JP2014144115A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enabling a player to have expectation to a bonanza, when a step-up presentation is performed.SOLUTION: In a pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball wins at a first start port 11, it is determined whether a jackpot game is to be executed or not, and after a pattern is variably displayed on a first special pattern display 41, a pattern showing a determination result is displayed in the stopped state. Though a step-up performance developing stepwise is performed during the pattern variation, for example, when a pseudo continuous notice performance or a performance of group notice is performed, a suggestive performance for suggesting the effect is performed in any step of the step-up notice performance.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of executing step-up effects that develop in stages.

  In a general gaming machine, it is determined whether or not a big hit is made when a game ball is won at the start opening, and a special symbol indicating whether or not a big hit is displayed after the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display. And when the special symbol which shows that it is a big win is stopped and displayed, the big hit game which opens the big winning opening normally closed is performed. In this type of gaming machine, when a special symbol is variably displayed, the image display means is used step by step for the purpose of suggesting a degree of confidence that it is determined to be a big hit. Some perform step-up effects that develop (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when a player presses the effect button while an effect of a step in the step-up effect is being performed, a step-up transition lottery is performed, and this step-up transition lottery is won Next, the next step is performed.

JP 2010-252972 A

  By the way, since the step-up effect is performed at a reasonable frequency even if it does not become a big hit, even if it develops to the upper limit step, it is an effect that is not necessarily highly likely to lead to a big hit. For this reason, in the conventional gaming machine, after the step-up effect is finished, the player is not able to win the jackpot until another notice effect indicating that the reliability for the jackpot is high, such as a pseudo continuous notice effect or a group notice, for example. There was a problem that it was difficult to hold expectations.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that enables a player to have a sense of expectation for a jackpot when a step-up effect is performed.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses and supplementary explanations in this column show the correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention at all. .

  The gaming machine (1) according to the present invention includes a special game determination means (101, S3091) for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a symbol display means (41, 42) The symbol display control means (101, S312, S317) for stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination means after the symbol is displayed variably, and during the symbol variation display on the symbol display means, Step-up effect execution means (131, 131) for executing step-up effects (for example, FIGS. 6 and 7) that can be developed stepwise up to any number of steps equal to or less than the predetermined number of steps with a predetermined number of steps as an upper limit. 140, 5) and a predetermined effect executing means (131, 1) capable of executing a predetermined effect (for example, FIGS. 4, 5, and 8) different from the step-up effect. 0, 5), and the step-up effect executing means, when the predetermined effect by the predetermined effect executing means is executed after the step-up effect is executed, in any step of the step-up effect, The suggestion effect suggesting the execution of the predetermined effect is executed (S1065, S107).

  While the predetermined effect execution means normally executes the predetermined effect in the first mode (for example, FIGS. 5A to 5L), the first mode is performed when the suggestion effect is executed. The predetermined effect may be executed in a second mode different from (Fig. 5 (M), (B) to (L)).

  According to this invention, the player can have a sense of expectation for the jackpot when the step-up effect is performed.

Schematic front view of pachinko machine 1 A plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 Enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. Explanatory diagram for explaining the pseudo continuous notice effect Explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the pseudo-continuous notice effect Screen view of main LCD 5 for explaining step-up notice effect Explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the step-up notice effect Screen of main LCD 5 for explaining group notice The block diagram which shows the structural example of the control apparatus with which the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the game control board 100 Detailed flowchart of the switch process in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the first start port switch processing in step S21 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of jackpot determination processing in step S309 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S310 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the production control board 130 Detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation effect pattern setting process in step S105 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the notice effect pattern setting process in step S106 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the image sound control process performed in the image sound control board 140 The flowchart which shows an example of the lamp control process performed in the lamp control board 150

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Example of schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
First, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a game board 2 provided with an accessory related to winning or determination and a frame member 3 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 3 supports a transparent glass plate arranged in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval. The glass board and the game board 2 form a game area 10 in which a game ball can flow down. Has been.

  When the player grasps the handle 20 and rotates the lever 21 in the clockwise direction, the game balls stored in the upper plate 28 are guided to the launching device (not shown), and with a hitting force according to the rotation angle of the handle 20 Fired into the game area 10. This game area 10 is provided with game nails, windmills, etc. (not shown), and the launched game balls are guided to the upper position in the game area 10 and contacted with the game nails, windmills, etc. It falls along the game board 2 while changing the moving direction. Note that the game ball is temporarily stopped when the player operates the stop button 22.

  The upper plate 28 stores game balls and prize balls supplied to the launching device. Below the upper plate 28, a lower plate 29 for collecting prize balls is provided. When the player operates the take-out button 23 arranged close to the lower plate 29, a part of the lower surface of the lower plate 29 is opened, and the game balls accumulated in the lower plate 29 are arranged below the lower plate 29. Drop into a box not shown.

  When the player performs a so-called “left strike” in which the handle 20 is rotated at a small rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively weak hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the left area in the game area 10 as exemplified by the arrow 31. On the other hand, when the player performs a so-called “right strike” in which the handle 20 is rotated at a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down the right region in the game region 10 as illustrated by the arrow 32.

  A first starting port 11, a second starting port 12, two normal winning ports 14, a first gate 15, and an electric tulip 17 are provided in the passing path of the left-handed game ball as a prize and a winning combination. It has been. In addition, in the passage path of the right-handed game ball, the second starting port 12, the first big winning port 13, the two normal winning ports 14, the second gate 16, and the electric motor are used as the winning and judging functions. A tulip 17 and a second grand prize opening 19 are provided.

  The game balls launched into the game area 10 flow down along the game board 2 in the process of flowing down along the game board 2, the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the first large winning port 13, the normal winning port 14, and the second large winning port. Enter any of the winning openings 19 and win. As a result, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the winning location are paid out to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29. The game balls that have not won a prize are discharged from the game area 10 through the discharge port 18.

  The first start port 11 as the first start region is a start port that is always open, and the second start port 12 as the second start region is operating the electric tulip 17 as a normal electric accessory. It is a starting port that is opened only when it is open. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins through the first start port 11, or when a game ball wins through the second start port 12, a jackpot game (special game) advantageous to the player Is determined, and the determination result is displayed on the display 4 described later.

  In the following description, the determination executed on condition that a game ball wins the first start port 11 is referred to as “first special symbol determination”, and the game ball wins on the second start port 12 is a condition. The determination to be executed is referred to as “second special symbol determination”, and these determinations are collectively referred to as “special symbol determination”.

  The first big winning opening 13 is a special winning area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. A plate for opening and closing the first big prize opening 13 is provided at the opening of the first big prize opening 13. The first big winning opening 13 is normally closed by this plate. On the other hand, when the predetermined jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big jackpot” is stopped and displayed on the display 4, the plate is operated to open the first big winning opening 13. A jackpot game is executed. During the jackpot game, a predetermined condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, nine game balls are won in the first big prize opening 13 or 29.5 seconds have passed since the first big prize opening 13 was opened). Until the first grand prize winning opening 13 is maintained in the open state, the long open round game that is closed is executed a predetermined number of times.

  The second big prize opening 19 is a special prize area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a blade member that opens and closes the second big prize opening 19 is provided at the opening of the second big prize opening 19. The second big prize opening 19 is normally closed by this blade member. On the other hand, when a predetermined jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big jackpot” is stopped and displayed on the display 4, the blade member is operated to open the second big prize opening 19. A jackpot game is executed. During the jackpot game, a predetermined condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, nine game balls are won in the second big prize opening 19 or 29.5 seconds have passed since the second big prize opening 19 was opened). The long open round game that is closed after the second grand prize winning opening 19 is maintained in the open state is executed a predetermined number of times.

  In this way, during the jackpot game, the first big prize opening 13 or the second big prize opening 19 is opened long, so that the player hits the right during the jackpot game, and the jackpot game is being played. You can get more prize balls than when you don't.

  The electric tulip 17 is disposed close to the second starting port 12 and has a pair of blade members. The electric tulip 17 is configured to change its posture between a closed posture (see FIG. 1) in which the pair of blade members closes the second starting port 12 and an open posture (not shown) in which the second starting port 12 is opened. ing.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second start port 12 is normally closed by an electric tulip 17. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the first gate 15 or the second gate 16, it is determined whether or not the second start port 12 is to be opened although the prize ball is not paid out. Here, when it is determined that the second start port 12 is to be opened, the operation of returning to the closed posture after the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 17 has maintained the open posture for the specified time is performed a predetermined number of times. As described above, the second start port 12 is in a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass when the electric tulip 17 is not operated, whereas the game ball is easily passed by the operation of the electric tulip 17. Become. In the following description, the determination executed on condition that the game ball passes through the first gate 15 or the second gate 16 is referred to as “ordinary symbol determination”.

  The normal winning opening 14 is always open like the first start opening 11 and is a winning opening through which a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by winning a game ball. Unlike the first starting port 11 and the like, even if a game ball wins the normal winning port 14, no determination is made.

[Configuration example of presentation means of pachinko gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 1 or 2, the game board 2 or the frame member 3 is provided with various effects such as a main liquid crystal display device 5, a left sub liquid crystal display device 61, a right sub liquid crystal display device 62, A speaker 24 and a panel lamp 25 are provided. Further, the frame member 3 incorporates a frame lamp 37 (see FIG. 9) not shown in FIG.

