JP2014183936A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can execute performance control appropriate to a state of performance being executed by performance execution means.SOLUTION: When a winning suggestion performance start command or a development start command transmitted by a performance control board 130 is received by an image sound control board 140, freeze performance using a gauge image is started. While the freeze performance is being executed, when an effective operation command is transmitted by the performance control board 130, in the image sound control board 140, one of the following cases is performed: first performance mode control which changes a display mode of the gauge image is performed; and a second performance mode control which maintains a display mode of the gauge image is performed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a lower control unit that performs an effect and a higher control unit that controls the lower control unit.

  A conventional gaming machine is composed of a plurality of control boards. For example, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a game control board that determines whether or not a big hit, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image sound control board that controls effects by images and sounds, And a lamp control board for controlling the effects of the movable accessory and various lamps.

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, for example, data indicating the result of the determination is transmitted from the game control board to the effect control board. On the other hand, the effect control board sets the contents of the effect based on the received data, and transmits a command instructing execution of the effect of the set effect contents to the image sound control board and the lamp control board. When this command is received by the image acoustic control board and the lamp control board, for example, a process of displaying the effect image on the liquid crystal screen and outputting the effect sound from the speaker is executed by the image sound control board to emit the lamp. The lamp control board performs a process for causing the lamp to move or move the movable accessory.

JP 2012-254331 A

  By the way, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, for example, when the lamp control board receives a command from the effect control board, the operation pattern data and the light emission pattern indicating the operation pattern of the movable accessory corresponding to the command are displayed. The light emission pattern data is read from the ROM of the lamp control board, and the operation and light emission of the movable accessory are controlled based on the operation pattern data and the light emission pattern data. On the other hand, when the movable accessory performs an effect with the operation pattern and the light emission pattern, for example, a new command for instructing the light emission of the movable accessory is transmitted from the effect control board. There is a risk that effect control that is not suitable for the state of the effect being performed, such as the light emission of the movable accessory being interrupted and another light emission being performed, may be performed.

  Such a problem is not limited to the case where the operation of the movable accessory is controlled, but may occur similarly when the image display device that displays the effect image is controlled, for example.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing effect control suitable for the state of the effect being executed by the effect executing means.

  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. .

  A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine (1) including a lower control unit (140) for performing an effect and an upper control unit (130) for controlling the lower control unit, First transmission means (131, S111, S1147, S300) for transmitting a first command for instructing execution of the predetermined effect, and a second command for instructing change of the effect mode of the predetermined effect during execution of the predetermined effect Second transmission means (131, S161, S300), and the lower control unit receives the first command, and the second reception means receives the second command. Means (141), an effect starting means (141, S509) for causing the effect executing means (5) to start the predetermined effect when the first command is received by the first receiving means, and the predetermined effect A first effect mode control for changing the effect mode of the predetermined effect being executed by the effect executing unit when the second command is received by the second receiving unit during the line; and an effect mode of the predetermined effect Effect mode control means (141) for selecting and executing any one of the second effect mode controls for maintaining the above.

  The lower control unit includes condition determining means (141, S507, S508) for uniquely determining a switching condition, and the effect mode control means is configured when the switching condition determined by the condition determining means is not satisfied ( While the first effect mode control is executed when “NO” in S515), the second effect mode control may be executed when the switching condition is satisfied (“YES” in S515). .

  The upper control unit includes third transmission means (131, S1136, S1140, S1141, S300) for transmitting a third command indicating a result of determination as to whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player. The control unit includes third receiving means (141) for receiving the third command, and when the third command is received by the third receiving means, the effect mode control means causes the effect executing means to receive the third command. The predetermined effect may be terminated and the suggestion effect suggesting the determination result may be executed (S520, S522, S524).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to execute effect control suitable for the state of the effect being executed by the effect executing means.

Schematic front view of pachinko machine 1 Schematic plan view showing a part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 Enlarged view of the display 4 in FIG. Explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of winning suggestion effect Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the timing which determines the production | presentation content of each step of a winning suggestion production Time chart for explaining the flow of winning suggestion production Screen diagram for explaining the flow of the winning suggestion effect from the start of the first step to the second step Screen diagram for explaining the flow of winning suggestion effect until the winning is suggested after the gauge image is in the MAX state Screen diagram for explaining the effect per freeze as the winning suggestion effect Screen view for explaining the flow of winning suggestion that will eventually lead to a loss Screen diagram for explaining the effect per revival as a winning suggestion effect 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 process 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 processing in step S310 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the stop process in step S319 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the game state setting process performed in the game control board 100 The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the production control board 130 Detailed flowchart of operation acceptance processing in step S150 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the operation discrimination | determination table used for the process which discriminate | determines a valid operation and an invalid operation. Detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S100 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 figure which shows an example of the production content determination table used for the process which determines individually the production content of each step in a winning suggestion production Detailed flowchart of the process during winning suggestion effect in step S113 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 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 schematic 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 on the upper plate 28 (see FIG. 2) are guided to the launching device (not shown), and the rotation angle of the handle 20 is increased. The game is fired into the game area 10 with a corresponding hitting force. 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 (see FIG. 2) 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. In addition, the upper plate 28 and the lower plate 29 may be configured by a single plate.

  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, three normal winning ports 14, and an electric tulip 17 are provided in the passing path of the left-handed game ball as a prize and a winning combination. In addition, on the passage path of the game ball that has been hit to the right, the second starting port 12, the first large winning port 13, the one normal winning port 14, the gate 16, and the electric tulip 17 are used as the winning and judging roles. , And a second grand prize opening 19 is 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”.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrates the case where the 2nd starting port 12 is provided as a starting port which starts a 2nd special symbol determination, a normal electric accessory is used as a starting port which starts a 2nd special symbol determination. You may provide the start port which a game ball can win regardless of whether it act | operated. In another embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which game balls that have passed through a specific region are alternately awarded to the first start port 11 and the second start port 12.

  The first big prize opening 13 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 big prize opening 13 is maintained in the open state, the round game that is closed is executed a predetermined number of times. For this reason, the player can obtain more prize balls by making a right hit during the jackpot game compared to when the jackpot game is not being played.

  The second big prize opening 19 is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a plate that opens and closes the second grand prize opening 19 is provided at the opening portion of the second big prize opening 19. The second big prize opening 19 is normally closed by this plate. During the jackpot game, in addition to the above-described round game in which the first grand prize opening 13 is opened, a predetermined condition (in this embodiment, 0.1 second has elapsed since the second big prize opening 19 was opened, or After the second grand prize opening 19 is maintained in an open state until 9 game balls have been won in the second big prize opening 19 or 29.5 seconds have passed since the second big prize opening 19 was opened. The closed round game is executed a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, once).

  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 gate 16, it is determined whether or not the second start port 12 is to be opened, although no prize ball is 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 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.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, two types of jackpot types, “probable jackpot” and “normal jackpot” are prepared. When the determination result of the special symbol determination is “probable big jackpot”, a long open round game is performed in which the second big winning opening 19 is opened for a long time during the jackpot game, and the second big winning opening is played during this long open round game. When the game ball passes through the V region in 19, the game is controlled in the “probability game state” after the big hit game is finished.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “ordinary jackpot”, a short open round game in which the second big winning opening 19 is opened shortly during the jackpot game is performed. When this short open round game is performed, basically, the game ball will not win the second big prize opening 19 and pass through the V area. Therefore, after the big hit game is over, The game will be controlled.

  Here, the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the game is controlled in any of the three game states of “normal game state”, “probability game state”, and “time-short game state”.

  The “normal game state” is a normal game state in which a special symbol determination (big hit determination) is performed in a low probability state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit is relatively low, and a so-called electric chew support function is not provided. . That is, in the normal game state, the probability that the jackpot game is determined to be executed by the special symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability. Also, the probability that the second start port 12 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/12), and the normal symbol variation time is relatively long (for example, 25 seconds). And the opening time of the second starting port 12 when it is determined to open the second starting port 12 is set to a relatively short time (for example, 0.1 second × 1 time).

  The “probability changing gaming state” is a gaming state in which special symbol determination is performed in a high probability state where the probability of being determined to be a jackpot is relatively high and an electric chew support function is provided. In other words, in the probability variation gaming state, the probability that the jackpot game is determined to be executed by the special symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability. In addition, the probability that the second start port 12 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 12/12), and the variation time of the normal symbol is relatively short (for example, 2 seconds). And the opening time of the second starting port 12 when it is determined to open the second starting port 12 is set to a relatively long time (for example, 1.6 seconds × 3 times).

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, when the game ball wins V in the V area during the big hit game after winning the “probable big hit”, the special symbol determination 115 is made after the big hit game ends. The game is controlled in the probability variation game state until it is played once. If the big win is not made before the 115th special symbol determination is made, the game state is returned from the probability variation gaming state to the normal gaming state after the 115th special symbol determination is made.

  The “time-short game state” is a game state in which special symbol determination is performed in the low probability state and an electric chew support function is provided.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the above-mentioned “ordinary jackpot” is won, the game is controlled in the short-time gaming state until the special symbol determination is performed 100 times after the jackpot game ends. Then, if the big win is not made before the 100 special symbol determinations are made, after the 100th special symbol determination is made, the gaming state is returned from the short-time gaming state to the normal gaming state.

[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 A special symbol hold indicator 43, a second special symbol hold indicator 44, a normal symbol indicator 45, a normal symbol hold indicator 46, a game state indicator 47, a round indicator 48 and the like are configured.

  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, the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” (in this embodiment, “probable big hit” or “normal big hit”). A jackpot symbol that indicates or a loss symbol that indicates that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” is stopped.

  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. When the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol indicator 41 or the second special symbol indicator 42, the round indicator 48 opens the first big prize port 13 and the second big prize port 19 during the big hit game. Display the pattern.

  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.

