SSTB to be output, and a second output port 531b that generates an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 550. Data is transmitted from the game control device 500 to the payout control device 580 and the effect control device 550 by parallel communication. In addition, the data strobe signal SSTB from the first output port 531a is provided to the output unit 530 in order to prevent a signal from being input to the game control device 500 from the effect control device 550 side, that is, in order to secure one-way communication. In addition, a unidirectional buffer 532a for outputting an 8-bit data signal from the second output port 531b is provided. A buffer may be provided for a signal output from the first output port 531a to the payout control device 580.

  Further, the output unit 530 outputs, via the relay board 591, data indicating the symbol information of the variable display game to a test fire test apparatus of an accredited organization connected to the data bus 540 and a signal indicating the probability state of jackpot. The buffer 532b is configured to be mountable. The buffer 532b is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in the game shop. Note that a detection signal of a switch that does not require processing, such as a start port switch, output from the proximity I / F 521 is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay substrate 591 without passing through the buffer 532b.

  On the other hand, detection signals that cannot be supplied to the test fire test device as they are, such as the magnetic sensor switch 39a and the vibration sensor switch 39b, are once taken into the game microcomputer 511 and processed into other signals or information. For example, an error signal indicating that the gaming machine cannot be controlled is supplied from the data bus 540 to the test firing test apparatus via the buffer 532b and the relay board 591. Note that the relay board 591 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 532b and supplies it to the test test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits the signal line of the switch detection signal that does not pass through the buffer, and the like. Yes. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 511 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 591, and a signal of a port that is selectively controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test test apparatus.

  In addition, the output unit 530 is connected to the data bus 540 to open and close the first special variation winning device 41 and the second special variation winning device 42 (a large winning port 1 solenoid 41b, a large winning port 2 solenoid 42b) and a second 2 Opening / closing data of a solenoid (general power solenoid 38b) for opening and closing the movable member 38a of the start winning opening 38, and on / off data of a digit line connected to the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 are output. 3rd output port 531c, 4th output port 531d for outputting the ON / OFF data of the segment line to which the anode terminal of LED is connected according to the contents displayed on the collective display device 50, gaming machine 1 such as jackpot information A fifth output port 531e is provided for outputting information related to the external information terminal 508. Information relating to the gaming machine 1 output from the external information terminal 508 is supplied to, for example, an information collection terminal installed in a game store or a game hall internal management device (not shown).

  Further, the output unit 530 is provided with a first driver (drive circuit) 533a, a second driver 533b, a third driver 533c, and a fourth driver 533d. The first driver 533a receives the opening / closing data signal of the big prize opening 1 solenoid 41b and the big prize opening 2 solenoid 42b outputted from the third output port 531c, and generates and outputs a solenoid driving signal. In addition, it receives the open / close data signal of the ordinary solenoid 38b and generates and outputs a solenoid drive signal. The second driver 533b outputs an on / off drive signal for the digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 output from the third output port 531c. The third driver 533c outputs an on / off drive signal for the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the fourth output port 531d. The fourth driver 533d outputs an external information signal supplied from the fifth output port 531e to an external device such as a management device to the external information terminal 508.

  The first driver 533a is supplied with DC32V from the power supply device 300 as a power supply voltage so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Also, DC12V is supplied to the third driver 533c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 533b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. The third driver 533c that outputs 12V supplies current to the anode terminal of the LED via the segment line, and the second driver 533b that outputs ground potential extracts current from the cathode terminal via the segment line, so that the dynamic drive system The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in step 1 so that the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 533d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 508 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. The buffer 532b, the third output port 531c, the first driver 533a, and the like may be provided on the output unit 530 of the game control device 500, that is, on the relay board 591 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 530 is provided with a photocoupler 534 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to an external inspection device 592. The photocoupler 534 is configured to be capable of two-way communication so that the gaming microcomputer 511 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 592 through serial communication. Note that such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal included in the gaming microcomputer 511 in the same manner as a normal general-purpose microprocessor, and thus a port such as the input port 522 is not provided.

  Next, the configuration of the effect control device 550 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the effect control device 550 according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The production control device 550 includes a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 formed of an amusement chip (IC) as in the case of the game microcomputer 511, and a video control microcomputer that performs video control exclusively under the control of the main control microcomputer 551. 2nd CPU) 554, VDP (Video Display Processor) 558 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display on the display device 48 in accordance with commands and data from the video control microcomputer 554, various melody and sound effects Etc. are provided with a sound source LSI 560 for controlling the output of sound in order to reproduce them from the speaker 30 (30a, 30b).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 are connected to program ROMs 553 and 555, each of which includes a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing a program executed by each CPU, and the VDP 558 is connected to the VDP 558. An image ROM 557 storing character images and video data is connected, and an audio ROM 561 storing audio data is connected to the sound source LSI 560. The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 511, determines the contents of the presentation, instructs the video control microcomputer 554 about the contents of the output video, and instructs the sound source LSI 560 to play the reproduced sound. Then, processing such as lighting of the decoration lamp, motor drive control, and production time management is executed. RAMs that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 are provided in the respective chips. Note that the RAM that provides the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 and the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 and the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 and the sound source LSI 560 are serially connected. Data is transmitted and received. The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 and the VDP 558 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By transmitting and receiving data in the parallel system, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the serial system. The VDP 558 includes an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 558a used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 557, and a scaler for enlarging and reducing images. 558b, a signal conversion circuit 558c for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 48 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method, and the like are provided.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 558 to the main control microcomputer 551 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 48 and lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the front frame 3 and the game board 10. Furthermore, the VDP 558 notifies the video control microcomputer 554 that it is waiting to receive an interrupt signal INT0-n and a command or data from the video control microcomputer 554 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT is input. Further, the video control microcomputer 554 receives from the main control microcomputer 551 a synchronization signal SYNC that informs that the video control microcomputer 554 is operating normally and gives command transmission timing. A call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 551 and the tone generator LSI 560 in order to transmit and receive commands and data by the handshake method.

  The video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 uses a CPU that is faster, that is, more expensive than the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551. By providing a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 separately from the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 alone. In addition to being able to display on the display device 48, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost compared to the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 are used. Also, by providing two CPUs, it becomes possible to separately develop the control programs for the two CPUs in parallel, thereby shortening the development period of the new model.

  In addition, the effect control device 550 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 552 that receives a command transmitted from the game control device 500. A variation start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 500 to the effect control device 550 via the command I / F 552 are used as an effect control command signal. Receive. Since the game microcomputer 511 of the game control device 500 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 of the effect control device 550 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 552 has a signal level conversion function. Is provided.

  Further, the effect control device 550 is provided on the front frame 3 with a panel decoration LED control circuit 10c for controlling a panel decoration device 10d having an LED (light emitting diode) provided on the game board 10 (including the center case 46). Frame decoration LED control circuit 18c for controlling the frame decoration device 18d having LEDs (light emitting diodes), and a board effect device (for example, an effect display on the display device 48) provided in the game board 10 (including the center case 46). Board effect motor / SOL control circuit 10e for driving and controlling 10f, and a frame effect device provided on the front frame 3 (for example, the first movable illumination 13 described above). A frame effect motor control circuit 18e for driving and controlling a motor 18f for operating the second movable illumination 14) is provided. These control circuits (10c, 18c, 10e, 18e) for driving and controlling lamps, motors, solenoids and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 via an address / data bus 559.

  Furthermore, in the effect control device 550, an on / off state of an effect motor switch that detects the initial position of the switch 31a built in the effect button 31 provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 or the board effect device 10f. Switch input circuit 570 for detecting the signal and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551, an amplifier circuit 562a including an audio power amplifier for driving the upper speaker 30a provided on the front frame 3, and the front frame 3 An amplifier circuit 562b for driving the provided lower speaker 30b is provided.

  Since the normal power supply unit 310 of the power supply device 300 supplies a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control device 550 having the above-described configuration and electronic components controlled thereby, a plurality of types of voltages can be generated. It is configured. Specifically, in addition to DC 32V for driving a motor and a solenoid, DC 12V for driving a display device 48 including a liquid crystal panel, and DC 5V serving as a power supply voltage for a command I / F 552, an LED and a speaker are driven. Therefore, it is possible to generate a voltage of 18 V DC and a voltage of 24 V NDC used as a reference for these DC voltages or to turn on the power supply monitor lamp. Further, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554, DC3. The effect control device 550 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating 3V or DC 1.2V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 310.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generator 330 of the power supply apparatus 300 is a control circuit (10c to 18e) that controls driving of the main control microcomputer 551, the video control microcomputer 554, the VDP 558, the sound source LSI 560, the lamp, the motor, and the like. Are supplied to the amplifier circuits 562a and 562b for driving the speakers, and are reset. In this embodiment, the general purpose port of the video control microcomputer 554 is used to generate and supply a reset signal to the VDP 558. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 554 and the VDP 558 can be improved.

  The above is the configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, game control performed by these control circuits will be described.

  The CPU 511a of the game control device 500 extracts the random number value for hit determination of the normal figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball that has passed through the gate switch 34a provided in the normal figure start gate 34, and is stored in the ROM 511b. It is compared with a determination value that is present, and a hit / decision of the normal map variation display game is determined. Then, after the identification symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, the general symbol change display game to be stopped is displayed on the general symbol display 53. If the result of this general-purpose fluctuation display game is a win, a special result mode is displayed on the general-purpose display 53, the general-purpose solenoid 38b is operated, and the movable member 38a of the second start winning opening 38 is kept for a predetermined time. Control to release.

  In the case where the result of the normal map change display game is out of order, the CPU 511a performs control to display the result form of the shift on the general map display 53.

  Further, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 stores a start winning (starting memory) based on an input of a game ball detection signal from the starting port 1 switch 37d provided in the first starting winning port 37. Based on this start-up memory, the jackpot determination random number value of the special figure 1 variable display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 511b to determine whether or not the special figure 1 variable display game is a hit.

  Further, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 stores the start memory based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 38d provided in the second start winning prize port 38. Then, based on this start-up memory, a big hit determination random number value for the special figure 2 variable display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 511b to determine whether or not the special figure 2 variable display game is hit or lost. Do.

  Then, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 outputs a control signal (effect control command) including the determination result of the special figure 1 variable display game or the special figure 2 variable display game to the effect control device 550. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52, a special figure variation display game for stopping display is displayed.

  In addition, the effect control device 550 performs a process of displaying a decoration special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 48 based on the control signal from the game control apparatus 500.

  Further, the effect control device 550 performs processing for controlling the output of sound from the speakers 30 (30a, 30b), the light emission of various LEDs, and the like based on the control signal from the game control device 500.

  Then, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 displays a special result mode on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 and generates a special game state when the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit. To perform the process.

  In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500, for example, the open / close door 41a of the first special variable prize winning device 41 or the second special fluctuation by the big prize opening 1 solenoid 41b or the big prize opening 2 solenoid 42b. The opening / closing door 42a of the winning device 42 is opened, and control is performed to allow the inflow of game balls into the big winning port (large winning port 1 or big winning port 2).

  And, a condition that either a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls wins the grand prize opening or a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds or 1.6 seconds) elapses from the opening of the big prize opening. Opening the grand prize opening until 1 is achieved is defined as one round, and control (round game) is performed to continue (repeat) this for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 or 2 times).

  Further, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out of order, the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are controlled to display the result form of the deviation.

  Hereinafter, specific processing for the control by the game control device 500 will be described.

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main process in the control by the game control device 500 will be described. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of the first half of the main process executed by the game control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a flowchart of the latter half of the main process executed by the game control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, it is executed when a gaming machine is turned on to start business at a game hall or when a power failure is restored.

  When the execution of the main process is started, the game control device 500 first prohibits interruption (S601). Next, interrupt vector setting processing for setting a vector address indicating a jump destination executed when an interrupt occurs is executed (S602). Furthermore, a stack pointer that is the start address of an area for saving a value of a register or the like when an interrupt occurs is set (S603). Further, an interrupt processing mode is set (S604).

  Next, the game control device 500 stands by until the program of the payout control device (payout board) 580 is normally started (S605). For example, wait for 4 milliseconds. By controlling in this way, when the power is turned on, the game control device 500 is activated first, and the command is transmitted to the payout control device 580 before the activation of the payout control device 580 is completed. The payout control device 580 can avoid missing the transmitted command.

  Thereafter, the game control device 500 permits access to a read / write RWM (read / write memory) such as a RAM or an EEPROM (S606). Further, all output ports are set to off (no output) (S607). In addition, the serial port preinstalled in the game microcomputer 511 is set not to be used (S608). This is because the serial port is not used because parallel communication is performed with the payout control device 580 and the effect control device 550 in the present embodiment.

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the initialization switch signal in the power supply device 300 is set to ON (S609). The initialization switch signal is a signal for setting whether or not to start a game in an initialized state when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, when the power is normally turned off at the time of closing the store and the power is turned on at the opening of the next day, the initialization switch signal is set to ON so that the game is started in the initialized state. . On the other hand, when the power is turned on again after a power failure, the initialization switch signal is turned off so that the game machine is not initialized in order to resume the game as close to the gaming state as possible before the power failure. Is set.

  When the initialization switch signal is set to OFF (the result of S609 is “N”), the game control device 500 checks whether or not the data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal (S610). ~ S613). More specifically, the power outage inspection area includes a power outage inspection area 1 and a power outage inspection area 2. The power failure inspection area 1 stores power failure inspection area check data 1, and the power failure inspection area 2 stores power failure inspection area check data 2. In the processing of S610 and S611, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 1 stored in the power failure inspection area 1 is normal. Similarly, in the processing of S612 and S613, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 2 stored in the power failure inspection area 2 is normal.

  When it is determined that the power failure inspection area check data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal (result of S613 is “Y”), the game control device 500 performs a check to calculate verification data called a checksum. Sum calculation processing is executed (S614).

  Then, the game control device 500 compares the checksum value calculated in the checksum calculation process with the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off (S615), and determines whether these values match. Determination is made (S616).

  On the other hand, in the game control device 500, when the initialization switch signal is set to ON (the result of S609 is “Y”), the value of the power failure inspection area is not normal (the result of S611 or S613 is “N”). If the checksum value at power-off does not match the checksum value calculated in S614 (the result in S616 is “N”), the initialization processing in S641 to S645 in FIG. 6B is executed. To do. Details of the initialization process will be described later.

  When the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value at the time of power-off (the result of S616 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 500 has executed the power failure processing normally, and therefore The process for recovering to this state is executed (S617 to S623 in FIG. 6B). First, an area in the RWM (read / write memory: RAM in the embodiment) in which information for determining whether or not the information at the time of a power failure has been normally stored is cleared (initialized). Specifically, all the power outage inspection areas are cleared (S617), and the area where the checksum is stored is cleared (S618). Further, an area for storing error-related information and information for monitoring fraud is reset (S619).

  Next, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the game state at the time of the power failure is a high probability state from the area for storing the game state in the RWM (S620). If it is determined that the probability is not high (the result of S620 is “N”), the processing after S623 is executed.

  In addition, when it is determined that the gaming state at the time of the power outage is a high probability state (the result of S620 is “Y”), the game control device 500 sets the high probability notification flag to ON and performs the high probability notification. Save in the flag area (S621). Subsequently, the high-probability notification LED (error indicator 58) provided in the collective display device 50 is set to ON (lighted) (S622).

  Furthermore, the game control device 500 transmits a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 550 (S623). The special figure game process number is a number indicating the state of the special figure game, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM when a power failure occurs. In this way, by transmitting a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 550, the game can be resumed in a state as close as possible to the occurrence of the power failure.

  Here, a case where the initialization process is executed will be described. As described above, the initialization process is executed when a gaming machine that has been normally powered off is activated or when it cannot return to the state before the occurrence of a power failure.

  In the initialization process, the game control device 500 first clears all work areas before the access prohibited area (S641). Further, all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared (S642). Then, an initial value for power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (S643).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 saves an output timer initial value for outputting external information (security signal) relating to RWM clear in the security signal control timer area (S644). Then, at the end of the initialization process, a command for turning on the power is transmitted to the effect control device 550 (S645), and the processes after S624 are executed.

  When the process of S623 or S645 ends, the game control device 500 acquires the individual identification information from the individual ID register 511d of the game microcomputer 511 and sets it in the serial communication circuit (S624). Thereafter, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit for generating a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 511 (clock generator) is activated (S625).

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 511. The clock generator includes a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 513 and the CTC circuit described above. The timer interrupt signal is a signal for causing the CPU 511a to generate a timer interrupt with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) based on the divided signal. The random number update trigger signal (CTC) is supplied to the random number generation circuit based on the divided signal, and the random number generation circuit serves as a trigger for updating the random number.

  When the CTC circuit is activated, the game control device 500 performs activation setting of the random number generation circuit (S626). Specifically, the CPU 511a executes processing such as setting a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Further, the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at power-on are saved in predetermined areas of the RWM as initial values (start values) of various initial value random numbers (S627). . Thereafter, the game control device 500 permits an interrupt (S628).

  Note that the random number generation circuit in the CPU 511a of the present embodiment is configured such that the initial value of the soft random number register is changed every time the power is turned on, and initial values of various initial value random numbers are based on the initial value of the soft random number register. By setting a value (start value), it becomes possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to acquire illegal random numbers. The various initial value random numbers include, for example, a random number for determining a jackpot symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, a jackpot symbol random number 2), and a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game (a hit random number).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers and breaking the regularity of the random numbers (S629). In the present embodiment, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number generated in the random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number are soft random numbers generated by software. Note that the source of various random numbers is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the big hit random number may be a software random number, or the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number may be a hardware random number. .

  Further, after the initial value random number update process is executed, the game control device 500 sets the number of times of checking the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 300 and read through the port and the data bus (S630). Normally, a value of 2 or more is set as the number of checks. It is possible to determine whether or not a power failure has occurred by checking the power failure monitoring signal. The game control device 500 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on (S631). When the power failure monitoring signal is not on, that is, when there is no power failure (result of S631 is “N”), the initial value random number update processing of S629 is executed again, and the processing from S629 to S631 is repeatedly executed ( Loop processing).