  The main liquid crystal display device 5 (hereinafter abbreviated as “main liquid crystal 5”) is an image display device that displays an effect image, and is provided at a position that is easily visible by a player. The main liquid crystal 5 has various display objects such as a decorative symbol for notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination, a character or item for performing a notice effect, a hold display image displayed as many as the number of special symbol determinations being held, and the like. An effect image including is displayed. Note that the image display device may be configured by another image display device such as an EL display device.

  The sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 (hereinafter abbreviated as “sub liquid crystals 61 and 62”) are image display devices that display effect images, and are arranged on the front side of the main liquid crystal 5. The sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 have a display screen smaller than that of the main liquid crystal 5 and are used to display effects related to the display effects performed on the main liquid crystal 5 and information not displayed on the main liquid crystal 5. Is done. Specifically, the left sub-liquid crystal 61 displays a numerical value indicating the number of reserved first symbol determination, a character performing a notice effect, and the like, and the right sub-liquid crystal 62 indicates a numerical value indicating the number of reserved second symbol determination. Or a character or the like performing a notice effect.

  The sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 are configured to be movable in the width direction of the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the front side of the main liquid crystal 5. In the present embodiment, the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 include an initial position where the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 are respectively disposed on the sides of the main liquid crystal 5 (see, for example, FIG. 1), and the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 are the pachinko gaming machine 1. It is configured to be movable between a combined position (see, for example, FIG. 4C) disposed so as to be in contact with the central portion of the main liquid crystal 5 in the width direction.

  The panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37 perform various effects by light, such as changing a lighting or blinking pattern and changing a light emission color. The speaker 24 produces a sound effect by outputting music, voice, sound effects, etc. in synchronism with the display effect performed in the main liquid crystal 5 or the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62.

[Configuration example of operation means of the pachinko gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the frame member 3 is provided with an effect button 26 and a cross key 27 as operation means operated by the player. The effect button 26 is a push button for inputting operation information when pressed by the player, and is used for a determination operation or the like. The cross key 27 is a so-called cross key for the player to perform a selection operation. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is a case where an effect corresponding to the operation of the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 is performed.

[Configuration Example of Display 4]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. The display 4 mainly displays information related to special symbol determination and normal symbol determination. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first special symbol display 41, the second special symbol display 42, the first It has a special symbol hold indicator 43, a second special symbol hold indicator 44, a normal symbol indicator 45, a normal symbol hold indicator 46, and a game state indicator 47.

  When the first special symbol determination is performed, the first special symbol display 41 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the first special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. When the second special symbol determination is performed, the second special symbol display 42 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the second special symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol, thereby displaying the second special symbol determination. The determination result is notified. In the first special symbol display 41 and the second special symbol display 42, as a determination symbol, a jackpot symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, or the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” ”Is stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 43 displays the number of holds for the first special symbol determination. The second special symbol hold indicator 44 displays the number of holds for the second special symbol determination.

  When the normal symbol determination is performed, the normal symbol display 45 notifies the determination result of the normal symbol determination by suspending and displaying the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination after variably displaying the symbol. The normal symbol hold display 46 displays the number of holds for normal symbol determination. The game state display 47 displays the game state at the time when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  In the following description, the symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 is called “special symbol”, and the symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 45 is “normal symbol”. Shall be called.

[About various notice effects]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, a special symbol determination is performed to determine whether or not to execute the jackpot game, and the first special symbol display 41 or In the second special symbol display 42, after the special symbol is variably displayed, the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, in the main liquid crystal 5, the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner as the special symbol is displayed in a variably displayed state, and the decorative symbol is displayed as a result of the special symbol determination as the determination symbol is stopped. The display is stopped in the manner shown.

  During such symbol variation display, various notice effects are performed for the purpose of informing the player of the degree of reliability for the jackpot or giving the player a sense of expectation for the jackpot. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a pseudo continuous notice effect, a step-up notice effect, a group notice, etc. are performed as the notice effect.

[Example of pseudo continuous notice effect]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the pseudo continuous notice effect. The quasi-continuous notice effect is an effect that makes it appear as if the decorative symbol is displayed fluctuating a plurality of times during the one-time variation table display of the special symbol, and is called a “pseudo-continuous”.

  Before the pseudo continuous notice effect is started, the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 are arranged at the initial position. That is, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front, the left sub liquid crystal 61 is located on the left side of the main liquid crystal 5 and the right sub liquid crystal 62 is located on the right side of the main liquid crystal 5 (see FIG. 4A). ). On the other hand, when the pseudo continuous notice effect is started, the left sub liquid crystal 61 moves in a direction approaching the right sub liquid crystal 62 (right direction in FIG. 4), and the right sub liquid crystal 62 approaches the left sub liquid crystal 61 ( It moves to the left in FIG. 4 (see FIG. 4B). At that time, for example, male and female characters are displayed on each of the left sub liquid crystal 61 and the right sub liquid crystal 62.

  Then, when both the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 move to the combined position, the left sub liquid crystal 61 and the right sub liquid crystal 62 come into contact with each other at the center in the width direction of the main liquid crystal 5 (see FIG. 4C). At that time, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the main liquid crystal 5 displays an effect image that effectively produces the combination of the left sub-liquid crystal 61 and the right sub-liquid crystal 62. Then, after the left sub liquid crystal 61 and the right sub liquid crystal 62 arranged at the combined position are returned to their initial positions, the pseudo continuous notice effect is started (see FIG. 4D).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the pseudo continuous notice effect. When the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed during the special symbol variation display, as a basic flow, first, with the combined effect of the left sub liquid crystal 61 and the right sub liquid crystal 62 as described above based on FIG. The fluctuating effect of the first decorative pattern is started (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). Then, when the pseudo continuous notice effect does not develop to the second station, reach is reached and the reach effect is performed (see FIG. 5C).

  Although not shown in the figure, when the special symbol is not variably displayed on the main liquid crystal 5, the decorative symbols are displayed in three rows in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, the variation display of the decorative symbol is started simultaneously with the start of the variation display of the special symbol. Specifically, the scrolling is started so that the decorative symbols in the left column, the decorative symbols in the middle row, and the decorative symbols in the right column can be seen, for example, numbers 1 to 9 move from top to bottom. Then, after the scrolling is started, before all the decorative symbols are stopped, the decorative symbols in the left and right columns are temporarily stopped on the active line. At that time, if the same decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the active line, reach is established, and then the player is given a sense of expectation that three identical decorative symbols will be aligned on the active line. Reach production is performed.

  In the present embodiment, two types of long reach effects and SP reach effects are prepared as reach effects.

  In the present embodiment, the long reach effect is the effect that the animation character plays an active role as the scroll speed of the decorative symbols in the middle row is gradually reduced after the reach is established. This is a reach production developed at 62. This long reach effect is easily performed when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” and the variation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively short time. For this reason, the long reach production is a reach production with relatively low reliability for the jackpot.

  In the present embodiment, the SP reach production is developed in the main liquid crystal 5 or the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 until the decorative characters in the middle row stop on the active line after the reach is established. Reach production. This SP reach production is when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, or when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “lost” and the variation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively long time Easy to be done. For this reason, the SP reach production is a reach production with relatively high reliability for the jackpot.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5B, when the pseudo-continuous notice effect ends in the first pseudo sequence, it is determined that at least one of the long reach effect and the SP reach effect is performed (FIG. 5C). reference). Note that when the pseudo continuous notice effect ends in the first pseudo sequence, since the reliability for the big hit is relatively low, the ratio of the SP reach effect is low, and the long reach effect is likely to be performed.

  On the other hand, when a combined effect similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 4 is performed in the final stage of the fluctuating first-stage variation effect, the pseudo-continuous notice effect develops to the second pseudo-sequence (FIGS. 5D and 5D). E)). Although not shown in the figure, a moving image of a story is reproduced on the main liquid crystal 5, and this story develops every time the pseudo continuous notice effect develops. When the pseudo continuous notice effect does not develop to the third series, reach is performed in the same manner as when the pseudo continuous notice effect does not develop to the third series, and the reach effect is performed (see FIG. 5F). It should be noted that when the pseudo-continuous notice effect ends in the second pseudo sequence, the reliability for the jackpot is slightly higher than when it ends in the first pseudo sequence. The rate at which is done is slightly higher.

  When the coalescing effect is performed in the final stage of the fluctuating second-stage fluctuation effect, the pseudo-continuous notice effect develops to the third pseudo-sequence (see FIGS. 5G and 5H). Then, when the pseudo continuous notice effect does not develop for the fourth time, reach is performed and the reach effect is performed (see FIG. 5I). When the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, or even if the determination result of the special symbol determination is “lost”, the variation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively long time. It develops to the continuation. Note that when the pseudo-continuous notice effect develops in the pseudo third continuous, even if it does not develop in the pseudo fourth continuous, the reliability for the big hit is relatively high, so the SP reach effect is easily performed, and the long reach effect is performed. Even if it is broken, it will surely develop into SP reach production.

  Then, when the coalescing effect is performed at the final stage of the fluctuating third-variation effect, the pseudo-continuous notice effect develops to the fourth pseudo-sequence (see FIGS. 5J and 5K). The pseudo-continuous notice effect that develops in the pseudo fourth series is performed only when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”. Therefore, when the pseudo fourth series develops, the SP reach production is always performed and the jackpot (See FIG. 5L).