[Configuration example of input means of 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 input means for the player to input. The effect button 26 is a push button for inputting operation information when pressed by the player. 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 presentation means of pachinko gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game board 2 or the frame member 3 is provided with a liquid crystal display device 5, a speaker 24, a movable accessory 7, a board lamp 25 and the like for performing various effects. Further, the frame member 3 incorporates a frame lamp 37 (see FIG. 12) not shown in FIG.

  The liquid crystal display device 5 is an image display device that displays an effect image, and is provided at a position that can be easily viewed by a player. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes, for example, decorative symbols that notify the determination result of the special symbol determination, characters and items that perform a notice effect, etc., and various types of hold display images that are displayed as many as the number of special symbol determinations being held. An effect image including a display object is displayed. Note that the image display device may be configured by another image display device such as an EL display device.

  The speaker 24 produces a sound effect by outputting effect sounds such as music, voice, and sound effects so as to be synchronized with the effect performed by the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2 and performs various effects by both or one of the movement and light of the movable accessory 7 itself.

  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.

[Winning suggestion flow]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the game is controlled in the above-described probability variation gaming state, a winning suggestion effect is performed as a notice effect relating to the special symbol determination while the decorative symbol (special symbol) is displayed in a variable manner. May be. This winning suggestion effect is an effect performed during the decorative symbol variation display, and before the decorative symbol indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination is stopped and displayed, the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” Or it is an effect suggesting that it is “losing”.

  The winning suggestion effect is an effect that can be developed step by step up to a predetermined number of steps up to a predetermined number of steps (“4” in the present embodiment). In each stage of the winning suggestion effect, the player is urged to hit the effect button 26 repeatedly, and one condition is that the player performs a continuous hit operation using the effect button 26 that satisfies a predetermined condition. After the possibility suggestion is performed, the winning suggestion develops to the next stage. Then, in the final stage of the winning suggestion effect (any one of the first to fourth stages), a definite suggestion effect is performed and a determination result of the special symbol determination is suggested. In this embodiment, the case where the predetermined number of steps is “4” will be described. However, the number of predetermined steps is not particularly limited as long as it is plural. In other embodiments, “2” or “ It may be “3” or “5” or more.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of the winning suggestion effect. In each stage of the winning suggestion effect, a notification image that prompts the player to operate the effect button 26 (in this embodiment, repeated hits) and a gauge image whose display mode is appropriately updated according to the player's operation are liquid crystal. It is displayed on the display device 5 (see, for example, FIG. 7B). This gauge image indicates the number of effective operations performed by the player during the operation reception period in which the operation of the effect button 26 is received. When the effect button 26 is not operated, the scale of the lighting state is “ The state is “0”. On the other hand, every time the player operates the effect button 26, an operation determination lottery for determining whether the operation is treated as an effective operation or an invalid operation is executed. When it is determined that the operation of the effect button 26 is an effective operation, the display of the gauge image is basically updated so that one scale constituting the gauge image is switched from the unlit state to the lit state.

  In this embodiment, the following three types of effects are performed roughly as effects at each stage accompanied by the operation of the effect button 26 by the player. The first type of production is when the maximum number of effective operations performed by the player reaches “8” times and the scale of the gauge image is all lit (see, for example, FIG. 7D). This is an effect that suggests that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” (see FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4D).

  In the second type of production, even if an effective operation is performed by the player, a freeze state (for example, see FIGS. 9B and 9C) in which the scale of the gauge does not switch to the lighting state in the middle occurs. This is an effect suggesting that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” (see FIGS. 4B, 4E, and 4F).

  The third type of effect is the following after an effect image that does not suggest the determination result of the special symbol determination (for example, see FIG. 7E) is displayed after all the scales of the gauge image are lit and become the MAX state. This is an effect that will develop to the stage (see FIGS. 4B, 4C, 4G, and 4H).

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the process proceeds in the following flow with respect to the winning suggestion effect. That is, when the decorative symbol variation display is started, it is determined whether or not to execute the winning suggestion effect. Here, when it is determined to execute the winning suggestion effect, first, the first stage effect content is determined (see FIG. 4A). Specifically, a first pattern that suggests a jackpot after the gauge image is in the MAX state, a second pattern that suggests a jackpot after the gauge image is frozen halfway, and after the gauge image is in the MAX state It is determined which pattern of the third pattern for displaying another image that does not suggest jackpot or loss is performed in the first stage.

  Specifically, the effect lottery using the effect random number acquired at the time of starting the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed, and any one of the first pattern to the third pattern is selected based on the lottery result. Here, when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, the winning may be suggested in the first stage, or the winning may be suggested in the second stage and thereafter. Any of the third patterns can be selected. On the other hand, if the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing”, the third pattern is inevitably selected because the winning cannot be suggested.

  When the first stage production content is determined in this way, the first stage production is performed. Here, when the production of the first pattern or the production of the second pattern is performed as the production of the first stage, it is suggested that the winning game is a big hit at the end of the first stage. The process ends in the first stage without developing. In this embodiment, the selection ratio of the first pattern is set to 25%, the selection ratio of the second pattern is set to 10%, and the selection ratio of the third pattern is set to 65%. ”Is the ratio at which the winning suggestion effect ends in the first stage is 35 (= 25 + 10)%.

  When the production of the third pattern is performed as the production of the first stage, a process for determining the production content of the second stage is performed in order to suggest a win in the stage after the second stage (FIG. 4 (H)). reference). Note that the process of determining the first stage effect content is performed at the start of the decorative symbol variation display, whereas the process of determining the second stage effect content is the third pattern effect as the first stage effect. Is done after. Except for this point, the process for determining the second stage effect content is performed in the same manner as the process for determining the first stage effect content.

  When the first pattern or the second pattern is selected as the second stage effect content, the winning suggestion effect is ended in the second stage because the win is suggested in the second stage. On the other hand, when the third pattern is selected as the second stage production content, another image illustrated in FIG. 4G is displayed at the end of the second stage production, and then the third stage production is performed. Processing for determining the production contents is performed (see FIG. 4H).

  When the first pattern or the second pattern is selected as the third stage effect content, the winning suggestion effect ends in the third stage because the winning is suggested in the third stage. On the other hand, when the third pattern is selected as the third stage production content, another image illustrated in FIG. 4G is displayed at the end of the third stage production, and then the fourth stage production is performed. Processing for determining the production contents is performed (see FIG. 4H).

  When the 1st pattern or the 2nd pattern is selected as the production contents of the 4th stage, it will be suggested that it is a big hit at the end of the 4th stage. On the other hand, if the third pattern is selected when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, it is necessary to suggest that the fourth stage is a big hit because the fourth stage is the upper limit stage. Then, a revival suggestion effect is performed that pretends to be a loss and suggests that it is a big hit (see FIG. 4I). If the determination result of the special symbol determination is a loss, it is necessary to indicate that it is a loss in the fourth stage, so that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “ It is suggested that it is “losing” (see FIG. 4J).

  By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, any one of the above-described three types of patterns from the first pattern to the third pattern can be selected with respect to the effects at each stage of the winning suggestion effect, and the gauge image is in the MAX state. Depending on whether or not it is reached or whether a win is suggested, it may or may not progress to the next stage. For this reason, there is a problem that the data capacity of the production becomes enormous if a configuration that determines all the patterns from the start to the end of the winning suggestion at the start of the variation display of the decorative design is adopted. . Also, if the maximum number of effective operations performed by the player during the operation reception period of the effect button 26 has not reached “8” times, or if the effect button 26 has not been operated by the player, the winning suggestion effect Is terminated without progressing to the next stage. Therefore, in these cases, even if the process of determining the overall pattern of the winning suggestion effect at the start of the variation is performed, the determination operation is wasted.

  Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the stage contents are individually determined at the following timings. In other words, the first stage effect content is determined at the start of the decorative pattern variation display, the second stage effect content is determined after an effect that does not suggest a win is performed in the first stage, and a win is indicated in the second stage The third stage effect content is determined after an effect that is not performed, and the fourth stage effect content is determined after an effect that does not suggest a win is performed in the third step. As described above, although the first stage of the production contents is determined at the start of the display of the decorative symbol variation, the second stage and later production contents are provided on the condition that the production that does not suggest a win is performed. It is decided to decide one by one.

  Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, there is no need to hold a large number of performance pattern data that defines the overall flow from the start to the end of the winning suggestion effect, and a process for determining the content of the effect is performed. There is an advantage that the problem of being wasted does not occur.

[Specific examples of winning suggestions]
FIG. 6 is a time chart for explaining the flow of the winning suggestion effect.

  When the first stage production content is determined to be the second pattern, as shown in FIG. 6A, the liquid crystal display device 5 is gauged during the operation acceptance period during which the player operates the production button 26. When the image is displayed and the gauge image is in the MAX state, an effect image suggesting a win is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 and the winning suggestion effect is ended.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, when the first stage production content is determined to be the third pattern, a gauge image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 during the operation reception period in the first stage, When the gauge image is in the MAX state, another effect image that does not suggest a win is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. When the second stage production content is determined as the second pattern, the gauge image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 during the operation acceptance period in the second stage, and even if an effective operation is performed, the gauge image is displayed halfway. The scale becomes a frozen state that does not change to the lighting state, and then a suggestion image suggesting a big hit is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, when the first stage production content is determined to be the third pattern, a gauge image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 during the operation reception period in the first stage, When the gauge image is in the MAX state, another effect image that does not suggest a win is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. When the second stage production content is determined to be the third pattern, a gauge image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 during the operation acceptance period in the second stage, and if the gauge image is in the MAX state, a win is indicated. Other effect images that are not displayed are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. After that, when the third stage production content is determined to be the first pattern, a gauge image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 during the operation reception period in the third stage, and when the gauge image is in the MAX state, the winning is indicated. The suggested image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  FIG. 7 is a screen diagram of the liquid crystal display device 5 for explaining the flow of the winning suggestion effect from the start of the first stage effect to the transition to the second stage.