  Also, by permitting an interrupt (S628) before the initial value random number update process (S629), it is possible to prioritize the interrupt process when a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process. Become. Accordingly, since the timer interrupt process cannot be executed until the execution of the initial value random number update process is completed, it is possible to avoid a shortage of time for executing various processes included in the interrupt process.

  In the initial value random number update process (S629), the initial value random number update process may be executed by a timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. However, when the initial value random number update process is executed in the timer interrupt process, an interrupt is issued during the initial value random number update process in the main process in order to avoid executing the initial value random number update process in both processes. It is prohibited to release the interrupt after updating the initial random number. However, if the initial value random number update process is not executed in the timer interrupt process and the initial value random number update process is executed only in the main process as in this embodiment, the interrupt can be canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is no problem, and there is an advantage that the main processing is simplified.

  On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON (the result of S631 is “Y”), the game control device 500 indicates that the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal has been continuously detected is set to ON. It is determined whether the number of checks set in the process of S630 has been reached (S632). If the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON has not been reached (the result of S632 is “N”), whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is ON again. Is determined (S631). That is, when the power failure monitoring signal is on, it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on for the number of checks.

  When the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is continuously turned on reaches the number of checks (the result of S632 is “Y”), the game control device 500 considers that a power failure has occurred. Then, the process when a power failure occurs is executed (S633 to S638).

  The game control device 500 prohibits interruption (S633), outputs off data to all output ports, and sets all output ports to off (S634). Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (S635), and further, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (S636).

  Furthermore, the game control device 500 executes a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum when the RWM is turned off (S637), and saves (saves) the calculated checksum value in the checksum area of the RWM ( S638). Finally, access to the RWM is prohibited so that the contents of the RWM are not changed (S639), and the system waits until the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off. In this way, by saving check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating and storing the checksum at the time of power-off, the information stored in the RWM before power-off is correctly backed up. It is possible to determine when the power is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing (game control device)]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of timer interrupt processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic (for example, 1 millisecond cycle) timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 511a.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, the game control device 500 first saves the register by moving the value held in the predetermined register to the RWM (S701). In this embodiment, a Z80 microcomputer is used as the game microcomputer. The Z80 microcomputer has a front register and a back register, and the processing of S701 can be implemented by saving the value held in the front register to the back register.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes input processing for acquiring input signals from various sensors and switches input via the input unit 520 and reading the state of each input port (S702). The various sensors include a start port 1 switch 37d, a start port 2 switch 38d, a usual gate switch 34a, a count 1 switch 41d, a count 2 switch 42d, and the like. In the input process, the input information is confirmed by performing chattering removal or the like on the input signal.

  Further, the game control device 500 executes output processing for transmitting output data relating to game control set in various processes to the effect control device 550 and the payout control device 580 (S703). The output data is information for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid, and the solenoids to be controlled include, for example, a grand prize opening 1 solenoid (SOL) 41b, a big prize opening 2 solenoid (SOL) 42b, A general electric solenoid (SOL) 38b is included. The output processing includes outputting game data to an information collection terminal device (not shown) that collects game data in the gaming machine.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes command transmission processing for transmitting (outputting) the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 550, the payout control device 580, etc. (S704). Specifically, the effect control device 550 includes a change pattern designation command for specifying the change pattern of the identification information in the special figure change display game, and a power failure recovery command for causing the effect control device 550 to execute the power failure recovery process when the power failure is recovered. Or a prize ball command specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device is sent to the payout control device 580.

  Further, the game control device 500 executes a random number update process 1 for updating the jackpot symbol random number 1 and the jackpot symbol random number 2 (S705), and subsequently uses a variation pattern random number for determining a variation pattern in the special diagram variation display game. Random number update processing 2 to be updated is executed (S706). In random number update processing 1 and random number update processing 2, in order to give randomness to various random numbers, the values of counters corresponding to various random numbers (big hit random number counter, hit random number counter, presentation determination random number counter, etc.) are incremented by one To do.

  After that, the game control device 500 executes a winning port switch / error monitoring process for monitoring various winning port switches and the like and monitoring errors such as unauthorized opening of the frame (S707). The various winning opening switches include, for example, a starting opening 1 switch 37d, a starting opening 2 switch 38d, a gate switch 34a, winning opening switches 44a to 44n, a count 1 switch 41d, and a count 2 switch 42d. In the prize opening switch / error monitoring process, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from these switches. As an error monitoring, the front frame 3 and the glass frame 18 are targeted for unauthorized opening.

  Further, the game control device 500 executes a special figure game process for performing a process related to the special figure variation display game (S708). The details of the special figure game process will be described later with reference to FIG. Subsequently, a general game process for performing a process related to the general map variable display game is executed (S709).

  Next, the game control device 500 executes a segment LED editing process for controlling the display contents of the segment LED for displaying the special figure variation game and various information related to the game (S710). Specifically, the parameters for outputting the results of the special map variation display game and the general map variation display game to the segment LED (for example, the collective display device 50) are edited.

  The game control device 500 checks the detection signal from the magnetic sensor switch 39a and executes a magnet fraud monitoring process for determining whether or not there is an abnormality (S711). Further, the detection signal from the vibration sensor switch 39b is checked, and a vibration fraud monitoring process for determining whether there is an abnormality is executed (S712). When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, a notification sound is output from the speaker 30 or the gaming state LED 29 is turned on to notify the outside.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes an external information editing process for editing various signals output from the external information terminal 508 (S713).

  Then, the game control device 500 clears the interrupt request and declares the end of the interrupt (S714). After that, the register temporarily saved in the process of S701 is restored (S715), the interrupt and timer interrupt by the prohibited external device are permitted (S716), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. .

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, details of the special game process (S708) in the timer interrupt process described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special game process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In the special figure game process, the input signal is monitored by the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the special figure (identification information) display is set.

  When the special figure game process is started, the game control device 500 first executes a start switch monitoring process for monitoring a winning of the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d (S801).

  In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins at the first start winning port 37 and the second start winning port 38, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted, and a special variable display game based on the win Prior to the start of the game, a game result pre-determination is made to pre-determine a game result based on a prize. Details of the start switch monitoring process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes the count switch monitoring process 1 (S802). In the count switch monitoring process 1, a game ball won in the first special variable winning device 41 is detected by a count 1 switch 41d provided in the first special variable winning device 41, and the number of winning game balls is monitored. .

  In addition, the game control device 500 executes the count switch monitoring process 2 (S803). In the count switch monitoring process 2, a game ball won in the second special variable winning device 42 is detected by the count 2 switch 42d provided in the second special variable winning device 42, and the number of winning game balls is monitored. .

  Next, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the special figure game processing timer has already expired or the special figure game processing timer has expired as a result of updating (-1) the special figure game processing timer. Is checked (S804). The special figure game process timer is set to an initial value when each process (S810 to S816) to be branched according to a special figure game process number to be described later is executed, and in the process of S804, the special figure game process timer is set. Decrease the value by 1. The value set as the initial value is a time value until the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is completed. For example, the value is set in the special figure normal process (S810; special figure game process number “0”). As the value to be set, the time value during which the special symbol is variably displayed in the special figure variation display game is set. Then, when the value of the special figure game processing timer becomes 0, it is determined that the time is up.

  If the special game process timer has not expired (the result of S805 is “N”), the game control apparatus 500 executes the processes after S817.

  On the other hand, when the special game process timer expires (the result of S805 is “Y”), the game control device 500 refers to the special game sequence to be branched to the process corresponding to the special game process number. The branch table is set in the register (S806). Further, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is acquired based on the table (S807). Then, the return address after the branch process ends is saved in the stack area (S808), and the process is branched according to the game process number (S809).

  When the game process number is “0” (the result of S809 is “0”), the game control apparatus 500 executes a special figure routine process (S810). The special chart routine process monitors the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the effects, sets the information necessary to execute the special figure fluctuation processing, etc. Do. Details of the special figure routine processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the game process number is “1” (the result of S809 is “1”), the game control device 500 executes the special figure changing process (S811). In the special figure changing process, the stop display time of the identification information in the special figure changing display game, the setting of information necessary for performing the special figure display process, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “2” (the result of S809 is “2”), the game control device 500 executes a special figure display process (S812). In the special figure display process, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, the fanfare command setting according to the type of the big hit, the fanfare time corresponding to the big winning opening opening pattern of each big hit, For example, information necessary for performing fanfare / interval processing is set. Details of the special figure display processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the game process number is “3” (the result of S809 is “3”), the game control apparatus 500 executes the fanfare / inter-interval process (S813). In the fanfare / interval processing, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “4” (the result of S809 is “4”), the game control device 500 receives the big prize 1 of the first special variable winning device 41 or the big prize of the second special variable winning device 42. Processing for opening the special winning opening relating to the mouth 2 is executed (S814). The processing during opening of the big prize opening is necessary to set an interval command if the big hit round is not the final round, while setting the command of the big hit end screen if the big round is the final round, or to perform the big prize opening remaining ball processing Set information.

  Also, the special winning opening opening process is performed when the result of the special figure change display game is a special result, based on the opening time of the special winning opening, the open / close door 41a of the first special variable winning device 41 or the second special fluctuation. The open / close door 42a of the winning device 42 is opened to generate a special game state in which a game value is given to the player. Therefore, the game control device 500 constitutes special game state control means.

  When the game process number is “5” (the result of S809 is “5”), the game control apparatus 500 executes the big winning opening remaining ball process (S815). In the winning ball remaining ball processing, when the big hit round is the final round, the time for the remaining ball in the big winning mouth to be discharged is set, or the information necessary to perform the big hit end processing is set Or

  When the game process number is “6” (the result of S809 is “6”), the game control device 500 executes a jackpot end process (S816). In the big hit end process, information necessary for performing the special figure routine process of S810 is set.

  After that, the game control device 500 prepares a table for controlling the variation of symbols in the special figure 1 display 51 (S817). Subsequently, the symbol fluctuation control process related to the special figure 1 display 51 is executed (S818).

  Further, the game control device 500 prepares a table for controlling the variation of the symbols in the special figure 2 display 52 (S819). Subsequently, the symbol variation control process related to the special figure 2 indicator 52 is executed (S820), and the special figure game process is ended.

[Starter switch monitoring process]
Next, details of the start port switch monitoring process (S801) in the special figure game process (FIG. 8) described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the start port switch monitoring process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  When the start port switch monitoring process is started, the game control device 500 first prepares a table for setting information on hold due to winning of a game ball in the first start winning port 37 (S901).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 executes a special-purpose start port switch common process that is executed in common when a game ball wins the first start winning port 37 or the second start winning port 38 (S902). The details of the special figure start port switch common process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in the game control device 500, the ordinary electric accessory (the movable member 38a of the second start winning port 38) is operating, that is, the movable member 38a of the second start winning port 38 can win a game ball. It is checked whether or not it is open (S903). When the ordinary electric accessory is in operation (the result of S903 is “Y”), the processing after S906 is executed.

  On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not in operation (the result of S903 is “N”), the game control device 500 determines whether the number of fraudulent winnings at the second start winning award 38 is equal to or greater than the fraud determination number. A check is made (S904), and it is determined whether or not the number of fraudulent winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraud determinations (S905).

  The illegal winning award will be described in detail. The second start winning opening 38 cannot receive a game ball when the movable member 38a is closed, and can receive a game ball only when the movable member 38a is open. Therefore, when the game ball wins in the closed state, there is a high possibility that some abnormality or fraud has occurred, and when there is a game ball won in the closed state, the number is counted as the number of illegal wins. Then, in the processes of S904 and S905, it is determined whether or not the number of illegal winnings thus counted is equal to or greater than a predetermined fraud occurrence determination number (upper limit value).

  If the number of fraudulent winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraud determinations (the result of S905 is “Y”), the game control device 500 determines that the game ball is won and invalidated at the second start winning opening 38, and the process related to the special figure variation display game. Is not executed, and the start port switch monitoring process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of fraudulent winnings is less than the number of fraud determinations (the result of S905 is “N”), the game control device 500 prepares a table for setting information on hold by the second start winning award 38 (S906). Then, the special figure start port switch common process is executed (S907). Thereafter, the start port switch monitoring process is terminated.

[Special figure start port switch common processing]
Next, details of the special-purpose start-port switch common processing (S902, S907) in the above-described start-port switch monitoring processing (FIG. 9) will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure start port switch common processing is common when a signal is input from the start port 1 switch 37d or the start port 2 switch 38d because the game ball has won the first start winning port 37 or the second start winning port 38. Is executed.

  First, the game control device 500 checks whether or not a signal is input from a monitored start port switch (for example, the start port 1 switch 37d) among the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d (S1001). , S1002). If no signal is input from the monitoring target start port switch (the result of S1002 is "N"), the special-purpose start port switch common process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when a signal is input from the monitored start port switch (the result of S1002 is “Y”), the game control device 500 sets the start port winning flag corresponding to the monitored start port switch to the RWM. Save to a predetermined area (S1003). Further, the extracted big hit random number is loaded into the hard random number latch register corresponding to the monitoring target start switch, and preparation for use in the subsequent processing is made (S1004).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 outputs information related to the number of times of winning at the start winning opening corresponding to the start opening switch to be monitored, that is, the number of times output to the management device outside the gaming machine 1 (starting opening The number of signal outputs) is loaded (S1005). Then, it is updated by adding 1 to the loaded value, and it is checked whether or not the start port signal output count overflows (S1006, S1007).

  When the start port signal output count does not overflow (the result of S1007 is “N”), the game control device 500 sets the updated start port signal output count value in the RWM start port signal output count area. Save (S1008).

  After the processing of S1008 is completed or the number of times of start port signal output overflows (the result of S1007 is “Y”), the game control device 500 determines the update target special feature corresponding to the start port switch to be monitored. It is checked whether the figure holding (starting memory) number is less than the upper limit value (S1009, S1010).

  When the special figure hold number is less than the upper limit value (the result of S1010 is “Y”), the game control device 500 sets information corresponding to the winning detected by the start switch. Specifically, first, 1 is added to the number of special figure hold to be updated (for example, the number of special figure 1 hold) to update (S1011).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 prepares a decoration special figure holding number command. The decoration special figure reservation number command is composed of a MODE part and an ACTION part. More specifically, the game control device 500 first prepares a decoration special figure hold number command (MODE) for the target start-up switch (S1012), and further displays a special figure reservation number corresponding to the special figure hold number. A command (ACTION) is prepared (S1013). Then, a command setting process for setting the prepared special figure reservation number command is executed (S1014).

  Next, the game control device 500 calculates the address of the random number save area corresponding to the special figure hold number updated in S1011 (S1015).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 extracts the jackpot random number, saves the jackpot random number in the RWM jackpot random number saving area (S1016), and loads the jackpot symbol random number of the target starter switch (extracts the jackpot symbol random number). ) To prepare (S1017). Then, the corresponding jackpot symbol random number is saved in the jackpot symbol random number save area of the RWM (S1018).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 extracts the corresponding variation pattern random number 1 and saves the extracted value in the variation pattern random number 1 save area of the RWM (S1019). Similarly, the corresponding variation pattern random number 2 is extracted, and the extracted value is saved in the RWM variation pattern random number 2 saving area (S1020). Further, the corresponding variation pattern random number 3 is extracted, and the extracted value is saved in the variation pattern random number 3 save area of the RWM (S1021).

  The variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are used, for example, for individually setting the variation patterns of the first half and the second half, or for executing a specific effect. Here, the variation pattern random number 1 is a random number for selecting the reach system of the latter half of the variation, the variation pattern random number 2 is a random number for distributing the production from the reach system, and the variation pattern random number 3 is the first half. It is a random number for selecting the fluctuation of.

  Also, a variation pattern random number (variation pattern) for determining a variation pattern (including the execution time of the variation display game in the variation display without reach or various reach) in the special diagram variation display game (Special Fig. 1 or Fig. 2). 1 to 3) are updated by the game control program, unlike the one updated by the software of the random number generation circuit like the big hit symbol random number. Note that the update of the variation pattern random number is not limited to being performed by the game control program, but may be performed by hardware or software of the random number generation circuit.

  Then, the game control device 500 is a special figure holding process which is a prefetch process for determining result-related information (game result information) corresponding to the start memory before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on each start memory. Information determination processing is executed (S1022). Details of the special figure hold information determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, the special figure start port switch common process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of special figure hold is not less than the upper limit value (the result of S1010 is “N”), the game control device 500 checks whether or not the monitored start port switch is the start port 1 switch 37d. (S1031, S1032). When the monitoring target is the start port 1 switch 37d (the result of S1032 is “Y”), a decoration special figure holding number command (overflow command) is prepared (S1033), and command setting processing is executed (S1034).

  When the monitoring target is not the start port 1 switch 37d (the result of S1032 is “N”) or when the command setting process of S1034 is completed, the game control device 500 performs the special-purpose start port switch common process. finish.

[Special figure hold information judgment processing]
Next, the details of the special figure hold information determination process (S1022) in the special figure start port SW common process described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure hold information determination processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure hold information determination process is started before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on each start memory (hold memory) (specifically, when the start memory is stored based on a winning game ball at the start opening). This is a look-ahead process for determining result-related information (game result information) corresponding to storage.

  The game control device 500 first determines whether or not the processing is related to the special figure 2 start memory by winning the second start winning opening 38 (starting opening 2) (S1101).

  When the game control device 500 is not the process for the special figure 2 start memory, that is, the process for the special figure 1 start memory (the result of S1101 is “N”), the game machine 500 It is determined whether or not the operating state of the opening / closing member 38a) of the start winning opening 38 is a state where there is a general power support (during electric support), or whether the gaming state is a big hit (S1102).

