JP2013150844A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine configured to perform common presentation between a normal game status and a special game status, with which player's expectation for the special game status is further increased while the common presentation is performed.SOLUTION: A presentation control microcomputer performs specific variation with predetermined timing when common presentation is performed, and the predetermined timing is controlled to be varied according to the kind of jackpot/small prize at the beginning of the common presentation.

Description

  The present invention controls a specific gaming state that is advantageous for a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each and displays and displays the display result. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that controls to a special gaming state in which a display result of variable display of identification information is likely to be a specific display result as compared to a normal gaming state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition.

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

  The game value is the right that the state of the special variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. Or a condition where a condition for paying out a winning ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, when a predetermined specific display result is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of identification information that is started in the variable display device based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening, It is controlled to a specific gaming state (big hit gaming state). The derived display is to stop and display the identification information. When controlled to the specific game state, for example, the special variable winning ball apparatus changes to a first state that is advantageous to the player.

  As a pachinko machine, it can be either a normal gaming state (normal state: low probability state) or a special gaming state such as a high probability state (probability variation state) with a higher probability of being controlled to a specific gaming state than the normal state. There are controllable gaming machines. In addition, there is a gaming machine that makes it difficult for the player to grasp the actual gaming state by executing a common effect when the gaming state is the normal gaming state and when the gaming state is the special gaming state (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-119714 A

  When the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is in a state where a common performance is being executed, and when the variable display of identification information is executed a predetermined number of times, the actual gaming state is a special gaming state In this case, an effect of notifying the gaming state at a high rate is executed.

  However, when the actual gaming state is the normal gaming state, an effect for notifying the gaming state is not executed, and a common effect is executed without executing the specific variable display that expects the specific gaming state. When the actual gaming state is the normal gaming state, the current gaming state may be terminated (in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the next gaming state is terminated, for example). There is a problem in that the execution frequency of the effects in which the specific game state may occur is low, and the interest of the game in a state where the common effects are being executed cannot be improved.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve the interest of a game in a gaming machine configured to execute a common effect when in a normal gaming state and when in a special gaming state.

(1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a variable display device (for example, a first special symbol) that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols and decorative symbols) that can identify each of them, and displays and displays a display result When a specific display result (for example, jackpot symbol) is derived and displayed on the display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, or the effect display device 9), a specific gaming state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player is obtained. And control to a special game state (for example, a probability change state) in which the display result of the variable display of the identification information is likely to be the specific display result as compared with the normal game state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition. A common effect executing means (for example, effect control) for executing a common effect in a case where the game state is a special game state and a case in which the game state is not a special game state after the specific game state has ended. In the microcomputer 100 for use, a part for executing the process of step S895) and first data in which data for determining the variable display mode of the identification information is set (for example, the first effect variation shown in FIG. 16A). Pattern determination table) and second data (for example, second effect variation pattern determination shown in FIG. 16B) in which data is set so that specific variable display (for example, reach variation) is more easily executed than the first data. The variable display determining means for determining the variable display mode using any one of the table) and the data used by the variable display determining means at a predetermined timing after the common presentation is started, Data switching means for switching from the first data to the second data (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the processing of steps S94 and S96 is executed. And the common effect executing means may or may not execute the common effect after the specific gaming state ends, and the data switching means is an opportunity to start the common effect. The data is switched at a timing corresponding to the specific gaming state (see FIG. 18).
According to such a structure, since data is switched at the timing according to a specific game state, the interest of the game can be improved.

(2) In the gaming machine of the above (1), the specific variable display may be configured to be a reach variable display in which the variable display state of the identification information is a reach state (see FIG. 16).
According to such a configuration, the timing at which the reach effect is likely to be executed differs depending on the specific game state being different, so that the player's interest in the common effect is enhanced and the common effect is being executed Can improve the fun of games in

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), the data switching means switches from the first data to the second data depending on whether the gaming state is the normal gaming state or the special gaming state. The timing is changed (see FIGS. 17 and 18: the gaming state after the sudden big hit is a probable change state, and the small hits 1, 2, and 3 are fluctuations in the second special symbol based on the winning at the second starting port. Therefore, the small hits 1, 2, and 3 often occur in the normal gaming state, that is, in FIGS. , 3 is almost a normal gaming state.).
According to such a configuration, the player can guess the game state to some extent based on the timing at which the specific variable display is executed, and the fun of the game can be further improved.

(4) In the above gaming machines (1) to (3), the data switching means switches from the first data to the second data depending on whether the gaming state is the normal gaming state or the special gaming state. The number of times may be different (see FIGS. 17 and 18).
According to such a configuration, the player can guess the game state to some extent on the basis of the number of times that the specific variable display is executed, and the fun of the game can be further improved.

(5) In the above gaming machines (1) to (4), the timing for switching the data from the first data to the second data is common in the case where the gaming state is the normal gaming state and the special gaming state. (For example, 2 times, 5 times, and 8 times) (see FIGS. 17 and 18).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to guess the gaming state based on the timing at which the specific variable display is executed, so that the interest of the game can be further improved.

(6) In the gaming machine of the above (5), the data switching means varies the ratio of selecting the common timing depending on whether the gaming state is the normal gaming state or the special gaming state (FIG. 17). , See FIG. 18: For example, the second time may be easily selected in the case of a small hit.)
According to such a configuration, it is difficult for the player to guess the gaming state based on the timing when the specific variable display is executed, but the gaming state can be guessed to some extent, and the interest of the game is further improved. be able to.

(7) In the above gaming machines (1) to (6), effect execution means (for example, game control) for executing specific variable display over a plurality of times (for example, 2-3 times or 10 times) of variable display According to the modification in which the processing of steps S831 to S833 and S8103 to S8105 in the production control microcomputer 100 is executed based on the execution of the processing of step S96 for a plurality of continuous variable displays in the microcomputer 560.) May be provided.
According to such a configuration, the player can maintain a sense of expectation for the specific gaming state over a plurality of variable displays.

(8) In the gaming machines of the above (1) to (7), the common effect executing means has a plurality of types of effect modes (for example, background 1, 1) over a plurality of variable displays (for example, 20 times). 2: (see FIG. 43), a common effect is executed, and the selection ratio of a plurality of types of effects is varied depending on whether the gaming state is a normal gaming state or a special gaming state (for example, The production control microcomputer 100 may be configured to easily select the background 2 in the special game state.
According to such a configuration, the player can guess the game state to some extent even by a common effect mode, so that the interest of the game can be further improved.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 4 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern of a decoration design in case a variable display result becomes an off symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern of a decoration symbol in case a variable display result turns into a jackpot symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table and a small hit determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit classification determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern classification determination table for big hits. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern classification determination table for deviation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern type determination table at the time of 1st effect, and the variation pattern type determination table at the time of the 2nd effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit fluctuation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a deviation variation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a 1st effect variation pattern determination table and a 2nd effect variation pattern determination table. It is a timing diagram which shows an example of the execution timing of specific fluctuation. It is explanatory drawing which shows the execution timing of a specific fluctuation | variation, the generation rate of the type per small hit, and the generation rate of the type per sudden hit. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for production control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of a decoration symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit / small hit end effect process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the background in specific production (common production).

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

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

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

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The effect display device 9 performs variable display (variation) of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of decorative symbols as identification information. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer executes the effect display using the effect display device 9 along with the variable display. 2 When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the special symbol display device 8b, the effect display is executed using the effect display device 9 along with the variable display. It becomes easy to grasp.

  A first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8 a that variably displays a first special symbol as identification information is provided on the left side of the top of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying a number (or a 2-digit symbol) of 00 to 99. . That is, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 00 to 99. A second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b that variably displays a second special symbol as identification information is provided on the right side of the upper portion of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. The second special symbol display device 8b is also realized by a simple and small display device (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers from 00 to 99. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is also configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 00 to 99.

  In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both numbers of 00 to 99), but the types may be different.

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

  Although the gaming machine of this embodiment includes two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b, the gaming machine may include only one special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14 (after the game ball may pass through the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of stored memories is not 0) The variable display time (variable time) is started based on the fact that the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed and the jackpot game is not executed. The display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed when the time elapses, and winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening, and the display result is derived and displayed. You And is to be stopped and displayed symbols (the example of identification information) eventually.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In addition, in the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there is provided a total pending storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number (total number of total pending storage) that is the sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count. ing. As described above, if the summation pending storage display section for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that are not satisfied with the variable display start condition.

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

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided below the effect display device 9. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting left and right lamps (designs can be visually recognized when lit). For example, if the lower lamp is lit at the end of variable display, it is a win. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of indicators that are turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of indicators that are lit is reduced by one. Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 The opening time becomes longer and the number of opening times is increased. That is, the game ball is controlled to be in a high base state that is controlled so as to make it easier for the game ball to start and win (that is, the variable display execution conditions in the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9 are easily established). Transition. Further, in this embodiment, even in the short time state (the game state in which the special symbol variable display time is shortened), the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 becomes long and the number of times of opening is increased.