  When the special symbol determination is executed, the variation display of the decorative symbol on the liquid crystal display device 5 is started as the special symbol variation display on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 is started. It is started (see FIG. 7A). Then, when the winning suggestion effect is executed, when it is determined at the start of the decorative symbol variation display, for example, the following effect display is performed on the liquid crystal display device 5 as the first stage effect. That is, at the execution start timing of the winning suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. 7 (B), a notification image that prompts the player to repeatedly hit the effect button 26 and each scale each time an effective operation is performed by the player. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 with a gauge image that switches from the unlit state to the lit state. Here, the notification image is composed of a button image simulating the effect button 26, a wording such as “continuous hitting!” Prompting the effect button 26 to be repeatedly hit, and a remaining time notification image for notifying the remaining time of the operation reception period. The

  Although not shown in the figure, during the operation reception period of the effect button 26, the above-described notification image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 and the button lamp 261 (FIG. 12) built in the effect button 26. (See) is controlled to emit light.

  When the player performs two effective operations within the operation reception period from the state shown in FIG. 7B, the gauge image is displayed so that the two scales are lit as shown in FIG. 7C. The display of is updated. Then, when the eighth effective operation is performed within the operation reception period, as shown in FIG. 7D, all the scales are in the lighting state in the lighting state.

  Here, since the first stage of the production content is set to the third pattern, the production which imitates the electrocardiogram in order to capture the player's expectation that the jackpot is suggested as a production image that does not suggest a win An electrocardiogram image as an image is displayed (see FIG. 7E). Here, a blue ECG image with a small waveform fluctuation is displayed, and as the stage progresses, a yellow ECG image with a slight waveform fluctuation, a green ECG image with a large waveform fluctuation, and a waveform fluctuation It will be upgraded to a very large red ECG image step by step. For example, when the winning suggestion effect develops to the upper limit of the fourth stage, a blue electrocardiogram image with a small waveform fluctuation is displayed immediately after the gauge image is in the MAX state in the first stage, and the gauge image is displayed in the second stage. Immediately after is in the MAX state, a yellow electrocardiogram image with a slightly large waveform fluctuation is displayed. Then, immediately after the gauge image is in the MAX state in the third stage, a red electrocardiogram image with a very large waveform fluctuation is displayed.

  Although detailed description is omitted, in order to determine the type of the electrocardiogram image, the sub ROM 132 (see FIG. 12) described later stores the type of the electrocardiogram image when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”. The jackpot ECG image determination table used for the process of determining the ECG image and the losing ECG image determination table used for the process of determining the type of the ECG image when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” It is remembered. The pachinko gaming machine 1 has these two types of electrocardiogram image determination tables, so that when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, it is at an earlier stage than when it is “losing” Therefore, the process of determining the type of the electrocardiogram image is controlled so that the higher-order electrocardiogram image is easily displayed.

  In this way, when only the electrocardiogram image that does not suggest winning is displayed at the end of the first stage, the contents of the second stage effect are determined, and the winning suggestion effect develops to the second stage (FIG. 7). (See (F)).

  FIG. 8 is a screen diagram of the liquid crystal display device 5 for explaining the flow of the winning suggestion effect until the winning is suggested after the gauge image is in the MAX state.

  During the operation reception period of the effect button 26 at each stage, as described above, a notification image and a gauge image that prompt the player to repeatedly press the effect button 26 are displayed, and the gauge image is displayed every time an effective operation is performed. It is updated (see FIG. 8A). Then, when “8” effective operations are performed within the operation reception period, the gauge image is in the MAX state (see FIG. 8B). On the other hand, when the production content at this stage is set to the first pattern, immediately after the gauge image is in the MAX state, it is suggested that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”. A suggestion image is displayed (see FIG. 8C).

  Then, when the hit suggestion image is displayed for a predetermined time, the hit suggestion image is erased from the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5, and the decorative pattern that was displayed small in the lower right of the display screen is displayed large in the center of the display screen. (See FIG. 8D). Then, when these decorative symbols are stopped and displayed, the display is switched to an effect display informing the start of the jackpot game (see FIGS. 8D and 8E).

  FIG. 9 is a screen diagram of the liquid crystal display device 5 for explaining a freeze effect as a winning suggestion effect.

  As described above, during the operation reception period of the effect button 26 at each stage, basically, a scale that constitutes a gauge image every time an effective operation is performed until the effective operation count reaches the maximum “8”. The gauge image is updated so that is switched from the unlit state to the lit state.

  On the other hand, when the production contents at this stage are set to the second pattern, for example, the display of the gauge image is updated every time an effective operation is performed until the three scales are lit, Thereafter, even if an effective operation is performed within the operation reception period, the display of the gauge image is not updated (the scale in the unlit state does not switch to the lit state), and a freeze effect is performed (FIGS. 9A to 9 ( C)).

  In this embodiment, the freeze effect is performed only when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”. Therefore, when the freeze effect is performed, the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”. In order to suggest, for example, a hit suggestion image representing a situation where a specific person is encountered is displayed (see FIG. 9D). When the winning suggestion image is displayed, the decorative symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (see FIG. 9E).

  FIG. 10 is a screen diagram of the liquid crystal display device 5 for explaining the flow of the winning suggestion effect that finally suggests a loss.

  In the present embodiment, when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing”, the third pattern is continuously selected, and the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing” in the final fourth stage. It is suggested.

  For this reason, when the gauge image is in the MAX state during the operation acceptance period in the fourth stage (see FIG. 10A), a loss suggestion image that suggests that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “lost” is displayed. The winning suggestion effect ends (see FIG. 10B). In this case, when the variation display of the decorative symbol is finished, the decorative symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is lost is stopped and displayed (see FIG. 10C). Then, the decorative symbol variation display with respect to the reserved special symbol determination is started (see FIG. 10D), and when it is determined to perform the winning suggestion effect, the winning suggestion effect is started (FIG. 10). (See (E)).

  Here, the case where the loss suggestion image is displayed when the gauge image is in the MAX state in the fourth stage has been described, but for example, a predetermined time after the start of the winning suggestion effect (or the decorative symbol variation display) You may make it suggest a lose when elapses.

  FIG. 11 is a screen diagram of the liquid crystal display device 5 for explaining the effect per revival as the winning suggestion effect.

  When the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit” and the third pattern is selected as the fourth stage effect content, the gauge image is in the MAX state during the fourth stage operation acceptance period (FIG. 11 ( (See A)) After the loss suggestion image exemplified in FIG. 11B is once displayed, the decorative design is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 so as not to completely stop (see FIG. 11C). . Then, after the revival effect image that makes it appear that the jackpot has been revitalized is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (see FIG. 11D), a decorative symbol indicating that the determination result of the special symbol determination is “jackpot”. The display is stopped on the liquid crystal display device 5 (see FIG. 11E).

  Here, the effect images displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 during the winning suggestion effect have been described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, but these effect images are only examples, and other effects images may be displayed. Needless to say, it is good. In other embodiments, the types and the number of effects at each stage constituting the winning suggestion effects may be other than those exemplified in the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an example of the internal configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the processing performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 for realizing the various effects control described above based on FIGS. 4 to 11 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. 12, in this embodiment, 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 transmissions, and commands received from the game control board 100. Based on the effect control board 130 for controlling the production based on the image, the image sound control board 140 for controlling the effect by the image and the sound, the lamp control board 150 for controlling the effect by the various lamps and the movable accessory 7 and the like. Yes.

[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 gate switch 114, a first large winning port switch 115, a second large winning port switch 116, and a V winning port. The switch 117, the first big prize opening control unit 118, the second big prize opening control unit 119, the normal prize opening switch 120, and the respective indicators 41 to 48 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 gate switch 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 16 and outputs the detection signal to the game control board 100.

  The first grand prize opening switch 115 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 grand prize opening switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the second big prize opening 19 and outputs a detection signal to the game control board 100. The V winning opening switch 117 detects a game ball entering the V area in the second large winning 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 plate that closes the second big prize opening 19 so as to be able to transmit the driving force. Open and close the grand prize opening 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. In addition, since the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment has the four normal winning award ports 14, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes the four normal winning award port switches 120. However, in FIG. Only the notation.

  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 115, the second big prize port switch 116, 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 win, the first big prize opening 13 and the second big prize opening 19 are opened and closed via the first big prize opening control unit 118 and the second big prize opening control unit 119, and the big hit is made. Run a game. When the detection signal from the V winning opening switch 117 is input, the gaming state after the jackpot game is set to the probability changing gaming state, and when the detection signal from the V winning opening switch 117 is not input. Sets the gaming state after the big hit game to the short-time gaming state.

  Further, the main CPU 101 acquires a random number at the timing when the detection signal from the gate switch 114 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 48 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 includes a general CPU 141, a control ROM 142, and a control RAM 143. Based on the program stored in the control ROM 142, the overall CPU 141 performs arithmetic processing when controlling an image or sound representing an effect whose effect content is set on the effect control board 130. The image sound control board 140 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 144 that generates an effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device, and an audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 145 that generates sound data output from the speaker 24. Yes. The overall CPU 141 controls the operations of the VDP 144 and the sound DSP 145 by generating a control signal based on the command from the effect control board 130 and the program stored in the control ROM 142 and outputting the control signal to the VDP 144 and the sound DSP 145.

  Although not shown in the figure, the VDP 144 displays an image ROM for storing material data necessary for generating the effect image, a drawing engine for executing the effect image drawing process, and an effect image drawn by the drawing engine. An output circuit for outputting to the display device 5 is provided. The drawing engine draws the effect image in the frame buffer using the material data stored in the image ROM based on the control signal from the overall CPU 141. The output circuit outputs the effect image drawn in the frame buffer to the liquid crystal display device 5 at a predetermined timing.

  Although not shown in the figure, the acoustic DSP 145 is connected to 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 145. ing. The acoustic DSP 145 reads the acoustic data corresponding to the control signal from the overall CPU 141 from the acoustic ROM to the SDRAM, executes data processing, and outputs the acoustic data after the data processing to the speaker 24.