  When the game control device 500 is in the power support or big hit (the result of S1102 is “Y”), the special figure hold information determination process is executed without executing the pre-read process for the special figure 1 start memory. Exit. On the other hand, when neither the electric support nor the big hit is made (the result of S1102 is “N”), the process of S1103 is executed in order to execute the prefetch process for the special figure 1 start memory.

  In the case of the process for the special figure 2 start memory (the result of S1101 is “Y”), the game control device 500 executes the process after S1103 in order to always execute the prefetch process.

  The game control device 500 executes a big hit determination process in S1103 to S1107 to determine whether or not the target start memory is a big hit.

  First, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the jackpot probability state is a high probability state (S1103). When the state is a high probability state (the result of S1103 is “Y”), a jackpot determination value at a high probability is set (S1104). On the other hand, when the state is not a high probability state (the result of S1103 is “N”), a jackpot determination value at a low probability is set (S1105).

  Next, the game control device 500 loads a big hit random number from the target random number saving area (S1106). Then, it is determined whether or not the loaded jackpot determination value matches the jackpot determination value acquired in S1104 or S1105 (S1107).

  When the jackpot determination value matches the jackpot random number value (the result of S1107 is “Y”), the game control device 500 determines the jackpot symbol information corresponding to the start switch that has won the target hold memory. A table is set (S1108). Then, the target jackpot symbol random number is loaded from the target random number saving area (S1109), and symbol information corresponding to the jackpot symbol random number is acquired from the set table (S1110).

  On the other hand, when the jackpot determination value does not match the jackpot random number and the jackpot random number does not match (the result of S1107 is “N”), the game control device 500 acquires the off symbol information (0) (S1111).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 prepares a symbol information command corresponding to the symbol information acquired in the processing of S1110 or S1111 (S1112), and executes a command setting process for setting transmission of the symbol information command (S1113). ).

  Further, the game control device 500 loads the target variation pattern random number 1 from the target random number save area (S1114), and prepares a variation pattern random number command corresponding to the variation pattern random number 1 (S1115). At the time of the pre-reading process, it is only necessary that even the reach system of the fluctuation pattern can be transmitted to the effect control device 550, so that a fluctuation pattern random number command corresponding to only the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is prepared. Thereby, the process of the game control apparatus 500 becomes simple.

  And the game control apparatus 500 performs the command setting process which sets transmission of the prepared fluctuation pattern random number command (S1116), and complete | finishes a special figure pending | holding information determination process.

  The fluctuation pattern random number does not affect the result of the fluctuation display game, that is, it is not necessary to improve the secrecy. Therefore, the variation pattern random number command is transmitted to the effect control device 550 as it is, or converted into information indicating the random value. Then, the details of the variation pattern are determined on the production control device 550 side. On the other hand, the big hit random number and the big hit symbol random number are random numbers that determine the result of the variable display game, and need to improve confidentiality. For this reason, the determination result information after execution of the jackpot determination process is transmitted to the effect control device 550 as a symbol information command. When these commands are transmitted from the game control device 500 to the effect control device 550, they are stored in the special figure 1 / special figure 2 reservation storage area of the effect control device 550.

  In the above description, only the variation pattern random number 1 is transmitted to the effect control device 550, but all the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 may be transmitted. Further, instead of transmitting random number information, the variation pattern number may be transmitted to the effect control device 550 after the variation pattern is determined as in the variation start information setting process (FIG. 19) described later. .

  As described above, the determination result (prefetch result) corresponding to the start memory can be notified to the effect control device 550 before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on the corresponding start memory. ing. The production control device 550 changes the display mode of the hold display displayed on the display device 48 based on the notified information, and changes the special figure to the player before the start timing of the special figure change display game. The result of the display game is notified.

[Special figure routine processing]
Next, details of the special figure routine process (S810) in the special figure game process (FIG. 8) described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure routine processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 500 first checks whether or not the special figure 2 hold number (second start memory number) is 0 (S1201, S1202).

  When the special figure 2 hold number is 0 (the result of S1202 is “Y”), the game control device 500 checks whether or not the first start memory number (special figure 1 hold number) is 0 ( S1203, S1204). Thus, the special figure 2 holding number check (S1201) is performed before the special figure 1 holding number check (S1203), so that the special figure 2 advantageous to the player over the special figure 1 variable display game is obtained. The variable display game is preferentially executed.

  Further, when the special figure 1 hold number is 0 (the result of S1204 is “Y”), the game control device 500 checks whether or not the customer waiting demonstration has already been started (S1205, S1206). If the customer waiting demo has not started, that is, if it has not been started (the result of S1206 is “N”), a customer waiting demo flag is set in the customer waiting demo flag area (S1207). Subsequently, a customer waiting demonstration command is prepared (S1208), and a command setting process for setting transmission is executed (S1209).

  On the other hand, in the case where the customer waiting demo has already started (the result of S1206 is “Y”), the gaming control device 500 has already set the customer waiting demo flag in the customer waiting demo flag area, and the customer waiting demo. Since the command has already been transmitted to the effect control device 550, the processing after SS1210 is executed.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 for preparing a table for shifting to the special figure normal process (S1210). Specifically, a process of setting a processing number “0” related to the special figure routine processing, a flag (big prize opening fraud monitoring information) for defining a big prize opening fraud monitoring period, and the like in the table is executed. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, the game control device 500, when the special figure 2 hold number is not 0 (result of S1202 is “N”), or when the special figure 1 hold number is not 0 (result of S1204 is “N”), that is, When the special figure fluctuation display game is executed, the processing of S1211 to S1219 performed at the start of the special figure fluctuation display game is executed. Although not described here, the process of FIG. 1 is executed when the special figure 1 variable display game is started, and the process of FIG. 2 is executed when the special figure 2 variable display game is started.

  The game control device 500 first executes a hold redetermination process (S1211). In the hold re-determination process, a prefetch process for determining result-related information (game result information) corresponding to the start-up memory (hold) is executed again at the start of the special figure variation display game executed after the big hit. Details of the pending redetermination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the game control device 500 sets the corresponding big hit flag (for special figure 1 / special figure 2) for judging whether or not the special figure variation display game is a big hit, by determining whether the big hit random number is wrong or A jackpot flag setting process for setting jackpot information is executed (S1212).

  Next, the game control device 500 executes a special figure stop symbol setting process related to the setting of the special figure stop symbol in the special figure variation display game (S1213). In the special figure stop symbol setting process, a process of determining a stop symbol in the special symbol variable display game and transmitting a symbol information command specifying the type of jackpot to the effect control device 550 is executed.

  After that, the game control device 500 saves the test signal corresponding to the special figure stop symbol number (special symbol stop symbol) (S1214). Subsequently, the symbol information set by the special symbol stop symbol setting process is saved in the symbol information (work) area corresponding to the special symbol of the RWM (S1215).

  Next, the game control device 500 saves the special figure variation flag (during variation flag) corresponding to the special figure in the variation symbol determination flag area of the RWM (S1216).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 prepares a table for setting information regarding the variation pattern (S1217). Then, a variation pattern setting process for setting a variation pattern in the special figure variation display game is executed (S1218). Details of the variation pattern setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the game control device 500 executes a change start information setting process for setting information for starting the special figure change display game (S1219). Details of the change start information setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the game control device 500 executes a special figure changing process transition setting process for preparing a table for moving to the special figure changing process (S1220). Specifically, in the table, the special figure game process number “1” relating to the special figure changing process, the information relating to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, the test signal relating to the fluctuation, the special figure change display on the special figure display Processing for setting information for controlling the game (for example, a flag related to the fluctuation of the special figure display, the initial value of the timer of the blinking period of the special figure display, etc.) is executed. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

[Pending re-judgment processing]
Next, details of the hold redetermination process (S1211) in the special figure routine process (FIG. 12) described above will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the pending redetermination process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 500 checks and determines whether or not it is a redeterminable timing for executing the prefetch processing for the hold (S1301, S1302). If it is not the redeterminable timing (result of S1302 is “N”), the hold redetermination process is terminated. The redeterminable timing refers to the first special-figure display game start timing that is executed in a gaming state after the big hit is over and there is no ordinary power support. In particular, when the special figure 2 priority digestion is performed as in the present embodiment, the special figure 1 suspension generated during the big hit is not prefetched, and therefore based on the probability state after the big hit ends at a determinable timing. Make a prefetch judgment.

  On the other hand, when it is the redeterminable timing (result of S1302 is “Y”), the game control device 500 checks the hold storage area for the prefetch determination target (S1303), and can make a redetermination. It is determined whether the hold is 0 (S1304). If there is no redeterminable hold (the result of S1304 is “Y”), the hold redetermination process is terminated.

  In addition, when there is a redeterminable hold (the result of S1304 is “N”), the game control apparatus 500 acquires hold information that can be pre-readed (S1305), and executes the special figure hold information redetermination process. In step S1306, the pending redetermination process is terminated. The special figure hold information redetermination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Special figure hold information re-judgment process]
Next, details of the special figure hold information re-determination process (S1306) in the hold re-determination process (FIG. 13) described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure hold information redetermination processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure hold information re-determination process is the same as the special figure hold information determination process (FIG. 11) described above, and a description thereof is omitted. The processing of S1401 to S1416 corresponds to the processing of S1101 to S1116. The symbol information command in S1112 is changed to a redetermination symbol information command in S1412, and the variation pattern random number command in S1115 is changed to a redetermination variation pattern random number command in S1415. is there.

[Variation pattern setting process]
Next, details of the variation pattern setting process (S1306) in the above-described special figure routine process (FIG. 12) will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of variation pattern setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 500 first checks whether or not the symbol information saved in the symbol information (working) area in the processing of S1215 in the special symbol routine processing described above is out of symbol information (S1501, S1502).

  When the symbol information is out of symbol information (the result of S1502 is “Y”), the game control device 500 prepares a variable group selection table corresponding to the current gaming state (S1503). Details of the variation group selection table at the time of loss will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  On the other hand, when the symbol information is not the symbol information (the result of S1502 is “N”), the game control device 500 prepares a variable group selection table corresponding to the current gaming state (S1504). Details of the variation group selection table at the time of big hit will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the game control device 500 loads and prepares the variation pattern random number 1 from the target random number saving area (S1505). Next, a 2-byte distribution process for determining a distribution value of the fluctuation pattern random number 1 represented by 2 bytes is executed (S1506). Then, the address of the reach system obtained as a result of the distribution is acquired and prepared (S1507). This determines the reach system of the latter half of the fluctuation.

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 loads and prepares the variation pattern random number 2 from the target random number saving area (S1508). Further, a distribution process for determining a distribution value of the fluctuation pattern random number 2 representing a detailed effect in the reach system of the second half fluctuation is executed (S1509). Then, the latter half variation number obtained as a result of the distribution is acquired (S1510), and the latter half variation number is saved in the target latter variation number area (S1511).

  Next, the game control device 500 checks whether or not the latter half variation number is a non-reach variation number (S1512, S1513).

  The game control device 500 prepares the first half variation selection table 1 (for no reach) when the second half variation number is the number of variation without reach (the result of S1513 is “Y”) (S1514).

  On the other hand, when the second half variation number is not a reachless variation number (the result of S1513 is “N”), the game control apparatus 500 prepares the first half variation selection table 2 (for reach) (S1515).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 loads and prepares the variation pattern random number 3 from the target random number saving area (S1516). Then, a distribution process for determining a distribution value of the variation pattern random number 3 representing the variation pattern in the first half is executed (S1517). Then, the first variation number obtained as a result of the distribution is acquired and prepared (S1518), and the variation pattern setting process is terminated.

  In this way, the variation pattern setting process is a process of selecting one variation pattern from a plurality of variation patterns indicating the variation mode of the identification information, and the special figure variation display game is based on the variation pattern selected by these processes. Executed.

[Big hit variation group selection table]
Next, the big hit time fluctuation group selection table prepared in S1504 of the above-described fluctuation pattern setting process (FIG. 15) will be described. FIG. 16 is an example of a variation group selection table at the time of big hit according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16A shows the case of FIG. 1 and FIG. 16B shows the case of FIG.

  The variable group selection table at the time of big hit is determined according to special figure 1 big hit or special figure 2 big hit regardless of the current gaming state. Then, the reach system and the variation time are determined according to the value of the variation pattern random number 1. The types of reach systems for big hits include normal reach, SP1 reach, SP2 reach, SP3 reach, and SP4 reach.

  Comparing FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, in the case of the special figure 1, the SP4 reach with high reliability is not provided in the reach system. The ratio of the reach system having high reliability (SP3 or higher) is 30% in the case of the special figure 1 and 60% in the case of the special figure 2. Moreover, the variation time of each reach system is longer as the reliability is higher, and the variation time set in the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is the same.

[Outlier variation group selection table]
Next, the change group selection table at the time of loss prepared in S1503 of the above-described change pattern setting process (FIG. 15) will be described. The variation group selection table at the time of loss is determined depending on whether the special figure 1 is out or the special figure 2 is out, and the table is different depending on the current gaming state (whether it is a high support state or the number of special figure hold). . Then, the reach system and the variation time are determined according to the value of the variation pattern random number 1. The types of reach systems at the time of disconnection include no reach, normal reach, SP1 reach, SP2 reach, and SP3 reach.

  FIG. 17 is an example of the variation group selection table at the time of deviation from FIG. 1 of the first embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 17A is a table prepared when the current gaming state is other than the high support state. The left side is a table when the number of reserved special figure is one, and the right side is a table when the number of reserved special figure is 2-4.

  When the left and right tables are compared, the distribution ratio of each reach system by the fluctuation pattern random number 1 is the same, and “no reach” is selected at a ratio of 90%. The variation time corresponding to the reach system is set to be longer as the reliability is higher. The fluctuation times of “SP1 reach” to “SP3 reach” are the same regardless of the number of special figure holds, but the fluctuation times of “no reach” and “normal reach” differ depending on the number of special figure holds. The fluctuation times when the number of special figure hold is one are 10 seconds and 20 seconds, respectively, while the fluctuation time when the number of special figure hold is 2 to 4 is 8 seconds and 10 seconds, respectively. When there is a large number of special figure reservations, the time for one change is set short in order to expedite the storage of the reserved memory.

  FIG. 17B is a table prepared when the current gaming state is a high support state. The left side is a table when the number of reserved special figure is one, and the right side is a table when the number of reserved special figure is 2-4.

  Comparing the left and right tables, only the fluctuation times of “no reach” and “normal reach” are different. Others are the same as in FIG. 17A. The fluctuation time of “no reach” and “normal reach” is 20 seconds when the number of special figure holds is 1, whereas it is 8 seconds and 10 seconds when the number of special figure holds is 2 to 4, respectively. When the number of special figure reservations is large, the time for one change is set short in order to expedite the storage of the reserved memory.

  In addition, the fluctuation time of “no reach” when the number of special figure holds is 1 in the high support state is set longer than that in the high support state.

  FIG. 18 is an example of the variation group selection table at the time of deviation from the special figure 2 of the first embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 18A is a table prepared when the current gaming state is other than the high support state. FIG. 18B is a table prepared when the current gaming state is a high support state. The left side is a table when the number of reserved special figure is one, and the right side is a table when the number of reserved special figure is 2-4.

  FIG. 18A is a table in which the same settings as in FIG. In FIG. 18B, “normal reach” when the number of special figure hold in FIG. 17B is one is summarized as “no reach”. In addition, the fluctuation time of “no reach” when the number of special figure holds is 2 to 4 is set from 8 seconds to 3 seconds.

[Variation start information setting process]
Next, the details of the change start information setting process (S1219) in the above-described special figure routine process (FIG. 12) will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of change start information setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. In the change start information setting process, a process such as setting a time value is executed based on the determined change pattern.

  The game control device 500 first clears the random number save areas of the target variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 (S1901).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 sets the first half fluctuation time value table (S1902), and obtains the first half fluctuation time value corresponding to the first half fluctuation number obtained in the process of S1518 of the fluctuation pattern setting process (FIG. 15) ( S1903).

  Similarly, the game control device 500 sets the latter half variation time value table (S1904), and acquires the latter half variation time value corresponding to the latter half variation number saved in the processing of S1511 of the variation pattern setting process (FIG. 15) ( S1905).

  Then, the game control device 500 adds the first half variation time value acquired in the processing of S1903 and the second half variation time value acquired in the processing of S1905 (S1906), and adds the added value to the special game processing timer area. Save (S1907).

  Furthermore, the game control device 500 executes a process of transmitting a variation command to the effect control device 550. Specifically, first, the MODE part of the fluctuation command corresponding to the first half fluctuation number is calculated and prepared (S1908). Further, the value of the latter half variation number is prepared as the ACTION part of the variation command (S1909), and command setting processing is executed to set the variation command in the transmission buffer (S1910).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 loads and prepares a decoration special figure command (design information command) from the decoration special figure command area (S1911), and sets a command to set the decoration special figure command in the transmission buffer. The process is executed (S1912).

  Then, the game control device 500 executes a process of transmitting a decoration special figure hold number command to the effect control device 550. Specifically, first, a MODE part of a decorative special figure reservation number command corresponding to the changing symbol discrimination flag is prepared (S1913).

  Next, the game control device 500 sets the address of the random number save area corresponding to the variation symbol discrimination flag (S1914), and updates the special symbol suspension number corresponding to the variation symbol discrimination flag by 1 (S1915). Further, an ACTION section for a special figure reservation number command corresponding to the special figure hold number command is prepared (S1916), and a command setting process is executed to set the decoration special figure hold number command in the transmission buffer (S1917).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 shifts the random number save area corresponding to the variable symbol determination flag (S1918), and clears the empty area after the shift to 0 (S1919). Thereafter, the variation start information setting process is terminated.

[Special figure display processing]
Next, the details of the special figure display process (S812) in the special figure game process (FIG. 8) described above will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure display processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the game control device 500 loads the big hit flag 2 set in the RWM big hit flag 2 area when the special figure 2 variable display game is big hit (S2001), and clears the big hit flag 2 area (S2002). .

