JP2014057618A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent continuous repetition of a suggestive performance, and to prevent a player from feeling unpleasant even if executing an informing performance while executing the suggestive performance in a special game state.SOLUTION: In execution of another countdown performance after execution of an additional informing performance after execution of a countdown performance, a period longer than a specific period for executing the countdown performance is informed by an additional informing performance. Thus, even if the countdown performance is executed and the additional informing performance is executed in the time-shortening state, continuous repetition of a countdown performance can be prevented, and unpleasantness of a payer can be prevented.

Description

  The present invention controls a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable and deriving and displaying the display result. It relates to a gaming machine.

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

  The specific game state means a state advantageous for a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific game state has a right to be in an advantageous state for a player who easily wins a game medium (a big hit game state), for example, a state of a special variable prize-winning device, or a state advantageous for a player. A state in which a predetermined game value such as a state or a state in which a condition for giving out premium game media is easily established is given.

  In such a gaming machine, the fact that the display result of the variable display device that displays the symbol as identification information is a combination of specific display modes (specific display result) determined in advance is generally referred to as “big hit”. When a big win occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game medium shifts to a specific gaming state (a big winning gaming state) where the game medium is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. An opening time (for example, 30 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses.

  In addition, some of such gaming machines shift to a special gaming state (for example, a short-time gaming state or a probable variation gaming state) that is different from the specific gaming state and is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. In such a gaming machine, the period until the transition to the normal gaming state after performing an effect suggesting a period shorter than the period actually required as the period until the transition to the normal gaming state in the special gaming state There is one that performs a notification effect to notify the user as if it was added (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, there is a technique for encouraging a player by executing a suggestion effect that suggests a period until a transition from a special gaming state to a normal gaming state is made every predetermined period (for example, every time variable information is displayed) (for example, , See Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-577 (paragraphs 0165-0175) JP 2010-158367 A (paragraph 0171-0178)

  However, in the special gaming state, while performing the suggestion effect that suggests the period until the transition to the normal gaming state every predetermined period, the notification is performed as if the period until the transition to the normal gaming state is added, Since the suggestive effect may be repeatedly executed continuously more than necessary, the player may feel annoyed and the interest may be reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention can prevent the suggestion effect from being repeated continuously even when the notification is executed while the suggestion effect is being executed in the special gaming state, and the player is uncomfortable. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that prevents this.

  (Means 1) The gaming machine according to the present invention is a variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, the first special symbol and the second special symbol) that can identify each of them and deriving and displaying the display result ( For example, the first special symbol display unit 8a, the second special symbol display unit 8b) when a specific display result (for example, a jackpot symbol) is derived and displayed, a specific gaming state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to the player Special game state control means (for example, step S168 in the game control microcomputer 560) that controls to a special game state (for example, a short time state) advantageous to the player that is different from the specific game state. (Execution part) and period determining means (for example, determining a period for controlling to the special gaming state from among a plurality of types (for example, 40, 60, and 100 symbol variations) In the game control microcomputer 560, the portion for determining the time-short state by determining the jackpot type in step S73), and the period for controlling to the special game state, than the period determined by the period determining means Predetermined period notifying means for notifying a short predetermined period (for example, the part for selecting process data corresponding to the time-short ending effect in step S3703 in the effect control microcomputer 100 and executing step S974), and during the control of the special gaming state Then, after the predetermined period is notified by the predetermined period notification means, at least a part of the remaining period (for example, 2 times or 10 times) of the period to be controlled to the special game state determined by the period determination means. , A special period to be notified as a special period to be added to the notified predetermined period Notification means (for example, the part that executes step S8105 in accordance with the process data switched in step S8107 in the production control microcomputer 100), and the remaining period of the notified period is at least a specific period (for example, five symbol variations). Suggestion effect execution means for executing the suggestion effect (for example, a countdown effect) suggesting the remaining period of the notified period (for example, selected in steps S8007 and S8008 in the effect control microcomputer 100) In accordance with the processed data), and the special period notifying means executes the suggestion effect again after executing the notification after the suggestion effect is executed by the suggestion effect executing means. As a special period A period longer than a specific period is informed (for example, after performing the count-down effect in the effect control microcomputer 100 and executing the additional notification effect of adding 10 symbol variations, the effect restriction flag is reset. Step S8105 is executed again according to the process data selected in step S8008). According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the suggestive effects from being repeated continuously, and to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  (Means 2) In the means 1, the suggestion effect execution means executes a suggestion effect, and then the special period notification means causes a special period (for example, two symbol variations) shorter than a specific period (for example, five symbol variations). Is notified again, for example, the execution of the suggestion effect is restricted again (for example, in the effect control microcomputer 100, two symbol fluctuation addition notification effects were executed in Y of step S8110 and step S8111). The production restriction flag may be reset in this case. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the suggestion effect from being repeated, and to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  (Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the special period notifying means notifies in different manners depending on which period is controlled to the special game state (for example, the addition in the production control microcomputer 100). Step S8105 may be executed in accordance with the process table switched in step S8107 using the additional number of notifications determined using the notification count determination table 135). According to such a configuration, attention can also be paid to the mode of notification effect.

  (Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the common effect execution means (for example, the effect control micro) that executes the common common effect regardless of which period the period for controlling to the special gaming state is. A portion where step S8015 and step S8105 are executed according to the process data selected in S8008 of the computer 100) and a period controlled to the special gaming state is the first period (for example, 60 symbol variations), a plurality of During the first half of the period in which variable display is executed a plurality of times before variable display at the timing when the second period (for example, 40 symbol fluctuations) ends, which is shorter than the first period. Continuation notification means for notifying that the special gaming state continues for the first period (for example, switching by the microcomputer 100 for effect control) It may be provided with a portion) and performing step S8105 according to the process table. According to such a configuration, since continuous notification is performed in a specific period over a plurality of variable displays, it is possible to improve the interest of the special gaming state.

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 the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 4 ms timer interruption process. 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 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 explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a pending | holding buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the addition notification frequency determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end effect process. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows the timing chart in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows the timing chart in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows the example of a display during countdown production. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows the example of a display in countdown effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing chart in a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the continuous alerting | reporting effect in a modification.

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

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

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

  The member that forms the extra ball tray (lower tray) 4 is configured in a stick shape (bar shape), for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower tray main body (for example, the central portion of the lower tray). Is attached to the stick controller 122 that can be tilted in a plurality of directions (front and rear, left and right). It should be noted that the stick controller 122 has a predetermined operation, for example, by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) while the player holds the operation rod of the stick controller 122 with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). A trigger button 121 (see FIG. 3) capable of performing an instruction operation is provided, and a trigger sensor 125 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a predetermined instruction operation by a push-pull operation or the like on the trigger button 121 is provided inside the operation rod of the stick controller 122. 3) is built-in. In addition, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 (see FIG. 3) that detects a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod is provided in the lower plate main body and the like below the stick controller 122. The stick controller 122 includes a vibrator motor 126 (see FIG. 3) for causing the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol is realized by continuing the state where the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are repeatedly turned on and off at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined display color (for example, blue). . The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 8a is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol. The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same.

  When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol (a display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winnings per round and the big winning prize opening per round cannot be expected substantially. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big winning opening, whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big winning opening. The display color may be different depending on the number of times, and for example, the number of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, so that it is possible to expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even when there is a big hit that cannot be made, the display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol (display color different from the loss. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but it is displayed in red when it is a big hit, and the display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit). The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit). If it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game, and the number of rounds per jackpot is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the big prize opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big winnings per round and the big winning prize opening per round cannot be expected substantially. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big winning opening, whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big winning opening. The display color may be different depending on the number of times, and for example, the number of opening of the big winning opening per round is different, so that it is possible to expect the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. Even when there is a big hit that cannot be made, the display color may be made different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to substantially win the big winning opening.

  The display colors when the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are turned off are different from the background image (for example, black) in order to prevent the display colors from being assimilated with the background image when the lights are turned off. It is desirable to be.

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

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

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

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

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b are collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator (variable display unit). There are things to do.

  Although this embodiment shows a case where two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b are provided, the gaming machine may be provided with only one special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14 after passing (including winning)), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed) The state is started and the big hit game is not executed), and when the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that the passing of a game ball means that the game ball has passed through a predetermined area such as a prize opening or a gate, and that includes a game ball entering (winning) a prize opening. It is. Deriving and displaying the display result is to finally stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Also, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided a first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. ing. In addition, you may make it provide the area | region (sum total pending | holding memory display part) which displays the total number (sum total pending memory count) which is the sum total of the 1st pending memory count and the 2nd pending memory count. As described above, if the summation pending storage display section for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that are not satisfied with the variable display start condition.

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

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

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

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (a winning symbol, for example, a symbol “7”), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. In addition, a probability variation state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state is high (a state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit as a result of fluctuation display of special symbols is increased compared to the normal state). Then, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. Even in the short state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) when the symbol variation time is shortened although it is not the probability variation state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, when the probability variation is a big hit, the game state is shifted to a high probability state, and the game ball is easily started and won (that is, in the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9). It shifts to a high base state, which is a gaming state controlled so that a variable display execution condition is easily established. In addition, when the gaming state is shifted to the short time state, the state is shifted to the high base state. In the high base state, for example, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased or the time in which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended compared to the case in which the high base state is not in the high base state. It becomes easier to win a start.

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

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

  In addition, the change time of special symbols and production symbols will be shortened by shifting to the short time state when the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and production symbols is shortened. The frequency of being played (in other words, the digestion of the reserved memory becomes faster), and the situation where an invalid start prize is generated can be reduced. Therefore, an effective start winning is likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility of a big hit game being increased.

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

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

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, etc.) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

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

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

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

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

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 that provides 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.

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

  An information output circuit 64 that outputs information output signals such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer via the terminal board 160 is also mounted on the main board 31.

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

  Further, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side and the big prize opening LED 20A provided at the big prize opening via the lamp driver board 35. And the sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled via the sound output board 70.

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

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

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

  The effect control command and the NT signal of effect control I 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).

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

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

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies current to light emitters such as the frame LED 28 and the special prize opening LED 20A based on a signal for driving the LED.

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

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes a high level, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. The main processing 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, an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts is set (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set for the stack pointer (step S3). In step S2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 560 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is Set to the mode indicating the interrupt address. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Next, the built-in device register is set (initialized) (step S5). By the processing in step S5, the CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) are set (initialized).

  The game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC) 504.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the RAM 55 in an accessible state (step S6), and proceeds to a clear signal check process.

  Note that a software delay process for delaying the start timing of the game device control process (game control process) for controlling the progress of the game by software may be executed. By such software delay processing, the start timing of the game control processing can be delayed as compared with the case where the software delay processing is not executed. When the delay process is executed, a situation occurs in which the microcomputer of the other control board cannot receive the command transmitted from the game control board (main board 31) to the other control board (for example, the payout control board 37). Can be prevented.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the clear switch is turned on (step S7). Note that the CPU 56 may confirm the state of the clear signal only once via the input port 0, but may confirm the state of the clear signal a plurality of times. For example, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is an off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds), the state of the clear signal is reconfirmed. If it is confirmed that the clear signal is in the on state at that time, it is determined that the clear signal is in the on state. Further, at this time, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is the off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time, the state of the clear signal may be confirmed again. Here, the number of reconfirmations is not limited to once or twice, but may be three or more times. It is also possible to check twice and check again when the check results do not match.