[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 is based on the program stored in the lamp ROM, the movable accessory 7, the board lamp 25 provided in the game board 2, the frame lamp 37 built in the frame member 3, and the button built in the effect button 26. An arithmetic process for controlling the operation of the lamp 261 is performed. 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 light emitting element, the panel lamp 25, the frame lamp 37, and the button lamp 261 provided in the movable accessory 7. The motion pattern data is data indicating the motion pattern of the movable accessory 7.

  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 to the lamp RAM, and the light emitting element of the movable accessory 7, the panel lamp 25, The light emission of the light emitting elements of the frame lamp 37 and the button lamp 261 is controlled.

  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 stepping motor for operating the movable accessory 7. Control the drive.

[Timer interrupt processing by game control board 100]
Next, a timer interrupt process executed in the game control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 13 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. 13 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. 13 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 later in detail with reference to FIG.

  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 process of step S5, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is a big win in the process of step S3, the main CPU 101 controls the first big prize port control unit 118 and the second big prize port control part 119 to control the first big prize. A large winning opening opening control process for opening the winning opening 13 and 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. 14 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 or absence of a detection signal input from the first start port switch 111, as illustrated in FIG. 14, 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 later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Then, the main CPU 101 monitors whether or not a detection signal is input from the gate switch 114, and the value at the time when the detection signal from the gate switch 114 is input with respect to the normal symbol random number that is appropriately updated by the process of step S1. The gate switch process for acquiring the above is executed (step S23).

[First Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 15 is a detailed flowchart of the first start port switch process in step S21 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 15, 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), and the first special symbol. As the acquisition information used for the determination, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired, and these random numbers are associated with each other and stored in the main RAM 103 (steps S213 to S216).

[Second Start Port Switch Processing by Game Control Board 100]
FIG. 16 is a detailed flowchart of the second start port switch process in step S22 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 16, 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 S21. 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).

  When 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), and the second special symbol. As the acquisition information used for the determination, a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number are acquired, and these random numbers are associated with each other and stored in the main RAM 103 (steps S223 to 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. 17 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S3 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 17, 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 the shift process following the process of step S304, the main CPU 101 moves 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 following the process of step S306, the oldest acquired information stored in the first special symbol determination holding storage area is moved 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 this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is determined that it is a jackpot, 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 that time, when the processing of step S309 to step S311 is performed in a state where the acquired information (random number) related to the first special symbol determination is stored in the determination storage area, the special symbol is displayed in the first special symbol display 41. When the process of steps S309 to S311 is performed in a state where the acquired information (random number) related to the second special symbol determination is stored, the second special symbol display 42 displays the special symbol. Fluctuation display is started.

  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 liquid crystal display device 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. The stop display of the determination symbol is continued until at least a predetermined symbol determination time (for example, 1 second) 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). This stop process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control board 100]
FIG. 18 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.

  The winning value here is a jackpot winning value defined in the high probability jackpot random number table or the low probability jackpot random number table. When the jackpot determination is executed in the high probability state (probability variable gaming state), the winning value stored in the high probability hourly jackpot random number table is used, and the low probability state (normal gaming state or short-time gaming state) When the jackpot determination is executed at this time, the winning value stored in the low probability jackpot random number table is used.

  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 processing of step S3091, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the determination 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.

  In this way, the main CPU 101 determines the type of jackpot, and as a jackpot game, the jackpot game including the short open round game that opens the second jackpot 19 short or the second jackpot 19 is opened long. The jackpot game including the long open round game to be selected is selected.

  Then, the main CPU 101 sets jackpot symbol setting information corresponding to the determined jackpot type 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. 19 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. 17, 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 winning 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 corresponding to the variation pattern random number stored in the determination storage area is set as the variation pattern that is set. The variation pattern is selected by reading from the table.

  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.

  By selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol in this way, the variation time of the special symbol is inevitably determined.

  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.

[Processing during stop by game control board 100]
FIG. 20 is a detailed flowchart of the stopping process in step S319 of FIG. After resetting the variation time by the process of step S318, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not it is a big hit as in the process of step S3092, as illustrated in FIG. 20 (step S3191). If it is determined that the game is a big hit (step S3191: YES), the big win game flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON” (step S3192).

  Next, the main CPU 101 sets the time-short game flag and the probability change game flag stored in the main RAM 103 to “OFF” (step S3193). Here, the short-time game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the short-time state in which the electric chew support function is granted, and the probability variation game flag is relatively probable to be determined to be a big hit in the special symbol determination. It is a flag indicating whether or not a high probability state.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the gaming state is controlled by setting the time-saving gaming flag and the probability variation gaming flag. That is, when the gaming state is controlled to the probability variation gaming state, both the probability variation gaming flag and the short time gaming flag are set to “ON”, and when the gaming state is controlled to the time variation gaming state, the probability variation gaming flag is “OFF”. When the game state is controlled to the normal game state, both the probability variation game flag and the short-time game flag are set to “OFF”.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S3193, the main CPU 101 sets an opening command for notifying that the big hit game is started in the main RAM 103 (step S3194). This opening command includes the type of jackpot, the opening pattern of the first jackpot 13 and the second jackpot 19 during the jackpot game, and the like, and is transmitted to the effect control board 130 by the transmission process of step S8. .

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 101 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3191: NO), the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the time-saving game flag is set to “ON” (step S3196). If it is determined that the short-time game flag is set to “ON” (step S3196: YES), the short-time game remaining number J stored in the main RAM 103 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting “1” (step). S3197). The short game remaining number J at this time indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination is executed in the short time state.

  Following the processing of step S3197, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the time-saving game remaining count J is “0” (step S3198). Here, when it is determined that the time-saving game remaining count J is “0” (step S3198: YES), the time-saving game flag is set to “OFF” (step S3199). As a result, the electric chew support function is not provided.

  The main CPU 101 executes the process of step S3199, determines that the time-saving game flag is not “ON” (step S3196: NO), or determines that the time-saving game remaining count J is not “0” ( Step S3198: NO), it is determined whether or not the probability variation game flag is set to "ON" (step S3201).

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the probability variation game flag is set to “ON” (step S3201: YES), the main CPU 101 updates the high probability remaining game count K stored in the main RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting “1”. (Step S3202). The high probability remaining game count K indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination is executed in a high probability state.

  Following the processing of step S3202, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the high-probability game remaining count K is “0” (step S3203). Here, if it is determined that the high probability remaining game count K is “0” (step S3203: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to “OFF” (step S3204). Thereby, special symbol determination comes to be performed in a low probability state.

  When the process of step S3204 is performed, when it is determined that the probability variation game flag is not “ON” (step S3201: NO), when it is determined that the high probability game remaining count K is not “0” ( If the process of step S3203: NO) or step S3194 is performed, the process proceeds to the normal symbol process of step S4.

[Game state setting process by game control board 100]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the game state setting process executed on the game control board 100. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the jackpot game is executed by the big prize opening control process in step S6. When the ending in the jackpot game ends, the gaming state for setting the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 after the jackpot game ends. Setting processing is executed.

  When the ending in the jackpot game ends, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the V winning flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON” (step S6441). The V winning flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game ball has passed the V area during the big hit game, and is normally set to “OFF”, but the game ball is detected by the V winning port switch 117. Then, “ON” is set.

  When the main CPU 101 determines that the V winning flag is set to “ON” (step S6441: YES), the main CPU 101 sets the probability variation game flag stored in the main RAM 103 to “ON” (step S6442). The high probability remaining game count K stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “115” (step S6443). Then, the short-time game flag stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “ON” (step S6444), and the short-time game remaining count J that is also stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “115”, which is the same as the high-probability game remaining count K. Setting is performed (step S6445).

  By performing the processing from step S6442 to step S6445, the game is controlled in the probable gaming state until 115 special symbol determinations are made unless a big hit occurs halfway after the big hit game ends. Become. In other words, it enters the ST with an upper limit of 115 times.

  When the main CPU 101 executes the process of step S6445, the main CPU 101 sets the V winning flag stored in the main RAM 103 to “OFF” (step S6446).

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the V winning flag is not set to “ON” (step S6441: NO), the main CPU 101 sets the short-time game flag stored in the main RAM 103 to “ON” (step S6447). Similarly, the short time remaining game count J stored in the main RAM 103 is set to “100” (step S6448).

  By performing the processing of step S6447 and step S6448, the game is controlled in the short-time gaming state until a special symbol determination is performed 100 times unless a big hit occurs in the middle after the big hit game is finished. Become. That is, it enters into a low-accuracy time-short state with an upper limit of 100 times.

[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. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the effect control board 130. Similar to the timer interrupt process performed on the game control board 100, the sub CPU 131 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 22 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds). Note that the processing performed on the effect control board 130 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 22 and the subsequent steps 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 S100). This command reception process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S100, the sub CPU 131 executes an operation reception process for performing a process according to an input operation from the effect button 26 by the player (step S150). This operation acceptance process will be described in detail later based on FIG.

  Subsequent to the process of step S150, the sub CPU 131 executes a transmission process (step S300). Specifically, the command set in the sub-RAM 133 by the processing in step S100 or step S150 is transmitted to at least one of the image acoustic 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, audio output, etc., and the execution of the effect by the lighting of various lamps or the operation of the movable accessory 7 is performed by the lamp. The control board 150 is instructed.

  Subsequent to the process of step S300, the sub CPU 131 executes a data transfer process (step S400). 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 effects by the effect medium such as the movable accessory 7 and the panel lamp 25 so as to synchronize with the effects performed by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24.

[Operation Acceptance Processing by Production Control Board 130]
FIG. 23 is a detailed flowchart of the operation reception process in step S150 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the sub CPU 131 determines whether it is the display start timing of the gauge image (step S151). Specifically, when the above-described winning suggestion effect is performed, the setting information of the winning suggestion effect such as timing for starting display of the gauge image on the liquid crystal display device 5 and information indicating the contents of the effect at each stage is stored in the sub-RAM 133. Therefore, it is determined whether it is the display start timing of the gauge image based on the setting information of the winning suggestion effect stored in the sub RAM 133.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that it is the display start timing of the gauge image (step S150: YES), it sets the operation acceptance flag stored in the sub RAM 133 to “ON” (step S152). This operation acceptance flag is a flag indicating whether or not it is during an operation acceptance period in which the player can accept the operation of the effect button 26 during the winning suggestion effect, and is set to “ON” at the timing when the operation acceptance period starts. At the timing when the operation acceptance period ends, “OFF” is set.