  Next, the game control device 500 checks the loaded jackpot flag 2 (S2003) and determines whether or not it is a jackpot (S2004). If it is determined that the game is a big hit (the result of S2004 is “Y”), the RWM big hit flag 1 area is cleared (S2005). Further, a signal relating to the start of the big hit (special figure 2 big hit) of the special figure 2 variable display game is saved in the test signal output data area of the RWM (S2006). The signal related to the start of the special figure 2 big hit includes turning on the condition device operating signal, turning on the accessory continuous operating device operating signal, and turning on the special symbol 2 hit signal.

  On the other hand, when the game control device 500 checks the big hit flag 2 and determines that the big hit flag 2 is not a big hit (the result of S2004 is “N”), the game control device 500 loads the big hit flag 1 set in the RWM big hit flag 1 area. (S2007). When the big hit flag 1 is set in the big hit flag 1 area, the special figure 1 variable display game is a big hit. Further, the RWM jackpot flag 1 area is cleared (S2008).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 checks the loaded jackpot flag 1 (S2009) and determines whether or not it is a jackpot (S2010). If it is determined that the game is a big hit (the result of S2010 is “Y”), a signal relating to the start of the big hit (special figure 1 big hit) of the special figure 1 variable display game is saved in the test signal output data area of the RWM ( S2011). The signal related to the start of the special figure 1 big hit, as in the case of the special figure 2 big hit, turn on the condition device operation signal, turn on the accessory continuous operation device operation signal, Or turning it on.

  Then, the game control device 500 sets the round number upper limit table when the process of saving the test signal related to the special figure 1 jackpot (S2011) or the process of saving the test signal related to the special figure 2 jackpot (S2006) is completed. (S2012).

  Next, the game control device 500 acquires the round number upper limit value corresponding to the round number upper limit information, and saves the round number upper limit value in the round number upper limit area of the RWM (S2013). Subsequently, the round LED pointer corresponding to the round number upper limit value information is acquired, and the round LED pointer is saved in the round LED pointer area of the RWM (S2014).

  Thus, the round number upper limit value and the round LED pointer are defined on the round number upper limit value table.

  Next, the game control device 500 prepares a probability information command corresponding to information in which the probability that the hit result is the normal probability state (low probability state) in the normal map variable display game and the special map variable display game (S2015). ), Command setting processing is executed (S2016).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 loads the symbol information indicating the stopped symbol of the currently executing special symbol variation display game from the RWM, prepares a fanfare command corresponding to the symbol information (S2017), and executes command setting processing. (S2018). Since the output fanfare differs depending on the type of hit (big hit and small hit) and the type of big hit (for example, 15R probability variation big hit and 2R probability variation big hit), the corresponding fanfare command is set to be transmitted to the effect control device 550. .

  After that, the game control device 500 loads and prepares a decoration special figure command corresponding to the stop symbol information related to the decoration special figure variation display game displayed on the display device 48 from the decoration special figure command area of the RWM (S2019). Then, command setting processing for the decoration special figure command is executed (S2020).

  Next, the game control device 500 loads the big prize opening information relating to the big hit and the small hit, and saves a signal corresponding to the big prize opening information in the external information output data area of the RWM (S2021). Further, a signal corresponding to the probability state of the hit result in the normal map variation display game and the special map variation display game is also saved in the external information output data area of the RWM (S2022).

  Further, the game control device 500 sets a big hit fanfare time corresponding to the big prize opening information (S2023), and saves the big hit fanfare time in the special game processing timer area (S2024).

  Next, the game control device 500 acquires the number of reserved upper limits corresponding to the jackpot symbol information from the above-described reserved upper limit selection table (see FIG. 2A) (S2025). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a change from the current pending upper limit number (S2026). If there is no change in the upper limit number of holds (the result of S2026 is “N”), the process proceeds to S2030.

  On the other hand, when there is a change in the holding upper limit number (the result of S2026 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 500 sets a holding storage area corresponding to the acquired holding upper limit number (S2027), and sets the holding upper limit number command. Is prepared (S2028), and command setting processing is executed to set the transmission buffer (S2029).

  Then, the game control device 500 resets the number of illegal winnings to the big winning opening 2 saved in the large winning opening 1 illegal winning number area and the large winning opening 2 illegal winning number area (S2030). Then, a fraud monitoring period non-periodic flag is saved in the big prize opening 1 fraud monitoring period flag area and the big prize opening 2 fraud monitoring period flag area (S2031).

  Finally, the game control apparatus 500 executes a fanfare / interval process transition setting process for shifting to a fanfare / interval process (S2032), and ends the special figure display process.

  In the fanfare / interval process transition setting process, the process number “3” corresponding to the fanfare / interval process is set in the special game process, information indicating various states is set, or the jackpot end process (FIG. 21). The variation pattern distribution information saved in the variation pattern distribution information area is cleared (cleared to 0).

  Here, as information indicating various states, for example, a signal indicating that the gaming state for output is a special gaming state (a big hit state) on the external information terminal, a general map variation display game, and a special diagram variation display game A test signal indicating that the probability of a winning result is a normal probability state (low probability state), information on clearing the number of winning prizes in the big winning mouth fraud monitoring period, clearing the number of rounds in the special gaming state Information relating to the display, information indicating that the gaming state display LED (error indicator) relating to the display of the high probability state is extinguished, information indicating that the probability of the hit result in the normal fluctuation display game is a normal probability state (low probability state), Information for turning off the game state display LED (error indicator) related to the display of the high probability state that was turned on when the power failure was restored, information for controlling the special figure fluctuation display game (for example, in the special figure fluctuation display game Information indicating that the probability of success is a normal probability state (low probability state), and the probability of being a hit result in a normal map variation display game or a special diagram variation display game that is output to the effect control device 550 at the time of power failure recovery is normal For example, information indicating a probability state (low probability state), information on clearing the number of remaining time reduction fluctuations after a big hit), and the like.

  On the other hand, when the game control device 500 checks the big hit flag 1 and determines that the big hit flag 1 is not a big hit (the result of S2010 is “N”), the special figure variation display game in which the result is off ends once. Then, the fluctuation number update process is executed in which the number of fluctuations is subtracted by 1 (S2033). Then, in order to execute the special figure normal process, the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 is executed (S2034), and the special figure display process is ended.

[Big hits end processing]
Next, the details of the big hit end process (S816) in the special figure game process (FIG. 8) described above will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for jackpot end processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. In the big hit end process, a game state is set after the big hit state ends.

  The game control device 500 first loads the probability variation determination flag stored in the probability variation determination flag area (S2101), branches based on the probability variation determination flag (S2102), and executes a jackpot end setting process (S2102). S2103 to S2108). The gaming state after the big hit is a high support high probability state (8 hold upper limit or no change), a low support short time state (8 hold upper limit or no change), and a high probability state (8 hold upper limit or no change). The game state is assigned to one of six game states (no change).

  When the probability variation determination flag is set to “1” (high accuracy A), the game control device 500 executes the jackpot end setting process 1 (S2103). Details of the jackpot end setting process 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the probability variation determination flag is set to “2” (high probability B), the game control device 500 executes the big hit end setting process 2 (S2104). Details of the jackpot end setting process 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the probability variation determination flag is set to “3” (low probability A), the game control device 500 executes the big hit end setting process 3 (S2105). Details of the jackpot end setting process 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the probability variation determination flag is set to “4” (low probability B), the game control device 500 executes the big hit end setting process 4 (S2106). Details of the big hit end setting process 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the probability variation determination flag is set to “5” (latency A), the game control device 500 executes the jackpot end setting process 5 (S2107). Details of the jackpot end setting process 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the probability variation determination flag is set to “6” (latency B), the game control device 500 executes the jackpot end setting process 6 (S2108). Details of the jackpot end setting process 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the big hit end setting process ends, the game control device 500 prepares a probability information command corresponding to the probability variation determination flag (S2109). And the command setting process for transmitting a probability information command to the production | presentation control apparatus 550 is performed (S2110).

  And the game control apparatus 500 performs the special figure normal process transfer process for performing a special figure normal process (S2111), and complete | finishes a big hit end process.

[Big jackpot end setting 1]
Next, details of the jackpot end setting process 1 (S2103) in the jackpot end process (FIG. 21) will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of jackpot end setting processing 1 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The jackpot end setting process 1 is a process for setting information necessary for shifting the gaming state after the jackpot end to a high support high probability state when the upper limit number of holds is set to eight.

  The game control device 500 first saves the signal related to the start at the time of high accuracy A in the external information output data area in order to transmit it to a game hall internal management device (not shown) (S2201). Further, a signal related to the start at the time of high accuracy A is saved in the test signal output data area in order to transmit it to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 591 (S2202). Further, in order to display the number at the time of high probability A in the game state display number display area (not shown), the number at the time of high probability A is saved in the game state display number area (S2203).

  Then, the game control device 500 saves the normal high probability / normal power support flag in the normal game mode flag area (S2204). Further, the high probability / short time flag is saved in the special figure game mode flag area (S2205), and the probability information command (high probability A) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (S2206). Finally, the time reduction variation count area is reset (S2207), and the big hit end setting process 1 is ended.

[Big hit end setting process 2]
Next, details of the jackpot end setting process 2 (S2104) in the jackpot end process (FIG. 21) will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of jackpot end setting processing 2 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The jackpot end setting process 2 is a process for setting information necessary for shifting the gaming state after the jackpot end to the high support high probability state when the upper limit number of holds does not change.

  First, the game control device 500 saves a signal related to the start at the time of high accuracy B in the external information output data area in order to transmit it to a game hall internal management device (not shown) (S2301). Further, a signal related to the start at the time of high accuracy B is saved in the test signal output data area in order to transmit it to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 591 (S2302). Further, in order to display the number at the high probability B in the game state display number display area (not shown), the number at the high probability B is saved in the gaming state display number area (S2303).

  Then, the game control device 500 saves the normal high probability / normal power support flag in the normal game mode flag area (S2304). Further, the high probability / short time flag is saved in the special figure game mode flag area (S2305), and the probability information command (high probability B) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (S2306). Finally, the time reduction variation count area is reset (S2307), and the big hit end setting process 2 is ended.

[Big jackpot end setting 3]
Next, details of the jackpot end setting process 3 (S2105) in the jackpot end process (FIG. 21) will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of jackpot end setting processing 3 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The jackpot end setting process 3 is a process for setting information necessary for shifting the gaming state after the jackpot end to the low support time short state when the upper limit number of holds is set to eight.

  First, the game control device 500 saves a signal related to the start of the time reduction A in the external information output data area in order to transmit it to a game hall internal management device (not shown) (S2401). Further, a signal related to the start at time A is saved in the test signal output data area in order to transmit it to a test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 591 (S2402). Further, in order to display the number for the time reduction A in the game state display number display area (not shown), the number for the time reduction A is saved in the game state display number area (S2403).

  Then, the game control device 500 saves the normal high probability / normal power support flag in the normal game mode flag area (S2404). Further, the low probability / time reduction flag is saved in the special-purpose game mode flag area (S2405), and the probability information command (time reduction A) is saved in the transmission command area upon power failure recovery (S2406). Finally, the initial value of the time-varying fluctuation count is saved in the time-changing fluctuation frequency area (S2407), and the jackpot end setting process 3 is terminated.

[Big hit end setting process 4]
Next, details of the jackpot end setting process 4 (S2106) in the jackpot end process (FIG. 21) will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of jackpot end setting processing 4 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The jackpot end setting process 4 is a process for setting information necessary for shifting the gaming state after the jackpot end to the low support time short state when the upper limit number of holds is not changed.

  First, the game control device 500 saves a signal related to the start of time reduction B in the external information output data area in order to transmit it to a game hall internal management device (not shown) (S2501). Further, a signal relating to the start at time B is saved in the test signal output data area in order to transmit the signal to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 591 (S2502). Further, in order to display the number of time B in the game state display number display area (not shown), the number of time B is saved in the game state display number area (S2503).

  Then, the game control device 500 saves the ordinary high probability / ordinary power support flag in the ordinary game mode flag area (S2504). Further, the low probability / short time flag is saved in the special game mode flag area (S2505), and the probability information command (short time B) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (S2506). Finally, the initial value of the number of times of short-time fluctuation is saved in the time reduction fluctuation number area (S2507), and the jackpot end setting process 4 is ended.

[Big hit end setting process 5]
Next, details of the jackpot end setting process 5 (S2107) in the jackpot end process (FIG. 21) will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of jackpot end setting processing 5 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The jackpot end setting process 5 is a process for setting information necessary for shifting the gaming state after the jackpot end to a high probability state when the upper limit number of holds is set to eight.

  The game control device 500 first saves a signal related to the start at the time of latent A in the external information output data area in order to transmit it to a game hall internal management device (not shown) (S2601). Further, a signal related to the start at the time of latency A is saved in the test signal output data area in order to transmit it to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 591 (S2602). Further, in order to display the number at the time of latent A in a game state display number display area (not shown), the number at the time of latent A is saved in the game state display number area (S2603).

  Then, the game control device 500 saves the “high probability / normal power support flag” in the normal game mode flag area (S2604). Further, a high probability / non-short time flag is saved in the special game mode flag area (S2605), and a probability information command (latency A) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (S2606). Finally, the time shortening variation frequency area is reset (S2607), and the big hit end setting process 5 is ended.

[Big jackpot end setting 6]
Next, the details of the jackpot end setting process 6 (S2108) in the jackpot end process (FIG. 21) described above will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of jackpot end setting processing 6 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The jackpot end setting process 6 is a process for setting information necessary for shifting the gaming state after the jackpot end to a high probability state when the upper limit number of holds does not change.

  First, the game control device 500 saves a signal related to the start of the latent time B in the external information output data area in order to transmit it to a game hall internal management device (not shown) (S2701). Further, a signal relating to the start at the time of latent B is saved in the test signal output data area in order to transmit it to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 591 (S2702). Further, in order to display the number at the time of latent B in a game state display number display area (not shown), the number at the time of latent B is saved in the game state display number area (S2703).

  Then, the game control device 500 saves the high-probability / normal power support flag absence in the normal game mode flag area (S2704). Further, the high probability / no time reduction flag is saved in the special game mode flag area (S2705), and the probability information command (latency B) is saved in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (S2706). Finally, the time reduction variation count area is reset (S2707), and the big hit end setting process 6 is ended.

  Hereinafter, specific processing for the control by the effect control device 550 will be described.

[1st CPU main processing (production control device)]
Next, details of the main process executed by the effect control device 550 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of main processing executed by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 of the effect control device 550 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  When the execution of the main process is started, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 first prohibits interruption (S2801). Next, various initialization processes are executed (S2802). In various initialization processes, the RAM 551a, which is a work area, is cleared to 0, CPU initialization processing is executed, initial values necessary for execution of various processes are set in the RAM 551a, and random number initialization processing is executed. To do. Subsequently, various interrupt timers for generating an interrupt at a predetermined timing (for example, 1 millisecond) are started (S2803). Then, an interrupt is permitted (S2804).

  Here, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 clears the WDT (watchdog timer) (S2805). The WDT is activated by the CPU initialization process in the various initialization processes (S2802) described above, and monitors whether the CPU is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared after a certain period, the WDT times out and the CPU is reset.

  Then, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 detects an operation signal of the effect button 31 by the player, and performs an effect button input process for generating input information (rising edge) such as a flag in accordance with the detected signal. Is executed (S2806).

  Further, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a game control command analysis process for specifying a game control command received from the game control device 500 (S2807). In the game control command analysis process, it is determined whether or not the information set in the buffer 532a of the game control device 500 has been correctly received by interruption, and if it is received, command classification for subsequent scene control process is performed. .

  Next, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a test mode process (S2808). In the test mode process, an inspection command is received at the time of inspection at the time of shipment from the factory, and the display and the operation of the accessory are inspected. If display, sound, LED lighting, or the like is necessary, control is performed in the processing of S2811 to S2813, which will be described later, and the processing ends when the inspection ends and the power is turned off. The test mode process is executed when the CPU is inspected at the time of factory shipment.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a 1st scene control process for controlling a scene (display content) to be displayed on the display device 48 based on the control command analyzed in the game control command analysis process (S2807). (S2809). Details of the 1st scene control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 executes effect command editing processing for editing a command to be transmitted to the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 (S2810). The command written in the register in the effect command editing process is output to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554.

  Further, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a sound control process for controlling the sound output from the speaker 30 (S2811). Further, a decoration control process for controlling decoration devices such as LEDs (board decoration device 10d, frame decoration device 18d) is executed (S2812), and further, an effect device such as an electric accessory driven by a motor and a solenoid or movable illumination. A motor / SOL control process for controlling (board effect device 10e, frame effect device 18e) is executed (S2813).

  Finally, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a random number update process for updating the random number (S2814), and returns to the process of S2805. Thereafter, the processing from S2805 to S2814 is repeated.

[Interrupt processing]
Next, details of the interrupt process executed after the interrupt is permitted in the first main process (FIG. 28) will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of interrupt processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes timer update processing (S2901). Then, input processing is executed (S2902), and output processing is executed (S2903). Further, a main command reception process is executed (S2904), and the interrupt process is terminated.

[2nd CPU main processing (production control device)]
Next, details of another main process executed by the effect control device 550 will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of main processing executed by the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 of the effect control device 550 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  When the execution of the main process is started, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 first executes a CPU initialization process (S3001). Then, the RAM 554a which is a work area is cleared to 0 (S3002), and initial values necessary for executing various processes are set in the RAM 554a (S3003). Then, a VDP initialization process for initializing a graphic processor that performs image processing is executed (S3004). Next, various interrupts such as a V blank interrupt are permitted (S3005).

  Further, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 executes initialization processing of various control processes (S3006). In the initialization process of various control processes, initialization of variables used in the control process is performed. For example, the background of the video displayed on the display device 48 is initialized, or the arrangement of symbols is initialized. Then, screen drawing of the display device 48 is permitted (S3007).