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

  Moreover, you may transfer to a high base state by shifting to the normal symbol time short state where the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is shortened. In the normal symbol time-short state, since the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, the frequency of starting the variation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, by increasing the frequency with which the normal symbol is hit, the frequency with which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state).

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

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

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

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

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

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the decorative symbol variable display state starts after the variable symbol variable display is started. There is a case where a predetermined combination of decorative symbols that do not reach reach is stopped and displayed without reaching the reach state. Such a decorative display variable display mode is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal shift”) variable display mode when the variable display result is an out-of-order design.

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

  In this embodiment, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the decorative symbols are all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas of the effect display device 9.

  Among the big hits, the “15R probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the 15-round big hit gaming state and shifts to the promiscuous state after the big hit gaming state ends. The “15R normal big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to a 15-round big hit gaming state and is shifted to a normal state (non-probability change state) after the big hit gaming state ends.

  Hereinafter, the 15R probability variation jackpot and the 15R normal jackpot may be collectively referred to as “15R jackpot”.

  Among the big hits, “sudden probability change big hit (surprise big hit)” is the number of times that the winning opening is less than “15R probability change big hit” or “15R normal big hit” (in this embodiment, 0.1 second The jackpot is allowed up to 2), but suddenly shifts to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state based on the probability change jackpot. “Suddenly probable big hit” is also called “surprise big hit”. In this embodiment, as will be described later, there are multiple types of “suddenly probable big hits”.

  When the display result (small hit symbol) that is a small hit is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b, the effect display device 9 has a variable symbol display mode of “decorative symbol”. In the same manner as in the case of “suddenly probable big hit”, after the decorative symbol is variably displayed, a predetermined small hit symbol (same as the sudden probable big hit symbol, for example, “135”) may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode. In this embodiment, as will be described later, there are multiple types of “small hits”.

  The “small hit” is a hit that is allowed up to the number of times that the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is smaller than that of the big hit (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 seconds is twice). When the small hit game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability variation state to the normal state or from the normal state to the certain variation state. In this embodiment, in the big hit gaming state and the small hit gaming state based on the sudden probability change big hit, the opening pattern of the big prize opening is the same. By controlling in such a way, if the winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly a big hit or a small hit, so a high probability state for the player (Probable change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, in this specification, it is set as the round of opening times also about a small hit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The effect control board 80 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM for storing information relating to effects such as decorative symbol process flags. The RAM may be externally attached. In this embodiment, the RAM in the production control microcomputer 100 is not backed up. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

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

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

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

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

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

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light emitter provided on the frame side such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED. Further, an electric current is supplied to the decoration LED 25 provided on the game board side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 4 ms.

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

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

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 are input via the input driver circuit 58, and their state is determined (switch processing: step S21). ).

  Next, the CPU 56 has a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). About the 1st special symbol display 8a, the 2nd special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output with respect to each display according to the content of the output buffer set by step S32, S33. Execute control.

  Also, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S24 and S25).

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

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 (step S30). Specifically, the payout control micro mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

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

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

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

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

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing decorative pattern variation patterns used when the variable display mode of the decorative pattern is “non-reach” and “reach” when the variable display result is an outlier pattern. It is. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a variation pattern of non-reach A11 to non-reach A14 can be used as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the decorative symbol variable display mode is “non-reach”. Further, as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the decorative symbol variable display mode is “reach”, variation patterns of normal A21 to normal A22 and super A31 to super A34 can be used.

  In this embodiment, the variation patterns of non-reach A11 to non-reach A14 that are not accompanied by reach effects are so-called normal variation patterns. However, a variation pattern of special effects such as “sliding” and “pseudo-ream” may be used (however, the stop symbol does not become a big hit symbol). In that case, it is preferable that the non-reach A14 having a long variation time is used as a variation pattern for special effects. “Slip” is displayed in such a manner that a decorative symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed in, for example, two symbol display areas of the left middle right symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9, and then the symbols are slid so as to slide. It is a variation pattern in which the design changes. “Pseudo-continuous” is an effect in which the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in all the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R, and then the decorative symbols are changed again (pseudo-continuous variation) in all the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R. This is a variation pattern in which display is performed a predetermined number of times.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern of decorative symbols used when the variable display result becomes a big hit symbol. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, normal A21-normal A22 and super A31-super A34 variation patterns can be used as variation patterns corresponding to the case where the variable symbol display result of special symbols is a big hit symbol. is there.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of jackpot (also called jackpot type: probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot described later) (for jackpot type determination)
(2) Random 2 (MR2): The type (type) of the variation pattern is determined (for variation pattern type determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5 (MR5): Determine the initial value of random 4 (for determining the initial value of random 4)

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is first determined by using the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) and then by using the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). One of the variation patterns included in the pattern type is determined. Thus, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined by a two-stage lottery process.

  The variation pattern type is a group of a plurality of variation patterns according to the characteristics of the variation mode. For example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by reach type, and include a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with normal reach, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with super reach A, and a variation pattern with super reach B. It may be divided into variable pattern types. In addition, when the pseudo-continuous effect is also configured to be executed, for example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by the number of re-variations of the pseudo-continuous, and a variation pattern type including a variation pattern that does not involve the pseudo-continuous and The variation pattern type including a variation pattern of one re-variation, the variation pattern type including a variation pattern of two re-variations, and the variation pattern type including a variation pattern of three re-variations may be divided. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns may be grouped according to the presence / absence of a specific effect such as a pseudo ream or a slip effect.

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot type determination random number (1) and the random number for determination per ordinary symbol (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 2, random 3, random 6) or initial value random numbers (random 5). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number.

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

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, it is decided to make a big hit (15R big hit described later, suddenly probable big hit) for the special symbol.

  9B and 9C are explanatory diagrams showing a small hit determination table. The small hit determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a small hit determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The small hit determination table includes a small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) used when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and a small hit determination table used when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. (For the second special symbol). Each value described in FIG. 9B is set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol), and in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol), the values shown in FIG. Each numerical value listed is set. Moreover, the numerical values described in FIGS. 9B and 9C are small hit determination values.

  When the random number value for big hit determination matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the CPU 56 determines to make a small hit for the special symbol. Note that “probability” shown in FIG. 9A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, the “probability” shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C indicates the probability (ratio) of making a small hit. Further, deciding whether or not to win a jackpot means deciding whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, but the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is determined. It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol. Further, determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit gaming state, but stopping in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It also means determining whether or not the symbol is to be a small hit symbol.

  In this embodiment, when it is decided to make a small hit, the type of the small hit (1, small hit 2, small hit 3, or small hit 4) is also determined. If it is decided to make a small hit, the type of small hit (small hit symbol) is determined using a random number for determining the small hit type (random number for determining the small hit symbol) etc. You may make it do.

  In the small hit game based on the small hit 1, the small hit 2, the small hit 3 and the small hit 4, the same game (the big winning opening is opened twice and the opening time is 0.1 second) is executed. When the small hit game based on the small hit 1, the small hit 2 and the small hit 3 ends, the production control means (production control microcomputer) starts a common production as will be described later. It should be noted that the effect control microcomputer does not execute a common effect even if the small hit game based on the small hit 4 that can occur only when variable display is executed on the second special symbol display 8b. Hereinafter, the small hit 1, the small hit 2, the small hit 3 and the small hit 4 may be collectively referred to as “small hit”.

  In this embodiment, for example, when the small hit is 1, the special symbol stop symbol is “24”, and when the small hit is 1, the special symbol stop symbol is “24” and the small hit is 2 The special symbol stop symbol is “29”, the special symbol stop symbol is “34” when the small hit is 3, and the special symbol stop symbol is “49” when the small hit is four. . That is, the type of the small hit and the stop symbol (small hit symbol) of the special symbol correspond to each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, when the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) is used, the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/300, whereas the small hit determination table is used. In the case where the determination table (second special symbol) is used, a case where a small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/3000 will be described. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the first start winning opening 13 and the first special symbol variation display is executed, the start winning prize is given to the second starting winning prize slot 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. The ratio determined as “small hit” is higher than when the variable display is executed.

  It should be noted that the small hit may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and the small hit may not be determined when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. In that case, the small hit determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is shifted to the time-shortening state, the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly executed. When the game state is a high base state, a small hit is generated, and when the stage is configured to cause the player to guess whether or not the high base state is reached, the current gaming state is Even though it is in a high base state, it makes the player feel annoying. However, if it is configured so that a small hit does not occur during the fluctuation display of the second special symbol, if the gaming state is a high base state, it is difficult for the small hit to occur and whether or not the probability change state is more than necessary. Thus, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyed.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot type determination table stored in the ROM 54. The jackpot type determination table shown in FIGS. 10 (A) and 10 (B) is a jackpot type determination table based on a random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type when the variable display result is determined to be a jackpot symbol. The types are “15R normal big hit”, “Crushing big hit 1”, “Crushing big hit 2”, “Crushing big hit 3”, “Cushing big hit 4”, “Crushing big hit 5”, “Crushing big hit 6”, “Bushing big hit 7” , A table referred to in order to determine one of “15R probability variation big hit”.