  When the sub CPU 131 executes the process of step S152 or determines that it is not the display start timing of the gauge image (step S151: NO), based on the setting information of the winning suggestion effect stored in the sub RAM 133, It is determined whether or not it is the display end timing of the gauge image (step S153). Here, the display end timing of the gauge image is the timing immediately after the eighth effective operation is performed in the present embodiment. When the number of valid operations does not reach “8” during the operation reception period, the timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation reception period starts is the display end timing of the gauge image.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that it is the display end timing of the gauge image (step S153: YES), it sets the operation acceptance flag stored in the sub RAM 133 to “OFF” (step S154).

  As described above, when the display of the gauge image is ended, the operation acceptance flag is set to “OFF”, and the player cannot accept the operation of the effect button 26. On the other hand, when the production content of the current stage is set in the third pattern, the process of determining the production content of the next stage is performed at the end of the production of the current stage. The gauge image will be displayed again. For this reason, when the third effect pattern is selected and an effect that does not suggest winning is performed, the process of step S152 is performed at the timing when the next stage effect is started, and the player operates the effect button 26. Acceptance will be resumed.

  When the sub CPU 131 executes the process of step S154 or determines that it is not the display end timing of the gauge image (step S153: NO), detection from a photo interrupter (not shown) that detects the operation of the effect button 26 It is determined whether or not the effect button 26 has been operated based on whether or not a signal is input (step S156). If it is determined that the effect button 26 has not been operated (step S156: NO), the process proceeds to the transmission process of step S300.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the effect button 26 has been operated (step S156: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the operation acceptance flag stored in the sub RAM 133 is set to “ON” (step S157). If it is determined that the operation acceptance flag is not set to “ON” (step S157: NO), the process proceeds to the transmission process of step S300.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the operation acceptance flag is set to “ON” (step S157: YES), in order to determine the operation of the effect button 26 by the player as the above-described valid operation and invalid operation, The following processing is executed. That is, for the effect random number that is appropriately updated by the random number update process, the value at the time when the effect button 26 is operated is acquired and stored in the sub-RAM 133 (step S158). Then, an operation determination lottery is executed based on the acquired effect random number (step S159).

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation determination table used for processing for determining valid operations and invalid operations. The range that the production random number can take is “0” to “99” in the present embodiment. On the other hand, in the operation determination table, 85 random values “0” to “84” are determined so that when the effect button 26 is operated by the player, it is determined that the operation is effective at a rate of 85%. Is associated with a valid operation. In addition, when the effect button 26 is operated by the player, the 15 random numbers “85” to “99” are associated with the valid operation so that the remaining 15% is determined to be invalid. Yes. In this way, a part of the operation by the player is invalidated because the gauge image reaches the MAX state too early when the effect button 26 is repeatedly hit by the player, and the display time of the gauge image It is for suppressing that it becomes shorter than necessary.

  In the process of step S159, the sub CPU 131 reads the operation determination table stored in the sub ROM 132 to the sub RAM 133, and reads the operation type corresponding to the effect random number acquired in the process of step S158 from the operation determination table.

  Next, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the operation type read from the operation determination table in the process of step S159 is a valid operation (step S160). If it is determined that the operation is not an effective operation (step S160: NO), the process proceeds to the transmission process of step S300.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the operation type is a valid operation (step S160: YES), the sub CPU 131 sets a valid operation command for notifying that a valid operation has been performed in the sub RAM 133 (step S161). This valid operation command instructs to update the gauge image, and is transmitted to the image acoustic control board 140 by the transmission processing in step S300.

  In this way, the sub CPU 131 receives the operation input of the effect button 26 only during the operation reception period in which the operation reception flag is set to “ON”, and determines whether or not the operation input is a valid operation. An effective operation command is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 according to the determination result.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S161, the sub CPU 131 updates the effective operation count Y stored in the sub RAM 133 to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S162). The effective operation count Y indicates the total number of effective operations performed during one operation reception period, and it is determined that the effect button 26 is operated and the operation is an effective operation during the operation reception period. In this case, the value is updated to the value obtained by adding “1”, and reset to “0” when the operation reception period ends.

  Here, the case where the winning suggestion effect is performed when the game is controlled in the probability variation gaming state and the operation of the effect button 26 during the operation reception period is determined as the valid operation and the invalid operation has been described. On the other hand, for example, when the game is controlled in the normal gaming state, a process for discriminating the operation of the effect button 26 into a valid operation and an invalid operation is not performed, for example, every time the effect button 26 is operated. Production control is performed such that the movable accessory 7 emits light.

[Command reception processing by effect control board 130]
FIG. 25 is a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S100 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 25, 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 transmitted from the game control board 100, and the variation start command is received. Based on whether or not the variation time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol is being executed.

  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. 17) has been received. Is determined (step S102). Here, when it is determined 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 acquired for the effect random number that is appropriately updated by the random number update process. And 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). The 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 sets a change effect start command for instructing the start of the change effect of the change effect pattern set in the process of step S105 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 whose effect pattern is determined on the effect control board 130 is 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 variation effect is being executed (step S101: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the setting information of the winning suggestion effect is stored in the sub RAM 133 (step S109). Specifically, when the winning suggestion effect is performed during the current variation effect, the setting information related to the first stage effect of the winning suggestion effect is stored in the sub RAM 133 by the process of step S1065 (see FIG. 27) described later. Therefore, the presence / absence of the setting information stored in the sub RAM 133 is determined by the process of step S1065.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the setting information of the winning suggestion effect is stored in the sub RAM 133 (step S109: YES), for example, based on the setting information and the elapsed time from the start of the current variation effect. Then, it is determined whether or not it is the execution start timing of the winning suggestion effect (step S110).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that it is the execution start timing of the winning suggestion effect (step S110: YES), the sub CPU 131 sets a winning suggestion effect start command for instructing the start of the winning suggestion effect in the sub RAM 133 (step S111). This winning suggestion effect start command includes information indicating the contents of the first stage effect set in the sub-RAM 133 in accordance with the process of step S1065 as the setting information of the winning suggestion effect, and the transmission process of step S300. Is transmitted to the image sound control board 140.

  In this embodiment, the case where the start of the winning suggestion effect is instructed after the start timing of the winning suggestion effect will be described. However, in another embodiment, the first stage effect is set in the variable effect start command. Including information, the start of the winning suggestion effect may be instructed in advance at the start of the variation effect.

  If the sub CPU 131 executes the process of step S111, determines that the winning suggestion effect setting information is not stored in the sub RAM 133 (step S109: NO), or determines that it is not the execution start timing of the winning suggestion effect. When it has been performed (step S110: NO), for example, it is determined whether or not the winning suggestion effect is being executed based on the data regarding the image sound control transmitted from the image sound control board 140 (step S112).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the winning suggestion effect is being executed (step S112: YES), the sub CPU 131 executes a winning suggestion effect process (step S113). This winning suggestion effect processing will be described in detail later based on FIG. 29 and FIG.

  When the sub CPU 131 executes the process of step S113 or determines that the winning suggestion effect is not being executed (step S112: NO), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the game control board 100 performs the process in step S316 (see FIG. 17). It is determined whether or not the transmitted symbol confirmation command has been received (step S114). If it is determined that the symbol confirmation command has been received (step S114: 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 S115). 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 S300. As a result, the fluctuating effect started in accordance with the process of step S107 ends.

[Variation effect pattern setting process by effect control board 130]
FIG. 26 is a detailed flowchart of the variable effect pattern setting process in step S105 of FIG. Subsequent to the processing of step S104, the sub CPU 131, as illustrated in FIG. 26, based on the setting information related to the reach effect included in the change start command received from the game control board 100, this special symbol. It is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform an effect with reach in accordance 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 the variable effect pattern of the effect without reach from the start to the end of the decorative symbol change 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 determines based on the symbol setting information included in the change start command. As the symbol is stopped and displayed, a decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 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 in step S1055, the sub CPU 131 performs pseudo-stop 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. Reach symbols to be displayed are 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 reach effect is to be performed among normal reach effect, SP reach effect, and story reach effect, or normal reach effect or SP reach effect is performed. Is set whether or not to develop into a story reach production during the fluctuation 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. 27 is a detailed flowchart of the notice effect pattern setting process in step S106 of FIG. Subsequent to the process of step S105, the sub CPU 131 determines the current gaming state based on information relating to the gaming state included in the change start command received from the gaming control board 100, for example, as illustrated in FIG. It is determined whether or not the game state is a probable game state (step S1061).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the current gaming state is the probability variation gaming state (step S1061), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not to execute the winning suggestion effect during the current variation effect (step S1062). In the present embodiment, the game is controlled in the probability variation gaming state, and the winning suggestion effect is performed during the variation effect involving only the normal reach effect as the reach effect. For this reason, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not only the normal reach effect is performed during the current variation effect, based on the setting information of the variation effect pattern set in the sub RAM 133 by the process of step S105. When it is determined that only the normal reach effect is performed, it is determined that the winning suggestion effect is executed. On the other hand, for example, when the reach effect is not performed, or when it is determined that only the normal reach effect is not performed, such as developing from the normal reach effect to the story reach effect on the way, it is determined not to execute the winning suggestion effect. .