  Thereafter, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 clears (initializes) the system cycle wait flag (S3008), and waits until the system cycle wait flag becomes 1 (S3009). The system cycle wait flag is set to 1 when a predetermined process is completed in the V blank interrupt process.

  When the system cycle wait flag becomes 1 (the result of S3009 is “Y”), the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 determines whether the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 is operating normally. (Watchdog timer) is cleared (S3010). When a predetermined time elapses without clearing the WDT, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 is reset. Next, a received command check process for identifying and classifying commands received from the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is executed (S3011).

  The video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 executes a 2nd scene control process for preparing scene drawing in the first scene control process (S2809) of the main process executed by the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 (S3012). ). Here, the 2nd scene control process is executed for drawing an image having a motion in the effect, and a notice character, a display priority order, and the like displayed on the display device 48 are determined.

  Subsequently, the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 executes a background process for preparing a still image and a background that does not move among the images displayed on the display device 48 (S3013). The background is set according to the special game mode, waiting for customers, and variation patterns. Next, in the image displayed on the display device 48, a variable display process for preparing drawing of a decorative special symbol for variable display is executed (S3014). Further, a hold display process for preparing drawing of a hold display for displaying the start memory of each variable display game among the images displayed on the display device 48 is executed (S3015). In the first embodiment of the present invention, the pre-production (pre-reading production) is performed by changing the hold display based on the pre-production information stored in the special figure storage area.

  Further, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 executes the customer waiting demonstration process so that the customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed on the display device 48 when there is no starting memory number or when the variable display game is not played for a predetermined time. (S3016).

  Finally, the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 transfers the ROM data to the RAM, and executes display system processing for causing the display device 48 to actually display an image (S3017). Then, the processing returns to S3008 of this processing again, and thereafter, the processing from S3008 to S3017 is repeated.

[1st scene control processing (1st CPU)]
Next, details of the 1st scene control process (S2809) in the 1st main process (FIG. 28) described above will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the 1st scene control process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 of the effect control device 550 determines whether or not it is in the test mode (S3101). The test mode is a mode that is executed when the CPU is inspected, such as at the time of factory shipment. If it is in the test mode (the result of S3101 is “Y”), the 1st scene control process is terminated.

  When the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is not in the test mode (the result of S3101 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 has received a scene change command for changing the scene (all display contents) to be displayed on the display device 48. If the scene change command has not been received (the result of S3102 is “N”), the process proceeds to S3107 without executing the processes of S3103 to S3106. The scene change command is a command corresponding to execution of processing in S3108 to S3116 described later, and indicates, for example, a power-on command, a power failure recovery command, or the like.

  On the other hand, when the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 receives the scene change command (the result of S3102 is “Y”), it acquires the game state to be updated, that is, the current game state (S3103). Then, it is determined whether or not the received scene change command is an effective command corresponding to the current gaming state transmitted from the gaming control device 500 and analyzed in the gaming control command analysis process (S2807) described above ( S3104).

  When the received scene change command is valid (the result of S3104 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 saves the received scene change command in the RAM 551a as the work area (S3105). ). Then, an effect request flag indicating that it is time to change the scene (display content) is saved (S3106).

  If the received scene change command is not valid (the result of S3104 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 proceeds to the process of S3107 without executing the processes of S3105 and S3106.

  Next, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 branches to a process corresponding to the command identifier analyzed in the game control command analysis process (S2807) described above (S3107).

  When the command identifier is set to “power-on command”, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes power-on processing (S3108).

  When the command identifier is set to “power failure recovery command”, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes power failure recovery processing other than the customer waiting processing described later (S3109).

  When the command identifier is set to “customer waiting demo command”, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a customer waiting process (S3110).

  When the command identifier is set to “change pattern command”, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes the process during change (S3111). In the changing process, information necessary for displaying a scene corresponding to the set change pattern is acquired, and effect control corresponding to the set change pattern is performed.

  When the command identifier is set to “design stop command”, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a design stop process (S3112).

  When the command identifier is set to “fanfare command”, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 executes a big hit fanfare process (S3113). Details of the big hit fanfare process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes the process during the big hit round when the command identifier is set to “large input / release nth command” (S3114). In the in-round processing, if the big hit round is not the final round, an interval command is set, while if it is the final round, information necessary for setting an ending command is set. Details of the big hit round processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the command identifier is set to “interval command”, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a big hit interval process (S3115).

  When the command identifier is set to “ending command”, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes a jackpot ending process (S3116).

  Next, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 receives a hold number command transmitted from the game control device 500 at the time of starting winning and at the start of fluctuation, and updates and holds the start memory hold number by the hold number command. The pending number command reception process for setting the number display is executed (S3117). Details of the pending number command reception process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In addition, a decoration special figure command reception process for receiving a decoration special figure command transmitted from the game control device 500 prior to the fluctuation pattern command at the start of the fluctuation is executed (S3118). Further, a prefetch command receiving process for setting an effect of holding display or the like by a prefetch command including a symbol information command for determining whether or not the variation display game is a big hit and a variation pattern random number command for specifying a variation pattern to be executed is executed. (S3119). Details of the prefetch command reception process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 internally sets a value corresponding to the probability information command and executes a probability information command reception process for transmitting a background command to the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 (S3120). .

  Further, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 receives the pending upper limit number command transmitted from the game control device 500 and changes the pending upper limit number of the target special figure by the pending upper limit number command. Number command reception processing is executed (S3121). In addition, a redetermination command received from the game control device 500 is received, and a redetermination command reception process for resetting the effect of holding display by the redetermination command is executed (S3122). Details of the redetermination command reception process will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the 1st scene control process is terminated.

[Big hit fanfare treatment]
Next, details of the big hit fanfare process (S3113) in the first scene control process (FIG. 31) will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a big hit fanfare process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether there is an effect request flag (S3201). As described above, the effect request flag is set when the scene change command received by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is a valid command in S3106 of the 1st scene control process. Therefore, if the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 does not have an effect request flag (the result of S3201 is “N”), the display content displayed on the display device 48 is part of a series of display effects. Then, it is determined whether to change the display content according to whether or not the update timer is 0 (S3202). If the update timer is not 0 (the result of S3202 is “N”), the current fanfare display is continued, so the big hit fanfare process is terminated.

  When the update timer is 0 (the result of S3202 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether the fanfare display is the final scene (S3203). In the case of the final scene (the result of S3203 is “Y”), the fanfare end data set in the sequence table for shifting to the fanfare end screen is set (S3204), and the big hit fanfare process is ended.

  When the fanfare display is not the final scene (the result of S3203 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 sets the data of the next scene (S3205) and ends the big hit fanfare process.

  On the other hand, when there is an effect request flag (the result of S3201 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is the timing to switch the entire display content displayed on the display device 48, and therefore the received scene change command Various processes are executed according to

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 holds the game mode state at the time of big hit (S3206). Next, a jackpot symbol corresponding to the jackpot type is set (S3207). In addition to setting the upper limit number of hold information (S3208), the round for notifying the player of the upper limit number of hold and the notification effect round information for setting the notification content are set (S3209).

  Then, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 updates the continuous big hit count when the big hits continue (S3210). Thereafter, the effect request flag is cleared (S3211), and the big hit fanfare process is terminated.

  In this way, in the big hit fanfare process, the upper limit number is set at the start of the fanfare (at the start of the big hit), and information related to the notification effect round of the upper limit number is set. Therefore, the effect control device 550 has effect control means for notifying the player of the upper limit number determined by the upper limit number determining means in relation to the special gaming state.

[Processing during the big hit round]
Next, details of the big hit round process (S3114) in the first scene control process (FIG. 31) will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the big hit round processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether or not there is an effect request flag (S3301). As described above, the effect request flag is set when the scene change command received by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is a valid command in S3106 of the 1st scene control process. Therefore, if the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 does not have an effect request flag (the result of S3301 is “N”), the display content displayed on the display device 48 is part of a series of display effects. Then, it is determined whether to change the display contents according to whether or not the update timer is 0 (S3302). When the update timer is not 0 (the result of S3302 is “N”), since the current round game display is continued, the process during the big hit round is terminated.

  When the update timer is 0 (the result of S3302 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether or not the round game display is the final scene (S3303). In the case of the final scene (the result of S3303 is “Y”), the round end data set in the sequence table is set in order to shift to the round end screen (S3304), and the big hit round process ends. .

  When the round game display is not the final scene (the result of S3303 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 sets the data of the next scene (S3305), and ends the big hit round process.

  On the other hand, when there is an effect request flag (the result of S3301 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is the timing to switch the entire display content displayed on the display device 48, so the received scene change command Various processes are executed according to

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 resets the information based on the jackpot, such as the jackpot type and the effect to be executed according to the current round number (S3306). Further, the number of rounds is updated and set (S3307).

  Next, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 acquires information on the upper limit number of holds from the reset information based on the jackpot (S3308). In addition, it is checked whether the current round is a notification effect execution round (S3309) and determined (S3310). If it is a notification effect execution round (the result of S3310 is “Y”), the corresponding notification effect information is set (S3311), the effect request flag is cleared (S3312), and the big hit round process is terminated. To do. On the other hand, if it is not the notification effect execution round (the result of S3310 is “N”), the effect request flag is cleared without setting anything (S3312), and the big hit round process is terminated.

  In this way, in the big hit round process, the notification effect information is set in the round in which the notification effect is executed.

[Hold count command reception processing]
Next, details of the hold number command reception process (S3117) in the first scene control process (FIG. 31) will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the hold number command reception process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 confirms the hold number command of the special figure (S3401), and determines whether or not the hold number command is received (S3402). If the pending number command has not been received (the result of S3402 is “N”), the pending number command reception process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 has received the hold number command (the result of S3402 is “Y”), it determines whether or not the command is an overflow command corresponding to the overflow ball (S3403). If it is an overflow command (the result of S3403 is “Y”), the pending number command reception process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is not an overflow command (the result of S3403 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether or not the target hold is FIG. 1 (S3404).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 stores the current special figure 2 hold number storage when the target hold is not the special figure 1, that is, the special figure 2 hold (the result of S3404 is "N"). The value of the area is acquired (S3405). Then, a value based on the special figure hold number command received this time is acquired (S3406), the difference is calculated, and the value of the special figure 2 hold number storage area is updated (S3407).

  Next, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the special figure 2 fixed hold number display data based on the updated contents (S3408), and checks whether or not there is a special figure 2 notification target hold (S3409). , S3410). Then, when there is no special figure 2 notification target hold (result of S3410 is “N”), the hold number command receiving process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551, when there is a special figure 2 notification target hold (result of S3410 is "Y"), acquires the information of the notification target hold (S3411), based on the update contents The special figure 2 variable hold number display data is set (S3412), and the hold number command receiving process is terminated.

  Further, when the target hold is the special figure 1 (the result of S3404 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 acquires the value of the current special figure 1 hold number storage area ( S3413). Then, a value based on the special figure hold number command received this time is acquired (S3414), the difference is calculated, and the value of the special figure 1 hold number storage area is updated (S3415).

  Next, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the special figure 1 fixed hold number display data based on the updated contents (S3416), and checks whether or not there is a special figure 1 notification target hold (S3417). , S3418). Then, when there is no special figure 1 notification target hold (the result of S3418 is “N”), the hold number command reception process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551, when there is a special figure 1 notification target hold (the result of S3418 is "Y"), acquires the notification target hold information (S3419), based on the update contents The special figure 1 variable hold number display data is set (S3420), and the hold number command receiving process is terminated.

[Read-ahead command reception processing]
Next, details of the prefetch command reception process (S3119) in the first scene control process (FIG. 31) described above will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of prefetch command reception processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 35A is a flowchart in the case where the pre-read notification target hold is set from the hold corresponding to the variable hold number according to the selection condition, and FIG. 35B is the pre-read notification target hold corresponding to the variable hold number. It is a flowchart in case it is preset to predetermined hold. First, the flowchart in FIG. 35A will be described.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether or not a prefetch command has been received (S3501). If the prefetch command has not been received (the result of S3501 is “N”), the prefetch command reception processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when receiving the prefetch command (the result of S3501 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 saves the prefetch information of the prefetch command in the corresponding reserved storage area (S3502). . Then, it is determined whether or not the target hold is a hold corresponding to the variable hold number (S3503).

  When the target hold is not a hold corresponding to the variable hold number (the result of S3503 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 executes a normal prefetch setting process for the hold (S3504).

  On the other hand, if the target hold is a hold corresponding to the variable hold number (the result of S3503 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 acquires all hold information corresponding to the variable hold number. (S3505), and a hold to be prefetched notification target is selected (S3506).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes the processing of S3504 or S3506, sets the corresponding hold display information (S3507), and ends the prefetch command reception processing.

  Here, the condition for selecting a hold to be prefetched from the hold corresponding to the variable hold number may be a hold that is most advantageous to the player, or a hold that is randomly selected by a random number or the like is selected. It is good also as conditions.

  Also, instead of selecting a hold to be prefetched notification target each time a hold corresponding to the variable hold count occurs, if the hold corresponding to the variable hold count has a hold to be prefetched notification target, Until the number corresponding to the fixed hold number becomes a hold, another hold corresponding to the variable hold number may be regulated so as not to be prefetched.

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 35B is changed from the flowchart of FIG. 35A only in the processes of S3505 and S3506. In FIG. 35 (B), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 indicates that the target hold is the notification target hold when the target hold is a hold corresponding to the variable hold number (the result of S3503 is “Y”). It is determined whether (for example, hold 5) or not (S3515).

  If the target hold is not the notification target hold (the result of S3515 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 proceeds to the process of S3507. If the notification target hold is set (the result of S3515 is “Y”), a variable hold number display mode based on the notification target hold information is set (S3516), and the process proceeds to S3507.

  Thus, in the prefetch command reception process, prefetch setting is also made for the hold corresponding to the variable hold number. A selection condition is appropriately set for the selection of the hold that is the target of the prefetch notification.

[Re-judgment command reception processing]
Next, details of the redetermination command reception process (S3122) in the first scene control process (FIG. 31) described above will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of redetermination command reception processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether or not a redetermination command has been received (S3601). Since the redetermination command is a redetermination possible timing in the hold redetermination process (FIG. 13) in the special figure usual process (FIG. 12), S1413 and S1416 of the special figure hold information redetermination process (FIG. 14). This is a command of the result of redetermination that is set to be transmitted from the game control device 500 to the effect control device 550 in the above process.

  When the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 receives the redetermination command (the result of S3601 is “Y”), the prefetch information corresponding to the redetermination command is overwritten in the corresponding reserved storage area. (S3602). Next, the hold display is reset based on the pre-read information of the overwritten redetermination command (S3603), and the redetermination command reception process ends.

  On the other hand, when the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 has not received the redetermination command (the result of S3601 is “N”), the other processing is not executed and the redetermination command reception processing ends.

[Example of transition to the upper limit notification screen]
FIG. 37 is a screen transition example of the pending upper limit number notification in the display device 48 according to the first embodiment of this invention. Here, an example of the case where the notification effect is executed in the seventh round of 15R big hit will be described. In the case of 2R big hit, the notification effect is executed in the second round.

  FIGS. 37A and 37B are screen displays when the special figure variation display game is executed in the normal game. FIG. 37A shows a screen display during execution of the special figure variation display game, and all three identification symbols are varied in the center of the screen. FIG. 37B shows a screen display when the special figure variation display game is finished, and three identification symbols are stopped at “7” in the center of the screen. As a result, a big hit occurs.

  In addition, the upper limit number of holdings at this time is four for both special figure 1 and special figure 2. In the special figure 1 hold display area at the lower left of the screen, 3 hold balls out of 4 are displayed with a color hold. In addition, the special figure 2 hold display area at the lower right of the screen has no hold and no hold display.

  FIG. 37C is a screen display of the first round in the big hit game. During this time, the game ball can be won in the start winning area (the first start winning opening 37 and the second starting winning opening 38), and the number of holds displayed on hold increases. In this case, the special figure 1 holding number is four.

  Note that, with the start of the big hit game, the holding upper limit number is set according to the big hit symbol, but the player is not notified of the holding upper limit number until the predetermined round. Until the notification is made, the upper limit number (4 in this case) on the screen display is not changed, but during this time, the hold is stored up to the set new upper limit number.

  FIGS. 37D to 37F are screen displays of the seventh round on which the notification effect of the upper limit number of holdings is executed. Characters, messages, and the like are displayed in the center of the screen, and a lottery game that provides a chance to increase the number of holds is performed. In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the holding upper limit number changes, the lottery game is unconditionally won and the holding upper limit number is notified.

  FIG. 37D shows a screen display for starting the lottery game. In the special figure 1 hold display area and the special figure 2 hold display area, a predetermined display that causes an increase in the number of hold is expected next to the right hold ball. A character and a large fan are displayed in the center of the screen, and the character starts with a message “I'll do my best !!”. Note that the predetermined display may be represented by a character line, a background of a balloon, or the like.

  FIG. 37E shows a screen display during the lottery game. At this time, a predetermined display is covered with a large fan.

  FIG. 37 (F) is a screen display of the lottery game end. FIG. 37 (F1) shows a screen display when there is an increase change in the upper limit of the number of holdings as a result of the lottery game. When the cover of the fan is released, the number of holdings increased in a predetermined display is displayed together with a sound effect. ing. The predetermined display here is a variable-hold-number-hold display, and the upper-limit number at this time is the sum of the fixed-hold number and the variable-hold number. The stored variable hold number (here, “4”) is displayed in the variable hold number hold display.

  FIG. 37 (F2) shows a screen display when there is no change in the upper limit of the number of holds as a result of the lottery game. The predetermined display disappears and a message “I'm sorry” is displayed at the center of the screen. At this time, the holding upper limit number remains the fixed holding number.