  In addition, although the case where the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed before the reach establishment has been described here, the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed after the reach establishment, or the pseudo continuous notice is performed both before the reach establishment and after the reach establishment. An effect may be performed.

  By the way, the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed at a relatively high rate when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”. For this reason, if the combined effect described above based on FIG. 4 is not performed after the decorative symbol variation display is started, the player is not likely to be “lost” because the pseudo continuous notice effect is not performed. Judging from this, there is a risk of losing expectations for the jackpot. In addition, if the pseudo continuous notice effect is developed only from the combined effect, the pseudo continuous notice effect may be a single pattern and the game may become monotonous.

  Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, not only when the combined effect using the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 is performed, but also when the execution of the pseudo continuous notice effect is suggested by the step-up notice effect described later. In addition, the pseudo continuous notice effect described above is performed based on FIG.

[Example of step-up notice effect]
Next, an example of a step-up notice effect performed using the main liquid crystal 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Here, FIG. 6 is a screen diagram of the main liquid crystal 5 for explaining the step-up notice effect. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the step-up notice effect.

  Similar to the pseudo-continuous notice effect, the step-up notice effect is a notice effect that is performed during the variable display of the special symbol. This step-up notice effect is an effect that can be developed stepwise up to a predetermined number of steps up to a predetermined number of steps (“5” in the present embodiment) set in advance.

  Before the step-up notice effect is started, no character or the like is displayed on the main liquid crystal 5, and a background image is displayed (see FIG. 4A). On the other hand, when the start timing of the step-up notice effect is reached, first, as the effect of the first step, the effect display indicating the state of arrival of the bus is performed on the main liquid crystal 5 (FIGS. 7A and 6). (See the left figure of <SU1>). On the other hand, if the development does not progress to the second step, an effect display indicating that the bus is running without anybody getting off from the arriving bus is performed at the end of the effect display in the first step, and a step-up notice is given. The production ends (see the right figure in FIG. 6 <SU1>). In such a case, since the reliability with respect to the jackpot is extremely low, even the reach effect is not performed, and the variable effect ends (see FIG. 7B).

  Subsequently, in the case of developing to the second step, an effect display is shown on the main liquid crystal 5 indicating that the female character gets off from the arriving bus and the bus runs away (FIG. 7C and FIG. 6 <SU2>). (See the left figure). On the other hand, when it does not develop to the third step, the character that got off the bus (hereinafter referred to as “get-off character”) walks away without being found at the end of the effect display in the second step. Is displayed, and the step-up notice effect ends (see the right diagram of FIG. 6 <SU2>). Also in this case, since the reliability for the jackpot is extremely low as in the case where the step-up notice effect ends in the first step, the variable effect ends without performing the reach effect (see FIG. 7D). .

  Subsequently, in the case where the third step is developed, on the main liquid crystal 5, a male character appears from the right side, and an effect display is shown that shows that the disembarking character approaches the male character (FIGS. 7E and 6). (See the left figure of <SU3>). On the other hand, if it does not develop into the fourth step, at the final stage of the effect display of the third step, an effect display indicating a situation where the male character walks away is performed and the step-up notice effect ends (FIG. 6). (Refer to the right figure of <SU3>). In this case, since the reliability for the jackpot is slightly higher than when the step-up notice effect ends in the first step or the second step, a reach effect is performed (see FIG. 7F). However, when the step-up notice effect ends in the third step, since the reliability for the jackpot is relatively low, the rate at which the SP reach effect is performed is extremely low, and in most cases, after the long reach effect is performed. “Lose” will be notified.

  Subsequently, in the case where the fourth step is developed, an effect display indicating that the getting-off character and the male character walk closer to each other is performed on the main liquid crystal 5 (see FIG. 7G and the left diagram of FIG. 6 <SU4>). ). Then, in the case of developing to the fifth step, which is the upper limit step, an effect image representing a state in which the two characters are talking with a smile is displayed in an enlarged manner (see FIG. 7H and FIG. 6 <SU5>). In this case, the SP reach effect is performed because the reliability for the jackpot is slightly higher than when the step-up notice effect ends in the fourth step (see FIG. 7I). However, even if it develops to the fifth step in this way, the reliability for the jackpot is not so high, so in most cases, “losing” is notified after the SP reach effect is performed.

  On the other hand, if it does not develop to the fifth step, the normal pattern is not shown in the figure, but the step-up notice effect is finished as it is after the two characters have walked together. That is, it is notified only that the reliability for the jackpot is higher than the case where only the third step is developed, and the step-up notice effect is ended (see FIG. 7J). In this case, since the reliability for the big hit is slightly higher than the case where only the third step is developed, the reach effect is always performed.

  In addition, when the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed from the end of the current step-up notice effect until the end of the decorative symbol change display, the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed at the end of the fourth step effect display. In some cases, a suggestive effect is suggested (see FIG. 7 (K), the right diagram of FIG. 6 <SU4>, and FIG. 5 (M)). Specifically, in the present embodiment, an effect image representing a state in which two characters take out a plate on which “NEXT” is written is displayed.

  When the suggestion effect is performed in the fourth step of the step-up notice effect in this way, the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed without performing the combined effect of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 shown in FIG. It will be.

  That is, normally, the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed after the step-up notice effect including the suggestive effect, while the pseudo continuous notice effect is performed with the combined effect using the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 as a trigger. In this case, the pseudo-continuous notice effect is performed in response to the suggestive effect in the step-up notice effect without performing the united effect.

  On the other hand, when the group notice effect display (see FIG. 8) is performed from the end of the current step-up notice effect to the end of the decorative symbol change display, the group notice is displayed at the end of the fourth step effect display. There is a suggestive effect that suggests that the action is performed (see the lower right diagram of FIG. 7L and FIG. 6 <SU4>). Specifically, in this embodiment, an effect image representing a state in which two characters take out a plate on which three snowmen are written is displayed.

  The group notice is an effect display that makes a large number of characters (snowmen in this embodiment) appear to cross the screen. Although detailed description is omitted, this group notice display effect is usually performed when the player operates the effect button 26 within the effective period of the button operation in response to the effect display prompting the operation of the effect button 26. May be. On the other hand, when the group notice effect is performed after the step-up notice effect including the suggestion effect, an effect display prompting the operation of the effect button 26 is not performed, and the player operates the effect button 26. Regardless of, the group notice effect is performed with the suggestion effect in the step-up notice effect.

  As described above, the step-up notice effect performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs the function of notifying the reliability of the jackpot and other effects (pseudo continuous notice effect or group notice in the present embodiment). It also has a suggested function.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when it is determined to perform a step-up notice effect including no suggestion effect, the final number of steps is set based on the determination result of the special symbol determination. In the present embodiment, when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” or when the variation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively long time even if the determination result is “lost”, the final step The number is set to a relatively large value. On the other hand, when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” and the variation time of the special symbol is set to a short time, the final step number is set to a relatively small value.

  Therefore, the player can recognize to some extent the reliability for the jackpot based on how many steps the step-up notice effect develops.

  Further, when the step-up notice effect including the suggestion effect is performed, the player can grasp in advance other effects to be performed after the step-up notice effect is completed. For this reason, the player can recognize the reliability with respect to the jackpot more clearly before actually performing other effects. In other words, if no suggestion effect is performed, after confirming how many steps the step-up notice effect develops, until the other effect is actually performed, the reliability for the jackpot is clearly recognized Although it is not possible to recognize the effect that is performed after the step-up notice effect is completed at the stage where the other effect is not performed because the suggestion effect is performed, the reliability for the jackpot is increased more quickly. It can be clearly recognized.

  In addition, when the other effects are effects indicating that the reliability for the jackpot is relatively high as in the present embodiment, it is difficult for the player to have a sense of expectation for the jackpot until the other effects are performed. However, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, at the stage where the suggestion effect in the step-up notice effect is performed, it is possible for the player to grasp in advance what effect will be performed as another effect. Therefore, the player can have a sense of expectation for the jackpot at an earlier stage.

  In addition, as described above, the step-up notice effect in the present embodiment has both the function of notifying the reliability for the jackpot and the function of suggesting other effects, and therefore has a higher effect than the conventional effect. A step-up notice effect can be performed. In addition, when a step-up notice effect including a suggestion effect is performed, the pseudo-continuous notice effect or group notice that is suggested to be executed by the suggestion effect is performed in a different manner from the normal, so the suggestion effect suggests As a result, it is possible to increase the variation of the produced performance and produce a very effective production as a whole.

  In the present embodiment, the step in which the suggestion effect is performed is fixed to the fourth step. Therefore, when the step-up notice effect including the suggestion effect is performed, the final step is such that the fourth step becomes the final step. Although the number is set to “4”, the final step number may be set to a step number different from the step number of the step where the suggestive effect is performed. That is, for example, when a step-up notice effect that develops up to the fifth step is performed, the suggestion effect may be performed in the fourth step, and then the fifth step may be developed.

  Further, the step of performing the suggestion effect is not limited to the fourth step, and the suggestion effect may be performed in another step such as the fifth step.