  Next, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the determination result of step S1062 is a determination result of executing the winning suggestion effect (step S1063). If it is determined that the determination result is not to execute the winning suggestion effect (step S1063: NO), the process proceeds to step S1066 described later.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that the determination result is to execute the winning suggestion effect (step S1063: YES), the effect content determination table (see FIG. 28) is read from the sub ROM 132 and set in the sub RAM 133 (step S1064). . Then, by selecting any one of the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern, the effect content of the first stage is determined (step S1065). The contents of the first stage effect determined in the process of step S1065 are set in the sub RAM 133 as the setting information for the winning suggestion effect.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect content determination table used for processing of individually determining the effect content at each stage in the winning suggestion effect.

  As illustrated in FIG. 28, the range that the production random number can take is “0” to “99”. In the effect content determination table, the determination result of the special symbol determination, the effect content, and the random number value are associated with each other. In the process of step S1065, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the effect random number acquired in the process of step S103 (see FIG. 25) matches a random value preset for each effect content. Determine the contents of the stage.

  In the case where the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing”, the electrocardiogram image is displayed after the gauge image is in the MAX state, or the suggestion effect per revival or the loss suggestion effect is performed in the effect content determination table. 100 random numbers “0” to “99” are assigned to the third pattern. For this reason, the effect random number acquired by the process of step S103 always matches the random number value corresponding to the third pattern. For this reason, when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “losing”, the third pattern is always selected as the first stage effect content.

  In addition, regarding the case where the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, 25 random values of “0” to “24” with respect to the first pattern in which the hit is suggested after the gauge image is in the MAX state. Are assigned 10 random numbers from “25” to “34” for the second pattern that suggests a hit after the gauge image is frozen, and “3” is assigned to the third pattern. 65 random numbers from “35” to “99” are assigned. For this reason, when the determination result of the special symbol determination is “big hit”, the first pattern is selected at the rate of 25% and the second pattern is selected at the rate of 10% as the production contents of the first stage. The third pattern is selected at a ratio of 65%.

  As described above, the sub CPU 131 determines the first stage effect content of the winning suggestion effect based on the determination result of the special symbol determination at the start of the decorative symbol variation display.

  In the present embodiment, the effect content determination table of FIG. 28 is also used when determining the content of the second stage to the fourth stage, so that each effect pattern is associated with each of the second to fourth stages. The selected ratio is also as described above.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when determining the stage 1 contents, when determining the stage 2 contents, when determining the stage 3 contents, and the stage 4 contents. The same effect content determination table is used in the case of determining, but the effect content determination table may be different for each stage.

[Processing during the winning suggestion effect by the effect control board 130]
FIG. 29 is a detailed flowchart of the process during winning suggestion effect in step S113 in FIG. If the sub CPU 131 determines that the winning suggestion effect is being executed (step S112: YES), as illustrated in FIG. 29, the operation acceptance flag stored in the sub RAM 133 is set to “ON”. Whether or not it is during the operation acceptance period is determined based on whether or not there is (step S1131). If it is determined that it is not during the operation acceptance period (step S1131: NO), the process proceeds to step S1144 described later.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that it is during the operation acceptance period (step S1131: YES), the effective operation count Y stored in the sub RAM 133 is the maximum effective operation count Ymax stored in the sub ROM 132 (this embodiment). In the form, it is determined whether or not it matches (8) (step S1132). If it is determined that the effective operation count Y does not match Ymax (step S1132: NO), the process proceeds to step S1144.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the number of valid operations Y matches Ymax (step S1132: YES), the sub CPU 131 resets the number of valid operations Y to “0” (step S1133).

  Subsequent to the process of step S1133, the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the content of the current stage effect is the second pattern based on the setting information of the winning suggestion effect stored in the sub RAM 133 (step S1134). ). If it is determined that the current production content is not the second pattern (step S1134: NO), it is determined whether or not the current production content is the first pattern (step S1135).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the production content at the current stage is the second pattern (step S1134: YES), the sub CPU 131 determines that the production content at the current stage is the first pattern (step S1135: YES). In order to instruct the start of execution of a hit suggestion effect as exemplified in FIG. 9D or FIG. 8C, a hit suggestion command is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S1136). This hit suggestion command is transmitted to the image sound control board 140 by the transmission process of step S300.

  By the way, when the production content at this stage is the second pattern, the process proceeds from step S1134 to step S1136, and when the production content at this stage is the first pattern, the process proceeds from step S1135 to step S1136. Therefore, it is determined in the process of step S1135 that the current stage content is not the first pattern when the current stage content is set to the third pattern.

  For this reason, when the sub CPU 131 determines that the effect content at this stage is not the first pattern (step S1135: NO), the effect content is the third pattern, and thus the following processing is executed.

  In other words, when the sub CPU 131 determines that the production content of the current stage is not the first pattern (step S1135: NO), the current stage is determined based on the setting information of the winning suggestion effect stored in the sub RAM 133. It is determined whether it is the fourth stage (step S1138).

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the current stage is the fourth stage (step S1138: YES), the sub CPU 131 needs to perform the revival suggestion effect or the loss suggestion effect as shown in FIGS. 4I and 4J. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the determination result of this special symbol determination is “big hit” (step S1139). Here, when it is determined that the determination result of the special symbol determination of this time is “big hit” (step S1139: YES), execution of the suggestion effect per revival illustrated in FIGS. 11B to 11D is instructed. A suggestion command for resurrection is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S1140). Conversely, if it is determined that the determination result of the special symbol determination this time is not “big hit” (step S1139: NO), a subtle RAM 133 is used to indicate a loss suggestion command instructing execution of the lose suggestion effect illustrated in FIG. (Step S1141).

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 131 determines that the current stage is not the fourth stage (step S1138: NO), that is, if the current stage is one of the first to third stages, an electrocardiogram that does not suggest a win. An electrocardiogram image display command for instructing image display is set in the sub-RAM 133 (step S1142). This electrocardiogram image display command includes information indicating the color of the electrocardiogram image.

  The lost suggestion command, the per-recovery suggestion command, and the electrocardiogram image display command set in the sub-RAM 133 are transmitted to the image acoustic control board 140 by the transmission processing in step S300.

  By the way, in this embodiment, when an electrocardiogram image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5, the winning suggestion effect basically develops to the next stage, so the process of determining the effect content of the next stage is as follows: To be done.

  That is, the sub CPU 131 determines that the operation reception period has not been reached (step S1131: NO) or that the number of effective operations Y does not match Ymax when any of the processes of steps S1140 to S1142 is executed. In the case (step S1132: NO), for example, it is determined whether an electrocardiogram image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 in accordance with the process of step S1142 (step S1144). If it is determined that the electrocardiogram image is not displayed (step S1144: NO), the process proceeds to step S1148 described later.

  If the sub CPU 131 determines that an electrocardiogram image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (step S1144: YES), the sub CPU 131 stores an effect content determination table (see FIG. 28) from the sub ROM 132 in order to determine the content of the next stage. The data is read and set in the sub RAM 133 (step S1145). Then, for the effect random number that is appropriately updated by the random number update process, for example, a value at the time when the number of effective operations Y reaches Ymax is acquired, and based on the acquired effect random number and the effect content determination table set in the sub RAM 133. Then, the contents of the next stage are determined (step S1146).

  In addition, the process of step S1146 which determines the production content in any one of the 2nd stage-the 4th stage is different from the case where the acquisition timing of the production random number determines the production content of the 1st stage. Thus, the processing is performed in the same manner as the processing in step S1065 (see FIG. 27) for determining the first stage effect content. For this reason, detailed description here is omitted.

  Thus, the sub CPU 131 determines one of the stage contents of the winning suggestion stage from among a plurality of types (three types in the present embodiment) of the stage contents based on the determination result of the special symbol determination. Select to determine the contents of the production. Then, when an effect content that does not suggest a win (display of an electrocardiogram image in the present embodiment) is performed, the content of the next stage effect is performed by performing the process of determining the effect content of the winning suggestion effect again. To decide.

  In addition, since the blue electrocardiogram image is displayed at this stage, the sub CPU 131 displays the higher-order yellow electrocardiogram image at the next stage, and when the third pattern is selected, Based on the contents of the current stage, the contents of the next stage (here, the color of the electrocardiogram image) are determined. Here, the color information of the electrocardiogram image includes the expected degree of jackpot. The expectation of jackpot is suggested in the order of blue, yellow, green and red. When an electrocardiogram image is displayed for the first time, for example, a lottery process using an effect random number is performed to determine the color of the electrocardiogram image. When the electrocardiogram images are displayed for the second time and thereafter, the one representing the degree of expectation higher than the previously displayed color is determined as the next color.

  In the present embodiment, when determining the production contents in any one of the second to fourth stages, the production contents are determined using the production random number at the time when the number of effective operations Y reaches Ymax. As described above, the content of the effect is determined based on the operation of the effect button 26 by the player. For this reason, the player can change the flow of the winning suggestion effect by his / her own button operation, and can fully enjoy the winning suggestion effect.

  Subsequently, the sub CPU 131 sets, in the sub RAM 133, a development start command that instructs development to the next stage of the winning suggestion effect (step S1147). This development start command includes information indicating the content of the next stage effect set in the sub-RAM 133 in accordance with the process in step S1146 as the setting information for the winning suggestion effect. The image is transmitted by the transmission process in step S300. It is transmitted to the acoustic control board 140.

  By the way, the winning suggestion effect in the present embodiment is variable in the number of stages and the time during which the gauge image is displayed. For this reason, the end timing of the winning suggestion effect is not constant. On the other hand, since the winning suggestion effect suggests the determination result of the special symbol determination, it must be completed at least before the decorative symbol variation display ends. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the following processing is performed.

  That is, when the sub CPU 131 executes the process of step S1147 or determines that the electrocardiogram image is not displayed (step S1144: NO), the sub CPU 131 determines whether or not the suggested effect time has elapsed (step S1148). . This suggestion effect time is the longest time from the start of the suggestion effect to the end, and is set to a time shorter than at least the time from the start of the suggestion effect until the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed. Yes.

  When the sub CPU 131 determines that the suggestion effect time has elapsed (step S1148: YES), for example, by performing the same processing as in step S1136 or step S1141, the process of suggesting the final result in the winning suggestion effect is processed by the image acoustic control. The substrate 140 is executed (step S1149).