[Variable hold prefetch notification screen transition example]
FIG. 38 is an example of a screen transition for the hold prefetch notification corresponding to the variable hold number after the end of the big hit in the display device 48 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, an example will be described regarding the screen transition after FIG. 37 (F1) described above when there is an increasing change in the holding upper limit number and the holding upper limit number becomes eight.

  FIG. 38 (A) shows a screen display when the specific gaming state is started after the end of the big hit. Here, the upper limit of the special figure 1 hold number is eight, and “4” indicating that there are four variable holdes is displayed in the variable hold display corresponding to the variable hold number in the special figure 1 hold display area. .

  FIG. 38B shows a screen display when the first special figure 1 variable display game is started in the specific gaming state. In the center of the screen, the three identification symbols are changing. And since the number of special figure 1 hold is decreased by 1, the number displayed in the variable hold display is changed from “4” to “3” in the special figure 1 hold display area at the lower left of the screen.

  Here, after the big hit is over, the first hold is digested, that is, for the hold that is subject to the pre-read notification among the variable hold at the start timing of the first special figure variable display game in the specific gaming state after the big hit. Read ahead is executed. Then, the display mode of the background of the variable hold display is changed according to the hold prefetch result to be a prefetch notification target. At this time, a sound effect may be output by the speaker 30, or an effect may be displayed around the variable hold display.

  During this time, the game ball is won in the first start winning opening 37 and the number of special figure 1 hold increases by one, and the number displayed on the variable hold display is changed from “3” to “3” as shown in FIG. When the first special figure 1 variable display game is finished as shown in FIG. 38D, the hold display does not change.

  FIG. 38E is a screen display when the prefetch result of the hold that is a prefetch notification target is determined to be a big hit. The pre-reading display mode of the variable hold display at this time is set to be more conspicuous than the display mode in FIG. 38B described above, and the player can easily recognize the display change. Here, the variable hold display is filled and the number of holds cannot be recognized, and an effect display that is easy to recognize along with the sound effect is displayed around the variable hold display.

  If the prefetch result is a big hit, the big hit fixed prefetch notification may be executed on condition that there is no big hit in the hold stored before the prefetch notification target hold.

  In addition, when a pre-reading display indicating that there is a high possibility that a result advantageous to the player is obtained, the player may interrupt the subsequent launch of the game ball (so-called “stopping”). . Therefore, in order to prevent stoppage, the pre-read notification may be performed at a timing when a predetermined winning ball is subsequently detected.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, an unprecedented novel effect such as an effect related to a change in the upper limit of the number of holds is performed during a special game, so that the interest of the special game can be enhanced and the player Can raise interest in special games.

  In addition, the maximum number of reserves is set according to the predetermined conditions such as jackpot symbols triggered by the big hit, and is notified in a predetermined round during the special game, so the player has a sense of expectation that the maximum number of hold will increase even during the special game You can enjoy the game.

  In addition, since the upper limit number of holding changes for each jackpot, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine due to the player's stoppage.

  The upper limit number of holds includes a minimum fixed hold number stored (a fixed upper limit number which is a lower limit value of the upper limit number) and a variable hold number (variable upper limit number) to be added to the fixed hold number. And since it is possible to perform a pre-reading effect about the holding corresponding to the fixed holding number and the variable holding number, the interest of the game can be improved.

(Modification 1 of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a change in the upper limit number for holding is always notified. On the other hand, in the first modification of the first embodiment, the number of pending upper limits is notified according to the establishment of a predetermined condition by the operation input of the effect button 31.

  Hereinafter, Modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 to 43.

[Processing during the big hit round]
FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the big hit round processing according to the first modification of the first embodiment of this invention. In addition, about the process common to 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 33 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the round game display is the final scene (the result of S3303 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 not only sets the data for the end of the round, but also notifies the upper limit number of holds at the end of the round. The notification effect setting process for setting the effect is executed (S3901). Details of the notification effect setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Notification effect setting processing]
Next, the details of the notification effect setting process (S3901) in the aforementioned big hit round process (FIG. 39) will be described. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a procedure of notification effect setting processing according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 checks whether the current round is a notification effect execution round (S4001) and determines (S4002). If it is not a notification effect execution round (the result of S4002 is “N”), round end data is set (S4010), and the notification effect setting process ends.

  On the other hand, if the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 is the notification effect execution round (the result of S4002 is “Y”), the hold upper limit number notification flag set in the PB input process (FIG. 41) described later is set. It is checked whether there is (S4003) and determined (S4004). If there is no pending upper limit number notification flag (the result of S4004 is “N”), round end data is set (S4010), and the notification effect setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when there is a holding upper limit number notification flag (the result of S4004 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the holding upper limit number based on the big hit big hit symbol in the holding upper limit selection table (FIG. 2 (A)) (S4005), and it is determined whether or not there is a change (increase) in the upper limit number of holding (S4006). If there is a change (increase) (the result of S4006 is “Y”), variable hold number display information in the variable hold display area is set (S4007).

  Thereafter, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the hold upper limit number notification effect information (after S4006 results “N” and S4007) regardless of whether or not the hold upper limit number is changed (S4008), and further The pending upper limit number notification flag is cleared (S4009). Then, round end data is set (S4010), and the notification effect setting process ends.

  In this way, in the big hit round processing of the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, if there is a holding upper limit number notification flag at the end of a predetermined round, the holding upper limit number determined based on the current big hit is notified. Production is set. When the upper limit number of holdings increases, the display mode of the variable holding display area is also set.

[PB input processing]
Next, details of the PB input process which is one of the interrupt processes will be described. FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of PB input processing according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The PB process is a process of receiving an operation input of the effect button 31 and setting an effect according to the operation. In particular, in the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, as specified in the round in which the upper limit number of notifications is notified. A holding upper limit number notification flag for performing notification of the holding upper limit number when an operation is performed is set.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 checks whether or not the PB operation is valid for accepting the operation input of the effect button 31 (S4101) and determines (S4102). If it is a valid period (the result of S4102 is “Y”), it is checked whether there is an operation input of the effect button 31 (S4103) and determined (S4104).

  When there is an operation input (the result of S4104 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 checks whether it is currently in the special gaming state notification effect execution round (S4105) and determines ( S4106). If it is not the current notification effect execution round (the result of S4106 is “N”), a PB effect setting process for setting an effect corresponding to the operation input in the current gaming state is executed (S4107), and the PB input process Exit.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 updates the operation counter of the effect button 31 by 1 when the current notification effect execution round is in effect (the result of S4106 is “Y”) (S4108). It is determined whether or not the operation counter has reached a specified value (S4109). If the specified value is reached (the result of S4109 is “Y”), the pending upper limit number notification flag is set (S4110), and the PB input process is terminated.

  Note that the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 does not have a valid operation period of the effect button 31 (result of S4102 is “N”), does not have an operation input (result of S4104 is “N”), or operates counter Does not reach the specified value (the result of S4109 is “N”), the PB input processing is terminated without performing the subsequent processing.

[Example of transition to the upper limit notification screen]
FIGS. 42 and 43 are screen transition examples of notification of the pending upper limit number on the display device 48 according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case will be described in which a notification effect is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the seventh round of 15R big hit. FIG. 42 is an example of a screen transition in the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied as reaching the specified number of operation inputs of the effect button 31. FIG. 43 is an example of a screen transition in the case where the establishment of the predetermined condition is achieved by the operation input at the specified timing of the effect button 31.

  First, FIG. 42 will be described. The screen displays in FIGS. 42A to 42C are the same as those in FIGS. Further, the description common to the screen display described in the first embodiment is omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 42D is a screen display for starting the notification acquisition game. A message indicating that the game is a game in which the effect button 31 is continuously hit is displayed at the center of the screen, and a level meter capable of grasping the number of effective operations of the effect button 31 is displayed at the right end of the screen. With this as an opportunity, the operation input of the effect button 31 is counted as an operation of the notification acquisition game, and execution of the holding upper limit number notification is determined depending on whether or not the number of operations reaches the specified number.

  FIG. 42 (E1) is a screen display when the number of operations of the effect button 31 reaches the specified number within the effective period. At this time, the display device 48 performs an effect of notifying that the operation of the effect button 31 has achieved the target. Thereafter, the screen shifts to a screen display in which the upper limit number of suspensions as shown in FIG. 42 (F1) is notified.

  FIG. 42 (F <b> 1-1) is a screen display for notifying that the holding upper limit number is increasing. At this time, a variable hold number hold display and a sound effect are displayed to the right of the fixed hold number hold display at the bottom of the screen, informing the player that the hold upper limit number has changed.

  FIG. 42 (F <b> 1-2) is a screen display for notifying that the reservation upper limit number does not increase and change. At this time, there is no change in the display of the hold display area at the bottom of the screen, and a message apologizing that the hold upper limit number does not increase despite the establishment of the predetermined condition in the notification acquisition game is displayed at the center of the screen.

  In addition, when the lottery game as in the first embodiment for establishing the predetermined condition in the notification acquisition game is executed and the holding upper limit number increases, an effect of winning the lottery game is performed, and the holding upper limit number increases. If not, an effect that leaves the lottery game may be performed. Further, the increasing number of holdings may be displayed in the variable holding display area displayed when the holding upper limit number increases.

  FIG. 42 (E2) shows a screen display when the number of operations of the effect button 31 has not reached the specified number within the effective period. At this time, the display device 48 executes an effect that notifies that the operation of the effect button 31 has not achieved the target.

  Next, FIG. 43 will be described. 43 and 42 differ in the content of the notification acquisition game. In FIG. 42, the target is to operate the effect button 31 a specified number of times, but in FIG. 43, it is further considered to operate the effect button 31 at a specified timing.

  43A to 43C are the same as those shown in FIGS. 37A to 37C described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. Further, the description common to the screen display described in the first embodiment is omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 43D is a screen display for starting the notification acquisition game. A message indicating that the game is a game in which the effect button 31 is pressed in accordance with the timing is displayed at the center of the screen, and a timing meter capable of grasping the effective operation timing of the effect button 31 is displayed at the right end of the screen. The timing meter is composed of a plurality of squares, and the squares are filled in order as the game starts. When the effect button 31 is operated at the timing when the square defined by the arrow is filled, the color of the square is filled with a specific color. The operation input of the effect button 31 at this time is counted as an operation of the notification acquisition game, and the execution of the holding upper limit number notification is determined depending on whether or not this operation has been performed for all of the defined squares.

  FIG. 43E is a screen display when the notification button game is being operated and the operation of the effect button 31 is operated at a specified timing. At this time, an effect of notifying that the prescribed square of the timing meter can be painted with a specific color and is in good condition is executed. Thereafter, the result of the notification acquisition game is determined depending on whether the effect button 31 has been operated at a predetermined timing until the end.

  FIG. 43 (F1) is a screen display when a predetermined condition (operation input of the effect button 31 at a specified timing) is established in the notification acquisition game. At this time, a variable hold number hold display and a sound effect are displayed to the right of the fixed hold number hold display at the bottom of the screen, informing the player that the hold upper limit number has changed.

  FIG. 43 (F2) is a screen display when a predetermined condition (operation input of the effect button 31 at a specified timing) is not satisfied in the notification acquisition game. At this time, there is no change in the display of the hold display area at the bottom of the screen, and a message apologizing that the hold upper limit number does not increase despite the establishment of the predetermined condition in the notification acquisition game is displayed at the center of the screen.

(Effects of Modification 1 of First Embodiment)
According to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, the holding upper limit number is not notified unconditionally at a predetermined timing (here, the seventh round during the special game), but by player participation Since the pending upper limit number is notified according to the result of the notification acquisition game, it is possible to improve the player's awareness of participation in the game and improve the interest of the game.

(Modification 2 of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a lottery game is executed in a predetermined round of special games. When the holding upper limit number increases, an effect of winning the lottery game is performed, and when the holding upper limit number does not increase. Produce a lottery game. On the other hand, in the second modification of the first embodiment, a game that requires the operation of the effect button 31 as described in the first modification is performed in the lottery game, and the probability variation promotion game that further requires the operation of the effect button 31 is performed. Do.

[Screen transition example]
FIG. 44 is an example of screen transition when the probability variation promotion game and the lottery game are executed on the display device 48 according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the probability variation promotion game is executed in the third round of the special game, and the lottery game is executed in the seventh round. The game requiring the operation of the effect button 31 is a game whose goal is to reach the maximum level meter displayed on the screen when the player operates the effect button 31 as shown in FIG. . FIG. 44A shows an example of screen transition of the probability variation promotion game, and FIG. 44B shows an example of screen transition of the lottery game.

  44A (A) to 44 (C) are substantially the same as FIGS. 37 (A) to 37 (C) described above, and the description is omitted because the identification symbol when the big hit is changed from “7” to “4”. To do. In addition, description of the display common to the above-described screen display is omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 44A (D) is a screen display of the probability variation promotion game start. In the center of the screen, a display is executed that prompts the player to hit the effect button 31 repeatedly to maximize the level meter displayed at the right end of the screen.

  FIG. 44A (E) is a screen display at the end of the probability variation promotion game. Here, an effect is performed as if the level meter reaches the maximum by repeatedly hitting the effect button 31. When the probability change promotion is performed, the level meter reaches Max as it is, and the screen shifts to a screen display for notifying that the probability change promotion is acquired as shown in FIG. 44A (F1). Further, when the probability change promotion is not performed, the level meter is lowered, and the screen shifts to a screen display for notifying that the probability change promotion cannot be obtained as shown in FIG. 44A (F2). The probable promotion is predetermined according to the type of jackpot.

  FIG. 44B (G) is a screen display for starting the lottery game. Here, the left figure of FIG. 44B is an example of a screen transition in the case where the result of the above-mentioned probability change promotion game is FIG. 44A (F1), and the right figure is the result of the above-mentioned probability change promotion game in FIG. 44B (F2). It is an example of screen transition when there is. At the center of the screen, a display is executed informing the player that the number of holds will increase if the level button displayed at the right end of the screen is set to the maximum by pressing the effect button 31 continuously. Then, a predetermined display for expecting an increase in the number of hold is displayed on the right side of the fixed hold display in the special figure hold display area. In the case of the left figure, since the probability change promotion game has won the probability change promotion, a message prompting you to acquire it again will be displayed. In the case of the right figure, the chance change promotion game could not be acquired, so it will be won this time A message prompting you to do so is displayed.

  Then, when the number of holdings increases, as shown in FIGS. 44B (H1-1) and (H1-2), the display shifts to a screen display for notifying that the level meter reaches the maximum and the number of holdings increases. If the number of reservations does not increase, the screen shifts to a screen display for notifying that the number of reservations does not increase without the level meter reaching the maximum as shown in FIG. 44B (H2). As shown in the left diagram and the right diagram, the message for notifying the result of the lottery game is changed in expression according to the result of the probability variation promotion game.

(Effects of Modification 2 of First Embodiment)
According to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the existing probability variation promotion effects can give the player two levels of fun of probability variation promotion and increase of the holding upper limit, and the special game It is possible to improve the interest and increase the player's interest in special games.

  In addition, since the lottery game with an increase in the upper limit of the number of holdings is performed in accordance with the result of the probabilistic promotion game that is executed first, it is possible to make it appear as if the two games are related, improving the fun of the game Can be made.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the upper limit number of notifications is notified unconditionally in a predetermined round. Further, in the modification of the first embodiment, the upper limit number of notifications is notified according to the operation of the effect button 31 in a predetermined round. In contrast, in the second embodiment, when the number of holds reaches a predetermined number by a predetermined round (when the first notification condition is satisfied), the upper limit number is notified, and the number of holds by the predetermined round. If the predetermined number is not reached, a second notification condition is set separately, and the upper limit number is notified when the second notification condition is satisfied.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the variable upper limit display is displayed on the screen as the predetermined display for expecting the increase in the hold upper limit in a predetermined round in which the notification of the hold upper limit is performed, and the notification of the hold upper limit is performed. Run the game. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, it is possible to select a hold display pattern 1 that does not perform variable hold display before a game and a hold display pattern 2 that performs variable hold display.

  And in 2nd Embodiment, it hold | maintains to the predetermined number (here, the upper limit 8 combining the fixed hold number and the variable hold number) irrespective of the hold upper limit number determined by predetermined conditions (big hit symbol) When the upper limit number of holdings is 4, the variable holding number of 4 is temporarily stored as temporary holding until the notification timing of the holding upper limit number.

  The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Special figure start port switch common processing]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the process common to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol as FIG. 10 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the game control device 500 checks and determines whether there is a specific period flag between the processes of S1008 and S1009 (S4501, S4502). Here, the specific period flag is set in the special figure display processing (FIG. 47) described later.

  Then, when there is a specific period flag (the result of S4502 is “Y”), the game control device 500 executes a hold information update process (S4503). Details of the hold information update process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when there is no specific period flag (the result of S4502 is “N”), the game control device 500 executes the processing after S1009 of the first embodiment. Here, the processing of S1011 to S1021 is the random number saving processing (S4504).

[Holding information update process]
Next, details of the hold information update process (S4503) in the above-described special figure start port switch common process (FIG. 45) will be described. FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the hold information update process according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  The hold information update process is a process for temporarily holding up to 8 in consideration of the variable hold number when the set hold upper limit number is 4.

  The game control device 500 first obtains the currently set upper limit number (S4601). Then, the process branches according to the upper limit number (4 or 8) (S4602).

  When the upper limit number of holds is “4”, the game control apparatus 500 checks whether or not the target special figure hold number is less than the upper limit value of 4 (S4603, S4604). If it is less than the upper limit (the result of S4604 is “Y”), the random number saving process (S4605) and the special figure hold information determination process (S4606) are executed, and the hold information update process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the target special figure hold number is not less than the upper limit value, that is, when the upper limit value of four is reached (the result of S4604 is “N”), the game control device 500 has the target special figure hold number. Is checked to determine whether it is less than the variable hold value (S4607, S4608). 5 to 8 can be set as the variable holding number, and 8 is set here. If the target special figure hold number is not less than the variable hold value, that is, if eight are already held (the result of S4608 is “N”), the hold information update process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the target special figure hold number is less than the variable hold value (the result of S4608 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 500 temporarily holds the overflow amount, and therefore adds 1 to the temporary special figure hold number. And update (S4609). Next, a temporary holding number command for the target start port switch is prepared (S4610), and a command setting process for setting a buffer for transmission to the effect control device 550 is executed (S4611). Thereafter, the hold information update process is terminated.