  If the clear switch is not turned on in step S7, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirm (step S8). In this embodiment, when power supply is stopped, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. When it is confirmed that such power supply stop processing has been performed, the CPU 56 determines that the power supply stop processing has been performed, that is, the control state at the time of power supply stop is stored. . When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process is not performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process.

  Whether or not the power supply stop process has been performed is determined by the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process corresponding to the execution of the power supply stop process (for example, 2). ) Is confirmed by whether or not. Note that such a confirmation method is an example. For example, a flag indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop process, and the flag is set in step S8. If it is confirmed that the power supply is stopped, it may be determined that the power supply stop process has been performed.

  If it is determined that the control state at the time of stopping power supply is stored, the CPU 56 performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checksum is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above processing is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 56 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as the checksum.

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. 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 may be 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, the initialization process (the process of steps S10 to S14) executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is stopped is stopped. Run.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process 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. 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 parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability change flag, etc.), the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), This is a portion where data indicating the number of payout prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the head address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). Note that the predetermined data may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a winning ball flag, a ball-out flag, and the like are selectively processed according to the control state. An initial value is set in a flag for performing the above.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the start address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S13), and transmits an initialization command for initializing the sub board according to the contents to the sub board. Processing is executed (step S14). As an initialization command, a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the effect display device 9, an initialization command to the payout control board 37, or the like can be used.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initially setting the random number circuit 503 (step S15).

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) ( Step S16). 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 timer interrupt setting is completed, the CPU 56 first disables the interrupt (step S17), executes the initial value random number update process (step S18a) and the display random number update process (step S18b), The interrupt is permitted again (step S19). That is, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt disabled state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are executed, and interrupts enable state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are finished. To.

  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. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (for example, a jackpot symbol determining random number for determining a special symbol for generating a jackpot or whether to shift the gaming state to a probable state) Initial value of the count value such as a counter (determination random number generation counter) for generating a probability variation determining random number for generating, a normal random number for determining whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process described later (a process in which a game control microcomputer controls itself a game device such as an effect display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15, a ball payout device 97 provided in the gaming machine, or When the count value of the determination random number generation counter makes one round in a process of transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a gaming apparatus control process), an initial value is set in the counter.

  The display random number is a random number for determining the display of the special symbol display 8. In this embodiment, as a display random number, a random number for determining a variation pattern for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol, or a random number for determining a reach for determining whether or not to reach when a big hit is not generated, is used. Used. The display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number.

  In addition, when the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt disabled state is executed by the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process also in the timer interrupt process described later (that is, the timer This is because the same process is executed in steps S26 and S27 of the interrupt process), so as to avoid conflict with the process in the timer interrupt process. That is, if a timer interrupt is generated during the processing of steps S18a and S18b and the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, The continuity of values may be impaired. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the processing of steps S18a and S18b.

  Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. When a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main process, specifically, in a period during which interruption is permitted during execution of the loop process of steps S17 to S19, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 A timer interrupt process that is activated in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt is executed. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether the power-on signal is turned on) (step S20). Then, the CPU 56 inputs detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 through the switch circuit 58, and detects the input of each switch. (Switch process: Step S21). Specifically, if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is ON, the value of the switch timer provided corresponding to each switch is incremented by one.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes display control processing for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S36 and S37.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a winning notification process for detecting the occurrence of an abnormal winning at the big winning opening and performing an abnormal winning notification (step S24).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating a random number for determination such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control (determination random number update process: step S25). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number (initial value random number update process: step S26). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (display random number update process: step S27).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S28). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S29). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command related to the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the special symbol to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect symbol command control process: step S30). It should be noted that the fact that the variation of the effect symbol is synchronized with the variation of the special symbol means that the variation time (variable display period) is the same.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs an information output process for outputting data such as a start port signal supplied to the hall management computer, a symbol determination number 1 signal, a symbol determination number 2 signal, a jackpot 1 to 3 signal, a short time signal, etc. (Step S31).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing 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 S32). 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 response to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S33). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided, but the CPU 56 outputs the contents related to the solenoid in the RAM area of the output port 0 to the output port. (Step S34: Output processing). And CPU56 performs the memory | storage process which checks the increase / decrease in a pending | holding memory | storage number (step S35).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S36). 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 S37).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a status display lamp display process for setting status display control data for displaying each status display lamp in an output buffer for setting the status display control data (step S38). In this case, when the gaming state is the short time state, the state display control data for displaying the state indicator lamp indicating the short time state is set in the output buffer. When the gaming state is also controlled to a high probability state (for example, a probability variation state), state display control data for displaying a state indicator lamp indicating the high probability state is set in the output buffer. You may do it.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S39), 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 S39 (excluding steps S31 and 33) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

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

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

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9 (provided that the probability sudden hit is sudden) (In some cases, the probability change big hit symbol (for example, “135”) is stopped and displayed without reaching reach.)

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

  Here, although the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is the same as that of the big win, the small hit is a time per opening time is extremely short (in this embodiment, 15 times of opening per second). . When the small hit game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability variation state to the normal state or from the normal state to the certain variation state. In addition, the sudden probability change big hit is that the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is allowed to be the same as the number of other big wins in the big hit gaming state, but the opening time per time is extremely short (in this embodiment, the opening for one second is (15 times) is a big hit and is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game to a probable change state (that is, by doing so, it seems as if the player suddenly became a probable change state) To show) In other words, in this embodiment, the sudden winning odds and the small wins have the same opening pattern of the big prize opening. By controlling in such a way, when the 1-second opening of the big prize opening is performed 15 times, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly a big hit or a small hit, so the player is in a high probability state (probable change). State) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In this embodiment, in the case of sudden probability change big hit or small hit, only the opening time per time is shortened, and the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is usually the same as the big hit or probability change big hit. Although shown, the number of times the special winning opening is opened may be smaller than that of the big hit. For example, in the case of suddenly changing big hit or small hit, control may be made so that the big winning opening is opened only twice. Also, for example, in the case of sudden chance big hit or small hit, the opening time of the big winning opening is usually the same as the big hit or the probability changing big hit, but the number of times the big winning opening is opened is reduced (for example, twice). May be. In this way, when suddenly probable big hits or small wins, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening is reduced or the opening time of the big prize opening per time is shortened as compared with the normal big hit or the probable big hit. By doing so, it is sufficient that the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening is smaller than at least the normal big win or the probable big hit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of jackpot (normal jackpot A to C described later, probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot) (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 using the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and then the variation pattern determined 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. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by the number of re-variations of pseudo-continuations, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern without pseudo-ream, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of one re-variation, It may be divided into a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of two variations and a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of three variations. 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 S25 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) 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. Note that a software random number instead of a hardware random number may be used as the jackpot determination random number.

  FIG. 7A 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 value described in the left column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the probability change jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 7A is a jackpot determination value.

  7B and 7C 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. 7B is set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol), and the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) is set in FIG. Each numerical value listed is set. Moreover, the numerical values described in FIGS. 7B and 7C are small hit determination values.

  Note that it may be determined that a small hit is made only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and the small hit may not be provided when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. In this 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 probability changing state, the variation display of the second special symbol is mainly executed. Even if the game state is shifted to the probability change state, a small hit will be generated, and if it is configured to produce an effect asking whether or not the probability change will occur, even though the current game state is the probability change state On the contrary, it makes the player feel annoying. Therefore, if it is configured so that the small hit does not occur during the variation display of the second special symbol, if the gaming state is the probability variation state, it is difficult for the small hit to occur and the excessive effect is not given to the probability variation. This can prevent the player from feeling annoyed.

  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 one of the big hit determination values, the special symbol is decided to be a big hit (ordinary big hits A to C described later, probability variation big hit, sudden probability variation big hit). Further, when the big hit determination random number value matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, “probabilities” shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C indicate the probability (ratio) of small hits. 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, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, when the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) is used, the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/300. On the other hand, when using the small hit determination table (second special symbol), a case where the 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.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams showing jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b stored in the ROM 54. FIG. Of these, FIG. 8 (A) determines the jackpot type using the hold memory based on the game ball having won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. FIG. 8B shows a case where the jackpot type is determined by using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed). Is a jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b.

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b indicate that the jackpot type is “normal jackpot A” based on a random number (random 1) for jackpot type determination when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot symbol. This table is referred to in order to determine any one of “normal big hit B”, “normal big hit C”, “probability variation big hit”, and “sudden probability big hit”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a total of 20 determination values are assigned to “suddenly probable big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131a (100). On the other hand, 10 decision values are assigned to the “sudden probability variation big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131b (10/100). Explain the case where the probability is suddenly determined to be a big hit. 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. Compared with the case where the variable display is executed, the ratio determined as “suddenly probable big hit” is high. In other words, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the second starting prize opening 14 and the second special symbol variation display is executed, the first special symbol is given to the first starting prize opening 13 by starting. The game value is high compared to the case where the fluctuation display is executed (in this example, the opening time of the big prize opening per time is as long as 30 seconds and the gambling is high) The ratio determined as “A to C” is high. Note that “sudden probability variation big hit” is assigned only to the first special symbol jackpot type determination table 131a, and “sudden probability variation big hit” is not assigned to the second special symbol big hit type determination table 131b (ie, It may be determined that “suddenly probable big hit” may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B), the opening time of the big prize opening per time is 30 seconds as the first specific gaming state that gives a predetermined amount of gaming value. Big wins including long rounds (probable big hits or normal big hits A to C) and the second specified gaming state that gives a smaller amount of gaming value than the gaming value are all 1 second of opening time of the big winning opening per time However, the method of making the game value different for a specific gaming state is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, as compared with the first specific game state, the second specific game state in which the allowable amount of the winning number (count number) of game balls to the big winning opening per round is reduced as the game value is determined. Also good. In addition, for example, the second specific gaming state may be determined in which the number of times of opening of the big winning opening during the big hit is reduced as the gaming value compared to the first specific gaming state (for example, the first specific gaming state) In the case of (2), the grand prize opening is opened 15 times, and in the case of the second specific gaming state, the grand prize opening is opened only twice). Also, for example, even in the case of the same 15 round big hits, a first specific gaming state in which a big winning opening is opened several times per round, and a second specific gaming state in which the big winning opening is opened only once per round. And the game value of the second specific gaming state may be lowered by substantially reducing the number of times the special winning opening is opened. As described above, the game balls are less likely to win the prize winning opening by reducing the number of times the opening of the prize winning opening or shortening the opening time compared to the first specific gaming state. It is sufficient that a specific gaming state is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the time-saving state is controlled after completion of the specific gaming state (big hit gaming state), and thereafter, the time-saving state is ended when the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times. For example, when the big hits A to C are generated, the time is controlled to be reduced after the big hit gaming state. Further, the number of executions of the variable display in which the short-time state is continued differs depending on the type of jackpot that has occurred. For example, if a normal big hit A occurs, the time-saving state is continued from the end of the big hit gaming state until the end of the fluctuation display 40 times, and if a normal big hit B occurs, the variable display is displayed after the big hit gaming state ends. The time-saving state is continued until 60 times are ended, and when the big hit C is normally generated, the time-saving state is continued after the big hit gaming state is ended until the variable display is ended 100 times.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the types of big hits are “normal big hit A”, “normal big hit B”, “normal big hit C”, “probability big hit” and “sudden probability change”. There is a big hit. In this embodiment, “general big hit A”, “normal big hit B”, and “normal big hit C” are also simply referred to as “normal big hit”.