[Image Sound Control Processing by Image Sound Control Board 140]
30 and 31 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the image sound control process. The image sound control board 140 performs a series of processes illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 at regular intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. Repeatedly.

  As illustrated in FIG. 30, the overall CPU 141 of the image sound control board 140 first determines whether or not a variable effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 has been received (step S501). Here, when it is determined that the variation effect start command has not been received (step S501: NO), the process proceeds to step S503 described later.

  If the overall CPU 141 determines that the change effect start command has been received (step S501: YES), the overall CPU 141 performs control based on the setting information related to the change effect included in the change effect start command and the program stored in the control ROM 142. A signal is generated, and the generated control signal is output to the VDP 144 and the acoustic DSP 145, thereby causing the VDP 144 and the acoustic DSP 145 to start varying effects (step S502). As a result, the liquid crystal display device 5 displays the decorative design in a variable manner, and the speaker 24 produces a changing effect in which an effect sound synchronized with the effect is output.

  For each process described below, a control signal is generated based on the command received from the effect control board 130 and the program stored in the control ROM 142, and the generated control signal is output to the VDP 144 and the sound DSP 145. Is realized.

  When the overall CPU 141 executes the process of step S502 or determines that the variable effect start command has not been received (step S501: NO), the effect control board 130 corresponds to the process of step S111 (see FIG. 25). It is determined whether or not the winning suggestion effect start command transmitted from is received (step S503).

  If the overall CPU 141 determines that it has not received the winning suggestion effect start command (step S503: NO), it receives the development start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 in accordance with the process of step S1147 (see FIG. 29). It is determined whether or not (step S504). If it is determined that the development start command has not been received (step S504: NO), the process proceeds to step S511 described later.

  By the way, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, when the second pattern is selected as the production content, even if the scale of the gauge image is not changed to the lighting state, the effective operation is performed. Even if is performed, a part of the scale remains off, and a freeze effect is performed in which the gauge image appears to be frozen.

  On the other hand, in the image sound control board 140, in order to realize this freeze effect, the following processing is performed.

  That is, if the overall CPU 141 determines that a winning suggestion effect start command has been received (step S503: YES) or if it determines that an evolution start command has been received (step S504: YES), it is included in the received command. Based on the information indicating the contents of the current stage stage, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform the freeze stage stage at this stage (step S505). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a winning suggestion effect start command or an development start command including information indicating that the effect content at this stage is the second pattern is received.

  If the overall CPU 141 determines that it is necessary to perform a freeze effect at this stage (step S505: YES), that is, as a first command, a winning suggestion effect start command or an expansion start command instructing execution of the freeze effect is issued. If received, first, an effect random number is acquired and stored in the control RAM 143 (step S506). Specifically, the random number update process similar to the random number update process for updating the effect random number performed on the effect control board 130 is also performed on the image sound control unit 140, and the overall CPU 141 appropriately performs the random number update process. For the effect random number to be updated, the value at the time of receiving the winning suggestion effect start command or the development start command is acquired and stored in the sub RAM 133. Then, based on the obtained effect random number, a freeze state determination lottery for determining in what state the gauge image is to be frozen is executed (step S507).

  Although not shown in the figure, the control ROM 142 stores a freeze state determination table used for freeze state determination lottery. In this freeze state determination table, a plurality of types of freeze states and random numbers of effect random numbers are stored in association with each other. Specifically, each of the four states in which the gauge image is lit only by one scale, the gauge image is lit only by two scales, the gauge image is lit only by three scales, and the gauge image is lit only by four scales. In contrast, different production random numbers are associated with each other. On the other hand, in the process of step S507, the overall CPU 141 reads the freeze state corresponding to the effect random number acquired in the process of step S506 from the freeze state determination table. Then, the setting information indicating the read freeze state is set in the control RAM 143 (step S508).

  As described above, the overall CPU 141 displays the gauge image even if it receives the valid operation command from the control that changes the display mode of the gauge image when the valid operation command is received before starting the freeze effect of the gauge image. The switching condition for switching to the control that maintains the mode without being updated is uniquely determined.

  When the overall CPU 141 executes the process of step S508 or determines that it is not necessary to perform the freeze effect at this stage (step S505: NO), the overall CPU 141 outputs a control signal instructing display of the gauge image to the VDP 144. Then, display of the gauge image on the liquid crystal display device 5 is started (step S509).

  In addition, when it is set to perform the freeze effect at this stage, the freeze effect by the liquid crystal display device 5 is started by performing the process of step S509. When the number of valid operation commands corresponding to the setting information set in the control RAM 143 is received in accordance with the processing in step S508, the gauge image shifts to the freeze state.

  When the overall CPU 141 executes the processing of step S509 or determines that the development start command has not been received (step S504: NO), for example, based on the drawing processing status of the VDP 144, the gauge image is being displayed. It is determined whether or not there is (step S511). If it is determined that the gauge image is not being displayed (step S511: NO), the process proceeds to step S517 described later.

  If it is determined that the gauge image is being displayed (step S511: YES), the overall CPU 141 has received an effective operation command transmitted from the effect control board 130 in accordance with the process of step S161 (see FIG. 23). Is determined (step S512). That is, it is determined whether a valid operation command as a second command for instructing a change in the display mode of the gauge image is received.

  If the overall CPU 141 determines that a valid operation command has been received (step S512: YES), the gauge image is determined based on whether or not the setting information in the frozen state is set in the control RAM 143 by the processing in step S508 described above. It is determined whether or not it is set to freeze (Step S513).

  If the overall CPU 141 determines that the gauge image is not set to be frozen (step S513: NO), the overall CPU 141 causes the VDP 144 to update the gauge image (step S514). That is, the display update process for switching only one off scale in the gauge image to the on state is executed by the VDP 144. If the process of step S514 is repeated eight times after the gauge image starts to be displayed, the gauge image reaches the above-described MAX state.

  If the overall CPU 141 determines that the gauge image is set to be frozen (step S513: YES), the overall CPU 141 determines whether or not the gauge image has reached the frozen state (step S515). Specifically, after executing the process of step S509, has the gauge image update process of step S514 been performed as many times as necessary to reach the freeze state indicated by the setting information set in the control RAM 143 in the process of step S508? Based on whether or not, it is determined whether or not the gauge image has reached a frozen state. For example, when the set freeze state is a state in which the scale of the gauge image is lit only by 3 scales, it is determined that the freeze state has been reached if the gauge image update process in step S514 is repeated three times. On the contrary, when it is less than twice, it can be determined that the frozen state has not been reached.

  When determining that the freeze state has not been reached (step S515: NO), the overall CPU 141 executes the gauge image update process in step S514 in accordance with the valid operation command every time it receives the valid operation command. That is, until the set freeze state is reached, the first effect mode control is executed to update the display mode of the gauge image every time an effective operation command is received.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the frozen state has been reached (step S515: YES), the process proceeds to step S517 without performing the gauge image update process in step S514. That is, after reaching the set freeze state, the overall CPU 141 does not perform the gauge image update process in step S514 even if it receives a valid operation command, thereby maintaining the display mode of the gauge image. Aspect control is executed.

  Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a valid operation command is received during execution of the freeze effect, the switching condition that the gauge image reaches the preset freeze state is not satisfied. The first effect mode control for changing the display mode of the gauge image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 is performed. And when this switching condition is satisfy | filled, even if a valid operation command is received during execution of a freeze production, the 2nd production mode control which maintains without changing the display mode of a gauge image is performed.

  The overall CPU 141 executes the process of step S514, determines that the freeze state has been reached (step S515: YES), determines that the gauge image is not being displayed (step S511: NO), or If it is determined that a valid operation command has not been received (step S512: NO), as illustrated in FIG. 31, the electrocardiogram image transmitted from the effect control board 130 in accordance with the process of step S1142 (see FIG. 29). It is determined whether a display command has been received (step S517).

  When determining that the electrocardiogram image display command has been received (step S517: YES), the overall CPU 141 causes the VDP 144 to execute processing for displaying the electrocardiogram image illustrated in FIG. 7E on the liquid crystal display device 5 (step S518). ).

  When the overall CPU 141 executes the process of step S518 or determines that an electrocardiogram image display command has not been received (step S517: NO), the overall control board 130 corresponds to the process of step S1136 (see FIG. 29). It is determined whether or not the hit suggestion command transmitted from is received (step S519). Here, when it is determined that the hit suggestion command has been received (step S519: YES), the process for displaying the hit suggestion image illustrated in FIG. 8C or FIG. 9D on the liquid crystal display device 5 is performed in the VDP 144. This is executed (step S520).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, a hit suggestion image displayed after the gauge image shifts to the MAX state, and FIGS. 4E and 4F are shown. As described above, the case where the hit suggestion image displayed after the gauge image is frozen is the same. However, these hit suggestion images are any if the player can recognize that the hit is a big hit. It may be different or different.

  When the overall CPU 141 executes the process of step S520 or determines that the hit suggestion command has not been received (step S519: NO), the overall CPU 141 determines from the effect control board 130 according to the process of step S1141 (see FIG. 29). It is determined whether or not the transmitted lose suggestion command has been received (step S521). Here, when it is determined that a loss suggestion command has been received (step S521: YES), the VDP 144 is caused to execute a process of displaying the loss suggestion image illustrated in FIG. 10B on the liquid crystal display device 5 (step S522). .

  In this embodiment, the case where a loss suggestion image indicating that a specific person has not been encountered has been displayed has been described. However, the loss suggestion image may be one that allows the player to recognize that it is a loss. Anything can be used.

  When the overall CPU 141 executes the process of step S522, or determines that the lose suggestion command has not been received (step S521: NO), the overall CPU 141 determines from the effect control board 130 according to the process of step S1140 (see FIG. 29). It is determined whether or not the transmitted suggestion command for revival has been received (step S523). Here, when it is determined that the suggestion command per revival has been received (step S523: YES), a process of displaying a series of suggestion images per revival exemplified in FIGS. 11B to 11D on the liquid crystal display device 5. The VDP 144 is executed (step S524).