  Hereinafter, an example of the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and processing performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 for realizing the control related to the various notice effects described above based on FIGS. 4 to 8 will be described in detail.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
On the back side of the game board 2, a control device for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided in addition to a ball tank for storing game balls sent to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 controls the game control board 100 that controls the progress of the game, such as various determinations and command transmission, and the effects based on the commands received from the game control board 100 An effect control board 130 for controlling the image, an image sound control board 140 for controlling the effects by images and sounds, a lamp control board 150 for controlling effects by various lamps and movable bodies, and the like. Note that the configuration of the control device is not limited to this, and for example, the effect control board 130, the image sound control board 140, and the lamp control board 150 may be configured as one board.

[Configuration Example of Game Control Board 100]
The game control board 100 includes a main CPU 101, a main ROM 102, and a main RAM 103. The main CPU 101 performs various arithmetic processes related to determination and the number of payout balls based on a program stored in the main ROM 102. The main RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the main CPU 101 executes the program, or a work area for data processing.

  The game control board 100 includes a first start port switch 111, a second start port switch 112, an electric tulip control unit 113, a first gate switch 114, a second gate switch 115, a first big prize port switch 116, and a second large size. The winning prize switch 117, the first big prize opening control part 118, the second big prize opening control part 119, the normal winning prize opening switch 120, and the respective indicators 41 to 47 constituting the display 4 are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 detects that a game ball has won the first start port 11 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second start port switch 112 detects that a game ball has won the second start port 12 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. In response to a control signal from the game control board 100, the electric tulip control unit 113 opens and closes the second start port 12 by operating an electric solenoid coupled to the pair of blade members of the electric tulip 17 so as to be able to transmit driving. To do. The first gate switch 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the first gate 15 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second gate switch 115 detects that the game ball has passed through the second gate 16 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100.

  The first grand prize opening switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the first big prize opening 13 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The second big prize opening switch 117 detects that a game ball has won the second big prize opening 19 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. Based on the control signal from the game control board 100, the first grand prize winning port control unit 118 operates the electric solenoid coupled to the plate that closes the first big prize winning hole 13 so as to be able to transmit the drive. Open / close the grand prize winning opening 13. Based on the control signal from the game control board 100, the second grand prize opening control unit 119 operates the electric solenoid coupled to the blade member that closes the second big prize opening 19 so as to be capable of driving transmission. Opens and closes the two major winning openings 19. The normal winning opening switch 120 detects that the game ball has won the normal winning opening 14 and outputs the detection signal to the game control board 100.

  The main CPU 101 of the game control board 100 receives a detection signal from the first start port switch 111, the second start port switch 112, the first big prize port switch 116, the second big prize port switch 117, or the normal prize port switch 120. When input, the payout control board (not shown) is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is determined based on information from the payout control board. to manage. Although a detailed description is omitted, the payout control board supplies the game ball to the upper plate 28 or the lower plate 29 by controlling a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the ball tank.

  The main CPU 101 acquires various random numbers as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 is input, and executes the first special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Also, various random numbers are acquired as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 is input, and the second special symbol determination is executed using the acquired random numbers. If it is determined that the game is a big hit, the first grand prize port 13 (or the second big prize port 19) is passed through the first big prize port control unit 118 (or the second big prize port control unit 119). Open and close.

  Further, the main CPU 101 acquires a random number at the timing when the detection signal from the first gate switch 114 or the second gate switch 115 is input, and executes normal symbol determination using the acquired random number. And when it determines with opening the 2nd starting port 12, the 2nd starting port 12 is temporarily open | released by operating the electric tulip 17 via the electric tulip control part 113. FIG.

  Further, the main CPU 101 causes each of the display devices 41 to 47 constituting the display device 4 to execute the processing described above with reference to FIG.

[Configuration Example of Production Control Board 130]
The effect control board 130 includes a sub CPU 131, a sub ROM 132, a sub RAM 133, and an RTC (real time clock) 134. The sub CPU 131 performs a calculation process when controlling the presentation based on the program stored in the sub ROM 132. The sub RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the sub CPU 131 executes the program, or a work area for data processing. The RTC 134 measures the current date and time (date and time).

  The sub CPU 131 sets the production contents based on game information related to special symbol determination, normal symbol determination, jackpot game, and the like transmitted from the game control board 100. In that case, the input of the operation information from the production | presentation button 26 or the cross key 27 may be received, and the production | generation content according to the operation information may be set. The sub CPU 131 transmits a command instructing execution of the effect of the set effect content to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150.

[Configuration Example of Image Sound Control Board 140]
The image sound control board 140 performs image display control of the main liquid crystal 5 and sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 and effect sound output control of the speaker 24. Although this image sound control board 140 is not shown in the figure, the central CPU, VDP (Video Display Processor), sound DSP (Digital Signal Processor), control ROM, control RAM, sound ROM, SDRAM, CGROM And VRAM.

  The overall CPU stores the image data stored in the CGROM with respect to the VDP based on programs stored in the control ROM, various tables such as a display list creation table, commands received from the effect control board 130, and the like. An instruction to display on the main liquid crystal 5 or the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 is given. This instruction is mainly performed by outputting a display list.

  Here, the display list is composed of commands for instructing execution of drawing in frame units. The type of image to be drawn, the position (coordinates) to draw the image, display priority, display magnification, and rotation. It includes various parameters such as angle and transmittance. The display list creation table is a table used for creating this display list.

  The general CPU instructs the sound DSP to output the sound data stored in the sound ROM from the speaker 24.

  The control ROM is composed of a mask ROM, and stores a control program for the central CPU, a display list generation program for generating a display list, various tables, and the like.

  The control RAM is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the general CPU executes the program, or a work area for data processing.

  The CGROM stores effect data necessary for executing a change effect accompanying a change display of a special symbol, an effect accompanying a jackpot game, and the like. This CGROM is composed of flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, mask ROM, and the like, and includes sprite data (one piece of image data) consisting of a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 × 32 pixels), a plurality of pieces of image data. Compressed and stored movie data consisting of a collection of The pixel information is composed of color number information for specifying a color number for each pixel and an α value indicating the transparency of the image. Further, the CGROM stores, without compression, palette data in which color number information for specifying a color number and display color information for actually displaying colors are associated with each other.

  Note that only part of the image data stored in the CGROM may be compressed. As a method for compressing movie data, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.

  The VRAM is an SRAM that can write and read image data at a high speed, and includes a display list storage area, a development storage area, a frame buffer, and the like.

  The display list storage area temporarily stores the display list output from the overall CPU. The expanded storage area stores image data expanded after being read from the CGROM. The frame buffer is a frame buffer that is used for both drawing and display for rendering the effect image and displaying it on the main liquid crystal 5 and the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62. Note that a double buffer method in which a drawing frame buffer and a display frame buffer are separately provided may be employed.

  The VDP performs drawing processing on the frame buffer using the image data stored in the expanded storage area based on the display list stored in the display list storage area. The VDP generates an RGB signal as a video signal indicating the color of the image from the image data stored in the frame buffer, and outputs the generated RGB signal to the main liquid crystal 5 and the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62.

  Connected to the acoustic DSP are an acoustic ROM for storing various acoustic data related to music, voice, sound effects, etc., and an SDRAM used as a work area for data processing by the acoustic DSP. The acoustic DSP reads the acoustic data corresponding to the instruction from the general CPU from the acoustic ROM to the SDRAM, executes data processing, and causes the speaker 24 to output the acoustic data after the data processing.

[Configuration Example of Lamp Control Board 150]
Although not shown in the figure, the lamp control board 150 includes a lamp CPU, a lamp ROM, and a lamp RAM. The lamp CPU performs arithmetic processing when controlling the operations of the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, and the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 based on a program stored in the lamp ROM. The lamp RAM is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the lamp CPU executes the program, or a work area for data processing.

  The lamp ROM stores light emission pattern data and operation pattern data. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating each light emission pattern of the panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37. The operation pattern data is data indicating the operation pattern of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62.

  The lamp CPU reads the light emission pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control board 130 from the light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM, and controls the light emission of the panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37. . Further, the lamp CPU reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control board 130 from the operation pattern data stored in the lamp ROM to the lamp RAM, and operates the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62. The driving of the liquid crystal motor 611 and the right sub liquid crystal motor 621 is controlled.

[Timer interrupt processing by game control board 100]
Next, timer interrupt processing executed in the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the game control board 100. The game control board 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 10 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. . Note that the processing of the game control board 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 10 and subsequent figures is performed according to a command issued by the main CPU 101 based on a program stored in the main ROM 102.

  First, the main CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, and a normal design random number (step S1).

  Here, the jackpot random number is a random number for determining jackpot or loss. The design random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach when it is determined that the reach is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern when a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. The normal symbol random number is a random number for determining whether or not to open the second start port 12. The jackpot random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, and the ordinary design random number are incremented by “1” every time the process of step S1 is performed. Note that a loop counter is used as a counter for performing the processing of step S1, and each random number returns to “0” after reaching a preset maximum value.

  Subsequent to the process of step S1, the main CPU 101 executes a switch process when a detection signal is input from each switch (step S2). This switch processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S2, the main CPU 101 executes special symbol determination, displays the special symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and displays the determination result of the special symbol determination. A special symbol process including a process of stopping and displaying the determination symbol to be displayed is executed (step S3). This special symbol process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S3, the main CPU 101 includes a process of executing normal symbol determination, causing the normal symbol display unit 45 to display the normal symbol in a variable manner, and then stopping and displaying the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. Normal symbol processing is executed (step S4).