  The “probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to a 15-round big hit gaming state and is shifted to a probable change state (high probability state) after the big hit gaming state is finished (in this embodiment, the positive change big win state is entered). At the same time, the state is shifted to the time-saving state (see steps S167 and S168 described later). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S132 described later).

  Further, the “ordinary big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the big round gaming state of 15 rounds and is not shifted to the probabilistic state after the big hit gaming state is ended, but is shifted only to the short time state. Then, after shifting to the time-short state, the time-short state is maintained until the execution of the variable symbol display of special symbols and effect symbols is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 40 times, 60 times, 100 times) (steps S141 to S144 described later). reference). In this embodiment, even if a big hit occurs after the transition to the time reduction state and before the execution of the predetermined number of fluctuation displays is finished, the time reduction state ends (see step S132 described later).

  In addition, “suddenly promising big hit” is a big hit with a short opening time of 1 second, although the number of times of opening the big prize opening is the same as 15 times compared to “probable big hit” and “normal big hit” Then, after the jackpot game is over, the state is controlled to the probability variation state (high probability state) and to the time-short state (see steps S167 and S168 described later). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S132 described later).

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when “small hit” occurs, the big prize opening is opened 15 times per second, which is the same as the big hit gaming state by “suddenly probable big hit”. Control is performed. In the case of “small hit”, the game state does not change after the opening of the big winning opening 15 times, and the game state before “small hit” is maintained (described later). Steps S145 to S149). By doing so, it is made impossible to recognize whether it is “suddenly promising big hit” or “small hit”, and the interest of the game is improved.

  The big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b are numerical values to be compared with random 1 values, and are “probable big hit”, “normal big hit A”, “normal big hit B”, “normal big hit C”, “sudden probable big hit” ”Is set corresponding to each of“ ”. When the value of random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as a type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) that specifies a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of the special symbol. (Each corresponding to a variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each variation pattern that can be used, 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 receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C07 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit, whether or not to make a big hit, and a big hit type. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C07 (H), so the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C07 (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 fourth symbol is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the fourth symbol and derives and displays the display result.

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

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

  The commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation command includes a jackpot start 1 designation command, a jackpot start designation 2 designation command, and a small hit / sudden probability sudden change jackpot start designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 is configured to transmit a fanfare designation command for sudden start of sudden probability change big hit when it is a sudden chance big hit, but not to send a fanfare designation command for small hit. Also good.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. Note that the value indicating the number of rounds in internal control (not the apparent number of rounds) is set in the EXT data and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the special winning opening opening designation command. Therefore, the production control microcomputer 100 can recognize how many rounds in the big hit game are to be started by confirming the EXT data of the special winning opening opening designation command. For example, if “01 (H)” is set as the EXT data, it can be recognized that round 1 of the jackpot game is started, and if “07 (H)” is set as the EXT data. It can be recognized that it is the start of Round 7 of the jackpot game.

  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. Note that the value indicating the number of rounds in internal control (not the apparent number of rounds) is set in the EXT data and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the designation command after the special winning opening is opened. Therefore, the production control microcomputer 100 can recognize how many rounds in the big hit game are to end by confirming the EXT data of the designation command after the big winning opening is opened. For example, if “01 (H)” is set as the EXT data, it can be recognized that the round 1 of the big hit game is completed, and if “07 (H)” is set as the EXT data. , It can be recognized that the end of round 7 of the jackpot game.

  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 a normal 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. Command A 303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command: ending 3 designation command) that designates the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability change big hit game. The game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit an ending designation command for suddenly probable big hit end designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send an ending designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) for designating background display when the gaming state is the normal state. Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (time-short state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the time-short state (not including the probability variation state). Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the probability change state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the change pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (change) and second special display of the effect symbol corresponding to the change of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a. An effect display that can be used in common with the variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol on the symbol display 8b, and that produces an effect with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 when controlling the effect parts such as the device 9.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the first start port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning port 13 or that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14. If the second start opening switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a start winning to the first start winning opening 13 or a start winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred, the start opening switch passing process is performed. Execute (Steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

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

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): 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)) Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

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

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

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). In this embodiment, as will be described later, a special symbol display control for stopping and displaying a special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control process based on the fact that the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data (see FIG. 22), and the special symbol stop symbol is actually stopped and displayed in accordance with the setting contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value 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 winning opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). Note that the pre-opening process for small hits is executed every time the big winning opening during the small hit game is opened. It is also a process to start.

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

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

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the first start port switch 13a is in an ON state (step S211). If the first start port switch 13a is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S217. If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the first reserved memory for counting the first reserved memory number). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S212). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S217.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S213), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S214). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S215). . In the process of step S215, 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. Note that the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) and the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) are not extracted and stored in advance in the storage area in the start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning). You may make it extract at the time of the change start of 1 special symbol. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 directly extracts a value from a variation pattern type determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) in a variation pattern setting process to be described later, A value may be directly extracted from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a determination random number (random 3).

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 13, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer include 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 A random number for pattern type determination (random 2) and a random number for variation pattern determination (random 3) are stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S216).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second start port switch 14a is on (step S217). If the second start port switch 14a is not in the ON state, the process is terminated as it is. If the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second reserved memory for counting the second reserved memory number). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S218). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S219), and the value of the aggregate reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S220). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S221). . In the process of step S221, 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-port switch passing process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second 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.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S222).

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not yet been transmitted, control is performed to send the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S51A). finish. For example, when the CPU 56 transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration designation command has been transmitted. When the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interruption is executed after sending the customer waiting demo designation command, the customer waiting demonstration request command is repeatedly set based on the fact that the customer waiting demo designation command transmission completed flag is set. Control should be performed so that the demo designation command is not transmitted. In this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completion flag may be reset when the next special symbol variation display is started.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, the background designation command is transmitted every time for each variation. For example, it is determined at the start of the variation whether or not the gaming state has changed since the previous variation. Only when the state changes, the background designation command corresponding to the changed gaming state may be transmitted. With such a configuration, the number of transmissions of the background designation command can be reduced, and the processing burden on the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced.

  Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) is given. Set to pointer. Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect symbol command control process (step S30). In this embodiment, when the variation of the special symbol is started, the effect control microcomputer in the order of the background designation command, the variation pattern command, the display result designation command, and the reserved memory number subtraction designation command for each timer interrupt. 100 will be transmitted. Specifically, when the change of the special symbol is started, first, the background designation command is transmitted, the variation pattern command is transmitted after 4 ms elapses, the display result designation command is transmitted after elapse of 4 ms, and further after 4 ms elapses. A pending storage count subtraction designation command is transmitted. In addition, the symbol variation designation command (the first symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command) is also transmitted when the special symbol variation starts, but the symbol variation designation command is the same timer interrupt as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area and executes a jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 reads out the jackpot determination random number extracted in steps S215 and S221 of the start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer, and performs the jackpot determination. The big hit determination module compares the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (see FIG. 7) determined in advance with the big hit determination random number, and executes a process of determining that it is a big hit or a small hit if they match. It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes a big hit determination or a small hit determination process.

  The jackpot determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability state), the probability of a big hit is higher than when the gaming state is a non-probability change state (normal game state and short-time state). ing. Specifically, the jackpot determination table at the time of probability change in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance (the table in which the numerical value on the right side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 is set) and the number of jackpot determination values are variable. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When in the gaming state or the short-time state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 7A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. There is also.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be a probable big hit or suddenly probable big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. Reset at timing.

  If the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match any of the big hit determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 uses the small hit determination table (see FIGS. 7B and 7C). Then, the small hit determination process is performed. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a small hit. In this case, 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 (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. ) To determine whether or not to make a small hit. Further, when the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “second”, it is determined whether or not to make a small hit using the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. . If it is determined to be a small hit (step S62), the CPU 56 sets a small hit flag indicating a small hit (step S63), and proceeds to step S75.

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

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected as a table used to determine the jackpot type as one of a plurality of types (step S72). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 8A. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects a big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 8B.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select the type corresponding to the value corresponding to the value of the jackpot type determination random number (random 1) stored in the random number buffer area (“probable big hit”, “normal "Big hit A", "Normal big hit B", "Normal big hit C", "Sudden probability change big hit") are determined as the types of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot type determination random number extracted in steps S215 and S221 of the start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer and the second hold memory buffer, and determines the jackpot type. . Also, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Therefore, the rate at which suddenly probable big hits are selected is high. In other words, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed, the game value is higher than the case where the variable display of the first special symbol is executed. Is a long 30 seconds and high euphoria) The ratio of normal jackpot and probable jackpot is high.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S74). For example, when the jackpot type is “normal jackpot A”, “01” is set as the data indicating the jackpot type, and when the jackpot type is “normal jackpot B”, “02” is set as the data indicating the jackpot type. When the big hit type is “normal big hit C”, “03” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “probable big hit”, “04” is set as the data indicating the big hit type. When the big hit type is “suddenly promising big hit”, “05” is set as data indicating the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, “−” which is a loss symbol is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, depending on the decision result of the big hit type, one of “1”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “7”, which becomes the big hit symbol, is set as a special symbol. Decide on a stop symbol. That is, when “normal big hit A” is determined, “2” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “normal big hit B” is determined, “4” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol, If “normal jackpot C” is determined, “6” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. If “probable big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When it is determined that “suddenly promising big hit”, “1” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the small hit flag is set, “5” as the small hit symbol is determined as the special symbol stop symbol.

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

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

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S80). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 determines which of the big hit variation pattern type determination tables as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types according to the big hit type. Is selected (step S81). Then, control goes to a step S89.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S82). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the small hit variation pattern type determination table as a table used for determining one of a plurality of variation pattern types (step S83). ). Then, control goes to a step S89.

  When the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S84). The time reduction flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the time reduction state (including the time of shifting to the probability change state), and is reset when the time reduction state is ended. Specifically, it is usually determined to be a big hit, a probable big hit, or a sudden probable big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. The change display is reset when the stop display is stopped and the stop symbol is stopped. If the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S84), the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern type for deviation for probability variation / time reduction as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types. A table is selected (step S85). Then, control goes to a step S89.

  If the time flag is not set (N in step S84), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (step S86). If the total pending storage number is less than 3 (N in step S86), the CPU 56 selects the deviation variation pattern type determination table as a table to be used for determining one of a plurality of variation pattern types. (Step S87). Then, control goes to a step S89.