  In this way, even when the general CPU 141 executes a freeze effect that does not follow the effective operation command from the effect control board 130, the general CPU 141 receives a hit suggestion command that instructs the winning suggestion from the effect control board 130. Terminates the freeze effect by the liquid crystal display device 5 and causes the liquid crystal display device 5 to execute the suggestion effect that suggests the determination result of the special symbol determination.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11B to 11D, the case where the suggestion image per revival is an effect image including a loss suggestion image and a hit suggestion image is described. The suggestion image may be anything as long as it can make the player feel as if the jackpot has been restored, and does not include either or both of the suggestion image and the hit suggestion image. There may be.

  When the overall CPU 141 executes the process of step S524, or determines that the suggestion command for rebirth has not been received (step S523: NO), the production control board 130 according to the process of step S115 (see FIG. 25). It is determined whether or not the variable effect end command transmitted from is received (step S525).

  If the overall CPU 141 determines that the change effect end command has been received (step S525: YES), the overall effect being executed by the VDP 144 and the sound DSP 145 is ended (step S526). As a result, the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination.

  When the overall CPU executes the process of step S526 or determines that the variable effect end command has not been received (step S525: NO), the overall CPU executes a data transmission control process (step S527). 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 data related to the image sound control received from the image sound control board 140 to the lamp control board 150. Thus, various effect operations and the like are controlled by the lamp control board 150 so as to synchronize with the effects performed by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24.

[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. 32 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. Based on the data relating to image sound control, a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 32 are repeatedly executed at regular intervals.

  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 performs various effect means (movable accessory 7, panel lamp 25, etc.) so as to synchronize with the effect by the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 24 based on the data relating to the image sound control received by the process of step S 601. To control.

  Subsequent to the process of step S601, the lamp CPU determines whether or not the variable effect start command transmitted from the effect control board 130 is received according to the process of step S107 (see FIG. 25) (step S602). Here, when it is determined that the variable effect start command has not been received (step S602: NO), the process proceeds to step S608 described later.

  When the lamp CPU determines that it has received the variation effect start command (step S602: YES), the lamp CPU reads out the light emission pattern data corresponding to the received variation effect start command from the lamp ROM, and sets it in the lamp RAM. 25 and the light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37 are 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 movable accessory 7 has been instructed based on the received variable effect start command (step S605). When it is determined that the operation of the movable accessory 7 has been instructed (step S605: YES), the operation pattern data corresponding to the received variable effect start command is read from the lamp ROM and set in the lamp RAM, whereby the movable accessory 7 Is set (step S606).

  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 movable accessory 7 has not been instructed (step). (S605: NO), it is determined whether or not the operation pattern of the movable accessory 7 is set based on whether or not the operation pattern data is set in the lamp RAM (step S608). If it is determined that the operation pattern is not set (step S608: NO), the process proceeds to step S611 described later.

  If the lamp CPU determines that the operation pattern of the movable accessory 7 has been set (step 608: YES), the lamp CPU is movable based on the data relating to the image sound control acquired from the image sound control board 140 by the process of step S601. It is determined whether or not it is the operation start timing of the accessory 7 (step S609).

  When it is determined that it is the operation start timing of the movable accessory 7 (step S609: YES), the lamp CPU starts the operation control of the movable accessory 7 based on the operation pattern data set in the lamp RAM ( Step S610).

  When the lamp CPU executes the process of step S610, determines that the operation pattern of the movable accessory 7 is not set (step S608: NO), and determines that it is not the operation start timing of the movable accessory 7 (Step S609: NO), it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the operation reception period of the effect button 26 (Step S611). Specifically, for example, whether or not display of the button image and the remaining time notification image on the liquid crystal display device 5 is started based on the data relating to the image sound control acquired from the image sound control board 140 by the process of step S601. It is determined, and based on the determination result, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the operation reception period.

  If the lamp CPU determines that it is the start timing of the operation acceptance period (step S611: YES), it starts the light emission control of the button lamp 261 (step S612). Specifically, the light emission pattern data corresponding to the variable effect start command received from the effect control board 130 (for example, the light emission pattern data for continuing the button lamp 261 to emit light during the operation reception period, or to keep blinking). ) Is read from the lamp ROM to the lamp RAM, and the button lamp 261 starts to emit light with a light emission pattern corresponding to the read light emission pattern data.

  When the lamp CPU executes the process of step S612 or determines that it is not the start timing of the operation reception period (step S611: NO), the lamp CPU determines whether it is the end timing of the operation reception period (step S613). ). Specifically, for example, based on whether or not the button image or the remaining time notification image has been deleted from the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the data relating to the image sound control acquired from the image sound control board 140 by the process of step S601. It is determined whether it is the end timing of the operation reception period.

  When the lamp CPU determines that it is the end timing of the operation reception period (step S613: YES), the lamp CPU ends the light emission control of the button lamp 261 started by the process of step S612 (step S614).

  When the lamp CPU executes the process of step S614 or determines that it is not the end timing of the operation reception period (step S613: NO), the lamp CPU determines from the effect control board 130 according to the process of step S115 (see FIG. 25). It is determined whether or not the transmitted variation effect end command has been received (step S615). Here, when it is determined that the change effect end command has been received (step S615: 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 S616).

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a valid operation command is received by the image acoustic control board 140, the display mode of the gauge image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 is changed. The display mode of the gauge image may be maintained. For this reason, effect control suitable for the state of the effect being performed by the liquid crystal display device 5 can be executed.

  In the present embodiment, the effective operation command is received on the condition that the switching condition that the number of effective operations performed during the operation reception period reaches a predetermined number (“8” in the present embodiment) is satisfied. Switching from the first effect mode control that updates the display mode of the gauge image every time to the second effect mode control that maintains the display mode of the gauge image when an effective operation command is received is performed. For this reason, by setting the switching condition to an appropriate condition, the first effect mode control and the second effect mode control can be switched appropriately and easily.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the image acoustic control board 140 receives a hit suggestion command, a loss suggestion command, or a revival suggestion command, the freeze effect using the gauge image is terminated and the determination result of the special symbol determination is suggested. A suggestion production is performed. For this reason, even if 2nd production | generation aspect control is performed, the hint production | presentation important for a player can be performed appropriately.

[Modification]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, the following forms may be sufficient. In other words, in the above embodiment, the first effect mode control is executed in a state where the switching condition that the number of effective operations performed during the operation reception period reaches a predetermined number (“8” in the above embodiment) is not satisfied. And the case where the production mode control is changed on condition that the switching condition is satisfied, such as executing the second production mode control when this switching condition is satisfied, has been described. Instead, in other embodiments, switching between the first presentation mode control and the second presentation mode control may be performed regardless of whether or not the switching condition is satisfied. The switching condition is not particularly limited, and may be another condition such as a predetermined timing.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where switching from 1st effect mode control to 2nd effect mode control was performed during the freezing effect using a gauge image, conversely, from 2nd effect mode control, it is 1st. Switching to 1 effect mode control may be performed. Moreover, you may perform control which switches 1st presentation aspect control and 2nd presentation aspect control several times as needed.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where a predetermined effect was a freeze effect using a gauge image, a predetermined effect is not restricted to a freeze effect, What kind of effect may be sufficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image sound control board 140 is caused to function as a lower-order control unit and the effect control board 130 is functioned as a higher-order control unit has been described. The effect control board 130 may be caused to function as a host control unit.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the effect execution means is the liquid crystal display device 5 has been described. However, the effect execution means may be other effect execution means such as the movable accessory 7 and the frame lamp 37, for example.

  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. The same applies to the screen diagrams exemplified in the present embodiment.

1 Pachinko machine (an example of a game machine)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Game board 5 Liquid crystal display device 10 Game area | region 11 1st start opening 12 2nd start opening 13 1st big winning opening 19 2nd big winning opening 24 Speaker 26 Production | presentation button (an example of an input means)
27 Four-way controller 100 Game control board 101 Main CPU
102 Main ROM
103 Main RAM
111 1st start opening switch 112 2nd start opening switch 115 1st grand prize opening switch 116 2nd big prize opening switch 117 V prize opening switch 118 1st big prize opening control section 119 2nd big prize opening control section 130 production control Board (an example of the host controller)
131 Sub CPU
132 Sub ROM
133 Sub RAM
134 RTC
140 Image sound control board (an example of a lower control unit)
141 General CPU
142 Control ROM
143 Control RAM
144 VDP
145 Acoustic DSP
150 Lamp control board 261 Button lamp

Claims (3)

A gaming machine comprising a lower control unit for performing an effect and an upper control unit for controlling the lower control unit,
The upper control unit
First transmission means for transmitting a first command for instructing execution of a predetermined effect;
A second transmitting means for transmitting a second command for instructing a change of the effect mode of the predetermined effect during execution of the predetermined effect;
The lower control unit
First receiving means for receiving the first command;
Second receiving means for receiving the second command;
When the first command is received by the first receiving means, an effect starting means for causing the effect executing means to start the predetermined effect;
When the second command is received by the second receiving means during execution of the predetermined effect, the first effect mode control for changing the effect mode of the predetermined effect being executed by the effect executing means, and the predetermined effect A game machine comprising: an effect mode control means for selecting and executing either one of the second effect mode controls for maintaining the effect mode of the effect. The lower control unit
Equipped with condition determination means for uniquely determining the switching condition,
The production mode control means includes:
When the switching condition determined by the condition determining means is not satisfied, the first effect mode control is executed, while when the switching condition is satisfied, the second effect mode control is executed. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The upper control unit
A third transmission means for transmitting a third command indicating a determination result of whether or not to execute a special game advantageous to the player;
The lower control unit
A third receiving means for receiving the third command;
The production mode control means includes:
3. When the third command is received by the third receiving means, the effect executing means is caused to end the predetermined effect and execute a suggestive effect that suggests the determination result. The gaming machine described in 1.

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