  In addition, when the upper limit number of holds is “8”, the game control device 500 checks and determines whether the target special figure hold number is less than the upper limit value of 8 (S4612, S4613). If it is less than the upper limit (the result of S4613 is “Y”), the random number saving process (S4614) and the special figure hold information determination process (S4615) are executed, and the hold information update process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not less than the upper limit (the result of S4613 is “N”), the hold information update process is terminated as it is.

  Here, the random number saving process of S4605 and S4614 is the process of S1011 to S1021 in the above-described special figure start port switch common process (FIG. 10), and the special figure holding information determination process of S4606 and S4615 is the process of S1022.

[Special figure display processing]
FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure display processing according to the second embodiment of this invention. In addition, about the process which is common in 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 20 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the game control device 500 saves a specific period flag for temporarily holding between the processing of S2029 and S2030 when the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit. (S4701).

[1st scene control processing (1st CPU)]
FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the first scene control process according to the second embodiment of this invention. In addition, about the process which is common in 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 31 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 of the effect control device 550 performs temporary hold number command reception processing for receiving a temporary hold number command corresponding to temporary hold after the processing of S3122. Execute (S4801).

[Big hit fanfare treatment]
Next, details of the big hit fanfare process (S3113) in the first scene control process (FIG. 48) will be described. FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the big hit fanfare process according to the second embodiment of this invention. In addition, about the process which is common in 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 32 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 changes the hold display mode between the processes of S3209 and S3210 between the processes of S3209 and S3210 in the process when there is an effect request flag. The pending upper limit number notification information for selecting which one to select is selected (S4901).

  In this way, not only the setting of the upper limit number of hold and the notification effect round information at the start of the special game, but also the display mode of the upper limit number of hold until the notification timing in the special game is displayed with only the fixed hold number or the variable hold number The display is selected.

[Notification effect setting processing]
FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of notification effect setting processing according to the second embodiment of this invention. The big hit round process of the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the big hit round process of the first modification of the first embodiment (FIG. 39), and the notification effect is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Set notification of the upper limit of the number of hold at the end of the round. In addition, about the process which is common in the modification 1 of 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 40 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  If the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 is the notification effect execution round (the result of S4002 is “Y”), the number of reservation upper limits based on the jackpot symbol information is determined from the reservation upper limit selection table (FIG. 2A). Obtain (S5001). Then, the process is branched according to the upper limit number (S5002).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 checks and determines whether there is a holding upper limit number notification flag when the holding upper limit number is “4” (S5003, S5004). Here, the hold upper limit number notification flag is set in a temporary hold number command reception process (FIG. 53) described later.

  Then, when there is a holding upper limit number notification flag (the result of S5004 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets hold display information based on four holding upper limit numbers (S5005), and holds information. The number notification flag is cleared (S5006), and the notification effect setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 proceeds to the processing of S5009 to S5011 described later when there is no pending upper limit number notification flag (result of S5004 is “N”).

  Further, when the upper limit number of holding is “8”, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 checks whether or not the target special figure holding number has reached the upper limit value 8 (S5007, S5008). If the upper limit has not been reached (the result of S5008 is “N”), the pending upper limit number notifying condition for enabling notification is selected (S5009) and set (S5010). Then, a notification flag when the condition is satisfied is set (S5011), and the notification effect setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the hold display information based on the eight hold upper limit numbers when the hold upper limit number reaches the upper limit value 8 (the result of S5008 is “Y”). (S5012), the notification effect setting process ends.

[Big hit ending process]
Next, details of the big hit ending process (S3116) in the first scene control process (FIG. 48) described above will be described. FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for jackpot ending processing according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  In the jackpot ending process according to the second embodiment of the present invention, if the holding upper limit number notifying condition (eight hold state) is not established during the special game, the newly set holding upper limit number notifying condition is satisfied thereafter. Sometimes it is set so that the notification of the upper limit number of hold is made.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether or not there is an effect request flag (S5101). As described above, the effect request flag is set when the scene change command received by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is a valid command in S3106 of the 1st scene control process. Therefore, when there is no effect request flag (the result of S5101 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 displays the display content displayed on the display device 48 as part of a series of display effects. Then, it is determined whether to change the display content according to whether or not the update timer is 0 (S5102). If the update timer is not 0 (the result of S5102 is “N”), the current ending display is continued, so the jackpot ending process is terminated.

  When the update timer is 0 (the result of S5102 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether the ending display is the final scene (S5103). In the case of the final scene (the result of S5103 is “Y”), the ending end data set in the sequence table for shifting to the ending end screen is set (S5104), and the big hit ending process is ended.

  When the ending display is not the final scene (the result of S5103 is “N”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets data for the next scene (S5105), and ends the big hit ending process.

  On the other hand, when there is an effect request flag (the result of S5101 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is the timing to switch the entire display content displayed on the display device 48, so the received scene change command Various processes are executed according to

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 first sets the big hit ending (S5106), and acquires the game mode information after the set big hit (S5107). Then, it is determined whether or not the current big hit is a short-time big hit (S5108).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the time-short flag (S5109) and sets the number of time-short fluctuations (S5110) when the time-hit is a big hit (the result of S5108 is “Y”).

  Further, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 checks whether there is a notification flag when the condition is satisfied (S5111) after the processing of S5110, or when it is not a time-short hit (the result of S5108 is “N”). Determination is made (S5112). Here, the notification flag when the condition is satisfied is set in the above-described notification effect setting process (FIG. 50).

  If there is a notification flag when the condition is satisfied (the result of S5112 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets information based on the selected pending upper limit number notification condition (S5113). Here, as in the case of a special game, the notification is made when the upper limit number of reserved games is reached after the end of the special game. In the case of notification at the time of ending, hold display information based on the set hold upper limit number may be set in the process of S5113.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 clears the presentation request flag (S5114) after the processing of S5113 or when there is no notification flag when the condition is satisfied (result of S5112 is “N”), and the big hit End the ending process.

  In addition, when the electric power support is granted at the first big hit, the fluctuation pattern table is changed and the fluctuation time longer than usual is selected for the predetermined number of revolutions after the big hit (for example, four special figure fluctuation display games) You may be made to do. As a result, the time available for winning at the second start winning opening 38 becomes longer, so that the special figure 2 hold is easily stored. When the notification condition of the special figure 2 upper limit number of holdings is to accumulate a predetermined number of reservations, the player can play a game according to the upper limit number at an early stage after the end of the jackpot.

[Hold count command reception processing]
Next, details of the hold number command reception process (S3117) in the first scene control process (FIG. 48) will be described. FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a hold number command reception process according to the second embodiment of this invention. In addition, about the process common to 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 34 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, when the upper limit number of notifications is not notified in the notification effect execution round, a notification flag is set when the condition is satisfied, so that a hold display is made according to the presence / absence of the notification flag when the condition is satisfied. Set the information. Since the suspension to be notified is not set in advance as in the first embodiment, the processes of S3409 to S3411 and S3417 to S3419 are deleted, and the processes of S5201 to S5205 are executed after the processes of S3412 or S3420 are executed. Is added.

  After executing the processing of S3412 or S3420, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 checks whether there is a notification flag when a condition is satisfied (S5201) and determines (S5202). If there is a notification flag when the condition is satisfied (the result of S5202 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the target hold has reached the hold upper limit number (S5203).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the hold display information based on the set hold upper limit number when the target hold reaches the hold upper limit number (the result of S5203 is “Y”). S5204). Then, when the condition is established, the notification flag is cleared (S5205), and the pending number command reception process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551, when there is no notification flag when the condition is satisfied (result of S5302 is “N”), or when the target hold has not reached the upper limit number of hold (S5303) If the result is “N”), the pending number command reception process is terminated.

  If there is no notification of the upper limit number of hold during the special game, it will be notified when the upper limit number of hold is reached after the end of the special game, but it will be shortened according to the game after the end of the special game Alternatively, the notification may be made at the timing of the end of probability change.

[Provisional pending number command reception processing]
Next, details of the temporary hold number command reception process (S4801) in the above-described first scene control process (FIG. 48) will be described. FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of temporary hold number command reception processing according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 determines whether or not a temporary hold number command has been received (S5301). The temporary hold number command is set by the game control device 500 in S4611 of the above-described hold information update process (FIG. 46) and transmitted to the effect control device 550. If no provisional pending number command has been received (the result of S5301 is “N”), the provisional pending number command reception process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 has received the temporary hold number command (the result of S5301 is “Y”), the value of the temporary hold number information storage area is incremented by 1 (S5302). . Then, it is determined whether or not the number of updated temporary holds has reached the upper limit 4 (S5303).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the hold upper limit number notification flag (S5304) when the temporary hold number has reached the upper limit (the result of S5303 is “Y”). The command reception process ends. If the upper limit has not been reached (the result of S5303 is “N”), the provisional hold number command reception process is terminated.

[Screen transition example]
FIG. 54 is a screen transition example of the pending upper limit number notification in the display device 48 according to the second embodiment of this invention. Here, it is assumed that the hold upper limit number is notified in the seventh round. 54A1 to 54D1 are screen transition examples in the case of the hold display pattern 1, and FIGS. 54A2 to 54D2 are screen transition examples in the case of the hold display pattern 2. FIG.

  FIGS. 54A1 and 54A2 are screen displays at the start of a lottery game with an increased number of holds. In the hold display pattern 1 in FIG. 54A1, only the hold display corresponding to the fixed hold number is displayed regardless of the hold upper limit number actually selected in the display device 48. On the other hand, in the hold display pattern 2 of FIG. 54 (A2), the hold display corresponding to the fixed hold number and the variable hold number flashes regardless of the hold upper limit number actually selected in the display device 48.

  54 (B1) and (B2) are screen displays during the lottery game with an increased number of holds. During the lottery game, the right side of the hold display corresponding to the fixed hold number (the hold display area corresponding to the variable hold number) is covered and hidden. The screen display at this time is common to the hold display pattern 1 and the hold display pattern 2.

  54 (C1) and 54 (C2) are screen displays when the upper limit number of holds increases as a result of the lottery game for increasing the number of holds. When the hold display area corresponding to the variable hold number is uncovered, the hold display is lit. At this time, since the hold display corresponding to the variable hold number is displayed in a lump, the variable hold number accumulated in the hold display is displayed. 54 (C1) and the hold display pattern 2 of FIG. 54 (C2) differ in sound effect output from the speaker at the timing when the cover display is removed and the hold display appears.

  54 (D1) and (D2) are screen displays when the upper limit number of holds is not increased as a result of the lottery game for increasing the number of holds. In the hold display pattern 1 in FIG. 54 (D1), there is no hold display corresponding to the variable hold number from the beginning, so there is no change even if the cover is removed. On the other hand, in the hold display pattern 2 of FIG. 54 (D2), the hold display disappears when the cover is removed, although the hold display corresponding to the variable hold number originally exists.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the first notification condition is satisfied by the predetermined notification timing (7 rounds) (when the number of reservations reaches the upper limit value), the set retention upper limit Inform the number. Since the first notification condition at this time is satisfied by generating a large number of suspensions, it is possible to improve the player's interest in the winning ball during the special game.

  In addition, if the first notification condition is not satisfied by the predetermined notification timing, the upper limit number is notified when the newly set second notification condition is satisfied. The chance to know the number is not only once. Since there is a chance even after the end of the special game, the interest of the game can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment of the present invention, a pre-reading notice is performed even for a temporary hold temporarily stored in the second embodiment. In view of this, restriction is made so that a jackpot occurrence notice or a jackpot confirmation pattern is not selected for a look-ahead notice of a hold (variable hold) corresponding to the number of variable holds that can be temporarily held. In the present embodiment, even if the holding upper limit number actually selected by the jackpot symbol is the fixed holding number (four), the variable holding is temporarily stored until the holding upper limit number notification timing, and the display device 48 further There is a case to display on hold. In such a case, if a big hit confirmation pattern is selected as the variable hold pre-reading advance notice mode that is a big hit, the hold that should have been the big hit final notice at the upper limit number notification timing will be deleted. . This gives the player disappointment and distrust. Therefore, as described above, the pre-production restricting means capable of restricting the pre-reading notice for the variable hold (the pre-production based on the determination result of the pre-determination means) is provided.

  The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Holding information update process]
FIG. 55 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the hold information update process according to the third embodiment of this invention. Note that the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 46 are assigned to processes common to the second embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, prefetch processing is also performed for temporary hold, so that the game control device 500 performs temporary random number saving processing (S5501) and special figure hold information temporary determination processing (S5502) after the processing of S4611. ).

  Here, the processing content of the temporary random number saving process (S5501) corresponds to the random number saving process (S4605, S4614). The special figure hold information provisional determination process (S5502) will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Temporary judgment processing for special figure hold information]
Next, the special figure hold information temporary determination process (S5502) in the hold information update process (FIG. 55) described above will be described. FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure hold information provisional determination processing according to the third embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure hold information provisional determination process is the same as the special figure hold information determination process (FIG. 11) described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. The processing of S5501 to S5516 corresponds to S1101 to S1116, and the symbol information command in S1112 becomes a temporary symbol information command in S5512, and the variation pattern random number command in S1115 only changes to a temporary variation pattern random number command in S5515.

[Big hit variation group selection table]
FIG. 57 is an example of a variation group selection table at the time of big hit according to the third embodiment of this invention. 57A shows the case of FIG. 1, and FIG. 57B shows the case of FIG.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, SP5 reach having higher reliability than SP4 reach is added to the type of reach system at the time of big hit. In addition, with respect to the suspension in which the prefetch notice pattern is regulated in the prefetch command reception process (FIG. 59) described later, the reach is reached by using the same table as the first embodiment (the lower table in both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). A system is selected. For other non-restricted holds, the upper table in FIG. 57 (A) with SP4 reach added in the case of special figure 1 and the upper table in FIG. 57 (B) added with SP5 reach in the case of special figure 2 are used. The reach system is selected.

[Big hit fanfare treatment]
FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the big hit fanfare process according to the third embodiment of this invention. In addition, about the process which is common in 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 32 is allocated and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  If there is an effect request flag (the result of S3201 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 executes the processing of S3206 and S3207, and then updates the continuous big hit count if it is a continuous big hit. Processing is executed (S5801). Then, based on the updated continuous jackpot count, the upper limit number of the notification target (Special Figure 1 or Special Figure 2) is selected (S5802).

  Thereafter, the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets the hold upper limit number information (S3208), and sets the round for notifying the player of the hold upper limit number and the notification effect round information for setting the notification contents (S3209). The effect request flag is cleared (S3211), and the big hit fanfare process is terminated.

  In this case, a special figure for notifying the upper limit number of reservations is selected according to whether or not the consecutive big hit is made at the start of the fanfare (at the start of the big hit). Here, since the special figure 2 hold is preferentially used, the number of reserved upper limits in the special figure 2 is notified in the case of the consecutive big hit, and the number of reserved upper limits in the special figure 1 is notified in the case of not being the consecutive big hit.

  In the case where the suspension is performed in order of winning, it is not necessary to select the notification target based on the consecutive big hit count in the above-described processing of S5802, and both special figures are targeted for notification regardless of the gaming state, The notification target may be selected according to a predetermined condition such as a random number.

[Read-ahead command reception processing]
FIG. 59 is a flowchart illustrating a prefetch command reception process procedure according to the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 59A is a flowchart in the case where the prefetch notification target hold is set from among the hold corresponding to the variable hold number according to the selection condition, and FIG. 59B is set in advance as the predetermined hold corresponding to the variable hold number. It is a flowchart in case it is carried out. In addition, about the process common to 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as FIG. 35 (A) and FIG. 35 (B) is respectively allocated, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Here, a process for restricting the selection of the jackpot occurrence notice or the jackpot confirmation pattern to the hold prefetch notice corresponding to the variable number of holds is added.

  First, FIG. 59A will be described.

  When the target hold is a hold corresponding to the variable hold number (the result of S3503 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 determines whether or not the current gaming state is a big hit. (S5901). If it is not a big hit (the result of S5901 is “N”), a normal prefetch setting process is executed (S3504). In the normal prefetch setting process, a notice mode for a target hold is set using a normal notice selection table (see FIG. 60) described later.

  On the other hand, if the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 is in a big hit (the result of S5901 is “Y”), it further determines whether or not the target hold is a big hit (S5902). If it is not a big hit (the result of S5902 is “N”), a normal prefetch setting process is executed (S3504).

  On the other hand, if the target hold is a big hit (the result of S5902 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 sets a big hit notification restriction notice selection table (S5903), and A notice selection setting process for setting the notice mode is executed (S5904). Details of the jackpot notification restriction notice selection table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, FIG. 59B will be described.

  When the target hold is the notification target hold (the result of S3515 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 selects the corresponding notice from the notice pattern excluding the restriction pattern (S5911). Then, the variable hold number display mode based on the notification target hold information is set (S3516). Here, the restriction pattern is a notice mode used for a big hit occurrence notice or a prefetch notice of a big hit confirmation pattern.

[Pre-reading notice selection table]
Next, the prefetch notice selection table used for determining the prefetch mode in the prefetch command receiving process (FIG. 59) described above will be described. FIG. 60 is a prefetch notice selection table according to the third embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 60A is a normal notice selection table used when the prefetch result is out of sync. FIG. 60B is a normal notice selection table used when the prefetching result is a big hit. These tables are used in the normal prefetch setting process (S3504) in the prefetch command reception process described above.