  When the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Y in step S86), the CPU 56 uses the deviation variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine one of the plurality of variation pattern types. Is selected (step S88). Then, control goes to a step S89.

  In this embodiment, when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more by executing the processes of steps S84 to S88, the deviation variation pattern type determination table is selected. In addition, when the gaming state is a short-time state (including the case where the probability variation state is included), the variation pattern type determination table for detachment is selected. In this case, non-reach CA2-3 may be determined as the variation pattern type in the process of step S89, which will be described later, and when the variation pattern type of non-reach CA2-3 is determined, the process changes in step S91. Short reach variation non-reach PA1-2 is determined as a pattern. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is the short-time state (including the case where the probability variation state is included) or when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the variation display of the shortening variation may be performed. .

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern type determination table for shortening variation used in the short time state and the variation pattern type determination table for shortening variation based on the number of reserved storages are shown as different tables. A common table may be used as the variation pattern type determination table for variation.

  Even if the gaming state is a short-time state, if the total number of pending storage is almost 0 (for example, 0, 0, or 1), a variation display of the shortening variation is performed. It may not be possible. In this case, for example, when the CPU 56 determines Y in step S84, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total pending storage number is almost zero. A type determination table may be selected.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads random 2 (random number for variation pattern type determination) from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer) and selects it in the process of steps S81, S83, S85, S87 or S88. By referring to the table, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S89). In the case where the random number 2 (variation pattern type determination random number) is not extracted at the start winning timing, the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern type for generating the random number for variation pattern type determination (random 2). A value may be directly extracted from the random number counter for use, and the variation pattern type may be determined based on the extracted random value.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses a hit variation pattern determination table and a deviation variation pattern determination table as tables used to determine one of a plurality of variation patterns based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S89. One of them is selected (step S90). Further, the random pattern 3 (random number for variation pattern determination) is read from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern determination table selected in step S90. Is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S91). When the random number 3 (variation pattern determination random number) is not extracted at the timing of the start winning prize, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). The value may be directly extracted from the data, and the variation pattern may be determined based on the extracted random number value.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S92). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first symbol variation designation command. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second symbol variation designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S93).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S94). 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 S95).

  In the case where it is determined to be out of place, instead of suddenly determining the variation pattern type, first, it may be determined whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a random number for reach determination. Then, based on the determination result as to whether or not to reach, the processing of steps S84 to S88, S89 may be executed to determine the variation pattern type. In this case, a variation pattern type determination table for non-reach and a variation pattern type determination table for reach are prepared in advance, and one of the variation pattern type determination tables is selected based on the reach determination result. The variation pattern type may be determined.

  In addition, when determining whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a reach determination random number, depending on the total reserved memory number (which may be the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number), Reach determination tables with different selection ratios may be selected, and it may be determined whether or not to reach so that the reach probability decreases as the number of reserved memories increases.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 7 designation) (see FIG. 9) in accordance with the determined big hit type, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S101). If not set, the process proceeds to step S107.

  When the big hit flag is set, when the big hit type is the normal big hit A to C, one of the display result 2 designation command to the display result 4 designation command is selected depending on which of the normal big hits A to C. Is transmitted (steps S102 and S103). Specifically, the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is confirmed. If “01” is set in the big hit type buffer, the normal big hit A is specified. A command is sent. If “02” is set in the jackpot type buffer, a display result 3 designation command for specifying the normal jackpot B is sent. If “03” is set in the jackpot type buffer, the normal jackpot C is set. The designated display result 4 designation command is transmitted.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 6 designation command when the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit (steps S104 and S105). Whether or not it is suddenly probable big hit can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “05”.

  When neither normal big hit A to C nor sudden probability variation big hit is obtained (that is, when probability variation big hit is true), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S106).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in step S101), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S107). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 7 designation command (step S108). When the small hit flag is not set (N in Step S107), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (Step S109).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S110).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not a pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted (step S121). Whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates, for example, that the pending storage number subtraction designation command has been transmitted when the pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted in step S122 described later. The stored number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag may be set, and in step S121, it may be confirmed whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is set. Also, in this case, the set reserved memory number subtraction designation command transmission completion flag is reset by special symbol stop processing or jackpot end processing, which will be described later, when the special symbol fluctuation display is terminated or when the big jackpot is terminated. That's fine.

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

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

  FIG. 19 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 S131). 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 it is set (step S132). If it is set, the hourly number counter is also reset.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a big hit start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S133). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is normally a jackpot A to C, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted. If the jackpot type is a probabilistic jackpot, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. When the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is a normal big hit A to C, the probability change big hit or the sudden probability change big hit is based on the data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer). Determined.

  In addition, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (time for notifying that the jackpot has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) in the timer before opening the big prize opening (step S134). The timer before opening the big winning opening is a timer for measuring the time until the big winning opening is released during the big hit game or the small hit game. Specifically, at the start of the big hit game, in step S134, the time required from the start of the variable display to the start of the first round (the variable display is stopped on the effect control microcomputer 100 side and the jackpot symbol is displayed). The time before the first round is started until the start of the first round is set as the pre-opening timer. For the first and subsequent rounds, the interval time between the rounds (apparatus at the time of performing the interval effect between the rounds on the effect control microcomputer 100 side) is set as the timer before opening the big prize opening.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the release pattern data in which the open pattern of the big winning opening for round 1 corresponding to the big hit type is set (step S135). Further, the CPU 56 sets 1 to the round number counter for counting the number of rounds in the big hit game (step S136).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S137).

  On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set in step S130, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the time-count counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol in the time-short state is 0 (step S141). . If the value of the time reduction counter is not 0 (in this case, the time reduction counter is set based on a normal big hit and the time reduction counter is set), the CPU 56 The value is decremented by 1 (step S142). When the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S143), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S144).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S145). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / suddenly probable big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S146). In addition, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (time for notifying that the small hit has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the timer before opening the big prize opening (step S147). In the case of a small hit game, at the start of the small hit game, in step S147, the time required from the start of the variable display to the start of the small hit game is set in the timer before opening the big prize opening. . Further, during the small hit game, the interval time between each opening of the big winning opening is set in the timer before the big winning opening.

  In this embodiment, as already explained, in the case of sudden probability variation big hit and small hit, whether the high-speed opening control of the big prize opening is performed in exactly the same manner, is sudden sudden change big hit? It makes it difficult to recognize if it is a small hit.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the number of times of opening in the number of times of opening counter (step S148). In this embodiment, 15 times is set in the opening number counter in step S148. When the number of rounds is different depending on the type of jackpot, for example, when the sudden probability variation jackpot is configured as a two-round jackpot, two times may be set in the opening number counter in step S148. . Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit start pre-processing (step S308) (step S149).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S145), 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 S150).

  FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are flowcharts showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted when it is a normal big hit A to C, a big hit end 2 designation command is sent when it is a probable variation big hit, and a small hit is suddenly made when a probable big hit Send a hit / sudden probability change big hit end designation command. 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 big hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether the big hit type is a probability change big hit or a sudden probability change big hit (step S166). Whether or not it is a probable big hit or a sudden probable big hit is, specifically, whether the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is any of “01” to “05” It can be determined by checking whether or not. If the probability change big hit or the sudden probability change big hit, the CPU 56 sets the probability change flag to shift the gaming state to the probability changing state (step S167), and sets the time reduction flag to change the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S168). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S169.

  If neither the probability change big hit nor the sudden probability change big hit (that is, if any of the normal big hits A to C), the CPU 56 determines whether or not the big hit type is a normal big hit A (step S171). If it is, "40" is set in the time-count counter for counting the number of times the special symbol fluctuates in the time-short state (step S172), and the process proceeds to step S168.

  Further, when the big hit type is not the normal big hit A, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the normal big hit B (step S173). In the case of the normal big hit B, the CPU 56 sets “60” in the hour / hour counter (step S174), and proceeds to step S168. Further, when the big hit type is not the normal big hit B, that is, when the big hit type is the normal big hit C, the CPU 56 sets “100” to the hour / count counter (step S175), and proceeds to step S168.

  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 S169).

  As described above, the CPU 56 is configured to set a different number of times for each big hit type by executing Steps S171 to S175.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol display control process (step S36) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (step S3201). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, if the special symbol variation processing is being executed), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for special symbol variation display for setting the special symbol display control data. Processing for setting or updating the output buffer is performed (step S3202). In this case, the CPU 56 sets or updates special symbol display control data for performing variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. After that, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b in accordance with the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b is executed.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is not 3, the CPUy 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (step S3203). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (that is, when the special symbol stop processing is entered), the CPU 56 stops the special symbol stop symbol set in the special symbol normal processing. Processing for setting the display control data in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data is performed (step S3204). In this case, the CPU 56 sets special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. After that, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b in accordance with the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol stop symbols are stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b. In addition, since the setting data is not changed after the process of step S3204 is executed and the special symbol display control data for the stop symbol display is set, the latest special symbol display control data is displayed in the display control process of step S22. Based on this, the latest stop symbol is stopped and displayed until the next variable display is started. If the value of the special symbol process flag is 2 or 3 in step S3201 (that is, if either the display result designation command transmission process or the special symbol variation process), the special symbol variation display is performed. The special symbol display control data may be updated. In this case, the display result designation command transmission process also varies in order to prevent a deviation between the variation time recognized on the game control microcomputer 560 side and the variation time recognized on the effect control microcomputer 100 side. What is necessary is just to comprise so that 1 may subtract a time timer.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 4 ms) is performed (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 performs the fourth symbol process (step S706). In the 4th symbol process, the process corresponding to the current control state (4th symbol process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and the 4th symbol display areas 9c and 9d of the effect display device 9 are selected. The display control of the 4th symbol is executed.

  Next, a random number update process is executed to update the count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determination random number or an additional notification frequency determination random number described later (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIGS. 9 and 10) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  25 to 28 are flowcharts showing specific examples of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the 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 10 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 1 designation command or a jackpot start 2 designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag ( Step S622). If the received effect control command is a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag (step S624).

  In this embodiment, the big hit start 1 designation command reception flag, big hit start 2 designation command reception flag, and the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag set in steps S622 and S624 are designated as fanfare flags. Also called.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a customer waiting demonstration designation command (step S663), the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display a predetermined customer waiting demonstration screen on the effect display device 9 (step S664). In addition, the customer waiting demonstration screen is not displayed immediately based on the reception of the customer waiting demonstration designation command, but after the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received, the customer waits for a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds). The display of the waiting demonstration screen may be started. Further, the production control CPU 101 clears the first reserved memory number stored in the first reserved memory number storage area and the second reserved memory number stored in the second reserved memory number storage area (step S665). That is, when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received and the customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed, both the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number are 0, and the variable display is not executed. Reset the number of pending storage to be stored. Even if the processing of step S665 is executed and the production control microcomputer 100 is in a state in which the addition or subtraction omission of the reserved memory number occurs and the erroneous reserved memory number is recognized, the reserved memory is stored. Can be reset to return to the normal state.