  Following the process of step S4, the main CPU 101 performs the electric tulip process for operating the electric tulip 17 via the electric tulip control unit 113 when it is determined that the second start port 12 is opened as a result of the normal symbol determination. Is executed (step S5).

  Subsequent to the processing of step S5, when the main CPU 101 determines in step S3 that it is a big hit, the main CPU 101 controls the first big prize opening control unit 118 (or the second big prize opening control unit 119) to control the first big prize. A large winning opening opening control process for opening the winning opening 13 (or the second large winning opening 19) is executed (step S6).

  Subsequent to the process of step S6, the main CPU 101 executes a prize ball process for controlling the payout of the prize ball according to the winning of the game ball (step S7).

  Subsequent to step S7, the main CPU 101 transmits to the effect control board 130 information necessary for determining various commands and effect contents set (stored) in the main RAM 103 in the process step before step S7. Processing is executed (step S8).

[Switch processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart of the switch process in step S2 of FIG. Subsequent to the process of step S1, the main CPU 101 monitors the presence / absence of a detection signal input from the first start port switch 111 as illustrated in FIG. 11, and is appropriately updated by the process of step S1. For the random number (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number), the first start port switch process including the process of acquiring the value at the time when the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 is input is executed. (Step S21). The first start port switch process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Next, the main CPU 101 monitors the presence or absence of a detection signal input from the second start port switch 112, and the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 is received for various random numbers that are appropriately updated by the process of step S1. A second start port switch process including a process of acquiring a value at the time of input is executed (step S22). The second start port switch process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Then, the main CPU 101 monitors whether or not a detection signal is input from the first gate switch 114 or the second gate switch 115, and the first gate switch 114 or the normal symbol random number that is appropriately updated by the process of step S1. A gate switch process for obtaining a value at the time when the detection signal from the second gate switch 115 is input is executed (step S23).

[First Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart of the first start port switch process in step S21 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the main CPU 101 detects the detection signal from the first start port switch 111 (specifically, the first start port switch 111 is “ON”) following the random number update process in step S <b> 1. On the basis of whether or not an ON signal indicating that the first start port switch 111 has been turned ON is determined (step S210). Here, when it is determined that the first start port switch 111 is “ON” (step S <b> 210: YES), the hold number U <b> 1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 is stored in the main ROM 102. It is determined whether it is less than the maximum reserved number Umax1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol determination (step S211).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the hold number U1 is less than the maximum hold number Umax1 (step S211: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number U1 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S212).

  The main CPU 101 acquires jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers as acquisition information used for the first special symbol determination, and stores these random numbers in the main RAM 103 in association with each other (step S213). -Step S216).

[Second Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the main CPU 101 detects the detection signal from the second start port switch 112 (specifically, the second start port switch 112 is “ON” following the first start port switch process of step S <b> 21. It is determined whether or not the second start port switch 112 has been turned “ON” based on whether or not an “ON signal indicating that it has turned“ ”has been input (step S220).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the second start port switch 112 has been turned “ON” (step S220: YES), the second special symbol determination hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 103 is stored in the main ROM 102. It is determined whether it is less than the maximum reserved number Umax2 (in this embodiment, “4”) of the second special symbol determination (step S221).

  If the main CPU 101 determines that the hold number U2 is less than the maximum hold number Umax2 (step S221: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the value of the hold number U2 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S222).

  The main CPU 101 acquires a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number as acquisition information used for the second special symbol determination, and stores these random numbers in association with each other in the main RAM 103 (step S223). -Step S226).

[Special symbol processing by game control board 100]
Next, the details of the special symbol process executed by the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 14 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S3 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot game is in progress based on whether or not the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON” ( Step S301). This jackpot game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the jackpot game is being executed, and is set to “ON” at the start of the jackpot game, and is set to “OFF” at the end of the jackpot game. Here, when it is determined that the game is a big hit game (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the jackpot game is not being played (step S301: NO), the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S302). If it is determined that the special symbol variation display is not being performed (step S302: NO), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol determination hold number U2 stored in the main RAM 103 is equal to or greater than “1”. (Step S303). Here, when it is determined that the holding number U2 is “1” or more (step S303: YES), the holding number U2 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S304).

  If the main CPU 101 determines that the holding number U2 is not “1” or more (step S303: NO), whether or not the holding number U1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 103 is “1” or more. Is determined (step S305). Here, when it is determined that the holding number U1 is not “1” or more (step S305: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4. On the other hand, when it is determined that the hold number U1 is “1” or more (step S305: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the hold number U1 to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step S306).

  Following the process of step S304 or the process of step S306, the main CPU 101 executes a shift process for the reserved storage area of the main RAM 103 (step S308). The main RAM 103 stores a determination storage area for storing acquired information used for the special symbol determination when the special symbol determination is actually executed, and a hold for storing the acquired information regarding the special symbol determination that is held. And a storage area. When the main CPU 101 executes a shift process following the process of step S304, the main CPU 101 shifts the oldest acquired information stored in the reserved storage area for second special symbol determination to the determination storage area, and The remaining acquired information is shifted to the determination storage area side. When the shift process is executed subsequent to the process of step S306, the oldest acquired information stored in the first special symbol determination holding storage area is shifted to the determination storage area, and the remaining The acquired information is shifted to the determination storage area side.

  Subsequent to step S308, the main CPU 101 executes jackpot determination processing based on the random number stored in the determination storage area (step S309). By executing the jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is won (whether or not the jackpot game is executed), and when it is determined that the jackpot is determined, the type of jackpot is determined. Then, determination symbol setting information indicating the results of these processes is set in the main RAM 103. The jackpot determination process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S309, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern selection process for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol (step S310). This variation pattern selection process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to step S310, the main CPU 101 determines whether the symbol setting information set in step S309, the symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or the second special symbol determination. Is set in the main RAM 103 including information indicating whether or not, setting information of the variation pattern set in the process of step S310, information on the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like (step S311). This variation start command is a command for instructing the start of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol, and is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8.

  Subsequent to the process of step S311, the main CPU 101 starts the special symbol variation display based on the variation pattern setting information included in the variation start command set in step S311 (step S312). At this time, when the process of step S309 to step S311 is performed in a state in which the random number related to the first special symbol determination is stored in the determination storage area, the first special symbol display 41 displays a variation display of the special symbol. When the process from step S309 to step S311 is performed in a state where the random number related to the second special symbol determination is stored, the special symbol variable display is started on the second special symbol display 42.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S312, the main CPU 101 starts measurement of a variation time that is an elapsed time since the start of the variation display in step S312 (step S313).

  When the main CPU 101 executes the process of step S313 or determines that the special symbol is changing (step S302: YES), the main CPU 101 is selected by the process of step S310 from the start of the measurement of the changing time in step S313. It is determined whether or not the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (step S315). Here, when it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed (step S315: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the variation time has elapsed (step S315: YES), the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. Is set in the main RAM 103 (step S316). This symbol confirmation command is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process in step S8. Thereby, the process etc. which stop-display the decoration symbol which was variably displayed on the main liquid crystal 5 in the aspect which shows the determination result of special symbol determination, etc. are performed.

  Subsequent to the process in step S316, the main CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display started in the process in step S312 (step S317). Specifically, the determination symbol set in the process of step S309 (a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol) is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display on which the special symbol is variably displayed. This stop display of the determination symbol is continued until at least a predetermined symbol determination time (1 second in the present embodiment) elapses.

  Thus, the main CPU 101 displays the determination symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process after the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 as the first special symbol display 41. Alternatively, the second special symbol display 42 is stopped and displayed.

  Subsequent to the process of step S317, the main CPU 101 resets the variation time when the measurement is started in the process of step S313 (step S318), and performs a process during stop including a process of starting the jackpot game when the jackpot is won. It executes (step S319).

[Big hit judgment processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 15 is a detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S309 of FIG. The main CPU 101 executes jackpot determination based on the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area (step S3091). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area is a jackpot based on whether or not it matches a preset winning value.

  As described above, the main CPU 101 has a start condition in which acquisition information such as a jackpot random number acquired when a game ball is won at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 is stored in the determination storage area. If is established, it is determined whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player based on the jackpot random number.

  Following the process of step S3091, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (step S3092). Here, when it is determined that the game is a jackpot (step S3092: YES), the type of jackpot is determined with reference to the symbol determination table for the jackpot stored in the main ROM 102 (step S3093).

  Specifically, when the symbol random number stored in the determination storage area together with the jackpot random number used for the jackpot determination in step S3091 is related to the first special symbol determination, the symbol random number is The jackpot type is determined based on which random number value specified in the symbol determination table for the first start opening winning match. On the other hand, if it is related to the second special symbol determination, the type of jackpot is determined based on which random number value specified in the symbol determination table for the second start opening winning matches the symbol random number To decide.

  Then, the main CPU 101 sets jackpot symbol setting information corresponding to the jackpot type determined in this way in the main RAM 103 (step S3094). As a result, the jackpot symbol set here at the time of the processing of step S317 is stopped and displayed as a determination symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and the jackpot game corresponding to the symbol is displayed. Will be done.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3092: NO), the main CPU 101 sets the lost symbol setting information in the main RAM 103 (step S3095). As a result, the lost symbol set here in the process of step S317 is stopped and displayed as a determination symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. In this case, the jackpot game is not performed.