  In addition, in the big hit games based on one per rush accuracy, 2 per rush accuracy, 3 per rush accuracy, 4 per rush accuracy, 5 per lash accuracy, 6 per lash accuracy, and 7 per rush accuracy, the same game (the big prize opening is opened twice and opening time) Is executed for 0.1 second). When the big hit game based on the first hit per hit, the second hit per hit, the third hit per hit, the fourth hit per hit, the fifth hit per hit, and the sixth hit per hit, the effect control microcomputer starts a common effect as described later. The effect control microcomputer does not execute a common effect even if the big hit game based on the sudden big hit 7 that can be generated only when the variable display is executed on the second special symbol display 8b. In the following, the rush accuracy hit 1, the rush accuracy hit 2, the rush accuracy hit 3, the rush accuracy hit 4, the rush accuracy hit 5, the rush accuracy hit 6 and the rush accuracy hit 7 may be collectively referred to as “rush accuracy hit”.

  FIG. 10 (A) shows a case where the jackpot type is determined by using the hold memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the first special symbol variation display is performed). A big hit type determination table (for a first special symbol at a low probability) is shown. FIG. 10 (B) shows a case where the jackpot type is determined using the hold memory based on the game ball having won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner). A big hit type determination table (for the second special symbol) is shown.

  In the high base state, there are more opportunities for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than for the game ball to win the first start winning opening 13, so the second special symbol shown in FIG. There are many occasions where the big hit type determination table for use is used. Also, in the low base state, there is no opportunity for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14, so the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 10 (A) is used.

  FIG. 10C shows the sort ratio of the type of sudden hit when the variation display of the first special symbol is performed.

  Also, only when the variation display of the first special symbol is performed, it may be determined to be “surprise big hit”, and when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed, it is determined as “probable big hit”. It may not be done.

  Further, in this embodiment, as an example, the special symbol stop symbol is “11” when 15R normal big hit is reached, and the special symbol stop symbol is “20” when the big hit big hit is 1, and the critical big hit 2 The special symbol stop symbol is “25” when it becomes, the special symbol stop symbol is “30” when it becomes 3, and the special symbol stop symbol is “35” when it becomes 4 The special symbol stop symbol is “40” when the accuracy hit is 5, and the special symbol stop symbol is “45” when the accuracy hit is 6, and the special symbol stop symbol is “45” when the accuracy hit is 7. 50 "and the special symbol stop symbol is" 77 "when 15R probability variation big hit. That is, the type of jackpot corresponds to the special symbol stop symbol (big jackpot symbol).

  In this embodiment, the jackpot type is determined using a predetermined random number. However, as shown in FIG. 10, determining the jackpot type is equivalent to determining a special symbol stop symbol.

  In addition, when a special symbol stop symbol is determined using a predetermined random number, and a jackpot type is determined according to the determined special symbol type, one symbol or a plurality of symbols may be determined. Depending on the game state at that time, there may be a case where the game is shifted to the short time state after the end of the big hit game, or there is a case where it is not possible to shift to the time reduction state.

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

  Each of the big hit time variation pattern type determination tables 132A and 132B includes a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the value of the random number for random variation pattern determination (random 3), which is either a normal or super variation pattern type. Corresponding judgment value is set.

  The normal big hit variation pattern type judgment table 132A shown in FIG. 11A used when the big hit type is “normal big hit” and FIG. 11B used when the big hit type is “probable big hit”. In the probability variation big hit variation pattern type determination table 132B shown, assignment of determination values to normal and super variation pattern types is different.

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

  FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern type determination table 132C for small hit / probable big hit. The variation pattern type determination table 132C for small hits changes the variation pattern type to a random number (random 2) for determining the variation pattern type when it is determined that the variable display result is a small hit symbol or an abrupt large hit symbol. This is a table that is referred to in order to determine one of a plurality of types. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11C, when it is determined to be a small hit or a sudden big hit, the ratio that the normal is determined as the variation pattern type is high. In this embodiment, the distribution of normal reach and super reach is the same between the case where it is determined to be a small hit and the case where it is determined to be a sudden big hit, but it is a small hit. The ratio determined for normal reach and super reach may be different between the case where it is determined to be a big hit and the case where it is determined to be a sudden big hit.

  FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams showing the variation pattern type determination tables 134A and 134B at the time of loss stored in the ROM 54. FIG. The deviation variation pattern type determination tables 134A and 134B have a plurality of variation pattern types based on a variation pattern type determination random number (random 3) when it is determined that the variable display result is “out of range”. It is a table that is referred to in order to determine any of the above. The CPU 56 uses the deviation variation pattern type determination table 134A when the gaming state is the normal state, and uses the deviation variation pattern type determination table 134B when the gaming state is the probability variation state or the short time state. In addition, you may make it use the separate variation pattern classification judgment table at the time of a probability change state and a time-short state separately.

  In the loss variation pattern type determination table 134A, a value in the range of “1” to “201” is assigned to non-reach 1 corresponding to the case where the number of reserved storages is “0” to “2”. Further, values in the range of “202” to “234” are assigned to normal, and values in the range of “235” to “241” are assigned to supermarkets.

  Further, corresponding to the case where the number of reserved memories is “3”, “4”, a value in the range of “1” to “221” is assigned to non-reach 2. In addition, values in the range of “222” to “234” are assigned to normal, and values in the range of “235” to “241” are assigned to supermarkets.

  Then, the value in the range of “1” to “231” is assigned to the non-reach 3 corresponding to the case where the number of stored storage is “5” to “8”. Also, values in the range of “232” to “234” are assigned to normal, and values in the range of “235” to “241” are assigned to supermarkets.

  In the loss variation pattern type determination table 134B, a value in the range of “1” to “101” is assigned to non-reach 1 corresponding to the case where the number of reserved storages is “0” to “2”. ”To“ 201 ”are assigned to non-reach 4. Further, values in the range of “202” to “234” are assigned to normal, and values in the range of “235” to “241” are assigned to supermarkets.

  In addition, a value in the range of “1” to “231” is assigned to the non-reach 4 corresponding to the case where the number of stored storage is “3” to “8”. Also, values in the range of “232” to “234” are assigned to normal, and values in the range of “235” to “241” are assigned to supermarkets.

  With the setting as shown in FIG. 12, when the number of reserved memories is a predetermined number (for example, “3”) or more, the variable symbol display state of the decorative symbols is set to the reach state compared to when the number is less than the predetermined number. The rate at which the determination is made is reduced. In addition, the variation time of the average special symbol in the variation pattern corresponding to “non-reach” is set to be shorter than the variation time of the average special symbol in the variation pattern corresponding to “reach”. When the number of reserved memories is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the average special symbol variation time can be shortened compared to when the number is less than the predetermined number.

  In this embodiment, whether or not to reach is determined by the fluctuation pattern type determination random numbers 134A and 134B at the time of deviation from the variation pattern type determination random numbers. However, reach determination random numbers are used. When the value of the random number for use coincides with a predetermined determination value, it may be determined to reach. When a variation pattern of special effects such as “slip” or “pseudo-run” is used, in the variation pattern type determination table 134A at the time of loss, the non-reach variation pattern type is changed to a variation pattern including the variation pattern of special effects. The determination value may be set separately for the type and the variation pattern type that does not include the variation pattern of the special effect.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the variation pattern type determination table 134 at the time of loss, the number of pending storages is higher than the variation pattern type of a supermarket with a high expected degree of probability variation (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). Regardless of the value, the same number of determination values are assigned. Therefore, the CPU 56 can determine whether or not it is a super variation pattern type only by determining whether or not the value of the random number is in the numerical value range, regardless of the value of the reserved storage number.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a first effect time variation pattern type determination table 135A and a second effect time variation pattern type determination table 135B stored in the ROM 54. FIG.

  The variation pattern type determination table 135A for the first effect and the variation pattern type determination table 135B for the second effect have a common effect that is started when the small hit game or the big hit game based on the small hit or the sudden big hit ends. It is a variation pattern type determination table used when the display result of a special symbol is disregarded when being executed.

  The CPU 56 basically determines the variation pattern type using the variation pattern type determination table 135A at the time of the first presentation when the common presentation is being executed, but if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the second presentation is performed. The variation pattern type is determined using the hourly variation pattern type determination table 135B.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, when the variation pattern type is determined using the variation pattern type determination table 135A for the first performance, the reach variation pattern type is not selected. In other words, when the first effect time variation pattern type determination table 135A is used, a loss reach (a reach effect is executed but a display result is not a symbol) does not occur.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, when the variation pattern type is determined using the variation pattern type determination table 135B at the time of the second effect, the non-reach variation pattern type is not selected. That is, when the second effect time variation pattern type determination table 135B is used, the reach effect is always executed when the display result is an out-of-order symbol.