  If the received effect control command is a special winning opening open designation command (step S679), the effect control CPU 101 designates the received special winning opening open designation command as a special winning opening open designation formed in the RAM. Store in the command storage area (step S680). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a special winning opening open flag indicating that the special winning opening open designation command has been received (step S681).

  If the received effect control command is a designation command after opening the big prize opening (step S682), the effect control CPU 101 designates the received designation command after opening the special prize opening after opening the big prize opening. Store in the command storage area (step S683). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag after opening the big prize opening indicating that the designation command after opening the special prize opening has been received (step S684).

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S685). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, control related to variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process. It should be noted that the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol may be executed by separate effect control process processing. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is being executed depending on which representation control process processing is performing the variation display of the representation symbol.

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

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

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

  Effect symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

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

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

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

  Big hit end effect processing (step S807): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. For example, when an ending designation command for designating the end of the big hit is received, an ending effect is executed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8001). Next, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read in step S8001 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). (Design) is determined (step S8002). That is, when the CPU 101 for effect control executes the process of step S8002, the display result of the variable display of the identification information (stop of the effect symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means. A display result determining means for determining (design) is realized. When the pseudo-ream is designated by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101 does not reach the chance symbol (for example, “223” or “445”) as the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream. The combination of the big hit symbol of the object and the symbol in which one symbol is shifted) is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 32, when the received display result designation command normally indicates jackpots A to C (the received display result designation command is one of the display result 2 designation command to the display result 4 designation command). ), The effect control CPU 101 determines a combination of effect symbols in which three symbols are arranged as even symbols (stop symbols reminiscent of occurrence of a big jackpot) as stop symbols. When the received display result designation command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 5 designation command), the production control CPU 101 uses an odd symbol (probability variation) as three symbols as a stop symbol. The combination of effect symbols arranged in a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols (reach symbols) in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. If the received display result designation command suddenly shows a probable big hit or small hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 6 designation command or a display result 7 designation command), it is for effect control. The CPU 101 determines a combination of effects such as “135” as the stop symbol. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol. It should be noted that the CPU 101 for effect control determines that the winning symbol is determined based on the variation pattern command, not the display result designation command, and determines that the winning symbol is a big hit, disengagement, sudden probability variation big hit, or small hit. It may be. For example, when the variation control command for big hit is received, the production control CPU 101 determines a big hit symbol with the same symbols in the left and right sides, and suddenly receives the fluctuation pattern command for the probable big hit / small hit. Determines a stop symbol such as “135”, and when a variation pattern command for deviation is received, a symbol other than these may be 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 effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

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

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect (for example, a step-up notice effect, a motif display notice effect, a group notice effect, a button notice effect, a mini character notice effect) on the effect display device 9 during the variation display of the effect symbol. The notice effect setting process for determining whether or not to perform or setting the effect aspect of the notice effect is executed (step S8003).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the effect management counter is “0” (step S8004). The effect management counter is a counter indicating the number of remaining fluctuations until the transition from the short-time state to the normal gaming state. That is, it is determined here whether or not it is in a time-saving state. When the production management counter is “0”, that is, when it is not in the time saving state, the CPU 101 for production control selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect when executing the variation pattern and the notice effect (step S8005). ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8009.

  In step S8004. When the production management counter is not “0”, that is, when the time is short (N in Step S8004), the production control CPU 101 determines whether or not the production restriction flag is set (Step S8006). The effect restriction flag is a flag for restricting the execution of the countdown effect that suggests the remaining period of the period to be controlled to the short-time state. The countdown effect is, for example, an effect of displaying the number of remaining fluctuations in the short time state on the effect display device 9 as “5 times remaining!” Or outputting sound from the speaker 27.

  When the effect restriction flag is set (Y in step S8006), the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to step S8005. Thus, the countdown effect is not executed when the effect restriction flag is set. If the effect restriction flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the effect display counter is “5” or less (step S8007). The effect display counter is a counter that is used when performing a countdown effect that suggests the remaining period of the period to be controlled in the short-time state. Specifically, the effect display counter is set to “40” when shifting from the normal gaming state to the short-time state, and “1” is subtracted every time the symbol change stops, and an additional notification effect described later occurs. In this case, the number of extra notifications is added. When the effect display counter is larger than “5” (N in step S8007), the process proceeds to step S8005.

  When the effect display counter is “5” or less, the effect control CPU 101, when executing the change pattern, the notice effect, the process table corresponding to the countdown effect corresponding to the notice effect and the value of the effect display counter. Is selected (step S8008). Specifically, when the effect display counter is “5”, the process table corresponding to the countdown effect suggesting that the remaining period in the short-time state is five symbol variations is selected. When the production display counter is “4”, the process table corresponding to the countdown production that suggests that the remaining period in the time reduction state is 5 symbol fluctuations is selected, and the production display counter is “3” to “1”. The same applies to "." Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8009.

  In step S8009, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the effect display counter is “3” (step S8009). If the value of the effect display counter is not “3”, the process proceeds to step S8014. In the present embodiment, when it is suggested by the countdown effect that the remaining period in the short-time state is a symbol variation of 3 times, an additional notification is made as if the remaining period of the period controlled to the short-time state has increased. Since the notification effect can be executed, it is determined here whether or not the value of the effect display counter is “3”. That is to say, in step S8009, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation is such that an additional notification effect can be executed. The extra notification effect is an effect that makes it appear as if the remaining time in the short-time state is increasing, and the actual control period in the short-time state is determined by the type of jackpot that has occurred.

  If the value of the effect display counter is “3” in step S8009, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the effect management counter is “5” or more (step S8010). In the present embodiment, since the shortest period that can be added in the extra notification effect is two symbol variations, at the timing that the remaining period in the short state in the countdown effect suggests three symbol variations, When there is no symbol variation of 5 times or more in the remaining period of the short-time state, the additional notification effect cannot be executed. Therefore, in step S8010, it is determined whether or not the additional notification effect can be executed by determining whether or not the value of the effect management counter is “5” or more. If the value of the effect management counter is smaller than “5”, that is, if it is impossible to execute the additional notification effect, the process proceeds to step S8014.

  When the value of the effect management counter is “5” or more, that is, when it is possible to execute the additional notification effect, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the effect management counter is “13” or more. (Step S8011). In the present embodiment, since the longest period that can be added in the extra notification effect is 10 symbol variations, the remaining period in the short-time state in the countdown effect is suggested as 3 symbol variations, When the symbol variation of 13 times or more is not in the remaining period of the short time state, it is not possible to execute the extra notification effect that makes it appear as if the symbol variation of 10 times is added. Therefore, in step S8011, it is determined whether or not an additional notification effect that makes it appear that 10 symbol variations are added can be executed by determining whether or not the value of the effect management counter is “13” or more. ing.

  When the production management counter is “13” or more, that is, when it is possible to execute an additional notification effect that makes it appear that 10 symbol variations have been added, the effect control CPU 101 determines the number of additional notifications in the additional notification effect. The additional notification count is determined (step S8012), and the process proceeds to step S8014. The extra notification count determination is a process of determining the extra notification count to be notified as if it was added in the extra notification effect, and is performed using, for example, an extra notification count determination table 135 described later.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the extra notification frequency determination table. The extra notification frequency determination table is a table used for the additional notification frequency determination shown in step S8110. In the additional notification count determination table 135 shown in FIG. 35, the value K of the effect management counter and the additional notification count are associated by determination values. The number of extra notifications includes, for example, “2 times” and “10 times”. Further, the value K of the production management counter is roughly divided into ranges such as “10 <K ≦ 20” and “20 <K”. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, an additional notification frequency determination random number for determining the additional notification frequency, and uses the additional notification frequency determination table 135 to determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol. Note that the additional notification frequency determination random number to be acquired is “0 to 49”.

  For example, in the extra notification count determination table 135, when the value K of the production management counter is “10 <K ≦ 20”, if the acquired random number is “0 to 29”, “twice”. The number of extra notifications is determined, and the ratio is 60%. Further, if the acquired random number is any one of “30 to 49”, the number of additional notifications “10 times” is determined, and the ratio is 40%. In addition, when the value K of the production management counter is “20 <K”, if the acquired random number is any one of “0-9”, the number of additional notifications “2 times” is determined, and the ratio Is 20%. Further, if the acquired random number is any one of “10 to 49”, the number of additional notifications “10 times” is determined, and the ratio is 80%. As a result, when “10 times” is determined as the number of additional notifications and the additional notification effect is executed, the player can expect that the remaining period of the period to be controlled to the short-time state is a variation of 20 times or more. Yes. The specific numerical values are not limited to this.

  In step S8011, the effect control CPU 101 determines that when the effect management counter is “13” or more, that is, when it is impossible to execute the additional notification effect that makes it appear that 10 symbol variations have been added, “Twice” is selected (step S8013), and the process proceeds to step S8014.

  In step S8014, the effect control CPU 101 starts a process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table (step S8014).

  In addition, the order of each step in the effect design variation start process described above is not limited to this. For example, the order of the processes in steps S8004 to S8008 and the processes in steps S8009 to S8013 may be switched. Good. Further, in the present embodiment, the process of steps S8008 to S8013 is executed in the effect symbol variation start process, but is not limited to this. For example, in the effect symbol variation in-process described later in FIG. The process may be executed before the process of switching to the process table corresponding to the number of extra notifications (step S8107).

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 in accordance with the process data set in the process table (step S8015). The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. The display control execution data includes, for example, data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol (display of the effect display device 9 in addition to the display mode of the effect symbol) (Including other aspects of the screen) Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. Further, the production time in the production mode is set in the process timer set value. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, displays the effect design in the form set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, and displays the character image or background displayed on the display screen. Control to display. In addition, the flashing of the light emitter is controlled in a manner set in the lamp control execution data and the sound number data, and the sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled.

  The process table shown in FIG. 33 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. The process table is prepared according to the contents of each variation pattern and notice effect. If it is determined in step S8016 to execute the notice effect, the data corresponding to the notice effect is set, the process table is selected, and it is not determined to execute the notice effect. The process table for which data corresponding to the notice effect is not set is selected.

  Also, in the process table used when effect control is executed for a variation pattern with reach effect, the left symbol is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variation, and the right symbol is stopped when a predetermined time further elapses. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set. In addition, instead of setting the symbols to be stopped and displayed in the process table, an image for displaying the symbols is synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbols, pseudo-stops, and temporary stop symbols in the sliding effect. May be.

  Next, 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 S8016).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S8017).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S8101) and subtracts 1 from the value of the change time timer (step S8102).

  In addition, when the process timer times out (step S8103), the effect control CPU 101 switches the process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S8104). Further, the control state for the effect device (effect part) is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8105).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is an extra notification timing (step S8106). The extra notification timing is a prescribed timing that is determined in advance in order to execute the extra notification effect in the short time state. Specifically, in step S8106, it is possible to determine whether or not it is an additional notification effect timing by determining whether or not the variable time timer has a predetermined value. The additional notification effect is an effect of notifying the player as if the remaining period of the time period to be controlled is increased, and in the present embodiment, an effect of displaying “+10 times!” Or the like on the effect display device 9. However, it may be an effect in which the remaining period is increased using the speaker 27 or the like, or an effect in which the remaining period is increased by blinking the lamp.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 switches from the process data being executed to the process data corresponding to the number of addition notifications (step S8107) and restarts the process timer (step S8108) at the addition notification timing.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 adds the notification count to the effect display counter (step S8109). Then, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of extra notifications is “twice” (step S8110). If it is “twice”, the effect control flag is set (step 8111) and step S8113. Migrate to As described above, when the additional notification effect is executed twice, the execution of the countdown effect is limited from the next symbol variation.