[Change pattern selection processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 16 is a detailed flowchart of the variation pattern selection process in step S310 of FIG. After executing the jackpot determination process in step S309 in FIG. 14, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the determination result in step S3091 is a jackpot (step S3101). If it is determined that the game is a big hit (step S3101: YES), the big hit variation pattern table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3102).

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3101: NO), whether or not the reach random number stored in the determination storage area matches the random number value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 102. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not to perform a reach effect that makes the player expect a big hit (step S3103). If it is determined that a reach effect is to be performed (step S3103: YES), the reach variation pattern table is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3104). Conversely, when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S3103: NO), the variation pattern table for loss is read from the main ROM 102 and set in the main RAM 103 (step S3105).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 101 executes a variation pattern random number determination process with reference to the variation pattern table set in the main RAM 103 by the process of step S3102, the process of step S3104, or the process of step S3105 (step S3106). Specifically, when the big hit variation pattern table or the reach variation pattern table is set in the main RAM 103, the variation pattern table in which the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number stored in the determination storage area is set. The variation pattern is selected by reading from.

  If the variation pattern table for losing is set in the main RAM 103, the number of reserved special symbol determination is specified based on the number of reserved storage areas in which various types of information are stored immediately before the shift process of step S308 is performed. Then, the variation pattern corresponding to the specified number of holdings and the presence / absence of the current time is read out from the variation pattern table for loss to select the variation pattern.

  When the main CPU 101 selects the variation pattern, the main CPU 101 sets the selected variation pattern setting information in the main RAM 103 (step S3107). The variation pattern setting information is included in the variation start command and transmitted to the effect control board 130 together with the symbol setting information set in the main RAM 103 by the jackpot determination process in step S309 described above.

[Timer interrupt processing by production control board 130]
When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the sub CPU 131 of the effect control board 130 sets a CTC cycle, which is a cycle for performing timer interrupt processing to be described later. And sub CPU131 repeats the random number update process which updates the production random number etc. which are used in order to determine the content of production with the predetermined period shorter than a CTC period. That is, the sub CPU 131 repeats the timer interrupt process at the CTC cycle while repeating the random number update process at a predetermined cycle while the pachinko gaming machine 1 is activated.

  Hereinafter, the timer interrupt process executed in the effect control board 130 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the effect control board 130. The sub CPU 131 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 17 every predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds), similarly to the timer interrupt process performed in the game control board 100. Note that the processing performed on the effect control board 130 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 17 and subsequent figures is performed according to a command issued by the sub CPU 131 based on a program stored in the sub ROM 132.

  First, the sub CPU 131 executes a command reception process for performing a process according to a command from the game control board 100 (step S10). This command reception process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S10, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 has been operated based on whether or not the operation information is input from the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 (step S11). ). If it is determined that the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 has been operated (step S11: YES), an operation command for notifying the fact is set in the sub RAM 133 (step S12). By transmitting this operation command to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150, processing for realizing an effect on the effect according to the operation of the effect button 26 or the cross key 27 is performed.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that neither the effect button 26 nor the cross key 27 is operated (step S11: NO), or executes the process of step S12, the sub CPU 131 executes a transmission process (step S13). Specifically, the command set in the sub-RAM 133 by the processing of step S10 or step S12 is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150. By performing this command transmission process, the image acoustic control board 140 is instructed to execute an effect by image display, sound output, etc., and the effect of the effect by the light emission of various lamps and the operation of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 is performed. Instructed to the lamp control board 150.

  Subsequent to the process of step S13, the sub CPU 131 executes a data transfer process (step S14). Specifically, since data relating to image acoustic control is transmitted from the image acoustic control board 140, the data is transferred to the lamp control board 150. Thereby, the lamp control board 150 controls the effect by the effect medium such as the panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37 so as to synchronize with the effect performed by the main liquid crystal 5, the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62, and the speaker 24. .

[Command reception processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S10 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the sub CPU 131 first determines whether or not the changing effect accompanying the changing display of the special symbol is being executed (step S <b> 101). Specifically, for example, the variation time of the special symbol is specified based on the information indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol included in the variation start command received from the game control board 100, and the variation start command is received. Whether or not the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol is being executed is determined based on whether or not the variation time has elapsed.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the variation effect is not being executed (step S101: NO), whether or not the variation start command transmitted from the game control board 100 in response to the process of step S311 (see FIG. 14) has been received. Is determined (step S102). If it is determined that the change start command has not been received (step S102: NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the change start command has been received (step S102: YES), the value at the time when the change start command is received from the game control board 100 is obtained for the effect random number that is appropriately updated by the random number update process. Then, it is stored in the sub RAM 133 (step S103). Then, the received variation start command is analyzed (step S104).

  In this variation start command, as described above, the symbol setting information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process, whether the symbol setting information relates to the first special symbol determination, or relates to the second special symbol determination It includes winning start information indicating whether it is a thing, setting information of a special symbol variation pattern, information indicating a gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the like. Therefore, the type and result of the special symbol determination can be specified by analyzing the variation start command. That is, it is possible to identify the type of jackpot if the jackpot is a jackpot, a loss, or a jackpot. Further, by specifying whether or not the variation pattern is a variation pattern for loss based on the variation pattern setting information, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach. . Similarly, the variation time of the special symbol can be specified based on the variation pattern setting information. Further, the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be specified based on the information indicating the gaming state.

  When the change start command is analyzed, the sub CPU 131 executes a change effect pattern setting process for setting a change effect pattern of the decorative design based on the analysis result (step S105). This variation effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Next, the sub CPU 131 executes a notice effect pattern setting process for setting the contents of various notice effects to be executed during the decorative symbol variation display (step S106). The notice effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  When the process of step S106 is executed, the sub CPU 131 instructs the start of the change effect of the change effect pattern set in the process of step S105 and the execution of the notice effect of the notice effect pattern set in the process of step S106. A start command is set in the sub RAM 133 (step S107). This variation effect start command is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150 by the transmission process of step S13. As a result, the decorative design variation effect and various notice effects for which the effect pattern is determined on the effect control board 130 are realized by the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150.

  The variation effect corresponding to the process of step S107 is a determination symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination after the variation display of the special symbol is started on the second special symbol display 42 (or the first special symbol display 41). This is done until is stopped.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the changing effect is being executed (step S101: YES), the sub CPU 131 has received the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the game control board 100 in accordance with the processing of step S316 (see FIG. 14). It is determined whether or not (step S108). If it is determined that the symbol confirmation command has been received (step S108: YES), for example, a variation effect end command for instructing the end of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol is set in the sub RAM 133 (step S109). This variation effect end command is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 and the lamp control board 150 by the transmission process of step S13. As a result, the fluctuating effect and the notice effect that are started in accordance with the process of step S107 are ended.

[Variation effect pattern setting process by effect control board 130]
FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart of the variable effect pattern setting process in step S105 of FIG. Subsequent to the processing in step S104, the sub CPU 131, as illustrated in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform the presence effect with the fluctuation display (step S1051).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that it is not necessary to perform the effect with reach (step S1051: NO), the sub CPU 131 sets a variation effect pattern from the start to the end of the decorative symbol variation display (step S1052).

  The sub ROM 132 stores a no-reach effect table with respect to variable effects that do not involve reach effects. This lost-reach production table includes production tables corresponding to variation patterns (variation times) determined in the game control board 100, such as for 3 seconds, for 8 seconds, for 18 seconds, and for 36 seconds. A plurality are provided. In step S1052, the sub CPU 131 selects one effect table from the plurality of effect tables based on the setting information included in the change start command. For example, when the setting information includes the setting information of the variation pattern indicating that the variation time of the special symbol is 3 seconds, the effect table for 3 seconds is selected.

  In each effect table, an effect random number and an effect pattern are associated with each other. The sub CPU 131 selects one effect pattern by reading out the effect pattern corresponding to the effect random number acquired in the process of step S103 described above from a number of effect patterns stored in the selected effect table. Thereby, the variation effect pattern of the variation effect not including the reach effect is set.

  When the sub CPU 131 performs the process of step S1052 in this way, the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 uses the determination symbol setting information included in the change start command. As the determination symbol is stopped and displayed, a decoration symbol to be stopped and displayed on the main liquid crystal 5 is set (step S1053).

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that it is necessary to perform an effect with reach (step S1051: YES), similar to the process of step S1052, the reach table is used for reaching or using the effect table for reach. Is set (step S1055).

  Subsequent to the processing of step S1055, the sub CPU 131 displays a stop display in the left column and the right column on the active line when reach is established based on various setting information included in the change start command received from the game control board 100, for example. The reach design to be performed is set (step S1056). The reach symbol may be determined randomly by performing a lottery process using a production random number regardless of the setting information.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S1056, the sub CPU 131 sets a variation effect pattern after reach establishment (step S1057). Specifically, based on various setting information included in the change start command, which one of the long reach effect and the SP reach effect is to be performed, or when the long reach effect is performed, the long reach is performed at the end of the SP. Set whether or not to develop to reach production.

  When the process of step S1057 is performed, the process proceeds to the above-described step S1053 as in the case where the process of step S1052 is performed.