  In this embodiment, the same variation pattern type determination is performed even when a common presentation is started based on a small hit or a common presentation is started based on a sudden big hit. Although a table is used, a different variation pattern type determination table (different distribution pattern type distribution ratios) may be used depending on whether it is a small hit or a sudden big hit.

  Further, the distribution ratio of the variation pattern type may be changed according to the number of reserved storage at that time.

  Further, as will be described later, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern type determination table 135B at the time of the second effect when the variation of the predetermined time as the establishment of the predetermined condition is started. The type is determined, but the distribution ratio of the variation pattern type may be different at different predetermined times (for example, the eighth time and the eleventh time). As an example, the super reach is easily selected at the time when the number of fluctuations has advanced (in this example, the 11th time).

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a big hit variation pattern determination table 137 stored in the ROM 54. The big hit fluctuation pattern determination table 137 shows that when it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit”, the fluctuation pattern determination random number (random 4) is changed according to the change pattern type determination result. It is a table referred to in order to determine a pattern as one of a plurality of types. The jackpot variation pattern determination table 137 is a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the value of the variation pattern determination random number (random 4) for each variation pattern type, and the decorative symbol variable display result is “big hit”. Data (decision value) corresponding to one of a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to a certain case is set.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the deviation variation pattern determination table 138 stored in the ROM 54. The deviation variation pattern determination table 138 is a random number for variation pattern determination according to whether or not to reach the reach state and the determination result of the variation pattern type when it is determined that the variable display result is “out of range”. This is a table that is referred to in order to determine the variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on (Random 4).

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

  FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram showing a first effect variation pattern determination table 139A stored in the ROM 54. FIG. In the first effect variation pattern determination table 139A, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the random pattern random number (random 4) value according to the variation pattern type, and the variable display result of the decorative pattern is displayed. Data (determination value) for determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to the case of “out of” and the variable display mode “non-reach” is set. The first effect variation pattern determination table 139A is used when the variation pattern type is determined using the first effect variation pattern type determination table 135A shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram showing a second effect variation pattern determination table 139B stored in the ROM 54. In the second effect variation pattern determination table 139B, a numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the value of the random number (random 4) for variation pattern determination according to the variation pattern type, and the variable display result of the decorative design is displayed. Data (determination value) for determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to the case of “out of” and the variable display mode of “reach” is set. The second effect variation pattern determination table 139B is used when the variation pattern type is determined using the second effect variation pattern type determination table 135B shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the same variation pattern determination table is used regardless of whether a common effect is started based on a small hit or a common effect is started based on a sudden big hit. However, it is also possible to use different variation pattern determination tables (different variation pattern distribution ratios) depending on whether a small hit or a sudden big hit is reached.

  Further, the distribution ratio of the variation pattern may be changed in accordance with the number of reserved storage at that time.

  FIG. 17 is a timing diagram showing an example of the execution timing of the specific variation. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the execution timing of the specific variation, the occurrence rate of the small hit type, and the occurrence rate of the sudden hit type. The specific variation is a specific effect that is executed when a common effect is being executed.

  The occurrence ratio shown in FIG. 18 is that for “small hits”, the small hits, the small hits 2, and the small hits 3 with respect to the whole small hits (here, the small hits 1, the small hits 2 and the small hits 3). The rate of occurrence of each. In addition, the “rush accuracy big hit” is 1 for the bumpy big hit, 2 for the bumpy big hit, 2 for the bumpy big hit, 3 for the bumpy big hit, 4 for the bumpy big hit, 5 for the bumpy big hit, and 6 for the pinch big hit, This is the ratio of occurrence for each of 3 perceived accuracy per unit, 4 per unit per unit of accuracy, 5 per unit of perceived accuracy, and 6 per unit of perceived accuracy.

  Further, the “executed times” shown in FIG. 18 is a time when the variable display of decorative symbols is executed starting from the time when a common effect is started. For example, “executed times” being “2” means that a specific variation is executed in the variable display of decorative symbols executed the second time since the start of the common performance. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, after the small hit game or big hit game based on the small hit 1, the big hit 1 and the big hit 4 is finished (when the small hit game or the big hit game is finished, a common performance is started. .) Specific variation is executed in the variable display executed for the second time. Further, after the big hit game based on the sudden hit big hit 4 is finished, the specific variation is executed in the variable display executed at the 19th time. After the small hit game or the big hit game based on the small hit 2, the big hit big hit 2, and the big hit big hit 5, the specific variation is executed in the variable display executed the fifth time. Furthermore, after the big hit game based on the surprise big hit 5 is finished, the specific variation is executed in the variable display executed at the thirteenth time.

  After the small hit game or big hit game based on the small hit 3, the big hit 3 and the big hit 6, the specific variation is executed in the variable display executed at the eighth and eleventh times. Furthermore, after the big hit game based on the surprise big hit 6 is finished, the specific variation is executed in the variable display executed for the 17th time.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the timing at which the specific variation is executed is different after the small hit game is finished and after the big hit game is finished. Specifically, the execution timing is the same for the small hit 1, the small hit 2 and the small hit 3, and the rush hit large hit 1, the rush hit big hit 2 and the rush hit big hit 3, but the rush big hit 4, the rush big hit 5 and the rush big hit 6 There is no small hit that causes the specific variation to be executed in a pattern that is common to the timing pattern at which the specific variation is executed after the basic big hit game is completed. Therefore, based on the timing at which the specific variation is executed, it is possible for the player to estimate the gaming state (specifically, whether or not the certain variation state is present) to a certain extent, thereby further improving the interest of the game.

  In addition, as described above, the display results of special symbols for small hit 1, small hit 2, small hit 3, hit accuracy large hit 1, bump accuracy large hit 2, bump positive large hit 3, bump positive large hit 4, bump positive large hit 5, and bump positive large hit 6 are as follows: They are different (see FIG. 9B and FIG. 10A). That is, the small hit game state and the big hit game state based on them are different types of specific game states.

  In addition, the gaming state after the big hit game based on the sudden big hit is surely changed. The gaming state after the small hit game is not necessarily a promiscuous state (because the gaming state before the small hit game is started is maintained after the small hit game is completed).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the specific variation is executed more frequently after the big hit game based on the sudden big hit is completed, compared to after the small hit game is finished. Therefore, based on the number of times the specific variation is executed, the player can guess the game state to some extent, and the interest of the game can be further improved. In this embodiment, the specific variation is executed more frequently after the big hit game ends, but the specific change is executed more frequently after the small hit game ends. Also good.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, there are a small hit type and a sudden big hit type that are common times when the specific variation is executed. For example, in the case of a small hit 1 and a sudden big hit 1, a specific change is executed in the second variable display after the small hit game or the big hit game ends. According to such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to guess the gaming state based on the timing at which the specific variable display is executed.

  Furthermore, the ratio at which the specific variation is executed in the times common to the small hit and the probable big hit (in the examples shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, 2, 5, 8, 11) Compared to the probability big hit, it is larger. Therefore, while making it difficult for the player to guess the gaming state based on the timing at which the specific variation is executed, the gaming state can be guessed to some extent, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the rate at which the specific variation is executed at the second time is large in the case of small hits and small in the case of sudden hits. Further, the rate at which the specific variation is executed at times other than the second time is small in the case of small hits and large in the case of sudden hits. Therefore, the player can estimate the gaming state to some extent by the appearance timing of the specific variation.

  The specific variation is a variation state in which the player can expect to be in a specific gaming state (in this example, a big hit gaming state), but in this embodiment, the specific variation is a reach variation (reach variation). Variation with production). However, the reach variation is an example, and a variation due to another variation pattern (for example, a variation accompanied by a slide effect or a pseudo-continuous variation) or a variation accompanied by a notice effect may be used as the specific variation.

  Further, a special effect (a game effect that is not executed in other cases) may be executed instead of the specific change in the decorative symbol change period.

  FIGS. 19 and 20 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of a decorative symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of a special symbol. (Each corresponding to a variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the usable variation patterns shown in FIG. 6, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the command 80XX (H), the effect display device 9 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of decorative symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C0E (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit, whether to make a big hit, and a big hit type or a small hit type. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the decorative symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C0E (H). Therefore, the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C0E (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

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

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbols is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed.

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

  Commands A001, A201, and A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying a fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of a big hit game or a small hit game (hereinafter also referred to as a big hit start designation command or a fanfare designation command). . The effect control commands for designating the start of the big hit game or the small hit game include a big hit start 1 designation command, a big hit start 2 designation command, and a small hit / surprise big hit start designation command corresponding to the type of big hit.

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

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that the jackpot game is normally a big jackpot (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command). is there. Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there. The command A303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / surprise big hit end designation command) that designates the end of the small hit game or big hit game and specifies that the small hit or the big hit game has been hit.

  Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (low base state designation command) indicating that the gaming state is the low base state. Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (high base state designation command) indicating that the gaming state is the high base state. Command B003 (H) is an effect control command (low probability state designation command (also referred to as non-probability variation state designation command)) indicating that the gaming state is not a certain probability variation state. Command B004 (H) is an effect control command (high probability state designation command (also referred to as probability variation state designation command)) indicating that the gaming state is a probability variation state.