  The case where the number of additional notifications is executed is two times. In other words, the value of the effect display counter after the execution of the additional notification effect is the number of remaining fluctuations (5 times in this example) that is the execution condition of the countdown effect. ) The following cases. Thereby, even when the execution condition of the countdown effect is satisfied after the additional notification effect is executed, the execution of the countdown effect can be restricted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the effect of notifying the remaining period of the period to be controlled to the short-time state more than necessary, and to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  In step S8110, when the number of additional notifications is not “2” (N in step S8110), that is, when the number of additional notifications is “10”, the effect restriction flag is reset (step S8112). Here, since the value of the effect display counter after the number of additional notifications is 10 times the additional notification effect is exceeded, the countdown effect is interrupted because the number of remaining fluctuations (5 times) that is the execution condition of the countdown effect is exceeded. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the countdown effect from being executed continuously and to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable. In addition, by resetting the effect limit flag, the countdown effect can be executed again when the value of the effect display counter reaches a value that satisfies the countdown effect execution condition.

  Thereafter, if the change time timer has timed out (step S8113), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change stop process (step S803) (step S8114).

  In the present embodiment, the additional notification effect is executed by switching from the process data selected in the effect symbol variation start process to the process data corresponding to the additional notification effect in the effect symbol variation in-process. However, it is not limited to this. For example, by performing the effect control using the process data set so that the additional notification effect is generated in the middle of the variation in the effect symbol variation start process at the time of the symbol variation start determined to execute the additional notification effect. In addition, an additional notification effect may be executed. By doing so, there is no need to switch the process data in the effect symbol variation processing, and the processing burden can be reduced. Moreover, in that case, the process of step S8109 to step S8112 may be executed in the effect symbol variation start process.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, first, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that the stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S861). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to step S872. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when a jackpot symbol is displayed as a stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S871. When the fanfare effect is executed, the stop symbol display flag is reset in step S873. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set in step S861 is a stage where the fanfare effect is not yet executed although the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, so the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S862 is not executed. The process proceeds to step S872 without repeatedly executing the process of displaying. In step S873, a configuration may be used in which the effect display counter, the effect management counter, and the effect limit flag are reset.

  If the stop symbol display flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the stored stop symbol (disconnected symbol, big hit symbol, or small hit symbol) (step S862). The production control CPU 101 may perform control to stop and display the production symbol in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation designation command from the game control microcomputer 560.

  Next, it is determined whether or not either the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is displayed (step S863), and if neither the big hit symbol nor the small bonus symbol is displayed (that is, the off symbol is displayed), the production is performed. It is determined whether or not the management counter is “0” (step S864). If it is “0”, that is, if it is not the time saving state, the process proceeds to step S869 described later. When the production management counter is not “0”, that is, when the time is short, the production control CPU 101 subtracts “1” from the production management counter and the production display counter (steps S865 and S866). As described above, the effect management counter and the effect display counter are configured to decrement “1” every time the symbol variation is stopped in the time reduction state.

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the effect management counter is “0” (step S867), and if it is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S869 described later. When the production management counter is “0”, the production restriction flag is reset (step S868). In addition, the case where the production management counter is “0” in step S867 is a case where the final variation in the time-short state is finished. Further, when the value of the effect management counter is “0”, the value of the effect display counter is also “0”. Therefore, in step S867, it is determined whether the effect display counter is “0” instead of the effect management counter. It may be determined. At this time, if the value of either the effect management counter or the effect display counter is “0”, the value of the other counter may be reset in step S868. By doing so, even if the other counter is not “0” due to some error, the game can proceed without abnormality even when the next time-short state is entered.

  In step S869, the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S869). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets a command reception flag such as a display result designation command reception flag. The effect control CPU 101 may reset the command reception flag immediately after being referred to in the effect control process or the fourth symbol process (for example, as shown in step S811 in FIG. 30, the variation pattern). The fluctuation pattern command reception flag may be reset immediately after confirming the command reception flag). Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S870).

  When the big win symbol or the small hit symbol is displayed in step S863 (Y in step S863), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol display flag (step S871), and the fanfare flag (big hit start 1 designation command reception flag). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the big hit start 2 designation command reception flag or the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag) is set (step S872). When the fanfare flag is set (Y in step S872), the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S873) and selects process data corresponding to the fanfare effect (step S874). Then, the process timer is started (step S875).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S876). However, if it is a small hit, it is not a big hit, so the effect during the big hit from the big hit display process (step S804) to the big hit end effect process (step S807) is not executed, but set in step S874. It is preferable that an effect corresponding to the small hit game is executed over a predetermined effect period in accordance with the process data, and the process returns to the variation pattern command reception waiting process in step S800.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end effect process (step S807) in the effect control process. In the big hit end effect process, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the selected flag is set (step S3701). The selected flag is a flag indicating whether or not process data for the ending effect in the big hit gaming state is selected. If the selected flag is set, that is, if ending effect process data has already been selected, the process proceeds to step S971.

  When the selected flag is not set, that is, when the ending effect process data is not selected, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether the generated big hit is one of the normal big hits A to C. Determination is made (step S3702). If it is usually one of the big hits A to C, the process data corresponding to the short-time ending effect for notifying the time-controlled state is selected (step S3703), and the process proceeds to step S3705. The short-time ending effect is an effect that, for example, “40 times short!” Is displayed on the effect display device 9 or that the speaker 27 outputs a sound such as “It ’s 40 minutes short!”. In this way, even if the types of jackpots with different time periods are controlled, the same period is displayed to make it difficult for the player to recognize which type of jackpot has occurred.

  If the generated big hit is not the normal big hit A to C but the probability change big hit or the sudden probability change big hit, the process data corresponding to the normal ending effect is selected (step S3704), and the process proceeds to step S3705. In step S3705, the production control CPU 101 sets a selected flag (step S3705). Then, the production period measurement timer is started and the process timer is started (step S3706), and processing for controlling the production device (production display device 9, speaker 27, etc.) according to the contents of the process data 1 is executed (step S3707). .

  In step S971, 1 is subtracted from the value of the effect period measurement timer for measuring the effect period of the ending effect executed at the end of the big hit game (step S971). The effect period measurement timer is set based on the fact that all rounds of the jackpot game are completed in the post-round processing (see step S806). Next, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the production period measurement timer has timed out (step S972).

  When the production period measurement timer has not timed out (N in step S972), the production control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S973), and the production device (production display device 9) according to the contents of the process data n. , Speaker 27 etc.) is executed (step S974). For example, an effect of displaying that the big hit ends or displaying a predetermined character is executed.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S975), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S976). Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer and the process timer is started (step S977).

  If the production period measurement timer has timed out (Y in step S972), the production control CPU 101 determines whether the generated big hit is any one of the normal big hits A to C (step S3913), and the normal big hit A If it is not any of -C, the process proceeds to step S978.

  When the generated big hit is one of the normal big hits A to C, the effect control CPU 101 sets “40” in the effect display counter (step S3914) and determines the type of the generated big hit. If it is a normal big hit A, “40” is set to the production management counter (step S3919, step S3920), and the process proceeds to step S978. If the generated big hit is the normal big hit B, “60” is set in the production management counter (step S3921, step S3922), and the process proceeds to step S978. If the generated big hit is the normal big hit C, “100” is set to the effect management counter (N in step S3921; step S3923), and the process proceeds to step S978.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S978). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets command reception flags such as a selected flag, a winning effect restriction flag, a first symbol variation designation command reception flag, and a second symbol variation designation command reception flag. Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S979). The process data corresponding to the ending effect is selected in the jackpot end effect process (steps S3702 to S3704). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the process corresponding to the ending effect in the post-round processing (step S806). It may be like selecting data.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating a timing chart according to the present embodiment. The timing chart shown in FIG. 38 shows changes in special symbols and contents of effects for each timing from the big hit game state of the normal big hit A to the end of the short time state. In addition, the frequency | count of a fluctuation | variation shown in figure is the frequency | count of the fluctuation | variation which performed after shifting to a time-short state.

  First, the big hit effect is executed in the big hit gaming state. Then, when the big hit gaming state ends, a short-time ending effect (shown as a short-time ED effect) is executed, and it is notified that the period for controlling to the short-time state is 40 symbol variations. Then, the state shifts to the short-time state, and the change of the special symbol is started, and the normal variation effect in the short-time state is generated.

  Then, a countdown effect is generated from the 36th change, and the player is scolded by displaying “5 more times” as shown in the figure. In any change, no additional notification effect is generated, the countdown effect is executed up to the 40th change, and the time-shifted state is shifted to the normal gaming state.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the timing chart in the present embodiment. The timing chart shown in FIG. 39 shows the variation of special symbols and the contents of effects for each timing from the big hit game state of normal big hit B to the middle of the short time state. In addition, the same behavior is exhibited when the big hit C is generated.

  First, as in the case where the normal big hit A occurs, the big hit effect is executed in the big hit gaming state. Then, when the big hit gaming state ends, a time-short ending effect is executed, and it is notified that the period for controlling to the time-short state is 40 symbol variations. Then, the state shifts to the time-short state, the special symbol variation is started, and the normal variation effect in the time-short state is executed. Thereafter, a countdown effect is generated from the 36th change. Up to this point, an effect common to the case where a big hit A is generated is executed.

  Then, at the 38th change in which “3 more times” is notified, an additional notification effect is generated. At this time, twice is selected as the number of extra notifications, and the additional period of the remaining time in the short-time state is notified as “+2 times!”. This informs the player that the time-short state will continue. Then, since the number of extra notifications is selected twice, execution of the countdown effect is controlled here, and the countdown effect is not executed from the 39th change.

  As described above, when the normal big hit B is generated and the time shifts to the 60-time short state, the common effect is executed as in the case where the normal big hit A is generated and the time is changed to the short-time state 40 times, and 40 symbols are displayed. Before the change is made, an extra notification effect is executed. This makes it difficult for the player to recognize which period has shifted to the short-time state, and allows the player to be expected to be notified of the continuation of the short-time state, thereby improving the interest of the short-time state. be able to.

  Next, a specific example of the countdown effect will be described. FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating a display example during the countdown effect. The display example shown in FIG. 40 shows a display example of the effect display device 9 at each timing when the normal big hit B or the normal big hit C occurs and the state shifts to the time saving state. First, at the timing (A1) when the big hit gaming state ends, the character information “40 times reduced!” Is displayed on the effect display device 9 as an ending effect. Then, at the timing (A2), the time variation state variation starts.