[Notification effect pattern setting processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 20 is a detailed flowchart of the notice effect pattern setting process in step S106 of FIG. Subsequent to the processing in step S105, the sub CPU 131 performs setting processing related to various notice effects such as a pseudo continuous notice effect and a group notice excluding the step-up notice effect as illustrated in FIG. 20 (step S1061). Specifically, for example, by reading an effect pattern corresponding to the effect random number acquired in the process of step S103 from the table in which the effect random number and the effect pattern of the notice effect are associated, the effect pattern of the notice effect To decide. Although detailed description is omitted, for example, a table used when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, and a determination result of the special symbol determination is “lost”, and the variation time is predetermined. A table that is used when the time (for example, 60 seconds) or more is used and an effect table that is used when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” and the variation time is less than the predetermined time are provided separately. The effect pattern of the notice effect is determined with reference to any table selected based on the various setting information included in the change start command received from the game control board 100.

  In the process of step S1061, the following contents are specifically determined for the notice effect. That is, regarding the pseudo continuous notice effect, it is first determined whether or not to perform the pseudo continuous notice effect. Next, when it is determined that the pseudo continuous notice effect is to be performed, it is determined to what number of stations will be developed finally. Then, at the start of the pseudo-continuous notice effect, it is determined whether to perform the combined effect using the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 or to develop from the step-up notice effect. That is, the pseudo-continuous notice effect of the normal pattern that is started when the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 are merged is performed, or the pseudo-continuation of the irregular pattern that is started when the suggestive effect in the fourth step of the step-up notice effect is triggered. It is determined whether to perform a notice effect.

  As for the group notice effect, it is first determined whether or not to perform the group notice effect. When it is determined that the group notice effect is to be performed, the group notice of the normal pattern generated in response to the operation of the effect button 26 by the player is performed or according to the suggestion effect in the fourth step of the step-up notice effect. It is determined whether to perform group notice of anomaly patterns that are automatically generated.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S1061, the sub CPU 131 performs the effect pattern of the notice effect that performs the pseudo continuous notice effect during the current changing effect, based on the setting information of the notice effect by the process of step S1061 stored in the sub RAM 133. Is determined (step S1062).

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the effect pattern of the notice effect for performing the pseudo continuous notice effect is not set (step S1062: NO), the sub CPU 131 performs the group notice during the current variable effect based on the setting information of the notice effect. It is determined whether or not an effect pattern for the notice effect is set (step S1063).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the effect pattern of the notice effect for performing the group notice is set (step S1063: YES), or when it is determined that the effect pattern of the notice effect for performing the pseudo continuous notice effect is set. (Step S1062: YES), based on the setting information of the notice effect, it is determined whether at least one of the pseudo continuous notice effect or the group notice performed during the current change effect is an irregular pattern (Step S1064).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that at least one of the pseudo continuous notice effect or the group notice is an irregular pattern (step S1064: YES), the sub CPU 131 sets an effect pattern of the step-up notice effect including the suggestion effect (step S1065).

  Specifically, when the pseudo continuous notice effect is an irregular pattern, the effect image of the suggestive effect related to the pseudo continuous notice effect illustrated in the right diagram of FIG. 6 <SU4> at the end of the fourth step of the step-up notice effect. Is set on the sub-RAM 133 so that the effect pattern for the step-up notice effect is set.

  If the group notice is an irregular pattern, the effect image of the suggestion effect related to the group notice illustrated in the lower right diagram of FIG. 6 <SU4> is displayed on the main liquid crystal 5 at the end of the fourth step of the step-up notice effect. As described above, an effect pattern for a step-up notice effect is set, and the setting information is set in the sub-RAM 133.

  If both the pseudo-continuous notice effect and the group notice are irregular patterns, at the end of the fourth step of the step-up notice effect, a plate written “NEXT” and three snowmen are written. The effect pattern of the step-up notice effect is set and the setting information is set in the sub-RAM 133 so that the effect image of the suggestion effect representing the state of taking out the two plates is displayed on the main liquid crystal 5.

  If both the pseudo continuous notice effect and the group notice are irregular patterns, for example, a suggestion effect related to the pseudo continuous notice effect in the third step and a suggestion effect related to the group notice in the fourth step are performed. The production pattern may be set and the setting information may be set in the sub-RAM 133.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the effect pattern of the notice effect for performing the group notice is not set (step S1063: NO), or determines that at least one of the pseudo continuous notice effect and the group notice is not an irregular pattern. If this is the case (step S1064: NO), even if a pseudo-continuous notice effect or group notice is performed, they are performed in a normal pattern, so it is necessary to set a step-up notice effect effect pattern that does not include the suggestive effect. In such a case, the following processing is performed for the step-up notice effect that does not include the suggestion effect.

  That is, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not to perform a step-up notice effect during the current variation effect (step S1066). Specifically, for example, based on the execution determination table for determining whether or not to perform the step-up notice effect and the effect random number acquired in the process of step S103, whether or not to perform the step-up notice effect is determined. decide.

  Next, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not to perform a step-up notice effect during the current variation effect based on the determination result of step S1066 (step S1067). If it is determined that the step-up notice effect is not performed (step S1067: NO), the process proceeds to step S107.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the step-up notice effect is to be performed (step S1067: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines the current variation effect based on the determination symbol setting information included in the variation start command received from the game control board 100. It is determined whether or not the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” (step S1068).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” (step S1068: YES), the sub CPU 131 reads the winning final step number determination table from the sub ROM 132 and sets it in the sub RAM 133 (step S1069). On the other hand, when it is determined that the determination result of the special symbol determination is not “big hit” (step S1068: NO), the lost final step number determination table is read from the sub ROM 132 and set in the sub RAM 133 (step S1070).

  When the process of step S1069 is executed, or when the process of step S1070 is executed, the sub CPU 131 executes a final step number selection process (step S1071). Specifically, in the final step number determination table set in the sub RAM 133, the production random number and the final step number are associated with each other, and the sub CPU 131 corresponds to the production random number acquired in the process of step S103. By reading the final step number from the final step number determination table, the final step number of the step-up notice effect is determined.

  In this embodiment, the final step number is easily determined to be “4” or “5” when referring to the final step number determination table for winning, and the final step number determination table is referred to when losing is referred to. Each determination table is defined in advance so that the number of steps is easily determined to be any one of “1” to “3”. For this reason, the higher the reliability for the jackpot, the more the step-up notice effect develops to a higher step (for example, the fourth step or the fifth step). It is difficult for the notice production to develop to the upper steps.

  However, the determination method of the final step number is not limited to the above method, and the following determination method may be adopted. That is, for example, the final step number is determined such that the higher the reliability for the jackpot, the smaller the final step number, and conversely, the lower the reliability for the jackpot, the larger the final step number. May be. When the reliability for the big hit is relatively high, the final step number is easily determined to be “2” or “3”. Conversely, when the reliability for the big hit is relatively low, the final step number is “1”. ”,“ 4 ”, or“ 5 ”may be determined so that the final number of steps may be determined.

[Image Sound Control Processing by Image Sound Control Board 140]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the image sound control process. The image sound control board 140 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 21 at regular intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. To do.

  As illustrated in FIG. 21, the overall CPU of the image sound control board 140 first determines whether or not a change effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S <b> 501). Here, if it is determined that the variable effect start command has been received (step S501: YES), the display content of the variable effect is set based on the information included in the received variable effect start command and the display list creation table (step S501). S502), a display list is created based on the set contents (step S503).

  The VDP of the image sound control board 140 reads out the effect data from the CGROM based on the display list created by the overall CPU, and uses the read effect data to change effects and various notice effects that are performed on the main liquid crystal 5 and sub-effects. Drawing processing for executing various effects performed in the liquid crystals 61 and 62 is executed.

  When the general CPU executes the process of step S503, or determines that the variable effect start command has not been received (step S501: NO), has the variable CPU end command received from the effect control board 130 been received? It is determined whether or not (step S504). Here, when it is determined that the variation effect end command has been received (step S504: YES), a variation effect end process for ending the variation effect being executed in the VDP is executed (step S505).

  When the overall CPU executes the process of step S505 or determines that the variable effect end command has not been received (step S504: NO), the overall CPU executes a data transmission control process (step S506). Specifically, data related to image sound control performed on the image sound control board 140 is transmitted to the effect control board 130.

  On the other hand, the effect control board 130 transfers the data received from the image sound control board 140 to the lamp control board 150. As a result, various effect operations and the like are controlled by the lamp control board 150 so as to be synchronized with the effects performed by the main liquid crystal 5, the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62, and the speaker 24.

  Here, the control of the change effect and the notice effect performed in the main liquid crystal 5 and the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 based on the command received from the effect control board 130 has been described. However, the output control of the effect sound from the speaker 24 is performed as follows. Since it corresponds to the fluctuating effects in the main liquid crystal 5 or the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[Ramp control processing by the lamp control board 150]
Next, lamp control processing executed in the lamp control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a lamp control process executed in the lamp control board 150. The lamp control board 150 is transmitted from the image sound control board 140 via the command from the effect control board 130 and the effect control board 130 in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 22 are repeatedly executed at regular time intervals based on the image acoustic control data.