  The low base state designation command, the high base state designation command, the non-probability change state designation command, and the probability change state designation command may be collectively referred to as a gaming state designation command.

  The command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first start winning designation command) that designates that the first start winning has been won. The command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second start winning designation command) for designating that the second starting win has been won. The command C2XX (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage number designation command) for designating a total number (total pending storage number) that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C2XX (H) indicates the total pending storage number. The command C300 (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage count subtraction designation command) that designates that the total pending storage count is decremented by one. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a total pending memory count subtraction designation command when subtracting the total pending memory count, but does not use the total pending memory count subtraction designation command. When subtracting the total pending storage number, a total pending storage number designation command for designating the total pending storage number after subtraction may be transmitted.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIGS. 19 to 20, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70. To do.

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

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

  In addition, as the transmission method of the effect control command, the effect control command data is output from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 by the eight parallel signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7, In addition to the effect control command data, a method of outputting a pulse-shaped (rectangular wave-shaped) capture signal (effect control INT signal) for instructing capture of the effect control command data is used. The 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a start port switch passing process (step S321). Further, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where variable display of the special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 checks the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total pending storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether the display result of variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit or a small hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. If it is a small hit, the small hit flag is set. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. Note that the big hit flag and the small hit flag are reset when the big hit game or the small hit game ends.

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

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the design control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control to transmit the specified command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the decorative symbols when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. After the display result of the special symbol is derived and displayed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example) when the big hit flag is set. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0).

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S321. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first start port switch 13a is turned on (step S1211). If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter for counting the first reserved memory number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step). S1212). If the value of the first reserved memory number counter is 4, the process proceeds to step S1222.

  If the value of the first reserved memory number counter is not 4, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1213) and increases the value of the total reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1214).

  In the RAM 55, an area (hold buffer) for storing random numbers corresponding to the hold storage is secured. In the first reserved memory buffer, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved memory number is secured. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer.

  The CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (step S1216). In the process of step S1216, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. It should be noted that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start opening switch passage process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the first special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first start winning designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S1220), and sets the value of the total pending storage number counter to EXT data and sets the total pending storage number designation command. Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S1221).

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

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second start port switch 14a is turned on (step S1222). If the second start port switch 14a is on, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the second reserved memory number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step). S1223). If the value of the second reserved memory number counter is 4, the process is terminated.

  If the value of the second reserved memory number counter is not 4, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1224) and increases the value of the total reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1225).

  In addition, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (step S1227). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second start winning designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1231), and sets the value of the total pending storage number counter to the EXT data and sets the total pending storage number designation command. Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S1232).

  23 and 24 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the total pending storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the second pending number counter is 0 (step S52). If the value of the second reserved number counter is not 0, data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer (step S53). If the value of the second reserved number counter is 0, data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  By executing the processes of steps S52 to S54, the process (variation of special symbols) based on the hold storage stored in the second hold storage buffer is preferentially executed. That is, if the value of the second hold number counter is not 0, data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, and variable display is started based on the hold memory corresponding to the second start winning. It will be. The variable display is started based on the hold memory corresponding to the first start prize only when the value of the second hold number counter is 0 (when there is no hold memory based on the second start prize).

  It should be noted that the first special symbol variation display or the second special symbol variation display may be executed in accordance with the start winning order in which the game balls have won the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. Good.

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

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

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 saves the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Are stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, it is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Each random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1. In addition, the CPU 56 adds the values (values indicating “first” or “second”) stored in the storage area corresponding to the total reserved storage number = m (m = 2 to 8) in the reserved specific area. Store in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storage = m−1.

  Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or (Second reserved storage number) = 1, 2, 3, 4 in order. Further, the order in which the values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the total number of pending storages are extracted always matches the order of the total number of pending storages = 1-8.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determining random number) from the random number buffer area and determines whether or not to make a jackpot. That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot determination random number matches one of the jackpot determination values (see FIG. 9A) set in the jackpot determination table (step S61).

  When the gaming state is a probabilistic change state (high probability state), the probability that a big hit will be higher than when the gaming state is a non-probability changing state (normal game state and short-time state). Specifically, a jackpot determination table (a table in which the numerical value on the right side of FIG. 9A in the ROM 54 is set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values is set in advance, and the number of jackpot determination values are definitely changed. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical value on the left side of FIG. 9A in the ROM 54 is set) set to be smaller than the big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. In the gaming state (non-probability change state), the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches any of the big hit determination values shown in FIG.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be a 15R probability variable big hit or a sudden big hit, set in the process of ending the big hit game, and when the big hit is decided, the special symbol variation display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped. It is reset at the timing.

  If it is decided to win, the process proceeds to step S65. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  When it is confirmed in step S61 that the value of random R (random number for jackpot determination) does not match any of the jackpot determination values, the CPU 56 checks the small hit determination table (see FIGS. 9B and 9C). ) Is used to determine the small hits. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a small hit. When the value of the random R does not match the small hit determination value, that is, when it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S73. In the process of step S62, the CPU 56 confirms the data indicated by the special symbol pointer. If the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “first”, the small hit determination table (FIG. 9B) ( The first special symbol) is used to decide whether or not to make a small hit. If the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “second”, it is determined whether or not to make a small hit using the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. 9C. .

  Then, when the value of the big hit determination random number coincides with any of the small hit determination values (step S62), that is, when it is determined to be the small hit, the CPU 56 determines that it is a small hit. The small hit flag shown is set (step S63), and the type of the small hit is set in the hit type buffer formed in the RAM 55 (step S64). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a stop symbol corresponding to the small hit type is set in the hit type buffer. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S65, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected as a table used to determine the jackpot type as one of a plurality of types (step S66). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol shown in FIG. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects the big hit type determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select a type corresponding to the value of the random number (random 1) for determining the big hit type stored in the random number buffer area (“15R normal big hit”, “ "Crushing big hit", "15R probability variation big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S67).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the determined jackpot type in the hit type buffer (step S68). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a stop symbol corresponding to the big hit type is set in the hit type buffer. Then, the process proceeds to step S73.

  Next, the CPU 56 stores a special symbol stop symbol (step S73). When the big hit flag and the small hit flag are not set, “00” which is the off symbol is determined as a special symbol stop symbol.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S74).

  25 and 26 are flowcharts showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S81). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the specific effect flag (a flag indicating that the common effect is being executed) if it is set (step S82), and sets the variation pattern types to a plurality of types. One of the big hit variation pattern type determination tables 132A and 132B (see FIGS. 11A and 11B) is selected as a table used to determine one of them (step S83). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S85). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets if the specific effect flag is set (step S86), and uses it as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. Then, the small hit variation pattern type determination table 132C (see FIG. 11C) is selected (step S87). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the specific effect flag is set (step S91). The specific effect flag is set when the small hit game or the big hit game based on any one of the small hits 1 to 3 and the odd hits 1 to 6 is completed. (See Figure 30)

  When the specific effect flag is not set, the CPU 56 selects the deviation variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types (step S98). . Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  Note that if the total number of pending storages is less than 3 in the process of step S98, the CPU 56 selects the loss variation pattern type determination table 135A (see FIG. 12A). When the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern type determination table 135B (see FIG. 12B as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. ))).

  When the specific effect flag is set, the CPU 56 adds 1 to the value of the variation counter during the specific effect (step S92). If the value of the variation counter during specific production is “21” (meaning that 20 fluctuations have already been executed), the specific production flag is reset (steps S93 and S97), and the process proceeds to step S98. To do.

  When the value of the variation counter during specific effect is not “21”, the CPU 56 indicates that the value of the variation counter during specific effect is equivalent to the specific effect execution times (the time when the specific variation shown in FIG. 18 is executed). ) (Step S94).

  When the value of the variation counter during the specific effect is the specific effect execution time, the CPU 56 uses the second effect change pattern type as a table used to determine the change pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A determination table is selected (step S96). Then, the process proceeds to step S101. When the value of the variation counter during the specific effect is not the specific effect execution time, the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern type for the first effect as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A table is selected (step S95). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S101, the CPU 56 reads random 2 (variation pattern type determination random number) from the storage area (first holding storage buffer or second holding storage buffer), and selects the table selected in the processing of steps S83, S95, S96, or S98. The variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types by referring to.

  Next, the CPU 56 selects a table corresponding to the variation pattern type determined in step S101 in the variation pattern determination table (step S102).

  Note that the CPU 56 uses a variation pattern determination table corresponding to the variation pattern type determination table used when the variation pattern type is determined in the process of step S102. For example, when using a big hit fluctuation pattern type determination table (normal big hit fluctuation pattern type determination table 132A, a probable big hit fluctuation pattern type determination table 132B or a small hit / abrupt big hit big hit fluctuation pattern type determination table 132C). The big hit variation pattern determination table 137 is used.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the random number 3 (random number for variation pattern determination) from the storage area (first reservation storage buffer or second reservation storage buffer) (step S103), and refers to the variation pattern determination table to determine the variation pattern. One of a plurality of types is determined (step S104).