  Then, the countdown effect is started at the timing (A3) during symbol change when the value of the effect display counter becomes “5”, and the character information “5 times remaining!” Is displayed on the effect display device 9. Thereafter, at the timing (A4), which is the additional notification timing of the fluctuation when the value of the effect display counter becomes “3”, the additional notification effect is executed using the number of times determined by the additional notification frequency determination. Specifically, the character information “+2 times!” Is displayed on the effect display device 9. Here, the value of the effect display counter is “5”, which satisfies the execution condition of the countdown effect, but since the effect restriction flag is set, the countdown is performed at the timing (A6) during which the time-short state changes thereafter. Execution of production is restricted.

  FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the display example during the countdown effect. The display example shown in FIG. 41 shows a display example of the effect display device 9 at each timing when the normal big hit B or the normal big hit C occurs and the state shifts to the time saving state. First, at the timing (B1) when the big hit game ends, the character information “40 times reduced!” Is displayed on the effect display device 9 as an ending effect. Then, the symbol variation in the short-time state is started at the timing (B2).

  Then, the countdown effect is started at the timing (B3) during symbol change when the value of the effect display counter becomes “5”, and the character information “5 times remaining!” Is displayed on the effect display device 9. Thereafter, at the timing (B4) which is the additional notification timing of the fluctuation in which the value of the effect display counter becomes “3”, the additional notification effect is executed using the number of times determined by the additional notification frequency determination. Specifically, the character information “+10 times!” Is displayed on the effect display device 9. Here, since the value of the effect display counter becomes “13” and the execution condition of the countdown effect is not satisfied, the countdown effect is not executed at the timing (B6) during the subsequent fluctuation. Then, the countdown effect is started again at the timing (B7) during symbol change when the value of the effect display counter becomes “5”, and the character information “5 times remaining!” Is displayed on the effect display device 9. As described above, by executing the additional notification effect for a period longer than the remaining period for executing the countdown effect, it is possible to prevent the countdown effect from being continuously executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable by continuously executing the countdown effect that suggests the remaining period of the period to be controlled to the short-time state.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the special gaming state (in this example, the short time state) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, The suggestion effect suggesting the remaining period (in this example, the countdown effect) is performed in a specific period (in this example, the value of the effect display counter is “5” or less) and controlled to the special game state. A special period to be added to the remaining period of the period is notified (in this example, an additional notification effect), and the notified period (specifically, a period obtained by adding the remaining period suggested by the suggestion effect and the special period). In this example, when the value obtained by adding the number of notifications added to the value of the effect display counter is shorter than the specific period, the execution of the suggestion effect is limited even if the execution condition of the suggestion effect is satisfied. As a result, the suggestion effect is not repeatedly executed more than necessary, so that it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  In addition, when a period shorter than a specific period (for example, two times) is added and executed as the number of notifications, more than after a specific period or more (for example, five times) is executed as the number of notifications, There is a high possibility that the value of the effect display counter after executing the extra notification effect is “5” or less. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the execution of the suggestive effect is limited when a period shorter than a specific period is added and executed as the number of notifications. Thereby, it can prevent giving an excessive discomfort to a player by suggestion effect being continued being performed repeatedly.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in the special gaming state (in this example, the short time state) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, the remaining period of the period that is controlled to the special gaming state is suggested. The suggestion effect (in this example, the countdown effect) is performed in a specific period (in this example, the period in which the effect display counter is “5” or less) and added to the remaining period of the period to be controlled to the special gaming state. (In this example, an extra notification effect), and the notified period (specifically, a period obtained by adding the remaining period suggested in the suggestion effect and the special period. In this example, effect display In the case where the value obtained by adding the number of notifications added to the counter value) is longer than a specific period, the suggestion effect can be executed again if the execution condition of the suggestion effect is satisfied. Thereby, since the suggestion effect is not continuously executed, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment, it was set as the structure from which the selection ratio of the period selected as an additional period differs with the period controlled to a special game state. Specifically, the more the remaining period of the period to be controlled in the short-time state is, the easier it is to select two symbol variations as the number of extra notifications. Therefore, it is possible to make the player pay attention to which additional period is selected, and it is possible to improve the interest.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment, it was set as the structure which is easy to perform the additional alerting | reporting effect using the increase notification frequency | count of a large value, so that the period controlled to a time-short state is long. Thereby, the frequency | count of performing an additional alerting | reporting effect can be decreased, and it can prevent a player feeling annoyance by repeating an additional alerting | reporting effect more than necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the fact that the transition to the 40 time-saving state, which is the shortest period among the plurality of periods controlled to the time-saving state, is notified at the end of the jackpot, but is not limited thereto. For example, a period shorter than the shortest period may be notified. Specifically, even if any of the big hits A to C occurs, it is possible to execute an additional notification effect even if there are 40 time saving states by informing that “30 times shorter!” It is possible to make the player expect that the time-saving state will continue for a longer time. In this case, for example, the process data selected in step S3703 in FIG. 37 is displayed as “30 times shorter!”, And the value set in the effect display counter in step S3914 in FIG. 37 is set to “30”. can do.

  In the present embodiment, the timing for starting the execution of the countdown effect is a timing before the end of the 40 time-saving states, in other words, the timing before the end of the 60 time-saving states. In other words, even if any of the big hits B or C occurs, it is informed that “40 times shorter!” And the countdown effect and the additional notification effect are executed, and the timing before the timing at which the 60 time-short states end. Thus, the countdown effect is executed. In other words, the plurality of periods controlled to the special gaming state include one period (in this example, 100 symbol variations) and another period shorter than the one period (in this example, 60 symbol variations). In one period or another period, a period shorter than one period is notified as a period for controlling to the special gaming state, and at a timing before the timing when the other period ends. It is the structure which performs suggestion production. This makes it difficult for the player to recognize the special game state for which period even if the extra notification effect is executed, and allows the player to expect the special game state to continue for a longer time. it can.

  In the present embodiment, the countdown effect is not executed when the effect restriction flag is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as the execution of the countdown effect is restricted. For example, the countdown effect may be more negatively executed when the effect restriction flag is set than when the effect restriction flag is not set. Specifically, when the production restriction flag is set, the countdown production is performed more passively by using a small display or a smaller sound than when the production restriction flag is set. Also good.

  In the present embodiment, the short time state has been described as an example of the special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a probable change state, a normal figure high-probability game state in which a normal symbol is likely to become a symbol than a normal game state, or a normal figure short-time state in which a normal symbol has a shorter variation time than a normal game state Thus, a so-called high base state may be used. In addition, a gaming state in which a specific performance mode (so-called mission mode) that requires a predetermined mission to be performed within a prescribed period, such as “Let's reach 7 within 3 minutes”, may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the countdown effect is executed when the value of the effect display counter is “5”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in one period of the plurality of periods controlled to the special gaming state, the countdown effect is executed before the end timing of the other period in which the period controlling to the special gaming state is shorter than the one period. Anything to do. Specifically, as long as it is before the end of another period in one period, the countdown effect may be started from the first fluctuation that has shifted to the short-time state, or the countdown effect may be started. May be determined by lottery, or a lottery may be performed to determine whether or not to execute a countdown effect at every change. According to this, since it is difficult for the player to recognize whether the countdown effect is executed in one period or in another period, it is determined that the game is controlled for a longer period in the special game state. Can make people expect.

  In the present embodiment, the additional notification effect is executed when the value of the effect display counter is “3”. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the additional notification effect is executed at random timing. It may be a thing. For example, when shifting to the special gaming state, the timing for executing the extra notification effect may be determined by lottery, or the lottery for determining whether or not to execute the extra notification effect at every change. It may be something to do. In that case, since there is a possibility that a notification effect will always be added, it is possible to always give the player a sense of expectation while controlling to the special gaming state. In addition, in a configuration in which a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to perform an additional notification effect at every change, if the effect display counter continues to be determined to not execute the additional notification effect until a variation of “1”, an effect display is displayed. In the case where the counter is “0”, the notification effect may be executed without adding the lottery.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the specified timing in the fluctuation in which the value of the effect display counter is “3” is added as the notification timing, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as the fluctuation is in progress. For example, one timing may be selected by lottery from a plurality of changing timings as the additional notification timing, and the additional notification effect may be executed at the selected timing. In such a case, the selection ratio may be different depending on the number of extra notifications. For example, the variation time may be divided into three parts, “first half”, “middle board”, and “second half”, and as the number of notifications increases, the later timing may be selected more easily.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the notification effect is added on the condition that the predetermined timing is reached, but the notification effect is executed on the condition that the operation from the player is accepted. May be. For example, in the variation in which the value of the effect display counter is “3”, an effect is made to prompt the player to operate the operation members such as the stick controller 122 and the push button 120, and the operation is accepted when the operation is received during a specified period. It is also possible to execute an additional notification effect. In that case, if the operation is not accepted, the additional notification effect is not executed with the change, but the additional notification effect is executed at a timing after the change and before the time reduction state ends. There may be. For example, when an operation from the player is not accepted when the value of the effect display counter is “3”, the effect is as if the time-short state ends when the value of the effect display counter is “1”. It may be something that instigates the player's anxiety by performing an additional notification effect after performing. It should be noted that accepting a single operation on the operating member may be added as an execution condition for the notification effect, or accepting repeated hits may be set as an execution condition for the notification effect.

  In the present embodiment, the countdown effect is executed when the value of the effect display counter is within “5”, and the additional notification effect can be executed when the value of the effect display counter is “3”. When the number of extra notifications is set to two, the production restriction flag is set. However, when the remaining time in the short-time state in which the player is informed by performing the extra notification production satisfies the execution condition of the countdown production, If it is the structure which restricts execution of a countdown effect, it will not restrict to this. For example, if the remaining period that becomes the execution condition of the countdown effect is determined by lottery, the remaining period in the short-time state that is notified to the player by the execution of the additional notification effect is the maximum period of the remaining period of the execution condition of the countdown effect If it is shorter than that, an effect restriction flag may be set.

  In the present embodiment, the greater the remaining time in the short-time state, the easier it is to perform the additional notification effect by the number of additional notifications, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the remaining time in the short-time state The more the number of additional notifications, the more difficult it is to execute the additional notification effect by the number of additional notifications, so that the player can keep an eye on the aspect of the notification effect, so that the interest can be improved. Moreover, the selection ratio of the number of extra notifications may be different depending on the type of winning jackpot. In addition, the ratio of the notification form (for example, the color and shape at the time of display, the sound quality and volume at the time of sound output, and the color of the lamp) in the additional notification effect is varied for each period for which the time-short state is controlled. The same effect can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the period for controlling to the special gaming state (short-time state) is different depending on the jackpot type. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the special gaming state for one type of jackpot The period to be controlled may be determined by lottery. In addition, the trigger for shifting to the special gaming state is not limited to a big hit as long as the specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display means. For example, there is a pattern indicating one out of a plurality of types of outages. When the display is derived or when a symbol indicating a specific win is derived and displayed, the special game state may be entered.

  In the present embodiment, two types of “2 times” and “10 times” are provided as the number of additional notifications for the additional notification effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one additional notification frequency may be selected from more types of additional notification frequency. In that case, the value of the effect display counter at the time of executing the additional notification effect is added to the value of the selected additional notification number, and the added value is equal to or less than the value of the effect display counter as the execution condition of the countdown effect. In such a case, what is necessary is just to set an effect restriction flag.