  First, the lamp CPU of the lamp control board 150 executes a data reception process for receiving data relating to the image sound control transmitted from the image sound control board 140 via the effect control board 130 (step S601). The lamp CPU emits light from the panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37 so as to synchronize with the effects by the main liquid crystal 5, the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62, and the speaker 24 based on the data relating to the image sound control received by the process of step S 601. And the driving of the sub liquid crystal motors 611 and 621 is controlled.

  Following the process of step S601, the lamp CPU determines whether or not a variable effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S602). Here, when it is determined that the variation effect start command has been received (step S602: YES), the light emission pattern data corresponding to the received variation effect start command is read from the lamp ROM and set in the lamp RAM 25, whereby the panel lamp 25 is read. And the light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37 is set (step S603). Based on the set light emission pattern data, light emission control of the panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37 is started (step S604).

  Following the process of step S604, the lamp CPU determines whether or not the operation of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 has been instructed based on the change effect start command (step S605). That is, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform movement control from the initial position of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 to the merged position accompanying the pseudo continuous recreation effect during the current variation effect.

  When the lamp CPU determines that the operation of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 has been instructed (step S605: YES), the lamp CPU reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the received variable effect start command from the lamp ROM and sets it in the lamp RAM. Then, the operation pattern of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 is set (step S606). For example, when the pseudo continuous notice effect of the normal pattern that develops to the pseudo second series is performed, the combined effects of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 are performed twice (see FIGS. 5A and 5D). An operation pattern is set in which the liquid crystal 61, 62 moves twice from the initial position to the combined position and then returns to the initial position twice. Further, for example, in the case where a pseudo-continuous recreation effect of an irregular pattern that develops to the pseudo second series is performed, only once when the combined production of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 develops from the pseudo first series to the pseudo second series. (See FIGS. 5 (M), (B), (D), and (E)), the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 move from the initial position to the combined position and then return to the initial position once. Set the operation pattern.

  When the lamp CPU executes the process of step S606, determines that it has not received the change effect start command (step S602: NO), or determines that the operation of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 is not instructed. (Step S605: NO), it is determined whether or not the operation pattern of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 is set in the lamp RAM by the process of Step S606 (Step S608).

  When the lamp CPU determines that the operation pattern of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 is set (step S608: YES), the lamp CPU, based on the image acoustic control data received from the image acoustic control board 140 by the process of step S601, It is determined whether or not it is the operation timing of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 (step S609). Specifically, for example, when the operation pattern data for performing the coalescing effect shown in FIG. 5A and the coalescing effect shown in FIG. 5D is set in the lamp RAM, it is based on the data relating to the image sound control. Thus, it is determined whether or not the start timing of one of these two combined effects has come.

  When the lamp CPU determines that it is the operation start timing of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 (step S609: YES), the lamp CPU starts operation control of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 (step S610). Specifically, the left sub liquid crystal motor 611 and the right for realizing the operation of moving the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 from the initial position to the combined position and returning to the initial value after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed. The drive control of the sub liquid crystal motor 621 is started.

  The lamp CPU executes the process of step S610, determines that the operation pattern of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 is not set (step S608: NO), or does not indicate the operation start timing of the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62. If it is determined (step S609: NO), it is determined whether or not a variable effect end command transmitted from the effect control board 130 is received (step S611).

  If the lamp CPU determines that the change effect end command has been received (step S611: YES), the light emission control of the panel lamp 25 and the frame lamp 37 started in the process of step S604 is ended (step S612).

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a notice effect such as a pseudo continuous notice effect or a group notice is executed, this may be indicated in advance by the step-up notice effect. The person can have a sense of expectation for the jackpot when the step-up notice effect is performed before the notice effect is actually performed. For this reason, the player can enjoy the game until the end of symbol variation for a longer time.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a step-up notice effect including a suggestion effect is performed, the effect aspects of the notice effect such as the pseudo continuous notice effect and the group notice are different from usual. For this reason, even if it is not known which of the notice effects is instructed at the stage where the suggestion effect is performed, when the notice effect is executed, the form of the notice effect is different from the normal Based on this, it is possible to easily grasp which notice effect is suggested by the suggestion effect. Moreover, since the variation of the notice effect increases, the effect of the notice effect can be enhanced.

[Modification]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, the following forms may be sufficient. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the indication effect is different between the case where the suggestion effect is performed and the case where the suggestion effect is not performed is described, but the aspect of the notification effect may be common in these two cases.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the start of a pseudo | simulation continuous notice effect was suggested by the step-up notice effect, for example, the step-up notice effect containing a suggestion effect is performed during execution of the pseudo | simulation 1st change effect. Thus, it may be suggested to develop from the pseudo first series to the pseudo second series. In this case, instead of the combined effect using the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62 shown in FIG. 5D, a step-up notice effect including the suggested effect may be performed.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the main liquid crystal 5 is used to perform the step-up notice effect has been described, but the step-up notice effect may be performed using the sub liquid crystals 61 and 62, or the main liquid crystal 5 and the sub liquid crystal may be provided. A step-up notice effect may be performed using both 61 and 62. Further, a step-up notice effect may be performed using the speaker 24.

  Further, in the above embodiment, in order to facilitate the explanation, the case where the step-up notice effect, the pseudo continuous notice effect, and the group notice are each one type has been described, but each of these notice effects has a plurality of types. The pattern may be provided.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the predetermined | prescribed effect in this invention was a pseudo | simulation continuous recreation effect or group notice, a predetermined | prescribed effect may be other effects (for example, cut-in notice).

  In addition, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the operation mode of each member described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be realized with other configurations and operation modes. Further, the order of processing, the set value, the threshold value used for determination, etc. in the flowcharts described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized with other orders and values without departing from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say. Further, the screen diagrams and the like exemplified in the above embodiment are merely examples, and may be screens of other display modes.

1 Pachinko machine (an example of a game machine)
5 Main Liquid Crystal Display Device 10 Game Area 11 First Start Port 12 Second Start Port 13 First Grand Prize Port 19 Second Grand Prize Port 24 Speaker 41 First Special Symbol Display 42 Second Special Symbol Display 61 Left Sub-Liquid Crystal Display device 62 Right sub liquid crystal display device 100 Game control board 101 Main CPU
102 Main ROM
103 Main RAM
130 Production control board 131 Sub CPU
132 Sub ROM
133 Sub RAM
140 Image Acoustic Control Board 150 Lamp Control Board 611 Left Sub-Liquid Crystal Motor 621 Right Sub-Liquid Crystal Motor

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that enables a player to grasp the appearance of other effects when a step-up effect is performed.

The gaming machine (1) according to the present invention includes a special game determination means (101, S3091) for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player, and a symbol display means (41, 42) The symbol display control means (101, S312, S317) for stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination means after the symbol is displayed variably, and during the symbol variation display on the symbol display means, Step-up effect execution means (131, 131) for executing step-up effects (for example, FIGS. 6 and 7) that can be developed stepwise up to any number of steps equal to or less than the predetermined number of steps with a predetermined number of steps as an upper limit. 140, 5) and a predetermined effect executing means (131, 1) capable of executing a predetermined effect (for example, FIGS. 4, 5, and 8) different from the step-up effect. And 0,5), and a presentation pattern setting means for setting the step-up effect of the effect pattern is executed (131) by said step-up demonstration execution unit, the presentation pattern setting means, according to pre-Symbol predetermined demonstration execution means If the predetermined effect is executed, the step effect of any of the steps up effect is while setting the effect pattern for displaying the suggested effect image suggests execution of the predetermined presentation (S106 5), wherein the predetermined presentation When the predetermined effect by the executing means is not executed, an effect pattern that does not display the suggested effect image at any step of the step-up effect is set .

Predecessor effect execution means (150, 61, 62, FIG. 4C) capable of executing a preceding effect preceding the predetermined effect is provided, and the effect pattern setting means executes the predetermined effect by the predetermined effect execution means. The effect pattern that does not display the suggestion effect image at any step of the step-up effect may be set, and the preceding effect execution means may not display the suggestion effect image at any step effect. When the step-up effect of the pattern is executed by the step-up effect executing means, while the preceding effect is executed, the step-up effect of the effect pattern in which the suggested effect image is displayed by the effect of any step is displayed. When executed by the step-up effect execution means, the preceding effect need not be executed.
In addition, the predetermined effect executing means normally executes the predetermined effect in the first mode (for example, FIGS. 5A to 5L), and when the suggestion effect is executed, the first effect is executed. The predetermined effect may be executed in a second mode different from the above mode (FIG. 5 (M), (B) to (L)).

According to this invention, when the step-up effect is performed, the player can grasp the appearance of another effect .

Claims (2)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied;
A symbol display control means for stopping and displaying a symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination means after the symbol display means is variably displayed;
Step-up effect execution that executes step-up effects that can be developed in stages up to a predetermined number of steps up to a predetermined number of steps, while the symbol display means displays the variation of symbols. Means,
A predetermined effect execution means capable of executing a predetermined effect different from the step-up effect;
The step-up effect execution means
When a predetermined effect is executed by the predetermined effect executing means after execution of the step-up effect, a suggestion effect suggesting execution of the predetermined effect is executed in any step of the step-up effect. To play. The predetermined effect execution means includes
While usually performing the predetermined effect in the first mode,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the suggestion effect is executed, the predetermined effect is executed in a second mode different from the first mode.

Images