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

  Next, the CPU 56 starts changing the special symbol (step S107). Specifically, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S108). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S109).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command (see FIG. 19) of any one of the display result 1 designation to the display result 14 designation in accordance with the determined type of big hit or small hit and the deviation. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S111). If not set, the process proceeds to step S113. When the jackpot flag is set, control is performed to transmit any one of the display result 2 designation command to the display result 10 designation command shown in FIG. 19 according to the type of jackpot (step S112).

  In step S113, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set. When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit any one of the display result 11 designation command to the display result 14 designation command shown in FIG. 19 according to the type of the small hit ( Step S114). When the small hit flag is not set, that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (step S115).

  Then, the CPU 56 decreases the number of lighting of the special symbol reservation storage display by 1 (step S116). In the process of step S116, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decreases the number of lighting of the first special symbol hold storage display 18a by 1, and the special symbol pointer becomes “second”. ", The number of lighting of the second special symbol reservation storage display 18b is decreased by one. Further, control is performed to transmit the total pending storage number subtraction designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S117). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S118).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S125). When the variable time timer times out (step S126), the special symbol stop time symbol is derived and displayed (step S127), and the effect control is performed. Control is performed to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the microcomputer 100 (step S128). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S304) (step S129). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S132). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state if set (step S133). If the specific effect flag is set, the specific effect flag is reset (step S134), and the big hit start designation command (big hit start 1 designation command or big hit start 2 designation command) or small is sent to the production control microcomputer 100. Control is performed to transmit a hit / abrupt big hit start designation command (step S135). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is 15R normal jackpot or 15R probability variable jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command or jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. When the type of big hit is sudden hit big hit, a small hit / rush big hit start designation command is transmitted. The type of jackpot is determined based on the data indicating the jackpot type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the jackpot type buffer).

  In addition, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (time for notifying that the jackpot has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the jackpot control timer (step S137). Further, the number of times of opening is set in the number of times of opening counter (step S138). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S139). In the processing of S138, the CPU 56 sets 15 times when the big hit type is 15R big hit, and sets 2 times when the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set (step S140). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S147. If it is not set, it is checked whether or not a time reduction flag indicating a time reduction state is set (step S141). If not set, the process proceeds to step S147. If the time reduction flag is set, the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is decremented by 1 (step S142). When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S144), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S145). Further, control for transmitting a low base state designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S146).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S147). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a small hit / abrupt big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S148). In addition, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the small hit has occurred) is set in the big prize opening control timer (step S149). Further, the number of times of opening (specifically, twice) is set in the number of times of opening counter (step S150). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S308) (step S151).

  If the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S152).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the big hit end display timer is not set, the big hit flag is reset (step S161), and a big hit end designation command (big hit end 1 designation command or big hit end 2 designation command) or a small hit / abrupt big hit end designation command is issued. Transmission control is performed (step S162). Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

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

  If the jackpot end display time has elapsed, the CPU 56 checks the jackpot type (step S166). When the big hit type is 15R probability variation big hit or sudden hit big hit, the process proceeds to step S167.

  If the 15R probability variable big hit is not a sudden big hit (if 15R normal big hit), the time counter is set to 100 (step S173), and the time is shortened to make the gaming state shorter (high base state). A flag is set (step S174). Then, control goes to a step S175.

  In step S167, the CPU 56 sets a probability variation flag. In addition, it is confirmed whether or not the 15R probability variation big hit has occurred (step S168). If it is a 15R probability variation big hit, a time reduction flag is set (step S169).

  If it is not the 15R probability variation big hit, the CPU 56 is on the condition that it is not the sudden hit big hit 7 (which occurs only when the second special symbol is changed) (step S170), and the specific effect flag Is set (step S171), and the value of the variation counter during specific effects is initialized to 0 (step S172). Then, control goes to a step S175.

  Note that the CPU 56 may set a time reduction flag in order to set the gaming state to the high base state in the case of a big hit. Further, when the game is a big hit, the high base state may be set when the gaming state is a high base state or a probable change state (high probability state). In addition, it may be determined by lottery whether the gaming state is set to the high base state or the low base state. In addition, it may be determined whether the high base state or the low base state is set according to the type of sudden hit. For example, the high base state or the low base state is determined according to the type of stop symbol combination of the determined type of sudden hit. Also, for the 15R normal big hit, there are a plurality of types of stop symbols corresponding to the 15R normal big hit, and it is determined whether to set the high base state or the low base state according to the determined stop symbol type. You may do it.

  The time reduction flag is used to determine whether or not to shorten the variation time of the special symbol. The hour / short flag is also used to determine whether or not to increase the opening time of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 or increase the number of times of opening. In this case, specifically, in the normal symbol process (see step S27), the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the time reduction flag is set when the normal symbol variation display result is a win. If it is, the control is performed to open the variable winning ball device 15 by extending the opening time or increasing the number of times of opening. In addition, in the normal symbol process (see step S27), the CPU 56 determines whether the normal symbol variation display result is more favorable when the hour / hour flag is set than when the hour / hour flag is not set. Increase the probability of winning (ratio determined per winning) in the lottery of no. That is, the state in which the time reduction state is set is the high base state.

  In step S175, the CPU 56 sends a gaming state designation command (low base state designation command, high base state designation command, non-probable variation state designation command or certain variation state designation command) corresponding to the current gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100. Control to send. In the process of step S174, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a high base state designation command when the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set. When the time reduction flag is not set, control for transmitting a low base state designation command is performed. Further, when the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set, control for transmitting the probability variation state designation command is performed. When the probability variation flag is not set, control for transmitting a non-probability variation state designation command is performed.

  In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a game state designation command every time the big hit game ends. For example, before the game state designation command is transmitted, the game state changes. It may be determined whether or not a game state designation command corresponding to the changed game state may be transmitted only when the game state has changed.

  Thereafter, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S176).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the small hit end process (step S310) in the special symbol process. In the small hit end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit end display timer is set (step S180). If the small hit end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S184. If the small hit end display timer is not set, the small hit flag is reset (step S181), and a control for transmitting a small hit / probable big hit end designation command is performed (step S182). Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (small hit end display time) is set in the small hit end display timer (step S183). finish.

  In step S184, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the small hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the small hit end display time has elapsed (step S185). If not, the process ends.

  When the small hit end display time has elapsed, the CPU 56 confirms the type of the small hit (step S186). When the type of the small hit is 4 (occurs only when the second special symbol is changed), the process proceeds to step S189.

  If the type of the small hit is not 4 for the small hit, the CPU 56 sets a specific effect flag (step S187), and initializes the value of the specific effect variation counter to 0 (step S188).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S189).

  When the small hit game ends, the CPU 56 does not execute control for changing the game state. That is, the processing for setting or resetting the time reduction flag is not executed. As a result, if the gaming state before being determined to be a small hit is a short-time state (a state where the short-time flag is set), the short-time state is maintained after the small hit game is over. Also, the processing for setting or resetting the probability variation flag is not executed. As a result, if the gaming state before being determined to be a small hit is a probability variation state (a state where the probability variation flag is set), the probability variation state is maintained after the small hit game is ended.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating the counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (step S702). Then, the timer interrupt flag is monitored (step S703). If the timer interrupt flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S702. When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S704), and executes the effect control process of steps S705 to S706.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S705).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S706). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and a ring buffer type command reception buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands. (Formed in RAM). A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 analyzes which command (see FIGS. 19 to 20) is the effect control command stored in the command reception buffer.

  33 to 34 are flowcharts showing specific examples of the command analysis processing (step S705). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 14 designation command) in the RAM. Is stored in the display result designation command storage area (step S618).

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

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start designation command (a jackpot start 1 designation command or a jackpot start 2 designation command) (step S621), the presentation control CPU 101 designates a corresponding jackpot start designation command reception flag (a jackpot start 1 designation command). Command reception flag or jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag) is set (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is a small hit / abrupt big hit start designation command (step S625), the production control CPU 101 sets a small hit / abrupt big hit start designation command reception flag (step S626).

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end designation command (a jackpot end 1 designation command or a jackpot end 2 designation command) (step S635), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot / small hit end designation command reception flag ( Step S636).

  If the received effect control command is a small hit / abrupt big hit end designation command (step S637), the production control CPU 101 sets a small hit / abrupt big hit end designation command reception flag (step S638).

  If the received presentation control command is a combined pending storage number designation command (step S641), the presentation control CPU 101 displays the number indicated by the second byte data (EXT data) of the combined pending storage number designation command. Is displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c (step S642).

  If the received effect control command is a total pending storage number subtraction designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 erases the first on-hold display in the total on-hold storage display unit 18c and sets the remaining on-hold display to 1. The information is shifted one by one, and the total pending storage number display in the total pending storage display unit 18c is updated (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is a gaming state designation command (low base state designation command, high base state designation command, non-probability change state designation command or probability change state designation command: see FIG. 20) (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 Sets a value corresponding to the gaming state specified by the received gaming state designation command in the area of the gaming state data secured in the RAM (step S646). Hereinafter, the value set in the gaming state data area is referred to as gaming state data.