  Further, in the present embodiment, two symbol variations and ten symbol variations are provided as a period to be shown as added in the extra notification effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. Only the period longer than the apparent remaining period of the short-time state, which is the generation condition, may be provided as an option for the period that appears to be added. Specifically, the countdown effect is executed when the value of the effect display counter is “5”, and one period is selected from 7 symbol variations, 10 symbol variations, and 20 symbol variations. Then, it may be possible to execute an extra notification effect that makes it appear as if the selected one period has been added. In that case, the countdown effect is always interrupted when the extra notification effect is executed, and the countdown effect is executed again when the value of the effect display counter becomes “5” again.

  In addition, the number of times of change is described as an example of the period for controlling to the special gaming state, but it is not limited to this. For example, a means for measuring the elapsed time is provided, and the special gaming state is controlled until a predetermined time elapses. It may be something like Further, for example, the game may be controlled to a special game state until a specific big hit determination result (for example, a small win) is generated a predetermined number of times, or the special game state is set until a specific performance is executed a predetermined number of times. It may be controlled.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which a variation pattern for the time-short state (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern for time-shortening) is always selected in the time-shortening state, and a countdown effect or an additional notification effect can be executed with any variation in the time-shortening variation pattern. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a special variation pattern for executing a countdown effect or an additional notification effect according to the number of times of control in the short-time state may be selected at a preset number of changes. In that case, it is also possible to execute a countdown effect and an additional notification effect with a wider range of effect contents than a countdown effect and an additional notification effect using the time variation pattern. For example, a change that is a threshold value of the time-short state that varies depending on the type of big hit, such as a 40th change or a 60th change after shifting to the time-short state, is used as a special change pattern, and an effect is given for whether to continue or not. It may be a thing. In addition, for example, a change pattern from the 36th change to the 40th change after the transition to the short-time state is set as a special change pattern, and a countdown effect or an additional notification effect is executed by the change of the special change pattern. May be. In that case, in order to give the player anxiety and expectation for the end and continuation of the short-time state, it is desirable to select a similar variation pattern when any big hit occurs. Furthermore, as the symbol variation time of each special variation pattern, the 36th variation is 3 seconds, the 37th variation is 2.5 seconds, the 38th variation is 2 seconds, the 39th variation is 1.5 seconds, and the 40th variation is If it is made shorter and shorter like 1 second, the player can be beaten as it approaches 40 fluctuations, and the interest can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the short-time state, the same effect is performed so that the player can hardly recognize which of the big hits A to C has occurred. In the high base state, the same behavior as in the time-short state may be displayed. For example, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize which big hit of the probability big hit and the normal big hit A to C has occurred by executing the same effect as in the time-short state in the probability changed state. In that case, even when a probable big hit occurs, the effect display device 9 displays “40 times a short time!” And executes a countdown effect or an additional notification effect at a predetermined timing to determine which big hit has occurred. It can make the player difficult to recognize and improve the interest. In the case of a type of gaming machine in which the probability change state continues until the next big hit occurs, when the fluctuation of the upper limit number of time-short states (100 in this example) is finished after the big hit, the normal gaming state is set. If the transition is made, the player recognizes that the normal big hit C has occurred, and if the normal gaming state does not change, the probability variation big hit has occurred. Also, if the game machine is of a type in which the probability variation state ends at the specified number of times, even if the probability variation big hit occurs or the normal big hit occurs, when the fluctuation of the specified number of times ends, the normal gaming state is shifted to Therefore, it may be such that the player does not recognize which jackpot has occurred. Further, for example, when a probability variation big hit occurs, the probability notification effect may be executed so as to notify the fact that the probability variation state is not performed without performing the increase notification effect at the additional notification timing. In this case, even if a normal big hit has occurred, a sense of expectation that a probability variation big hit has occurred can be added to the player until the notification timing.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the short-time state, the same effect is performed so that the player can hardly recognize which of the big hits A to C has occurred. A common effect may be provided only when it occurs. For example, when the normal big hit A and the normal big hit B are generated, the number of times of control in the short-time state is displayed as “40 times shorter!”, While when the normal big hit C is generated, the number of times of control in the short-time state is indicated as “ It may be displayed as “50 times shorter!”.

  Further, in the present embodiment, even when any big hit of normal big hits A to C occurs, it is configured to notify 40 symbol variations as a period for controlling to the short-time state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, even in the case of big hits of the same type, one period may be selected from a plurality of periods, and the selected period may be notified as a period for controlling to the short time state. Specifically, a part of the normal big hit B or the normal big hit C may be notified as a period for controlling the number of times more than 40 times to the time-short state. This is, for example, a period in which when a big hit B occurs, a period is selected from among 40 symbol variations, 50 symbol variations, and 60 symbol variations by lottery, and the selected period is controlled to be in a short time state. It can be realized by informing. As a result, more production modes can be provided, and the interest can be improved.

  In addition, in this embodiment, by making a countdown effect no matter which normal big hit occurs, it makes it difficult for the player to recognize how many times the short time state is controlled, and an additional notification effect Whether or not to continue the time-saving state depending on the presence or absence of the execution of is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, when a common effect is executed regardless of which period is controlled in the special gaming state and the period controlled in the special gaming state is the first period, The special gaming state continues the first period during the first period before the variable display is executed a plurality of times before the variable display at the timing when the second period, which is shorter than the first period, ends. May be notified. Hereinafter, a modification in which the continuation of the first period is notified by executing a continuation notification effect that notifies the continuation of the special gaming state in a specific period will be described.

  FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a timing chart in the modified example. The timing chart shown in FIG. 42 shows the contents of the effect for each jackpot type that occurred. In the normal big hit A and the normal big hit B, as shown in the figure, when the normal big hit A occurs, the state shifts to the short state when the number of fluctuations is 40 times, and when the normal big hit B occurs, the state changes to the short state when the number of fluctuations is 60 times. Transition. As shown in the figure, the effect control CPU 101 performs a common effect common to both the time-short state at the 40-time fluctuation time and the time-short state at the 60-time fluctuation time during the 35 fluctuations after the shift to the time-short state. Run. As for the common effect, it is desirable that all the effect members such as the effect display device 9, the speaker 27, the lamp, and the electric accessory have the same aspect. Note that a plurality of common effects may exist as long as a common effect is executed regardless of the period during which the special game state is controlled. In that case, one common effect may be selected and executed from a plurality of common effects at different rates depending on the period of control to the transitioned special gaming state. For example, one production mode is more likely to occur in the 60-time short-time state than the 40 time-short state, and the other production mode is more likely to occur in the 40-time short-time state than in the 60-time short-time state. It may be something like this. As a result, when the one effect mode is selected and executed, it is possible to indicate to the player that the state has shifted to the 60 time saving state, and the effect is given to the player without the player clearly recognizing it. It is possible to improve the interest.

  Then, a predetermined period (in this example, five symbol fluctuations) before the end of the 40 time-shortening states shorter than 60 times is defined as the pre-end period, and during the pre-end period in the short-time state of 60 fluctuations Then, the continuation notification effect for informing the continuation of the short-time state is executed. Thereby, since continuation alerting | reporting is performed in the period before an end over a some variable display, the improvement of the interest of a special game state can be aimed at. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 43, an effect (so-called battle effect) between the ally character and the enemy character is performed, and the time-saving state is not continued due to the defeat of the teammate character in 40 time-saving states. Notification may be made to notify that the teammate character wins and the time-saving state is continued in the time-saving state of 60 times.

  FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the continuous notification effect in the modification. An example of the continuous notification effect shown in FIG. 43 shows an example of using the battle effect displayed on the effect display device 9 to notify whether or not the CHANCE TIME that is the special gaming state continues. In FIG. 43, first, the start of the battle effect is notified at timing (a), and the introduction effect of the battle effect is executed at timing (b) and timing (c). If CHANCE TIME continues, the teammate character wins the enemy character as shown in timing (d), and the continuation of CHANCE TIME is notified at timing (e). When CHANCE TIME ends, the teammate character loses to the enemy character (g) as in timing (f), and the end of CHANCE TIME is notified.

  As described above, regardless of which period is controlled in the special gaming state, the common common effect is executed, and the period controlled in the special gaming state is the first period (the normal jackpot B in this example). At the timing when the second period, which is a period shorter than the first period (40 time-short states due to the normal jackpot A in this example) among a plurality of periods, is completed. It is informed that the special gaming state continues for the first period during the first half of the period in which a plurality of variable displays before the variable display is executed. Thereby, since it is performed by a continuous alerting | reporting effect in the specific period over a some variable display, the improvement of the interest of a special game state can be aimed at.

  In this modified example, the common effect is executed regardless of whether the CHANCE TIME is continued, and the battle effect is executed as the continuous notification effect. However, the introduction portion of the battle effect (timing (a) to (c) )) May be part of the common performance. For example, the introduction portion (timing (a) to (c)) of the battle effect is executed as a common effect over a plurality of fluctuations, and the effect (timing (d) to (g)) for notifying the success or failure of the battle is continued. It may be executed as a notification effect.

  In the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time, the type of reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc., 1 is used when the change is started. Although an example in which one variation pattern command is transmitted has been shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 uses the first command to indicate whether there is a pseudo-ream, a slip effect, etc. before reaching (so-called if not reach). A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop) is transmitted, and the second command has reached the reach such as the type of reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect (if the reach is not reach, so-called first) You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time and fluctuation | variation aspect (after 2 stop). In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform effect control in variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of two commands. The game control microcomputer 560 notifies the change time by each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 selects the specific change mode executed at each timing. It may be. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After sending the first command, a certain period of time has passed (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be appropriately changed. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine is taken as an example of the gaming machine. However, according to the present invention, a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting medals, and a plurality of types are set according to the operation of the operation lever by the player. When the symbol is rotated and the symbol is stopped according to the stop button operation by the player, if the combination of the stop symbol becomes a specific symbol combination, it applies to a slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player It is also possible.

  In the above 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 The present invention can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that encloses game media such as the above and gives a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied.

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

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 20A Large winning port LED
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)

A gaming machine that controls a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each of them and deriving and displaying the display result There,
Special gaming state control means for controlling to a special gaming state advantageous to a player different from the specific gaming state;
A period determining means for determining a period for controlling the special gaming state from a plurality of types;
A predetermined period notifying means for notifying a predetermined period shorter than the period determined by the period determining means as the period for controlling to the special gaming state;
During the control of the special gaming state, after the predetermined period is notified by the predetermined period notification means, at least a part of the remaining period of the period to be controlled to the special gaming state determined by the period determination means A special period notification means for notifying as a special period added to the notified predetermined period,
When the remaining period of the notified period is at least shorter than the specific period, the suggested effect executing means for executing the suggested effect suggesting the remaining period of the notified period,
In the case where the suggestion effect is executed again after executing the notification after the suggestion effect is executed by the suggestion effect executing means, the special period notification means sets a period longer than the specific period as the special period. A gaming machine characterized by notification.

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