  The pre-reading notice is made according to the winning sound and the color of the hold display. In the case of hold that is out of place, no winning sound is output with a probability of 80%, and the color of the hold display does not change with a probability of 70%. In addition, the winning sound “Cuyen!” And the rainbow-colored hold display are set so that they are not selected in the case of a hold that is out of place because they are a notice of a big hit occurrence notice or a big hit confirmed pattern. In the case of a big hit hold, the pre-reading notice with the winning sound or the color of the holding display is not executed with a probability of 5% each, and the pre-fetching notice with a big hit occurrence is executed with a probability of 35%.

  FIG. 60C is a table for performing only a reach notice in which a big hit confirmation notice is not distributed. This table is used in the process of S5903 in the above-described prefetch command reception process, that is, when the hold corresponding to the variable hold number generated during the big hit becomes a big hit.

  In this table, although the pre-reading result is a big hit, it is set so that the winning sound “Cuisin!” And the rainbow-colored hold display, which are the notice forms of the big hit occurrence notice and the big hit confirmation pattern, are not selected. In addition, the probability that the pre-reading notice according to the winning sound or the color of the hold display is not executed is higher than the probability set in FIG.

  In this way, by not clearly notifying the pre-reading notice of the holding that is a big hit, even if the holding is temporarily stored and later deleted, it is possible to avoid disappointment or distrust to the player.

[Screen transition example]
FIG. 61 is a screen transition example of the pending upper limit number notification in the display device 48 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 61A shows a screen display during a special figure variation display game in the normal gaming state. At this time, three special figure 1 holds are stored, and three reserved balls are displayed in the special figure 1 hold display area at the lower left of the screen.

  FIG. 61 (B) is a screen display when the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit. Three identification symbols that have fluctuated in the center of the screen are stopped and displayed at “7”.

  FIG. 61C is a screen display of a big hit fanfare. At this time, the hold display area corresponding to the variable hold number (variable hold display) is displayed in the hold display area of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 at the bottom of the screen regardless of the hold upper limit number actually determined in the current big hit. The In the center of the screen, a message celebrating the big hit and a notice that the special figure 1 hold can be stored up to the variable hold number up to seven rounds in order to establish the hold upper limit notice condition. Message.

  Here, the variable hold display in the special figure 1 is not a collective display as in the special figure 2, but an individual display composed of a plurality of hold displays so that a prefetch notice can be individually made. Then, regardless of whether or not the hold corresponding to the variable hold number is temporarily stored, the variable hold display including the prefetch notice is executed. By using the individual display, it becomes easier for the player to grasp the accumulated variable holding number.

  Note that when the variable hold display is collectively displayed, a pre-reading advance notice of only the winning sound may be performed. At this time, by not clearly informing the variable holding number, the player cannot grasp which holding is hot and the expectation continues.

  FIG. 61 (D) is a screen display when Special Figure 1 hold is accumulated up to the variable hold number during 5 rounds. At this time, the variable hold display in FIG. 1 blinks and a message is displayed informing that the hold upper limit number notification condition is satisfied.

  FIG. 61 (E) is a screen display during the lottery game regarding the notification of the upper limit number for holding in the seventh round. In the lottery game, the variable hold display displayed on the screen after the occurrence of the big hit is covered with a fan. Then, the screen display of FIG. 61 (F1) or FIG. 61 (F2) is made according to the current big hit symbol.

  FIG. 61 (F1) is a screen display when the upper limit number of holds increases, that is, when a lottery game is won. When the cover with the fan is removed, the variable hold display of special figure 1 and special figure 2 appears in a batch display state, and the variable hold number "4" stored in the variable hold display of special figure 1 is displayed. . In addition, the variable hold display at this time is a display mode in which a pre-read result for a hold with the highest expectation level of the big hit among the four holds is notified in advance. In addition, you may make it the display mode which alert | reports a relative result. Details of the hold display mode will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 61 (F2) is a screen display when the upper limit number of holds does not increase, that is, when the player has left the lottery game. At this time, the variable hold display that has been displayed until the lottery game is started disappears, and a message notifying that the hold upper limit has not increased is displayed in the center of the screen.

[Hold display mode]
FIG. 62 is a diagram illustrating a hold display mode in the display device 48 according to the third embodiment of this invention. 62A is a diagram for explaining a collective display mode of hold display, and FIG. 62B is a diagram for explaining an individual display mode of hold display.

  As shown in FIG. 62A (A), the display mode in the case where the hold display is collectively displayed is selected from a plurality of display modes according to the hold pre-read result to be pre-read. Here, with respect to the hold to be prefetched, in the variable hold display in the present embodiment, the prefetch display mode for the hold having the highest jackpot reliability among the four holds is selected. It should be noted that all of a plurality of holds included in the collective display may be the target, or a hold having a high expectation level where reach occurs may be the target.

  In this embodiment, the number of variable holds stored in the variable hold display of the collective display mode is displayed, but a small variable hold ball is displayed on the variable hold display as shown in FIG. 62A (B). You may make it do. At this time, if the variable hold that is the earliest digest is set as the prefetch target of the batch display mode, the variable hold display display mode is changed when the prefetch target variable hold moves to the fixed hold as shown in FIG. 62A (C). It can be reflected in the display mode of the adjacent fixed hold display.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 62A (D), a part of the fixed hold may be in a collective display mode, and as shown in FIG. 62A (E), the variable hold may be set in an individual display mode.

  62B (A) and 62 (B) each show the diversity of patterns of individual display modes, and not only the jackpot reliability and the reach occurrence expectation, but also the probabilistic states in the game such as fall, probability change, and normal You may do it.

  In this way, by applying the collective display mode and the individual display mode to the hold display, variations of the pre-reading notice increase and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Display mode of batch display device]
FIG. 63 is a diagram for explaining a display mode in the collective display device 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 63 (A), the collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display) for a variable display game, which is composed of a 7-segment type display (LED lamp) or the like. 51 and the second special figure fluctuation display part (special figure 2 display) 52, a fluctuation display part (general figure display) 53 for the usual figure fluctuation display game, and each fluctuation display game similarly constituted by LED lamps. A memory display unit for notification of the number of starting (holding) memories (special figure 1 hold indicator 54, special figure 2 hold indicator 55, general figure hold indicator 56) is provided.

  Further, the collective display device 50 is turned on when a big hit occurs and a first gaming state display unit (first gaming state indicator) 57 that notifies the occurrence of the big hit, and lights up when a short time state occurs to notify the occurrence of a short time state. A second gaming state display unit (second gaming state indicator) 60, an error indicator 58 that lights up and displays an error when the probability state of the big hit is a high probability state when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, a big hit A round display section 59 for displaying the number of rounds at the time (the number of times the first special variable winning device 41 and the second special variable winning device 42 are opened and closed) is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 63 (B), the special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 is during the execution of the fluctuation display game, that is, the decoration special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 48. While performing, the blinking of the segment of the 7-segment type display unit causes the variable display to switch the special identification information (special drawing, special symbol) every predetermined time.

  When the variation time determined at the start of the variation display of the special identification information has elapsed, the variation display is stopped at the special identification information corresponding to the result of the variation display game, and the special figure 1 display 51 or special figure is displayed. 2 The special figure fluctuation display game on the display 52 is ended.

  The normal display 53 blinks the lamp during the change and displays that the change is in progress. When the game result is “out of”, for example, the lamp is turned off, and when the game result is “hit”, the lamp is turned on to display the game result.

  The special figure 1 hold display 54 displays the number of undigested balls (starting memory number = holding number) out of the number of winning balls to the first start winning opening 37, which is the variation start condition of the special figure 1 display 51. . Specifically, four LED lamps are provided. When the number of holdings is “0”, all four lamps D3 to D6 are turned off. When the number of holdings is “1”, only lamp D3 is turned on. To do. Further, when the number of holdings is “2”, the lamps D3 and D4 are turned on, when the number of holdings is “3”, the lamps D3 to D5 are turned on, and when the number of holdings is “4”, four lamps are set. D3 to D6 are all turned on. Further, when the hold number is “5”, the lamp D6 is made to blink from the state when the hold number is “4”. When the number of holds is “6”, the lamps D5 and D6 are blinked. When the number of held is “7”, the lamps D4 to D6 are blinked. When the number of held is “8”, the four lamps D3 to D3. D6 is all blinking.

  The special figure 2 hold display 55 displays the start memory number (= hold number) of the second start winning port 38, which is the variation start condition of the special figure 2 display 52, in the same manner as the special figure 1 hold display 54. To do.

  The general map hold display 56 displays the start memory number (= hold number) of the general map start gate 34 which is the variation start condition of the general map display 53. For example, when two LED lamps are provided, the lamps D11 and D12 are turned off when the holding number is “0”, and only the lamp D11 is turned on when the holding number is “1”. When the number of holdings is “2”, the lamps D11 and D12 are turned on. When the number of holdings is “3”, the lamp D11 is blinked, the lamp D12 is turned on, and when the number of holdings is “4”. The lamps D11 and D12 are turned on and off.

  For example, the first game state indicator 57 turns off the lamp D14 in a normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp D14 when a big hit has occurred. For example, the second gaming state indicator 60 turns off the lamp D17 in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp D17 in the case where the short-time state has occurred.

  The error indicator 58 turns off the lamp D18 when the jackpot probability state is low when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, for example, and the jackpot probability state is high when the gaming machine 1 is turned on. In this case, the lamp D18 is turned on.

  For example, the round display unit 59 turns off the lamps D15 and D16 in the normal gaming state, and if a big hit occurs, the lamp corresponding to the number of rounds of the big hit (in the case of two rounds, the lamp D15or15 round Case lamp D16) is turned on. The round display unit 59 may be configured by a 7 segment type display.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
According to the third embodiment of the present invention, by restricting the look-ahead notice for variable hold, it is possible to prevent a situation that causes disappointment or distrust to the player due to the notification of the hold upper limit number. can do.

  In addition, when performing preferential digestion of special figure 2 hold, the maximum number of reservations of special figure 2 is notified for consecutive big hits, and the maximum number of reservations of special figure 1 is notified for big hits that are not continuous big hits. When the special figure 1 hold and the special figure 2 hold are digested in the order of occurrence, the upper limit numbers of both hold are notified regardless of the gaming state. Thus, since notification according to game performance can be performed, it is possible to provide information on the upper limit of the number of reserved special figures that the player wants to know.

  In addition, in the case of deferring on hold in the order of occurrence, a special figure to be notified may be set according to predetermined conditions such as lottery, random number, gaming state, etc. Interest can be improved.

(Modification of the third embodiment)
In the first modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, the premise for determining the upper limit number for holding based on the jackpot symbol is the same, but the upper limit number for holding is changed in accordance with the gaming state. In addition, a player participation type mission is executed in the notification game of the upper limit number of holds.

[Pending upper limit selection table]
FIG. 64 is a holding upper limit selection table according to a modification of the third embodiment of this invention.

  In the present embodiment, the upper limit number of holds is set to 4, 6, or 8 depending on the type of jackpot. Here, when the big hit type is latent (2R probability variation C), the upper limit number of holding is set to be large, and the probability state is notified according to the number of times of holding for the variable holding number. For example, in 2R probability variation C big hit, when the upper limit number of reservations is reached three times, the fact that the actual probability state is the high probability state is notified or the notification reliability is increased.

  In addition, the upper limit number of hold changes according to the number of special figure change display games after the end of the special game. When the upper limit number of holdings decreases after 20 games, a holding to be deleted occurs even though the pre-reading notice is given, so that the pre-reading restriction is performed for the variable holding as in the third embodiment.

[Pending display specifications]
FIG. 65 is a diagram for explaining a hold display mode according to a modification of the third embodiment of this invention. Here, a case will be described where more holds can be counted internally than the number of holds displayed on the screen.

  FIG. 65 (A) is an example of a hold display when the hold upper limit number displayed on the screen is 8, and a hold occurs more than that. When the ninth hold occurs, the number of holds on the screen is increased when there is no big hit in the hold. Here, “+1” and the ninth hold are displayed. On the other hand, when there is a big hit in the hold, the ninth hold is not displayed on the screen. Even when the hold is not displayed on the screen, the above-mentioned special figure hold indicator 54 displays the hold number.

  In this way, the additional hold display mode on the screen display is changed depending on whether or not the hold has a big hit. As a result, the player recognizes that the big hit is included in the hold when the hold display on the screen does not increase even if the hold is generated, so that the game ball is no longer launched. Thereby, even if it is a case where many pending | holdings can be memorize | stored inside, the act which tries to store a hold too much can be suppressed, and the nonuniformity of launch of a game ball can be suppressed.

  Further, in such a case, when the number of holdings reaches a predetermined number, all fluctuations are shortened, thereby increasing the digestion speed of holding and suppressing excessive holdings. In addition, when a long fluctuation is executed, the upper limit number of suspensions in the fluctuation may be set.

  FIG. 65B is an example of a screen display for notifying that the launch is stopped on the screen display when the player has a desired hold (arrow in the figure) within the hold on the screen display. If there is no subsequent hold, there is a specific reach (C reach) that the player has not seen yet, and if the launch is stopped on the screen, the C reach will be specifically reported. Is done. Accordingly, excessive launch of the player can be suppressed and a desired reach can be obtained for the player, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

〔Screen transition〕
66 and 67 are screen transition examples of the notification of the upper limit number of reservations in the display device 48 according to the modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, a mission for acquiring points by shooting down an enemy aircraft using the effect button 31 is executed in the notification acquisition game for the upper limit number of holds.

  FIG. 66A shows a notice screen display of the mission start. The mission is performed in 7 rounds, which is the notification timing of the upper limit number of holds. Then, in FIG. 66 (B), the own aircraft is displayed on the screen and the mission is started.

  In the mission, first, an enemy aircraft appears on the screen as shown in FIG. 66 (C), so that the enemy button is aimed and the effect button 31 is operated as shown in FIG. 66 (D). As shown in FIG. 66 (E), when the enemy aircraft is successfully shot down, 3 points are awarded for each aircraft, and the acquired points are displayed as shown in FIG. 66 (F).

  Thereafter, when 8 aircraft are shot down and 24 points are acquired, the mission ends as shown in FIG. 66 (G1), and it is notified that the upper limit number of holding is 8 as shown in FIG. 66 (H1).

  67 (G2), when the mission ends with only 18 points being acquired due to time-out, etc., 6 points that are not enough are shown in FIGS. 67 (H2) and (I2). There are a pattern in which the upper limit number is notified after being given unconditionally, and a pattern in which the upper limit number is informed without informing the point with insufficient points as shown in FIGS. 67 (H3) and (3). is there. In the case of the latter pattern, the mission may be given again in another round to give a notification chance, or the mission may be executed in stages to gradually notify the upper limit number of holdings.

  Moreover, it is good also as alert | report of a reservation upper limit number by the number of enemy planes which appear by the mission which hits the same number of enemy planes as a reservation upper limit number.

(Effects of Modification of Third Embodiment)
According to the modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, the player tries to grasp the probability state by increasing the number of times the reserved upper limit number is reached, so that the stoppage can be prevented.

  Moreover, since the notification reliability such as prefetching can be increased step by step by accumulating a lot of holdings, it is possible to prevent stoppage and to enhance the interest of the game. The notification reliability is 100% when the notification content matches the actual determination result.

  On the other hand, if you can hold without limit, we will actively inform you that you will get results that will benefit the player by stopping the launch, so you can suppress the act of excessively holding the hold it can.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all points and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims.

1 gaming machine 2 body frame (outer frame)
3 Front frame (game frame)
10 game board 10a game area 10b game board body 18 glass frame (front frame)
34 Normal design start gate (ordinary design start gate)
37 First start prize opening (start prize area)
38 Second start prize opening (start prize area)
38a Movable members (ordinary electric equipment, general power prize device, variable prize device)
42 Special variation winning device 46 Center case 48 Display device (effect display device)
50 Collective display device 300 Power supply device 500 Game control device (main board)
550 Production control device 580 Dispensing control device (dispensing board)

Claims (6)

A variable display device capable of displaying a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner based on the winning of a game ball in the start winning area, and when the result of the variable display game is a special result, In a gaming machine capable of generating a special gaming state advantageous to
Start memory means capable of storing the right to execute the variable display game based on a winning of a game ball in the start winning area as a start memory within a predetermined upper limit range;
An upper limit number determining means for determining an upper limit number that can be stored in the starting storage means based on a predetermined condition;
An upper limit number changing means capable of changing a predetermined upper limit number that can be stored in the start storage means to an upper limit number determined by the upper limit number determining means;
An effect control means capable of executing and controlling a predetermined effect in the gaming machine,
The effect control means informs the player of the upper limit number determined by the upper limit number determination means in relation to the special gaming state. The upper limit number determining means is configured to determine the upper limit number based on a type of a special result that has generated the special gaming state as the predetermined condition,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit number changing unit is executed when the special gaming state starts. Prior determination means for determining a result of the variable display game before execution of the variable display game,
The predetermined upper limit number that can be stored in the starting storage means includes a fixed upper limit number that is a lower limit value of the upper limit number determined by the upper limit number determining means, and a variable upper limit number that is added to the fixed upper limit number. ,
The said effect control means can alert | report in advance the determination result by the said prior determination means about the starting memory corresponding to the said fixed upper limit number and the said variable upper limit number, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Gaming machine. The effect control means notifies the upper limit number determined by the upper limit number determination means based on the establishment of the first notification condition,
The first notification condition includes that start memory corresponding to the upper limit number determined by the upper limit number determining means is stored in the start storage means until a predetermined period elapses from the start of the special gaming state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by that.   When the first notification condition is not satisfied, the effect control means is determined by the upper limit number determination means based on the establishment of a second notification condition that is newly set after the special gaming state is completed. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the upper limit number is notified. Probability state setting means capable of setting a high probability state in which the probability of occurrence of the special game state is increased in the game state after the end of the special game state,
The effect control means can execute a specific effect for notifying whether or not the high probability state is set by the probability state setting means after completion of the special gaming state at a predetermined timing in the special gaming state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is provided.