  As an example, if the gaming state specified by the current gaming state and the received gaming state designation command is a low probability low base state (non-probability non-short-time state), the gaming state data is set to “01”. If the low probability high base state (non-probability short state), the game state data is set to “02”. If the high probability low base state (probability non-short-time state), the game state data is set to “03”. If it is a high probability high base state (probability change short state), the game state data is set to “04”.

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S691). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S706) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled to realize variable display of decorative symbols, but control related to variable display of decorative symbols synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to variable display of decorative symbols synchronized with the variation of special symbols is also executed in one effect control process.

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

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

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

  Decoration symbol variation stop process (step S803): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the ornament symbol is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Take control. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit / small hit display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

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

  In-round processing (step S805): Display control during round is performed. If the round end condition is satisfied, if the final round has not ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-round processing (step S806). If the final round has ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit / small hit end effect process (step S807).

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. When the round start condition is satisfied, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round process (step S805).

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

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads the received variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area of the RAM (step S820). Further, the display result of the decorative symbol (stop symbol) is determined according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display specific specifying command) (step S821). The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined decorative symbol stop pattern in the decorative symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a decorative symbol stop pattern in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 38, when the received display result designation command indicates a 15R normal jackpot (when the received display result designation command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 displays the stop symbol. As a result, a combination of effect symbols in which 3 symbols are even-numbered symbols (a stop symbol that usually reminds of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates a 15R probability variation jackpot (when the received display result designation command is a display result 10 designation command), the production control CPU 101 uses 3 symbols as stop symbols as odd symbols ( The combination of production symbols arranged in a stop symbol that recalls the occurrence of a probable big hit is determined.

  When the received display result designation command indicates a sudden big hit or small hit (the received display result designation command is a display result 3 to display result 9 designation command or a display result 11 to display result 14 designation command). ), The effect control CPU 101 determines a combination of “135”, which is a chance as a stop symbol.

  And in the case of detachment (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined.

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

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

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the variation pattern is a super reach variation pattern (step S822). Whether or not the pattern is a super reach variation pattern is confirmed by a change pattern command stored in the variation pattern command storage area. When the variation pattern is a super reach variation pattern, reach type determination processing is executed (step S823). The reach type determination process is a process of determining the type of reach effect as one of α1 to α5 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) by lottery using random numbers, for example.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command (when reach type determination processing is executed, a process table corresponding to the determined reach type). (Step S831).

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data related to the content of the display screen of the effect display device 9 (for example, the content of the display effect executed in response to the variable display of the decorative design) is described. Further, the control time in the display content is set in the process timer set value. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and controls the effect device (effect parts) for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 39 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. In addition, the process table is prepared according to each variation pattern (when the reach type determination process is executed, according to the determined reach type). In addition, a process table is also provided for executing effects related to jackpot notification and effects during the jackpot game. A process table for executing effects during the big hit game is prepared for each type of big hit (big hit type).

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

  In this embodiment, the image data related to the variation of the decorative design is not set in the process table. The variation of the decorative pattern itself is directly controlled by the effect control CPU 101 without using the process table.

  In step S831 shown in FIG. 37, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table according to the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command and the determined reach type.

  The effect control CPU 101 starts a process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table (step S832). Further, in accordance with the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), an effect device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, various lamps and speakers 27 as effect components) The control is executed (step S833). That is, according to the display control execution data, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, except for super reach, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the decorative pattern is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The CPU 101 may select a variation pattern to be used from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to the variation pattern command even in cases other than super reach.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S834). Further, a predetermined time is set in the fluctuation control timer (step S835). Note that the predetermined time is, for example, 30 ms, and the presentation control CPU 101 writes image data indicating the display state of the left, middle, and right decorative patterns to the VRAM every time the predetermined time elapses, and image data in which the VDP 109 is written to the VRAM. Is output to the effect display device 9, and the effect display device 9 displays an image corresponding to the signal, whereby the variation of the decorative design is realized. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S802) (step S836).

  When the image control CPU 101 writes image data in a predetermined area of the VRAM, the effect control CPU 101 actually performs control to write the image data into the VRAM, for example, in a V blank interrupt process based on the V blank interrupt. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 temporarily stores data to be written to the VRAM in a predetermined area of the RAM, and performs control to write the data in the predetermined area of the RAM to the VRAM by the V blank interrupt process. The V blank interrupt is an interrupt generated by the VDP 109 in the same cycle as the cycle of the vertical synchronization signal supplied to the effect display device 9. For example, when the screen change frequency (frame frequency) of the effect display device 9 is 30 Hz, the generation period of the V blank interruption is 33.3 ms, and when the frame frequency is 60 Hz, the occurrence of the V blank interruption is generated. The period is 16.7 ms. In this example, data is written to the VRAM by the V blank interrupt processing, but data may be written to the VRAM in other processing. Other processes are, for example, a timer interrupt based on a timer built in for production control, or a decorative symbol changing process. In addition, when the process which writes data in VRAM in other processes is performed, it is preferable to perform the process for synchronizing with an execution period and the period of V blank interruption regularly, for example.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S802) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 decrements the values of the process timer, variation time timer, and variation control timer by −1 (steps S8100, S8101, and S8102).

  Further, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S8103). If the process timer has timed out, the process data is switched. That is, the process timer is started again by setting the process timer setting value set next in the process table in the process timer (step S8104). Further, the control state for the effect device (effect parts) is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8105).

  If the variation control timer has timed out (step S8109), the effect control CPU 101 displays the next display screen of the left, middle and right decorative symbols (30 ms after the previous decorative symbol display switching time). Image data of the power screen is created and written in a predetermined area of the VRAM (step S8110). In this way, the effect control device 9 implements decorative pattern variation control. The VDP 109 outputs a signal based on data obtained by superimposing image data of a predetermined area and image data based on display control execution data set in the process table to the effect display device 9. As such, the effect control device 9 displays the background image, the character image, and the decorative design in the decorative design variation. Further, a predetermined value (for example, a value corresponding to 30 ms) is reset in the variation control timer (step S8111).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the variable time timer has timed out (step S8112). When the variation time timer has timed out, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S8114). Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S8113), the effect control CPU 101 executes the process of step S8114.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation stopping process, the effect control CPU 101 performs control for deriving and displaying the stopped symbol in accordance with the data (data indicating the stopped symbol) stored in the decorative symbol display result storage area (step S8301).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is decided to make a big hit or a small hit (step S8302). Whether or not it is decided to make a big hit or a small hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit according to the determined stop symbol. If it is not determined to be a big hit or a small hit, the process shifts to step S8303.

  When it is determined that the big hit or the small hit is made, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the effect (fanfare effect) for notifying the start of the big hit or the small hit (step S8311).

  Then, the production control CPU 101 starts a process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table (step S8312). Further, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), an effect device (the effect display device 9 as an effect component, various lamps as an effect component, and an effect component) Control of the speaker 27) is executed (step S8313).

  Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit / small hit display process (step S804) (step S8314).

  In step S8303, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a common effect flag indicating that a common effect (common effect) is being executed is set. If the common effect flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S8308. If the common effect flag is set, the value of the common effect changing frequency counter is incremented by 1 (step S8304).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the common effect changing frequency counter becomes “20” (step S 8305). If the value of the common effect variation counter is not “20”, the process proceeds to step S8308. When the value of the counter counter for the number of changes during common effects is “20” (meaning that 20 variations of decorative symbols have been executed since the common effect flag was set), the common effect flag is set. Reset is performed (step S8306). Further, the background screen in the effect display device 9 is changed to a normal screen (a screen that is not a common effect) (step S8307).

  Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S8308).

  When the background screen in the effect display device 9 is changed to a normal screen (a screen that is not a common effect), the control state related to the variation pattern of the game control means (the variation pattern selection state) is the same as when the common effect is executed. From the state (specifically, the state using the variation pattern type determination table 135A for the first effect and the variation pattern type determination table 135B for the second effect shown in FIG. 13) from the normal state (not in the common effect) State: specifically, a state in which the table shown in FIG. 12 is used.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 displays the background screen in the effect display device 9 when variable display (fluctuation) is performed a predetermined number of times (in this example, 20 times) after the common effect is started. It always returns to the normal screen, but it is different from the normal screen and is changed to a screen corresponding to the gaming state (high probability state / low probability state), and the actual gaming state (high probability state or low probability state) ) May be understood by the player.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the big hit / small hit end effect process (step S807) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the big hit / small hit end effect process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the big hit end effect timer is in operation (step S881). If the big hit end effect timer is operating, the process proceeds to step S891. When the jackpot end effect timer is not in operation, a jackpot end designation command reception flag (a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag, a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag) indicating that a jackpot termination designation command has been received or a small hit / surprise It is confirmed whether or not a small hit / abrupt big hit end specifying command reception flag indicating that a big hit end specifying command has been received is set (step S882).

  When the big hit end designation command reception flag or the small hit / surprise big hit end designation command reception flag is set, the big hit end display timer is set to a value corresponding to the big hit end display time or the small hit display time (step In step S883, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a jackpot end screen (screen for informing the end of the jackpot game) or a small hit end screen (step S884). Specifically, an instruction for displaying the big hit end screen or the small hit end screen is given to the VDP 109. In step S884, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the same screen for the case of sudden probability change big hit and the case of small hit.

  In step S891, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end effect time has elapsed (step S892). If not, the process ends.

  If the value of the big hit end effect timer is 0, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to step S885 if the small hit / abrupt big hit end designation command reception flag is not set. If the small hit / surprise large hit end command reception flag is set (if it is a small hit or a sudden big hit), it is confirmed whether the small hit is 4 or the sudden big hit is 7 (step S893). Whether or not the small hit is 4 or the sudden hit is 7 is confirmed by the display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. If it is 4 per hit or 7 per hit, the process proceeds to step S885.

  When it is not the small hit 4 or the sudden hit 7, the effect control CPU 101 sets the background in the effect display device 9 to the background 1 or the background 2 (see FIG. 43) as the background of the common effect (step S895). . Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a common effect flag in the RAM (step S896), and initializes the value of the common effect changing frequency counter to 0 (step S897).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 resets the big hit and small hit end flags (small hit / surprise big hit end command reception flag or the like) (step S898), and changes the value of the effect control process flag to the variation pattern command reception waiting process. The value is updated according to (Step S800) (Step S899).

  In step S885, the effect control CPU 101 changes the background screen of the effect display device 9 to a normal screen (a screen that is not a common effect). If the common effect flag is set, the common effect flag is reset (step S886). Then, control goes to a step S898.

  FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background screen during a specific effect (during execution of a common effect). FIG. 43A shows an example of the background 1, and FIG. 43B shows an example of the background 2. In this embodiment, the background 1 screen is a blue tone screen, and the background 2 screen is a red tone screen. FIG. 43 also shows left, middle, and right decorative symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R.

  Further, the screen of background 1 is likely to appear in the normal gaming state (for example, non-probability change state), and the screen of background 2 is likely to appear in the special game state (for example, probability change state). In order to achieve such an appearance status, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether the background in the effect display device 9 is set to the background 1 or the background 2 by, for example, lottery when executing the process of step S895. At this time, if the gaming state is the normal gaming state, the background 1 is selected at a high rate. If the gaming state is the special gaming state, the background 2 is selected at a high rate. Whether or not the game state is the normal game state is specified by the value of the game state data set in the game state data area (see steps S645 and S646 in FIG. 34).

  In the case of a big hit (corresponding to a special game state), regardless of the type (any one of the big hits 1 to 6), the background 1 or the background 2 is set at the same rate. It may be made to determine whether it is 1 to 6 per unit of accuracy, or 1 to 3 per unit of accuracy (considering the comparison with 1 to 3 per unit) ), The ratio of determining whether to use the background 1 or the background 2 may be varied. As an example, in the case where the determination ratio of whether to use the background 1 or the background 2 is made different depending on whether the value is 1 to 3 per unit of suddenness, the ratio that is determined to be the background 2 when the unit is 3 The highest.

  In the case of small hits (corresponding to the case of the normal game state), regardless of the type (any of small hits 1 to 3), the background 1 or the background 2 is set at the same rate However, the ratio of determining whether to use the background 1 or the background 2 may be varied depending on which of the small hits is 1 to 3. As an example, in the case where the determination ratio of the background 1 or the background 2 is made different depending on which one of the small hits is 1 to 3, the ratio determined as the background 2 when the small hit is 3 The highest.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 executes specific fluctuation (reach fluctuation in this example) at a predetermined timing when the common production is being executed. The special game state in the state where the common effect is executed by increasing the player's interest in the common effect because the control is performed so that the predetermined timing changes according to the type of big hit / small hit when the common effect starts. It is possible to increase the player's expectation for the game, and to further improve the interest of the game.

  In this embodiment, the specific variation is executed once or discretely multiple times (see FIG. 17), but a plurality of consecutive times (for example, 2 to 3 times or 10 times). The specific variation may be executed over variable display (variation). When executing such control, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 determines that the value of the specific effect variation counter is set to the specific effect execution time (specific change shown in FIG. 18) in the process of step S94 in FIG. Is confirmed), a predetermined flag is set. Thereafter, when the predetermined flag is set, the CPU 56 executes the process of step S96 and increments a predetermined counter for counting a plurality of variable displays. If the predetermined flag is set but the counter value is a predetermined value (corresponding to the number of variable displays for executing the specific variation), the predetermined flag is reset and the process of step S95 is executed. .

  Further, in the case where the specific variation is executed over a plurality of variable displays (variations), the continuous number of times may be a fixed number of times, or may be selected from various numbers of times. In that case, when the gaming state is the special gaming state, it is preferable to perform control so that a greater number of consecutive times can be easily selected than when the gaming state is the normal gaming state.

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the game control microcomputer 560 executes the specific change when the common effect is being executed. However, whether or not the effect control microcomputer 100 executes the specific change. It may be determined whether or not. When determining whether or not the production control microcomputer 100 executes the specific variation, for example, when executing the common production, the value of the common production variation number counter matches the specific production execution time. In addition, the reach effect is performed during the variation of the decorative design, and when the value of the counter counter for the number of changes during the common performance does not match the specific performance execution time, the reach control is controlled not to be performed during the variation of the decorative design.

  Further, in this embodiment, the trigger for starting the common performance is the occurrence of a small hit or the occurrence of a sudden big hit (specifically, the end of a small hit game or the end of a big hit game). May be an opportunity to start the common performance.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, since three specific fluctuations may be executed only in the case of a big hit (see the big hit 6 in FIG. 17), a common effect is executed. If the specific effect is executed three times when the player is playing, the player can recognize that the gaming state is the special gaming state (specifically, the probability variation state), but the number of times that the player can grasp the small hit (For example, three times) may be set.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a winning at the second start opening occurs, the specific effect is not executed (the small hit 4 that can be selected when the winning at the second starting opening occurs (FIG. 9 (C )) And the maximum likelihood hit 7 (see FIG. 10 (B)), since the specific effect is not executed: Step S170 in FIG. 30 and Step S186 in FIG. 31), the high base state (substantially in the low base state). In comparison with the gaming state in which a winning to the second starting port is likely to occur, the specific variation is not executed. However, the specific variation may be executed even in the high base state.

  In this embodiment, only the non-reach variation pattern is set in the first effect variation pattern table 139A shown in FIG. 16A, and the second effect variation pattern table 139B shown in FIG. Although only the reach variation pattern is set, the reach variation pattern may be set with a small selection ratio in the first effect variation pattern table 139A. Further, in the second effect variation pattern table 139B, the non-reach variation pattern may be set with a small selection ratio.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, after the common effect is started, the common effect ends when 20 fluctuations are executed. However, the 20 times is an example, and the period is longer or shorter. The specific performance may be continued.

  In this embodiment, the first effect data (corresponding to the first effect fluctuation pattern table 139A shown in FIG. 16A) and the second effect data (the second effect fluctuation pattern table 139B shown in FIG. 16B). 2 types of effect data is used, but three or more types of effect data may be used.

  For example, the third effect data that can select either the specific variation or the non-specific variation is provided, and at the execution timing of the specific variation that appears after using the second effect data, the effect determined using the third effect data ( Specific fluctuation or non-specific fluctuation) may be selected.

  Also, for example, when the third effect data that can select both the specific change and the non-specific change is provided and the first effect data in the above embodiment is used (when the second effect data is not used), An effect (specific fluctuation or non-specific fluctuation) determined using the third effect data may be selected.

  Further, whether or not the third effect data is used may be determined by lottery. In this case, the ratio at which the third effect data is selected may be changed depending on whether the trigger for starting the common effect is a small hit or a sudden big hit.

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

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game machine uses a game medium as an example. However, the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media, and a game ball It is also possible to apply the present invention to an enclosed game machine that encloses a game medium such as a prize and gives a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied.

  The present invention is preferably applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine capable of a predetermined game.

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

Claims (1)

Controls to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each of them and derives and displays the display result, and makes a predetermined transition A gaming machine that controls the display result of the variable display of the identification information to be the specific display result more easily than when the normal gaming state is based on the condition being satisfied,
A common effect execution means for executing a common effect between the case where the game state is the special game state and the case where the game state is not the special game state after the specific game state ends;
Either the first data in which data for determining the variable display mode of the identification information is set or the second data in which the data is set so that the specific variable display is more easily executed than the first data is used. A variable display determining means for determining a variable display mode;
Data switching means for switching the data used by the variable display determination means from the first data to the second data at a predetermined timing after the common performance is started;
The common effect execution means may or may not execute the common effect after the specific gaming state has ended.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the data switching means switches data at a timing according to the specific gaming state that triggered the common performance.

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